05th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140031587 | SUCCINIC ACID PRODUCTION IN A EUKARYOTIC CELL - The present invention relates to a recombinant eukaryotic cell selected from a yeast of a filamentous fungus comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a NAD(H)-dependent fumarate reductase that catalyses the conversion of fumaric acid to succinic acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of succinic acid wherein the eukaryotic cell according to the present invention is used. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031588 | Method for Purifying Difluoroacetic Acid Chloride - A method for purifying difluoroacetic acid chloride, including the step of bringing a difluoroacetic acid chloride composition that contains at least difluoroacetic acid fluoride into contact with calcium chloride at a temperature enabling reaction thereof thereby converting difluoroacetic acid fluoride into difluoroacetic acid chloride. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031589 | PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF AND CRYSTALLINE FORMS OF OPTICAL ENANTIOMERS OF MODAFINIL - The invention relates to a polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil that produces a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks corresponding to interplanar spacings of about 14.14, 10.66, 7.80 and 4.02 Å, and a process for the preparation thereof. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031590 | DICATIONIC ETHERS WITH POLYHYDROXYL FUNCTIONALITY - Described are novel dicationic polyhydroxyl compounds and their uses in personal care compositions. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031591 | CONTINUOUS PROCESS TO MAKE AMINE OXIDE - A continuous process for making amine oxide surfactant comprising the steps of (a) providing the following components; a tertiary amine composition and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition, (b) mixing the components from step a) in a mixing device, (c) passing the mixture exiting the mixing device from step b) into an aqueous amine oxide composition comprising from 65 to 80 wt % amine oxide, (d) adjusting the temperature of the amine oxide composition made in step c) to between 40 and 80° C., (e) collecting the amine oxide surfactant; and wherein, for every 1 part of the component mixture from step b) being passed into the aqueous stream in step c), between 8 and 30 parts of the temperature adjusted amine oxide composition from step d) are recycled back to step b) and passed through the mixing device together with the components from step a). | 2014-01-30 |
20140031592 | METHODS OF CONVERTING MIXTURES OF PALMITOLEIC AND OLEIC ACID ESTERS TO HIGH VALUE PRODUCTS - The invention describes methods and systems for making particular organic compounds from unsaturated fatty acids derived from biological materials. Particular embodiments describe synthesizing civetone and olefins from a mixture of palmitoleic and oleic unsaturated fatty acid esters. The inventive methods use reaction steps such as metathesis, cyclization, hydrolysis, and/or decarboxylation. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031593 | ETHER-BASED REACTIVE PLASTICIZER FOR PLASTIC BONDED EXPLOSIVES - Disclosed is an energetic reactive plasticizer for a plastic bonded explosive (PBX), and specifically an energetic reactive plasticizer for PBX which has high performance and insensitiveness without a plasticizer leak by being bonded with a polymer binder for a plastic bonded explosive. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031594 | Apparatus and Process for Nitration Selectivity Flexibility Enabled by Azeotropic Distillation - Disclosed are processes and apparatuses for concentrating at least one organic acid using an alkyl acetate as an entrainer. The processes and apparatuses may use the same alkyl acetate as an entrainer to concentrate a mixture of organic acids. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031595 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CHLORINATED AND/OR FLUORINATED PROPENES AND HIGHER ALKENES - The present invention provides continuous, gas phase, free radical processes for the production of chlorinated and/or fluorinated propenes or higher alkenes from the reaction of chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkanes and chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkenes, wherein wherein at least a portion of any intermediate boiler by-products generated by the process are removed from the process | 2014-01-30 |
20140031596 | Process for Preparing C3-6(Hydro)Fluoroalkenes by Dehydrohalogenating C3-6 Halo(Hydro)Fluoroalkanes in the Presence of a Zinc/Chromia Catalyst - The invention relates to a process for preparing a C3-6 (hydro)fluoroalkene comprising dehydrohalogenating a C3-6 hydro(halo)fluoroalkane in the presence of a zinc/chromia catalyst, wherein the C | 2014-01-30 |
20140031597 | PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF 2,3,3,3-TETRAFLUOROPROPENE BY GAS PHASE FLUORINATION OF PENTACHLOROPROPANE - The present invention provides a process of catalytic fluorination in gas phase of product 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane or/and 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane into product 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene in presence of a catalyst. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031598 | PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS - A process comprising feeding bromine into a first reactor; feeding low molecular weight alkanes into the first reactor; and withdrawing alkyl bromides from the first reactor wherein the bromine and low molecular weight alkanes are fed through an apparatus that rapidly mixes the bromine and low molecular weight alkanes. A process is disclosed further comprising reacting the alkyl bromides to form aromatic hydrocarbons. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031599 | BIOMASS CONVERSION SYSTEMS CONTAINING A MOVING BED CATALYST FOR STABILIZATION OF A HYDROLSATE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with in situ catalytic reduction to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product. Biomass conversion systems for performing such a transformation can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit that also contains a first catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen, the first catalyst being fluidly mobile within the hydrothermal digestion unit; an optional hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the hydrothermal digestion unit; a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit that contains a second catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; and a catalyst transport mechanism external to the hydrothermal digestion unit, the catalyst transport mechanism being capable of conveying at least a portion of the first catalyst to another location from a catalyst collection zone located within the hydrothermal digestion unit. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031600 | Paraxylene Production Process And Apparatus - The invention concerns a process for the production of paraxylene and an apparatus suitable for said process. The process separates the overhead from a xylenes re-run into a xylene-rich stream and a xylene-lean stream. The xylene-lean stream is isomerized under conditions such that the xylenes are in the liquid phase. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031601 | Reduction In Flushing Volume In An Adsorptive Separation System - A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is a more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031602 | TREATMENT PLANNING SYSTEM - A treatment planning system is provided which, with irradiation parameters varied over time, performs highly accurate dose distribution calculations based on information about tumor movements included in 4D CT images. The system is characterized by the ability to read CT images furnished with timing information and associate the status of the irradiation target corresponding to an elapsed time from the beginning of irradiation with positions being irradiated at corresponding elapsed time points so as to calculate the dose distribution. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031603 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGING IN CONJUNCTION WITH RADIOTHERAPY - Methods and apparatus for planning imaging include planning imaging in conjunction with planning a radiation treatment. A radiation dose due to planned imaging may be calculated and used in optimizing a plan for delivering therapeutic radiation. Imaging and treatment may be performed using radiation beams having different characteristics. In some embodiments an imaging beam is generated using a low-Z target and a therapy beam is generated using a high-Z target. A radiation treatment planning system may include data characterizing both the imaging beam and the treatment beam. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031604 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEM ENABLING RESPONSIVE THERAPY FOR PAIN - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating pain includes scheduled and responsive therapy capabilities including responsive stimulation applied to the brain and peripheral sections of the nervous system. Methods for treating chronic nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychogenic pain employ an inventive system to advantageously reduce multiple symptoms and components of pain and to address underlying causes of pain. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031605 | Method and Use of Peripheral Theta-Burst Stimulation (PTBS) for Improving Motor Impairment - The present invention provides new evidences to support that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (theta-burst en stimulation, TBS) over nerve/muscle improves sensorimotor control. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated to a faulty volitional activation of transversus abdominis muscle (TrA) and its delayed contraction during anticipatory postural adjustment (APA), in correlation with maladaptive reorganization of primary motor cortex (M1). Repetitive magnetic stimulation of nerves can influence brain excitability and even reduce rigidity (Parkinson's disease), spasticity (stroke, ABI, cerebral palsy), and contribute to improvement of motor-control and function in stroke, chronic low back pain, ABI, cerebral palsy, prematurity and Parkinson's disease. We hereby test—for the first time—the after-effects of TBS applied over nerves or muscles (peripheral TBS, PTBS) on the motor abdominal-function of chronic low back pain sufferers and on the foot function of brain-injured subjects and to adjust TBS protocol per subject relative to the clinical profile. These pilot studies demonstrate the long-term influence of peripheral neurostimulation in chronic pain, rigidity and spasticity associated to motor impairment. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031606 | Thermal Management for Implantable Wireless Power Transfer Systems - Thermal management solutions for wireless power transfer systems are provided, which may include any number of features. In one embodiment, an implantable wireless power receiver includes at least one thermal layer disposed on an interior surface of the receiver configured to conduct heat from a central portion of the receiver towards edges of the receiver. The thermal layer can comprise, for example, a copper layer or a ceramic layer embedded in an acrylic polymer matrix. In some embodiments, a plurality of thermal channels can be formed within the receiver to transport heat from central regions of the receiver towards edges of the receiver via free convection. In yet another embodiment, a fluid pipe can be connected to the receiver and be configured to carry heat from the receiver to a location remote from the receiver. Methods of use are also provided. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031607 | Coplanar Wireless Energy Transfer - An external transmitter inductive coil can be provided in, on, or with a belt designed to be placed externally around a part of a body of a patient. An implantable device (such as a VAD or other medical device) that is implanted within the patient's body has associated with a receiver inductive coil that gets implanted within that part of the patient's body along with the device. The externally-located transmitter inductive coil inductively transfers electromagnetic power into that part of the body and thus to the receiver inductive coil. The implanted receiver inductive coil thus wirelessly receives the inductively-transferred electromagnetic power, and operates the implant. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031608 | Psychotherapeutic Process for Mitigation of Chronic Afflictions - It is generally understood that psychogenic afflictions exist, and their study forms the basis of psychosomatic medicine. Psychogenic pain and other afflictions serve the purpose of diverting a subject's thoughts away from thoughts they find painful or unbearable. As such, a subject frequently is not aware of what they were thinking just prior to the onset of an affliction—so thoroughly does the body's psychogenic distraction mechanism work. As disclosed herein, a posthypnotic process is imparted to a subject under hypnosis to uncover whatever painful thoughts the subject has immediately preceding the onset a psychogenic affliction. The painful thoughts may be immediately written down by the subject or remembered, either consciously or unconsciously, to be revealed later to a therapist. An alternate form of posthypnotic process includes thoughts and actions that a subject is encouraged to use in mitigating the affliction. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031609 | SENSORY INPUT DEVICES, AND SENSORY INPUT METHODS - A sensory input device comprising a chair portion (which comprises a seat portion and a back portion) and a pressing portion that has at least a first engagement region that is selectively movable between at least a first position and a second position (in which the first engagement region is engaged with a second engagement region on the chair portion). Also, a sensory input device comprising a chair portion (which comprises a seat portion and a back portion), the sensory input device having a total mass in the range of from about 2 pounds to about 5 pounds. Also, a sensory input device comprising a chair portion (which comprises a seat portion and a back portion) and at least a first pressure element. Also, methods comprising positioning person who has been characterized as having compromised sensory functions on a sensory input device as described herein. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031610 | SURGICAL SLINGS - The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of collagenous tissue at an anatomical site. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031611 | ANAL INCONTINENCE DISEASE TREATMENT WITH CONTROLLED WIRELESS ENERGY SUPPLY - A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge or contract the restricted fecal passageway. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031612 | BIASED ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER CUFF - A cuff for use an as artificial sphincter includes an inflatable chamber and a backing. The inflatable chamber includes opposing inside and outside surfaces and inflated and deflated states. The backing is adjacent the outside surface of the chamber. The inside surface of the chamber includes two or more grooves that define the location of fold lines of the inflatable chamber when the inflatable chamber is in the inflated state. The inflatable chamber and backing are configured to surround a duct of a patient with the inside surface of the chamber facing the duct and the grooves extending substantially parallel to the duct. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031613 | TREATING DYSFUNCTIONAL CARDIAC TISSUE - Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two points in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure and often in a minimally invasive manner. An anchor is inserted along an insertion path through a first wall of the heart. An arm of the anchor is deployed and rotationally positioned according to a desired alignment. Application of tension to the anchor may draw the first and second walls of the heart into contact along a desired contour so as to effect a desired change in the geometry of the heart. Additional anchors may be inserted and aligned with the first anchor to close off a portion of a ventricle such that the ventricle is geometrically remodeled and disease progression is reversed, halted, and/or slowed. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031614 | BOWEL PACKING DEVICE HAVING A TETHER - A kit for packing the bowels of a subject. The kit comprises an elastomeric bowel packing device manually positioned within the subject to retain the bowels of the subject in an operational displaced position and to provide a surgical operational space; and an elongate tether having a distal end coupled to the device via an attachment arrangement. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031615 | KIT FOR LEVATOR AVULSION REPAIR - Described are implants, kits, systems, and methods, for treating pelvic conditions such as levator avulsion, by placing an implant between an anterior incision and a posterior incision to support the levator tissue. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031616 | NON-FIBROUS BARRIER FOR ORGAN RETENTION - A method of packing organs of a subject, the method including accessing an interior cavity of the subject, repositioning the organs to provide a surgical space in the abdominal cavity, and positioning a non-fibrous body against the organs to provide a barrier between the organs and the surgical space. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031621 | CUTTING APPARATUS WITH IMAGE CAPTURE ARRANGEMENT FOR TREATING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - A cutting apparatus for treating carpal tunnel syndrome is provided with a hollow handle including a forward bent portion, a switch mounted on an outer surface, and a video screen pivotably secured to the outer surface; a transparent blade mount mounted with the bent portion and including an upper guide and a lower guide; a metal blade between the upper and lower guides; and an image capture assembly including a light source in the handle proximate the bent portion, a digital camera proximate the blade, and a microprocessor in the handle. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the video screen, the light source, and the digital camera respectively. The digital camera takes video of a target and records same as images. The microprocessor processes the images sent from the digital camera into image signals. The video screen receives the image signals and displays same as images. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031622 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR AND A CLEANING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031623 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is provided by which observation image brightness can be suppressed from irregularly fluctuating before and after changing of an observation mode and observer's discomfort feeling can be reduced. The endoscope system includes an imaging element, an image processing section that generates an observation image from an imaging signal, a display section that displays the observation image, an illumination mode changing section that changes illumination modes of a light source device, an image processing mode changing section that changes an image processing mode, and a light source control section that controls the light source device. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031624 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus according to a present embodiment has a CCD and an LED control section which controls LED1 and LED2. The LED control section sequentially drives the two LEDs, LED1 and LED2, on the basis of an image pickup start timing signal corresponding to each image pickup cycle S for the CCD within the image pickup cycle S such that driving time periods for LED1 and LED2 do not overlap. The LED control section also variably controls the driving time periods for LED1 and LED2 to adjust an amount of exposure within the image pickup cycle S and performs control so as to conduct, within the image pickup cycle S, at least a first drive within the image pickup cycle S of LED2 that is a second or subsequent one to be driven with reference to a timing for driving of LED1 that is driven earlier. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031625 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE PATH DEFINITION AND FOLLOWING DURING INSERTION AND RETRACTION - Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031626 | Endoscope - An endoscopic instrument includes a manipulating piece having a manipulating element, an instrument shaft having a section that is manipulable, wherein the shaft is coupled to the manipulating piece, a positioning element having a first rotational axis, a pulling element coupled to the positioning element and the section of the shaft, such that displacement of the positioning element actuates the section by transmitting a force via the pulling element, and an actuator coupled to the positioning element, such that actuation of the actuator displaces the positioning element by transmitting a force from the actuator to the positioning element. The manipulating element is coupled to the positioning element such that a force exerted onto the manipulating element transfers onto the positioning element and displaces the positioning element. The first rotational axis and a second rotational axis of the actuator are arranged at an angle less than 90° relative to one another. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031627 | Connector for Use with Endoscope - The present specification discloses a disposable tubing joint connector system which connects a tubing set and an endoscope. The connector embodiments disclosed herein include dual o-ring seals, in two separate channels, that enable an efficient and leak proof connection between two ports of an endoscope and corresponding flexible tubing. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031628 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSOR DEVICE OF ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DISPLAY OF ENDOSCOPE IMAGE - Illumination light for highlighting vessels and measurement light for measuring oxygen saturation level is applied alternately to a subject. A color image sensor images the subject illuminated with the illumination light and acquires a first blue signal, a first green signal, and a first red signal. The color image sensor images the subject illuminated with the measurement light and acquires a second blue signal, a second green signal, and a second red signal. An oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in blood is calculated using the second blue signal, the first green signal and the first red signal. The first blue signal changed in accordance with the oxygen saturation level, the first green signal, and the first red signal are assigned to respective B, G, and R channels of a display. The display displays a “high-contrast vessel image with oxygen saturation level” that varies with the oxygen saturation level. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031629 | MEDICAL APPARATUS, DISPOSABLE MEDICAL DEVICE, AND MEDICAL SYSTEM - A medical apparatus is detachably connected with a disposable medical device to be inserted into a subject, and performs a specified treatment. The medical apparatus includes an alteration unit that performs an alteration process of altering the medical device, and a control unit that causes the alteration unit to perform the alteration process at the end of the treatment by the medical apparatus. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031630 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE LAPAROSCOPIC RETRACTOR - An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element is designed so that different parts of the inflatable element may be filled to different pressure levels. The inflatable element may include separately inflatable chambers. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon, allowing for flexibility and ease of use. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031631 | Method and Apparatus for Inducing Therapeutic Hypothermia - Methods and apparatus for delivering therapeutic hypothermia to a patient are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a hypothermia system comprising a fluid source, a heat exchanger assembly, a catheter in fluid communication with the fluid source, and a pump system configured to infuse hypothermic fluid into a patient cavity and extract hypothermic fluid from the patient cavity. The hypothermia system can infuse and extract fluid automatically from the patient cavity. In one embodiment, the patient cavity is a peritoneal cavity. A safe access device to gain access to the patient cavity is also provided. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031632 | RETRACTOR - A retractor includes a central fixed portion, an extended arm portion extending on both sides of the central fixed portion, and a hook support section which is attached to the extended arm portion so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction and supports a retractor hook is formed of a plastically deformable composite member for, when receiving a deformation load of causing a bending deformation, permitting the extended arm portion to be plastically deformed in an in-plane direction Fh in a virtual plane F, which is formed of the central fixed portion and the extended arm portion, while restricting the extended arm portion regarding the deformation in an out-of-plane direction Fv. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031633 | FOUR-VALVE VAGINAL SPECULUM - A vaginal speculum includes a first rod supporting a first arm that is slidable along the first rod, a first valve being attached to the first arm, and a second arm, a second valve being attached to the second arm. The vaginal speculum further includes a second rod supporting a third arm that is slidable along the second rod, a third valve being attached to the third arm, and a fourth arm, a fourth valve being attached to the fourth arm. The first rod and the second rod are rigidly connected to one another. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031634 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FALLOPIAN TUBE OCCLUSION - Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031635 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING SEIZURE AND NON-SEIZURE STATES - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting seizure events are disclosed, having at least one accelerometer to be positioned on a patient and configured to collect acceleration data and a processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer and configured to receive acceleration data from the at least one accelerometer. The processor may apply at least one non-linear operator to the acceleration data to determine whether the acceleration data indicates an event, such application including calculation of a non-linear energy of the acceleration data and performance of at least one secondary analysis to determine whether the event is a seizure. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031636 | ELECTROCHEMICAL AND OPTICAL TEST SPECIMEN - An electrochemical and optical test specimen includes an electrochemical test portion and an optical test portion. The electrochemical test portion has an electrochemical blood sampling port. The optical test portion has an optical blood sampling port. The electrochemical test portion and optical test portion abut each other, and the electrochemical blood sampling port and optical blood sampling port are located on the same side. Thus one blood sampling operation at the electrochemical blood sampling port and optical blood sampling port can be finished simultaneously to perform electrochemical test and optical test at the same time. Therefore the advantages of the electrochemical and optical tests can be integrated to achieve higher accuracy and lower cost to meet test requirements. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031637 | MODULES FOR MONITORING PATIENTS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Patient monitoring systems can include a display unit and a patient parameter module. The patient parameter module can be connected to a docking region so as to communicate with the display unit in two or more orientations. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031638 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING CHANGE IN BLOOD PRESSURE BY RESPIRATION CONTROL - A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring a change in blood pressure caused by respiration control. A number of respirations per minute is measured based on a heart rate when a respiration exercise begins. Respiration of a subject is induced until the number of respirations per minute reaches a predetermined number of respirations per minute. A pulse transit time is calculated during the respiration exercise, a blood pressure value associated with the pulse transit time is calculated, and the blood pressure value is outputted. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031639 | VITAL SIGN MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A vital sign measurement apparatus including: an input operation section; a first measurement section capable of measuring first vital signs; first and second operating systems; a first arithmetic processing section that runs on the first operating system and that arithmetically processes the first vital signs on the basis of an input signal from the input operation section, thereby generating a first arithmetically processed signal; a second arithmetic processing section that runs on the second operating system, that is communicable with the first arithmetic processing section, and that generates a second arithmetically processed signal on the basis of the input signal from the input operation section by use of the first arithmetically processed signal transmitted from the first arithmetic processing section; and an output control section that can receive the first and second arithmetically processed signals and that outputs at least one of the received arithmetically processed signals. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031640 | System for determining the position of a medical device within a body - A system for determining a position of a medical device within a body is provided that reduces positional error by establishing a reference origin closer to the device and/or simplifies the system by integrating components and functions. In one embodiment, a pair of drive electrodes are affixed to opposed surfaces of the body and create a pathway for transmission of current through a position sensor related to the medical device. A pair of reference electrodes proximate the drive electrodes are coupled to a common reference node outputting a reference signal establishing the reference origin. An electronic control unit determines the position of the medical device responsive to the position signal and the reference signal. In another embodiment, a patch affixed to an external surface of the body has a base layer and multiple devices supported on the base layer, electrically isolated from one another, and configured to perform different functions. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031641 | INTEGRATING DEVICE-BASED SENSORS AND BEDSIDE BIOMARKER ASSAYS TO DETECT WORSENING HEART FAILURE - Devices and methods for improving the sensitivity and specificity of heart failure (HF) detection are described. The devices and methods can detect a HF status such as using physiological sensor data and external biomarker assays. An apparatus can comprise ambulatory physiological sensors that can provide a first HF status indicator and a second HF status indicator to a user. An external biomarker sensor can provide an amount of a biomarker present, such as an assay for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which provides information about HF status. A processor circuit can switch from a first HF detection mode to a second detection mode such as in response to the information from the biomarker sensor. The first detection mode can detect HF status using the first HF status indicator, and the second detection mode can detect HF status using the second HF status indicator. The second detection mode can have a higher specificity than the first detection mode. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031642 | INTRA BODY CAPSULE MOTION SENSING AND POSITION DETERMINATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for detecting clinically-relevant features of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The system comprises an external magnetic field generator adapted to be affixed to a patient for generating at predetermined time intervals a magnetic field with respect to the subject. The magnetic field has a predetermined polarity and flux density, thereby establishing a patient coordinate system based upon the magnetic field. The system includes a capsule adapted to be swallowed by a subject. The system further includes at least one radiation source emitting X-ray or gamma radiation and at least one radiation detector. The radiation detector is configured to detect in a first energy window collimated X-ray fluorescence radiation from the X-ray contrast agent composition excited by the emitted radiation, and to detect a second energy window Compton-backscattered radiation from the X-ray contrast agent and the wall of the GI tract produced in response to the emitted radiation. The system includes a magnetic field detector configured to generate a first output responsive to a detected polarity and detected levels of flux density during exposure to the externally generated magnetic field. A processor generates a second output based upon relative changes in the first output, the first output varying as a function of relative changes in physical location or angular orientation of the capsule associated with movement of the capsule within the GI tract. A control unit configured to selectively enable or disable X-ray or gamma ray emissions from the capsule produced by the at least one radiation source based upon the second output, such that the GI tract is selectively irradiated upon detected movement of the capsule. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031643 | HEART FAILURE PATIENTS STRATIFICATION - A system, apparatus and method are provided to quantify a risk of worsening heart failure for subject using at least one physiological sensor circuit such as, for example, a heart sound sensor, a respiration sensor, a cardiac activity sensor, or other sensor circuit. A central tendency measurement of the at least one physiological sensor can be used to quantify the risk of worsening heart failure of the subject. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031644 | Medical Device Insertion - Devices and methods for inserting at least a portion of a medical device in a patient are provided. Embodiments include medical device insertions that employ a plurality of insertion stages. Also provided are systems and kits for use in analyte monitoring. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031645 | STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND ASPIRATION DEVICE WITH RAPID DIAGNOSTICS - A device performs a myringotomy and includes a main body oriented along a central axis. The main body includes an attachment hub for receiving components that provide suction. A hollow positioning member extends at least partially along the central axis, is coupled to the main body and includes a distal end. A cutting edge is located at the distal end of the hollow positioning member and is configured to pierce a tympanic membrane of a body. A sampling chamber is coupled to the main body for collecting at least a portion of the fluid located behind the tympanic membrane of the body using the components that provide suction at the attachment hub. A diagnostic indicator is housed in the sampling chamber and includes a visible indication of a test outcome when exposed to the fluid collected in the sampling chamber. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031646 | BLOOD PRESSURE ESTIMATION USING A HAND-HELD DEVICE - A method for providing a blood pressure indicator of a person, the method comprises: obtaining multiple first detection signals from a non-invasive optical plethysmography sensor that monitors a body area of the person; obtaining multiple second detection signals from a non-invasive Electrocardiography sensor; processing, by a health monitoring module, the multiple first detection signals to detect first points in time that correspond to arrivals of blood pulses to the body area that is monitored by the non-invasive optical plethysmography sensor; processing the multiple second detection signals to detect second points in time that correspond to peaks of QRS complexes; and calculating at least one blood pressure indicator in response to at least one timing difference between at least a single pair of first and second points in time that are associated with a same heartbeat. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031647 | IN VIVO FLOW CYTOMETRY BASED ON CELLULAR AUTOFLUORESCENCE - The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031648 | Method and Apparatus for Conducting Blood Testing While Conserving the Blood of a Critically Ill Patient - A method and apparatus for conducting blood tests on the blood of critically ill or anemic patients includes surrounding a transparent portion of an IV line with a sensor housing bearing radiation sources located on one side of the IV line and radiation sensors located on the opposite or other side of the IV line. A patient's blood can be drawn into the IV line, whereupon the radiation sources, which may be LEDs, are caused to pass radiation through the blood and onto the sensors. The sensors detect characteristics of the received radiation and produce a signal, which can be interpreted by a monitor to determine characteristics of the blood such as oxygen content, hemoglobin levels, and the like. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031649 | MOLECULAR CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND MOLECULAR CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT METHOD - Provided is a molecular concentration measurement device including a laser oscillator oscillating and outputting first laser light with an oscillation frequency ω | 2014-01-30 |
20140031650 | SINE SATURATION TRANSFORM - A transform for determining a physiological measurement is disclosed. The transform determines a basis function index from a physiological signal obtained through a physiological sensor. A basis function waveform is generated based on basis function index. The basis function waveform is then used to determine an optimized basis function waveform. The optimized basis function waveform is used to calculate a physiological measurement. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031651 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVELY ASSESSING DIABETIC CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY IN TYPE I DIABETIC BIOLOGICAL SUBJECT - The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for identifying development of diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) in a biological subject. In one aspect, the method includes collecting data associated with heart rates of a biological subject, and processing the collected data to extract primary and secondary components of the collected data by performing a principal dynamic mode (PDM) analysis. A significant reduction of the primary or secondary component at a predetermined time period can be indicative of the DCAN development. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031652 | SELECTION OF ENSEMBLE AVERAGING WEIGHTS FOR A PULSE OXIMETER BASED ON SIGNAL QUALTIY METRICS - A pulse oximeter system is presently disclosed. The pulse oximeter system includes a processor and circuitry. The processor and circuitry are configured to receive light waveforms from a sensor, determine at least one signal quality metric for the light waveforms, calculate at least one weight using a continuously variable weighting function based on the at least one signal quality metric, and ensemble average the light waveforms using the at least one calculated weight. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031653 | MEDICAL SENSOR FOR REDUCING ARTIFACTS AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME - A sensor may be adapted to reduce signal artifacts by deflecting the effects of outside forces and sensor motion. A sensor is provided with a rigid annular structure adapted to reduce the effect of motion of a sensor emitter and/or detector. Further, a method of deflecting or minimizing outside forces and sensor motion is also provided. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031654 | SENSOR MODULE WITH ENHANCED CAPILLARY FLOW - A sensor module is disclosed herein. The sensor module includes a main housing defining an analysis zone within the housing. The sensor module also includes a skin piercing member mounted within the main housing. The skin piercing member is movable relative to the main housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The main housing of the sensor module defines a fluid sample flow passage that extends from a sampling end of the main housing to the analysis zone. The fluid sample flow passage includes a funnel structure through which the skin piecing member extends when in the extended position. The fluid sample flow passage also includes capillary flow enhancing slots that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the funnel structure. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031655 | Sensor Inserter Having Introducer - Methods, device and system for providing a sensor insertion assembly including an inserter housing, an introducer including a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a shaft portion comprising a channel and a distal end, the shaft portion extending downwardly from an edge of the body portion, the shaft portion including a holding member disposed along a length of the channel, the holding member configured to substantially releasably retain a sensor, an on-body electronics unit, wherein the introducer is configured for insertion of the sensor through an aperture in the on-body electronics unit prior to insertion through skin and a drive mechanism included in the inserter housing and operatively coupled to the introducer, wherein the drive mechanism drives the introducer and retained sensor through the skin are provided. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031656 | TRACHEAL TUBE SENSOR DISPOSED ON PERMEABLE MEMBRANE - Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031657 | HANDHELD MEDICAL DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY WITHOUT BATTERY - A processor module includes memory having instructions for executing functions of a handheld diabetes management device and a processor that selectively executes the instructions. Battery terminals electrically connect the processor module with a re-chargeable battery. A receptacle is configured in accordance with a universal serial bus (USB) standard. A component is included for communicating information from the handheld diabetes management device to a user or another device. A multiplexer module relays power from the receptacle to a bus voltage node. A first switching device is connected between the bus voltage node and a second voltage node. The component receives power from the second voltage node. A second switching device is connected between the bus voltage node and a third voltage node. The processor module is directly connected to the bus voltage node and to the third voltage node. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031658 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING GLUCOSE OR OTHER COMPOSITIONS IN AN INDIVIDUAL - A system and method for modeling a blood glucose (BG) level of an individual is presented. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device is configured to monitor a blood glucose level of the individual. A processor is configured to receive CGM data of the individual from the CGM device, smooth the CGM data into a plurality of continuous curves, and generate an individual-level model of a BG profile of the individual using the plurality of continuous curves. The processor is configured to estimate the average blood glucose curve and inter-day variance-covariance of BG within the individual using the individual-level model, and generate a report based on the average blood glucose curve and inter-day variance-covariance of BG within the individual. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031659 | EFFICIENT AND INTERACTIVE BLEEDING DETECTION IN A SURGICAL SYSTEM - A bleeding detection unit in a surgical system processes information in an acquired scene before that scene is presented on a display unit in the operating room. For example, the bleeding detection unit analyzes the pixel data in the acquired scene and determines whether there are one or more initial sites of blood in the scene. Upon detection of an initial site of blood, the region is identified by an initial site icon in the scene displayed on the display unit. In one aspect, the processing is done in real-time which means that there is no substantial delay in presenting the acquired scene to the surgeon. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031660 | ISOLATING LEAD BODY FOR FAULT DETECTION - Techniques are described for detecting lead-related conditions for implantable electrical leads. In some of the described embodiments, an implantable electrical lead assembly is provided with a coupling member for connecting a conductor and associated insulator(s) to an electrode/sensing element. The implantable medical device controls and performs a measurement of an electrical property of the electrical lead during periods when the conductor is decoupled from the electrode/sensing element. An indication of a lead-related condition is derived based on the measured electrical property. The lead-related condition may be associated with an insulator of a lead body of the electrical lead. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031661 | TEMPORARY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD - A temporary implantable medical device lead includes a connector configured to connect the lead to an external control module. A helically coiled conductor includes a proximal end that is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The conductor includes a plurality of insulated filars. An insulative layer is removed from an uninsulated portion of each of the filars near a distal end of the conductor. The uninsulated portion of each of the filars is exposed at an outer surface of the conductor such that the exposed uninsulated portions of the filars define a plurality of electrodes at longitudinally spaced sections near the distal end of the conductor. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031662 | CARDIOVASCULAR MONITORING DEVICE - The present invention is related to a cardiovascular monitoring device including an inflatable cuff for surrounding a limb of a user, at least a first and a second electrodes, a controlling circuitry with a processor accommodated in a housing, and a display element. The controlling circuitry is configured to perform a blood pressure measurement through controlling a pressure inside the inflatable cuff, and perform an electrocardiogram measurement by using the electrodes. The processor is also configured to provide a diastolic blood pressure and a systolic blood pressure when the blood pressure measurement is performed, and to provide a heart rhythm information when the electrocardiogram measurement is performed. Further, for achieving a better and more stable contact between the electrodes and the user's skin, the present invention provides an improved structure with electrodes arranged thereon based on the conventional blood pressure monitor. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031663 | Health Monitoring - An electrode assembly for making electrocardiogram measurements includes a substrate and at least two electrodes. The substrate includes at least one electronic item sealed therewithin and is laminated or otherwise constructed so as to facilitate removal of the electronic item from the substrate prior to disposal. The electronic item may therefore be re-used in the manufacture of new electrode assemblies. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031664 | RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging system includes a radiation source, a detector fixed to the radiation source such that the radiation source and detector form a hand-held imaging device configured to acquire image data, and a navigation system configured to track a pose of the hand-held imaging device. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031665 | Telecentric Scale Projection System for Real-Time In-Situ Surgical Metrology - A system and method for determining endoscopic dimensional measurements including a projector assembly comprising a light source for projecting light through a telecentric lens and into a surgical site, and a mask coupled to the projector assembly. Light projected from the light source projects through the mask. The projected light through the mask may be a collimated pattern which does not significantly change in size as a function of the distance to a projected plane. The projected light patterns may include multiple wavelengths of light for measurements of different features of tissue and may be produced using a laser in conjunction with a light shaping optical diffuser, or using a light emitting diode in conjunction with a light shaping optical diffuser, or using a spatial filter. The projected light patterns may take the form of concentric rings with each ring representing a radius of a given dimension. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031666 | System for Positioning and Holding an Anatomy in a Medical Imaging Device - A system for positioning an anatomy of a patient in a medical imaging device. The system includes one or more sensor elements disposed on a region of interest of the anatomy movable within a bore of the medical imaging device, and one or more detector units configured to detect the one or more sensor elements for positioning a region of interest of the anatomy with respect to a point in the imaging range of the bore. