With Means For Positioning Patient Or Body Part Patents (Class 600/415)
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Patent number: 11887308Abstract: Machine readable instructions, a data processing apparatus and a method are provided to determine one or more properties of motor units of skeletal muscle by analyzing a time series of Magnetic Resonance, MR, images representing a slice of a body part to identify signal voids in one or more images of the series. A comparison of at least one characteristic of the identified signal voids in the images is performed with a control data set of MR images produced by applying a controlled stimulus to a motor nerve to establish inherent characteristics of signal voids corresponding to motor units of skeletal muscle. Properties of candidate motor units are analyzed to confirm or reject them as motor units and at least one of: a firing frequency of at least one of the confirmed motor units, a size of at least one of the confirmed motor units, a number of confirmed motor units in a given image area or a shape of at least one of the confirmed motor units is determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNEInventors: Andrew Blamire, Ian Schofield, Roger Whittaker
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Patent number: 11749409Abstract: A system including a range of motion module, a quality of sleep module, an overall module, and a control module. The range of motion module, subsequent to performing a procedure on a patient, determines a first range of motion score of the patient based on a signal generated by a sensor. The quality of sleep module, subsequent to performing the procedure on the patient, determines a first quality of sleep score or a first pain score based on the signal generated by the sensor. The overall module determines a combined score based on (i) the first range of motion score, and (ii) the first sleep score or the first pain score. The control module (i) determines whether an outcome of the procedure is positive based on the combined score, and (ii) stores the determined outcome and the combined score in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Randal Schulhauser, Richard L. Brown, Jeff R. Justis, Matthew M. Morrison, Jeff M. Cherry
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Patent number: 11525876Abstract: A couch according to an embodiment is a couch for a magnetic resonance imaging device, and includes a transformable couchtop, a movable couchtop, and processing circuitry. The transformable couchtop is configured to be at least partially transformable and to support a subject. The movable couchtop is configured to cause the transformable couchtop to move into a gantry of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The processing circuitry is configured to control transformation of the transformable couchtop. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire information regarding a receiver coil used in imaging of the subject, and to control the transformation of the transformable couchtop based on the information regarding the receiver coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Kaoru Ikeda, Yohei Hashizume
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Patent number: 11501460Abstract: In a method for performing a magnetic resonance measurement of an organ structure of a patient using a magnetic resonance imaging system adapted to the imaging of the organ structure: a correct positioning of the organ structure of the patient is ascertained, a correct positioning of the magnetic resonance imaging system with regard to the positioning of the organ structure of the patient is ascertained, a magnetic resonance scanning protocol is selected, a spatial coverage of the magnetic resonance measurement with regard to the organ structure to be imaged is adjusted, and the magnetic resonance measurement is performed to acquire magnetic resonance image data of the organ structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Daniel Rinck, David Grodzki, Rene Kartmann, Mario Zeller
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Patent number: 11389141Abstract: A coiled shaft for tissue disruption is described herein where a flexible aspiration cannula has a first portion and a second portion formed of the coiled shaft. The cannula is configured in a particular embodiment to rotate over the length of the cannula to disrupt the matrix of bone marrow without the cannula buckling or collapsing. The cannula also includes a disruption tip coupled to the coiled shaft. The disruption tip has a radiused portion along a distal tip face of the disruption tip.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: RegenMed Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Crocker, Gary B. Hulme
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Patent number: 11340321Abstract: A magnetic resonance tomography system can include a basic field magnet arrangement configured to generate a basic magnetic field (B0), and spatially separated measurement stations (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, N5, M6, Mp, Ms). The magnetic resonance tomography system can use the intended basic magnetic field (B0) collectively for the measurement stations.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventor: Stefan Popescu
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Patent number: 11278741Abstract: The invention provides for a magnetic resonance antenna assembly (100) comprising one or more antenna elements (106), wherein the magnetic resonance antenna assembly further comprises multiple electronic dosimeters (108, 110, 204, 604) operable for measuring a cumulative radiation dose (470) of ionizing radiation (442) received by the magnetic resonance antenna assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Daniel Wirtz, Christoph Leussler
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Patent number: 11185302Abstract: A medical image diagnostic apparatus of embodiments includes an acquisition unit and a processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires physical characteristics data of an examination subject and information about an imaging target portion. The processing unit is configured to output bed position information about the examination subject according to the acquired physical characteristics data and the information about the imaging target portion by inputting the physical characteristics data and the information about the imaging target portion acquired by the acquisition unit to a trained model which is configured to output bed position information on the basis of physical characteristics data and information about a imaging target portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Canon Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Nobuto Tsuchiya, Michito Nakayama