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031667 | LASER APPARATUS AND PHOTOACOUSTIC APPARATUS - A laser apparatus includes a laser medium; a light source that radiates light to the laser medium, thereby exciting the laser medium and raising the temperature thereof; a reflecting unit having a first plane that reflects light within a predetermined wavelength range from light generated by excitation of the laser medium; and an output mirror disposed opposite the reflecting unit, with the laser medium being interposed therebetween, and causing laser oscillation by inducing resonance of the light within a predetermined wavelength range between the first plane and the output mirror. The reflecting unit is configured to be movable between a position in which light resonance is induced between the output mirror and the first plane and the laser apparatus is set to an oscillation state and a position in which the laser apparatus is set to a non-oscillation state. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031668 | Surgical and Medical Instrument Tracking Using a Depth-Sensing Device - A motion-sensing mechanism is provided that facilitates numerous aspects of the medical industry. In one aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism is used to track instruments and personnel in a field of view relative to a patient such that the instrument or personnel may be displayed on a heads-up display showing a model of the patient's anatomy. In another aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism makes a reference image of a patient, visitor, or staff such that when the subject of the reference images passes another (or the same) motion-sensing mechanism, the identity of the subject is determined or recognized. In still other aspects, the motion-sensing mechanism monitors motion of a portion of a patient's anatomy and compares the same to an expected motion for diagnostic evaluation of pain generators, physical therapy effectiveness, and the like. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031669 | SYSTEMS FOR FUSION OF FLUORESCENCE MOLECULAR TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES - An imaging cassette. The cassette includes a top frame, a bottom frame, and one or more of a front wall, back wall, or plurality of posts, and defines a chamber for holding an animal in a desired position for analysis in a fluorescence molecular tomography imager and a vertical bore magnetic resonance imager. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031670 | Novel Needle Driver For Magnetic Resonance Elastography - The present invention is directed toward an acoustic, piezoelectric, electric, electro-mechanical or pneumatically driven surface drum driver, in mechanical engagement with a biopsy or acupuncture needle device and a method for its use for diagnosis of small e.g. 100 microns, tumors via the production of magnetic resonance elastographic images (MRE), without artifact production, in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed toward an acoustically, pneumatically, piezoelectrically, electrically and/or electro-mechanically driven acupuncture needle, useful for simulating manual single-needle acupuncture treatments via a non-manually manipulated acupuncture needle; and further to a device and process for determination, using twin pneumatically driven surface drivers, of organ stiffness, e.g. brain stiffness, which can be quantified so as to be useful in elucidating and quantifying brain cognitive state, e.g. normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's dementia (AD). | 2014-01-30 |
20140031671 | MRI INVOLVING A LOCAL RF COIL BEING MOVABLE RELATIVE TO A PEDIATRIC PATIENT CARRIER - A pediatric patient ( | 2014-01-30 |
20140031672 | PATIENT SPECIFIC INSTRUMENTATION WITH MEMS IN SURGERY - An assembly of a patient specific instrument and tracking system comprises a patient specific instrument having a body with a patient specific contact surface negatively shaped relative to a corresponding surface of a bone for complementary contact therewith. An inertial sensor unit with a preset orientation is connected to the body in a planned connection configuration, such that a geometrical relation between the contact surface and the inertial sensor unit is known. A tracking system has a tracking processor connected to the inertial sensor unit, a user interface, and bone orientation data related to the patient specific contact surface, the tracking processor producing orientation tracking data for the bone using the geometrical relation and the bone orientation data when the preset orientation of the inertial sensor unit is initialized, to output the orientation tracking data on the user interface. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031673 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND CONTROL PROGRAM THEREOF - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe having plural ultrasonic transducers arranged in an elevation direction, a beamformer configured to form an ultrasonic reception beam by performing delay addition to an echo signal received by each of the ultrasonic transducers, and configured to form plural ultrasonic reception beams, each ultrasonic reception beam having a different width in the elevation direction, wherein the beamformer is configured to form the plural ultrasonic reception beams for one transmission/reception surface by adjusting a delay time in the delay addition, and a display control unit configured to display a synthetic image formed based upon the plural ultrasonic reception beams. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031674 | Needle Assembly Including an Aligned Magnetic Element - A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially aligned with the needle cannula. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031675 | Ultrasound Guided Positioning of Cardiac Replacement Valves with 3D Visualization - A device (e.g., a valve) can be visualized in a patient's body (e.g., in the patient's heart) using an ultrasound system with added position sensors. One position sensor is mounted in the ultrasound probe, and another position sensor is mounted in the device installation apparatus. The device's position with respect to the imaging plane is determined based on the detected positions of the position sensors and known geometric relationships. A representation of the device and the imaging plane, as viewed from a first perspective, is displayed. The perspective is varied to a second perspective, and a representation of the device and the imaging plane, as viewed from the second perspective, is displayed. Displaying the device and the imaging plane from different perspectives helps the user visualize where the device is with respect to the relevant anatomy. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031676 | EMBEDDED 3D MODELLING - The present invention relates to an image processing device for guidance support, a medical imaging system for providing guidance support, a method for guidance support, a method for operating an image processing device for guidance support, as well as a computer program element, and a computer readable medium. In order to provide enhanced and easily perceptible information about the actual situation, it is proposed to provide ( | 2014-01-30 |