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Patent number: 11145415Abstract: A system including a range of motion module, a quality of sleep module, an overall module, and a control module. The range of motion module, subsequent to performing a procedure on a patient, determines a first range of motion score of the patient based on a signal generated by a sensor. The quality of sleep module, subsequent to performing the procedure on the patient, determines a first quality of sleep score or a first pain score based on the signal generated by the sensor. The overall module determines a combined score based on (i) the first range of motion score, and (ii) the first sleep score or the first pain score. The control module (i) determines whether an outcome of the procedure is positive based on the combined score, and (ii) stores the determined outcome and the combined score in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Randal Schulhauser, Richard L. Brown, Jeff R. Justis, Matthew M. Morrison, Jeff M. Cherry
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Patent number: 11134940Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a staple cartridge and staples, a firing element configured to move through the staple cartridge to cut the patient tissue and eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, an elongate shaft extending from the end effector, and a handle extending from the elongate shaft. The handle comprises a motor configured to output a rotary motion. The firing element is operably responsive to the rotary motion. The firing element is further configured to be driven at different speeds during the staple firing stroke. The handle further comprises a display. The display is configured to display the different speeds of the firing element during the staple firing stroke as a graphical representation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
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Patent number: 11109858Abstract: A surgical instrument for stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a firing element, an elongate shaft, a handle, an electric motor, and a display. The end effector extends from the elongate shaft and comprises a staple cartridge and a plurality of staples. The elongate shaft extends from the handle. The firing element is configured to move through the end effector between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing element is further configured to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The electric motor is configured to output a rotary motion and the firing element is operably responsive to the rotary motion. The display is configured to display a current position of the firing element during the firing stroke.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
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Patent number: 11067651Abstract: A local knee coil is provided for a patient table of a magnetic resonance imaging device. The local knee coil includes a connecting device, a feet support element, and a coil unit. The coil unit includes coil elements. The connecting device is configured for connecting to a socket in the patient table. The connecting device includes at least one interface unit for multiple channels corresponding to the coil elements. The connecting device includes at least one guiding element to fit the connecting device into the socket that is displaced from the knee position on the patient table and functions as a receptacle for the connecting device to form a positive connection and interconnect the interface units during the fit. The feet support element is configured for the feet of a patient whose knee extends through the coil unit in the knee position, that is positioned on the top of the connecting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventor: Stephan Zink
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Patent number: 11052009Abstract: A patient support structure for supporting a patient in a supine position for surgery and a method for use of the patient support structure is provided. The patient support structure includes at least a head support portion. The head support portion includes at least one base portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a head harness, where the first arm portion and the second arm portion are adjustable inwardly/outwardly and upwardly/downwardly, and the head harness is supported by the first arm portion and the second arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Charles S. Sullivan, Joshua A. Ruth, Eric C. Lange, Richard A. Hynes
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Patent number: 11026680Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a firing system configured to perform one or more staple firing strokes, a power system, and a control system is disclosed. The firing system comprises a cutting member and an electric motor configured to drive the cutting member through each staple firing stroke and retract the cutting member after each staple firing stroke. The control system comprises a powered operating state in which the power system has enough power to drive the cutting member through a staple firing stroke, a limited-power operating state for placing the surgical instrument in a default condition that has sufficient functionality to retract the cutting member, a firing system lockout configured to prevent the firing system from performing a staple firing stroke when the control system is in the limited-power operating state, and a display configured to indicate that the surgical instrument is in the limited-power operating state.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
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Patent number: 11020201Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a device for arranging medical targeting devices, markers, probes or surgical instruments for image-assisted, minimally invasive operations, which has a simple construction and is easy to use. Said device according to the invention has at least one carrier element (1) that can be positioned preferably with an adhesive layer on the surface of the body, and a fine-positioning unit (2). It is proposed that the carrier element (1) comprises at least one interlocking mount (3) for the fine-positioning unit (2) which has a matching complementary shape (3c).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: ISYS MEDIZINTECHNIK GMBHInventor: Michael Vogele
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Patent number: 11000274Abstract: A powered surgical stapler comprising a handle including an electric motor configured to output rotary motions, a shaft extending from the handle, an end effector extending from the shaft, a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, and a firing member operably responsive to the rotary motions is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The firing member is configured to move the second jaw into the closed position. The firing member is further configured to move distally within the end effector at a first rate to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge. The firing member is further configured to move proximally within the end effector at a second rate that is different from the first rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
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Patent number: 10987189Abstract: Apparatus for imaging during surgical procedures includes an operating room for the surgical procedure and an MRI for obtaining images periodically through the surgical procedure by moving the magnet up to the table. The magnet wire is formed of a superconducting material such as magnesium di-boride or Niobium-Titanium which is cooled by a vacuum cryocooling system to superconductivity without use of liquid helium. The magnet weighs less than 1 to 2 tonne and has a floor area in the range 15 to 35 sq feet so that it can be carried on the floor by a support system having an air cushion covering the base area of the magnet having side skirts so as to spread the weight over the entire base area. The magnet remains in the room during surgery and is powered off to turn off the magnetic field when in the second position remote from the table.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Sino Canada Health Engineering Research Institute (Hefei) Ltd.Inventors: Gordon A. Klimenko, Darrell Van Mol, John Saunders, Gong Zhang
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Patent number: 10987061Abstract: There is disclosed a patient table for NMR mammography comprising a test subject for and two openings with are intended for inserting a breast in each case, coils being present in the immediate vicinity thereof, characterised in that in the region of an opening, below the table, a band (3) is attached, which is guided medially inwardly from the outside of the table or of the test subject, here surrounds the breast cranially or caudally, and then runs from the medial side, bearing against the breast for caudal or cranial contact with the breast, the ends of the band (13) being guided laterally outwardly, where they run adjacent to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Inventor: Hubert Noras
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Patent number: 10959899Abstract: A patient support structure for supporting a patient in a supine position for surgery and a method for use of the patient support structure is provided. The patient support structure includes a back support portion, a neck support portion, and a head support portion. The back support portion includes a panel portion and padding padding movably attached to relative to the upper surface. The neck support portion includes an adjustable neck support pad and at least a first rotational adjustment assembly, where the first rotational adjustment assembly is configured to eccentrically rotate the neck support pad about an axis offset from a central axis of the rotatable neck pad. The head support portion includes at least one base portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a head harness, where the first arm portion and the second arm portion are adjustable inwardly/outwardly and upwardly/downwardly, and the head harness is supported by the first arm portion and the second arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Charles S. Sullivan, Joshua A. Ruth, Eric C. Lange, Richard A. Hynes
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Patent number: 10881361Abstract: A storage unit 2 arranged on a foot side of a subject placed on a top board is provided with a box composed of a block member 22 and a plate member 23 and a lid 21 covering an upper side of the box. The lid 21 is provided so as to be capable of pivoting about a shaft 20 relative to the plate member 23 of the box composed of the block member 22 and the plate member 23. When the lid 21 is in a closed state, the upper portion of the plate member 23 of the box composed of the block member 22 and the plate member 23 is covered by the lid 21. In this state, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the lid 21 and the surface of the top board of the storage unit 2 are arranged at the same height, and are thus coplanar.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Atsuo Saito
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Patent number: 10869665Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, a motor, a control system, an elongate shaft, a first unfired end effector configured to releasably attach to the elongate shaft, a second unfired end effector configured to releasably attach to the elongate shaft in lieu of the first end effector is disclosed. The first end effector comprises a stored datum. The second end effector does not comprise any stored datum. The control system is configured to identify the first end effector via the stored datum when the first end effector is attached to the elongate shaft and supply the motor with a first operating parameter based on the stored datum. The control system is further configured to detect an absence of any stored datum when the second end effector is attached to the elongate shaft and supply the motor with a second operating parameter based on the absence of any stored datum.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
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Patent number: 10842455Abstract: A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry (22) configured to mount an x-ray emitter (24) and CT detector (26) on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor (28) rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector (172) positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and and detector the x-ray emitter.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: John M. Boone, Thomas R. Yellen-Nelson
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Patent number: 10827948Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving (RX) radio-frequency (RF) signals suitable for MRI and/or MRS from a plurality of MRI “coil loops” in each of a plurality of coil parts, each coil part having a subset of the total number of coil loops. In some embodiments, a first base part, optionally having no coils, is used to provide support of the plurality of coil parts, wherein the plurality of coil parts include a second part holding back-of-the-head coil loops, a third part holding right-side-of-the-head coil loops, a fourth part holding right-side-of-the-head coil loops, and a fifth part holding top-of-the-head coil loops. In some embodiments, the system provides for repeatable positioning, frequency tuning, and impedance matching such that experimental conditions can be replicated for later examinations of each of a plurality of patients having differing impacts on positioning, tuning and matching of the various coil parts.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Life Services, LLCInventors: Brandon J. Tramm, Charles A. Lemaire, Matthew T. Waks, Scott M. Schillak