20140031677 | Apparatus and Method for Aiding Needle Biopsies - A handheld optical coherence tomography imaging and tissue sampling system and method of imaging and sampling a tissue is disclosed. The method includes inserting a catheter probe into a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle can be attached to a hand-held scanning and sampling device. The biopsy needle is maneuvered to an investigation site. A three-dimensional image of the tissue at the investigation site is captured with the catheter probe. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031678 | METHOD FOR DRIVING WAVELENGTH-SWEPT LIGHT SOURCE - Disclosed is a method for driving a wavelength-swept light source that includes an optical resonator in which an optical gain medium for emitting light, a wavelength selection element for selecting a wavelength of light emitted from the optical resonator, and an optical intensity modulation element for modulating intensity of light within the optical resonator are arranged and that is configured to sweep the wavelength of the emitted light. The method includes driving the optical intensity modulation element and the wavelength selection element in synchronization with each other to keep an instantaneous spectral width of the emitted lights constant. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031679 | OPTICAL SCANNING PROBE - An optical scanning probe comprising a flexible tube, an optical fiber for transmitting scanning light that is supported in the flexible tube to be able to freely rotate about an axis of the optical fiber, and an objective lens that has a positive optical power to convert the scanning light emerging from the optical fiber from a divergent beam to a collimated beam or a convergent beam and rotates integrally with the optical fiber, and wherein the objective lens is provided with a deflection surface that deflects the scanning light to irradiate an object. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031680 | Otoscanner With 3D Imaging And Onboard Tracking - Apparatus and methods for tracking scanner motion with a tracking illumination emitter mounted on a scanner, the scanner including imaging apparatus that captures a sequence of images of a scanned object as the scanner moves with respect to the scanned object; tracking targets installed off the scanner at positions that are fixed relative to a scanned object; one or more tracking illumination sensors mounted on the scanner, the tracking illumination sensors sensing reflections of tracking illumination emitted from the tracking illumination emitter and reflected from the tracking targets as the scanner moves in the process of scanning the scanned object; and one or more data processors, at least one of the data processors coupled for data communications to the tracking illumination sensors, the data processor determining, as the scanner moves, tracked positions of the scanner based upon values of the reflections. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031681 | DIAGNOSTIC BRAIN IMAGING - A radiological imaging apparatus ( | 2014-01-30 |
20140031682 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING RETROGRADE CAROTID ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW - A retrograde flow system is configured for treating an artery. The system includes an arterial access device adapted to be introduced into an artery and receive blood flow from the artery. A shunt fluidly is connected to the arterial access device, wherein the shunt provides a pathway for blood to flow from the arterial access device to a return site. A flow control assembly is coupled to the shunt and is adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. A shut-off valve assembly automatically blocks fluid flow through the shunt in response to injection of the fluid into the arterial access device. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031683 | SECUREMENT FOR A SURGICAL SITE MARKER AND DEPLOYMENT DEVICE FOR SAME - A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031684 | SYSTEM FOR TRANSCRANIAL ULTRASOUND IMAGING - Apparatus for transcranial imaging comprises an ultrasound source, placed in conjunction with a cranium, producing ultrasound at one or more ultrasound wavelengths that are focused on a location of interest within the cranium. The ultrasound generates RF radiation using the acousto-electric effect and a radio receiver detects the resulting radio frequency radiation emanating from the location of interest. Different types of brain tissue, as well as healthy and diseased tissue, produce different amplitudes of RF radiation, which can be detected as the location of interest is scanned over the volume of the brain, and used to produce an image of the brain. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031685 | Three-Dimensional Tissue Hardness Imaging - A method for generating hardness information of tissue subject to a varying pressure. The method comprises receiving signals from the tissue from a sensor for measuring the deformation of the tissue in a measuring plane defined by the sensor, which sensor, during a varying pressure exerted on the tissue, is moved along the tissue in a direction transverse to the measuring plane; identifying strain of the tissue from the resulting signals; and relating the strain to elasticity and/or hardness parameters of the tissue. The method may comprise the step of displaying elasticity and/or hardness parameters of a tissue surface or tissue volume part extending practically parallel to the direction of motion of the sensor. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031686 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING IMAGE-GUIDED INTRAVASCULAR AND ENDOCARDIAL THERAPY SYSTEMS - A catheter assembly includes a catheter and a delivery element. The catheter has a distal end with a distal tip, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The catheter includes a body that defines a central lumen extending along the catheter to the distal end. The catheter also includes a forward-facing transducer array disposed at the distal tip of the catheter. The transducer array is configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. At least one catheter conductor is electrically coupled to the transducer array and extends along the catheter. The delivery element is disposed in the lumen of the catheter. The delivery element includes a distal tip that is configured and arranged for contacting patient tissue. The distal tip of the delivery element is configured and arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the catheter. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031687 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment, a direction determining unit determines a moving direction of an ultrasonic probe. A scanning control unit controls a transmitting and receiving unit so as to repeatedly perform first scanning for acquiring first image data by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal in a first direction and second scanning for acquiring second image data by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic signal in a second direction inclined toward the moving direction with respect to the first direction. An image superimposing unit generates panoramic image data by superimposing a plurality of pieces of first image data acquired through the first scanning. A display control unit displays the second image data together with the panoramic image data or the first image data on a display unit during scanning. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031688 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring motion data for a region-of-interest (ROI). The system and method includes calculating a quality parameter based on the motion data, wherein the quality parameter represents an amount of unwanted motion in the ROI. The system and method includes performing an action based on the quality parameter. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031689 | IMAGE PROCESSING MODULE, ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS USING THE IMAGE PROCESSING MODULE, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE GENERATION METHOD USING THE ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS - An image processing module includes a beamforming unit configured to provide a beamformed signal based on an input signal; a point spread function (PSF) database comprising at least one two-dimensional point spread function obtained based on at least one situational variable of the beamformed signal; and an image generation unit configured to select at least one two-dimensional point spread function from the point spread function database and perform deconvolution using the beamformed signal and the selected at least one two-dimensional point spread function to generate an image of a target portion of an object. | 2014-01-30 |
20140031690 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING BLOOD VESSEL - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which detects a target blood vessel of a subject based on reflected ultrasound waves obtained, using an ultrasound probe, from the subject, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a B-mode image generation unit which generates a tomographic image of the subject, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; a blood flow image generation unit which generates blood flow information indicating a blood flow region of the subject in the tomographic image, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; and a blood flow region determination unit which determines whether or not the blood flow region corresponds to the target blood vessel, by analyzing the blood flow information generated by the blood flow image generation unit. | 2014-01-30 |