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Patent number: 10794975Abstract: A neonate incubator for positioning a neonate within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is provided. The neonate incubator can include RF shielding that can provide RF shielding during imaging, for example, while life support tubes are connected to the neonate during MRI imaging. The RF shielding can include a door to mate with a bore of the MRI device to provide the RF shielding, and a RF channel that extends along an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the neonate incubator from an interior chamber of the neonate incubator through the RF shielding door.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: ASPECT IMAGING LTD.Inventors: Uri Rapoport, Itzhak Rabinovitz, Shmuel Azulay
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Patent number: 10426376Abstract: An incubator's closure assembly adapted to shut the aperture of a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRD) having an open bore extended along the MRD's longitudinal axis with a distal end and proximal end, the bore is terminated by the aperture located in the proximal end, into which a neonate's incubator is inserted, thereby shutting the MRD bore aperture. The closure assembly comprising at least one U-shaped conduit having (i) an array of distal and proximal sealing walls, both are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having upwards and downwards directions, and (ii) a recess in between the walls having length, in upwards to downwards direction, and width, in distal to proximal direction, each of the proximal wall and the distal wall comprising a cutout at opposite directions, and wherein in the recess, the ratio of length to width is greater than a predefined value n.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Aspect Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Uri Rapoport, Itzhak Rabinovitz
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Patent number: 10386428Abstract: A system and method are provided to detect target analytes based on magnetic resonance measurements. Magnetic structures produce distinct magnetic field regions having a size comparable to the analyte. When the analyte is bound in those regions, magnetic resonance signals from the sample are changed, leading to detection of the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: MENON BIOSENSORS, INC.Inventors: Suresh M. Menon, David E. Newman, Steven C. Chan
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Patent number: 10353085Abstract: A radiation detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of detector modules, a first and second radiation shield, and a first supporter. The first radiation shield is provided in a first detector module and is arranged on a side opposite to a surface of a first detector pack of a first detector module on which radiation is incident. The second radiation shield is arranged to intersect with a path of radiation that passes through between a first detector pack and a second detector pack of a second detector module that is arranged adjacently to the first detector module. The first supporter supports the first radiation shield such that at least a part of the first radiation shield overlaps the second radiation shield on the path of radiation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Takayuki Ogawa, Kuniaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 10292618Abstract: A coil housing for a magnetic resonance (“MR”) imaging apparatus, comprises an anatomy receiving space defined by the coil housing, shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a patient's anatomy to be imaged and a spacer shaped to maintain the anatomy receiving space a first distance from a bore wall of the MR imaging apparatus, the first distance defining an imaging area of the MR imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Mikko Nevala, Thomas Minahan
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Patent number: 10184998Abstract: A method for positioning at least one local coil for recording magnetic resonance data with a magnetic resonance device, wherein at least one surface data record, which describes the surface of the patient to be recorded who is already positioned for recording on a patient couch of the magnetic resonance device, is measured, the surface characteristic of the patient is extracted from the surface data record and at least one position and/or shape of at least one of the at least one local coil is chosen as a function of the surface characteristic in such a way that there is a pre-determined distance between the surface of the patient and the surface of the local coil is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Sultan Haider, Stefan Popescu
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Patent number: 10031199Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for implementing an MR examination of an examination subject with a predetermined MR measurement protocol at several different bed positions of the bed of the MR apparatus, a respective anatomical structure of the examination subject is determined for each of the several bed positions and a respective specific absorption rate is determined for each of the several bed positions as a function of the respective anatomical structure of the examination subject at the corresponding bed position and the predetermined MR measurement protocol. The specific absorption rates for the several bed positions are determined before electromagnetic fields are generated according to the respective predetermined MR measurement protocol. The specific absorption rates are compared with an absorption rate threshold value and a notification is output if at least one of the specific absorption rates exceeds the absorption rate threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Miriam Keil
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Patent number: 10024984Abstract: A radiation detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of detector modules, a first and second radiation shield, and first supporter. The first radiation shield is provided in a first detector module and is arranged on a side opposite to a surface of a first detector pack of a first detector module on which radiation is incident. The second radiation shield is arranged to intersect with a path of radiation that passes through between a first detector pack and a second detector pack of a second detector module that is arranged adjacently to the first detector module. The first supporter supports the first radiation shield ouch that at least a part of the first radiation shield overlaps the second radiation shield on the path of radiation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Takayuki Ogawa, Kuniaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9772390Abstract: The magnetic resonance imaging device in accordance with the example embodiments, the magnetic resonance imaging device has an advantage that it is capable of generating an image quickly having a high resolution while minimizing generation of artifacts by comprising a data processing unit configured to relocate, in a K-space, gradient echo data acquired during inversion time by an inversion pulse and spin echo data acquired after the lapse of the inversion time; and an image generating unit configured to generate a final image from the spin echo data and the gradient echo data, in order to generate a magnetic resonance image quickly using long inversion time by the inversion pulse.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATIONInventors: Jaeseok Park, Hoonjae Lee
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Patent number: 9615801Abstract: An animal holder for use with an imaging device includes a body tube for receiving a first body portion of the animal. The animal holder also includes a head immobilization mechanism disposed adjacent one end of the body tube for receiving a head of the animal. The head immobilization mechanism includes opposing first and second flexible fingers that have free ends configured to contact and immobilize the head of the animal when the fingers are moved to a compressed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: ANIMAL IMAGING RESEARCH, LLCInventors: Steven Toddes, Craig Ferris
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Patent number: 9535146Abstract: In the non-Cartesian measurement, image quality is improved while the advantages of non-Cartesian measurement are maintained. To realize the aforementioned, in the non-Cartesian measurement, artifacts caused by non-uniform data density in k-space are reduced. Therefore, each unit k-space is imaged by an inverse Fourier transform, the field of view of the image is enlarged in a direction in which data density is to be increased, and the image after the enlargement of the field of view is Fourier transformed and gridded as unit k-space that has a small k-space pitch in the direction in which the field of view has been enlarged and has an increased amount of data. This processing is repeated for all blades.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamada, Hikaru Hanada, Masahiro Takizawa
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Patent number: 9244140Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration, apparatus and method to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: FONAR CorporationInventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Gordon T. Danby, Hank Hsieh, John W. Jackson, Mark Gelbien, William H. Wahl, Charles A. Green
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Patent number: 9218657Abstract: A method of analyzing a spinal region of a subject. The method includes steps of obtaining a first sagittal image of the spinal region of the subject using an upright magnetic resonance imaging unit; identifying a first vertebral edge on a first side of a first disc in the first sagittal image; identifying a second vertebral edge on a second side of the first disc in the first sagittal image; and determining a first angle between the first vertebral edge and the second vertebral edge for the first disc.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: COUNTRY VIEW MEDICAL CENTERInventor: Jeff Winternheimer
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Patent number: 9194696Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: Chrisopher E. Smith
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Patent number: 9111347Abstract: A method for determining the pose of a camera with respect to at least one real object, the method comprises the following steps: operating the camera (1) for capturing a 2-dimensional (or 3-dimensional) image (4) including at least a part of the real object (3), providing a transformation matrix (T) which includes information regarding a correspondence between 3-dimensional points (Pi*) associated with the real object (3) and corresponding 2-dimensional points (or 3-dimensional points) (p,) of the real object (5) as included in the 2-dimensional (or 3-dimensional) image (4), and determining an initial estimate of the transformation matrix (Tl) as an initial basis for an iterative minimization process used for iteratively refining the transformation matrix, determining a Jacobian matrix (J) which includes information regarding the initial estimate of the transformation matrix (Tl) and reference values of 3-dimensional points (Pi*) associated with the real object (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Metaio GmbHInventor: Mohammed Selim Ben Himane
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Patent number: 9063205Abstract: In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus wherein the magnetic resonance device has a movable patient bed, in a first overview measurement, a first image data record of a patient is acquired, and patient information and/or information of a treatment region of a patient is/are determined from the acquired first image data record. In a second overview measurement, dependent on the patient information and/or on the positioning information of the treatment region of the first image data record, a second image data record is acquired. In a planning step a layer planning for the image data acquisition is implemented from the acquired second image data record. Image data for a medical and/or diagnostic issue and/or examination are recorded. The first image data record of the first overview measurement is recorded with a lower spatial resolution than a spatial resolution of the second image data record of the second overview measurement.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Harder, Dominik Paul, Raphael Schwarz
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Patent number: 9042960Abstract: A procedure and system for determining and placing spinal implants or prostheses includes measuring a change in position of vertebrae at an affected level of a patient's spine from a first position where the patient reports greatest pain at the affected level, to a second position where the patient reports least pain at the affected level. Spinal implants or prostheses are selected so as to urge the affected level of the spine toward the second position and away from the first position when the implants are placed at the affected level. In one embodiment, an implant device is formed by one or more inflatable balloons that are placed at determined locations inside a disc space at the affected level. When the balloons are inflated, vertebrae above and below the balloons are urged toward the second position and away from the first position at the affected level.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Seth L. Neubardt
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Publication number: 20150141803Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes an earpiece positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and an earpiece connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first earpiece is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first earpiece at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar earpiece and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Brandon J. Tramm
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Publication number: 20150141802Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Cameron Anthony Piron, Han Wang, Joshua Richmond, Jakub Jankowski, Christopher Luginbuhl
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Patent number: 9031636Abstract: An MRI-compatible base is configured to support an MRI-compatible head support frame. The base is configured to be secured to a gantry associated with an MRI scanner, and to extend across a width of the gantry. The base allows the head support frame to be moved to any of a plurality of locations across the width of the gantry, and allows the head support frame to rotate about two orthogonal axes so as to be positioned at any of a plurality of angles relative to the gantry.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.Inventor: Peter Piferi
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Publication number: 20150112186Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration therein, comprising an automated tuning unit, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device including: at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one inner is telescopically maneuverable within the at least one outer shaft providing a variable telescopic mechanism; and a distal portion including: a configurable encapsuable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least outer shaft and the at least inner shaft and translationally moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Uri RAPOPORT, Itzchak RABINOVITZ
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Patent number: 9014784Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a biopsy plate, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils. The biopsy plate is removable without removing either of the MRI coils.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Inventors: Xiaoyu Yang, Tsinghua Zheng, Shinya Handa
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Publication number: 20150105652Abstract: A neonate immobilizer that includes a lower torso segment having dorsal side and ventral side, an upper torso segment having the same, and a median navel segment in between, having a lateral side. The three segments are interconnected to form a continuous restraining shell along the dorsal side. The lower and upper segments form an access aperture around the navel when restraining the neonate. The aperture is located and configured to permit visual inspection and physical access to the neonate's navel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Aspect Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Uri RAPOPORT, Thomas Rangi SUTTON, James William LUTHER, Andrea BESANA, Barbara TORNAGHI
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Patent number: 9005127Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound image picking-up device that can correct a positional shift from a reference image before therapy even with insufficient clarity of an ultrasound image.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventor: Takashi Azuma
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Publication number: 20150087966Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or apparatus is configured to effect MR imaging where data corresponding to MR signals is transmitted from a radio frequency (RF) receive coil to the MRI data processor via a path that includes a near-field wireless communication (NFC) connection. A receiver for the NFC connection is selected from of the one or more wireless signal receivers that are arranged on a restraining belt when the restraining belt is placed, during operation of an MRI system for imaging an object located on a patient table, over at least a portion of the object and the receive RF coil is located between the restraining belt and the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: ROBERT ANDERSON, Yoshinori Hamamura
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Patent number: 8984684Abstract: The magnetic resonance imaging device of the present invention includes a gantry and a bed part comprising a top panel, the gantry comprises a circumferential panel covering outer circumference of a tunnel-shaped static magnetic field space, and a front panel having an opening serving as entrance of a bore for the static magnetic field space, this front panel comprises an arc-shaped outer panel extending from an upper part of the opening serving as entrance of the bore to the ground plane via both sides of the opening, and an inner panel disposed inside the outer panel, a portion connecting the outer panel and the inner panel constitutes a top surface protruding forwardly, and the inner panel is formed in a recessed shape with a concave curved surface extending from the top surface to the opening serving as entrance of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Atsushi Ninomiya, Masaru Yokoyama, Kazuyuki Yanase, Manabu Yanagimoto, Takeshi Yatsuo, Hiroyuki Ohzeki
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Publication number: 20150080707Abstract: A method includes obtaining contrast enhanced perfusion imaging data of at least two vessel regions, one downstream from the other, and at least one tissue of interest, which receives blood from the circulatory system, of a scanned subject. The method further includes determining a blood flow time difference between contrast material peaks of the at least two vessel regions based on the image data. The method further includes determining an absolute perfusion of the tissue of interest based on the image data. The method further includes computing a standardized perfusion value based on the absolute perfusion and the time difference. The method further includes displaying the standardized perfusion value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Raz Carmi, Galit Sarit Kafri