| 09th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 67 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20110054278 | EMITTER DRIVER FOR NONINVASIVE PATIENT MONITOR - Embodiments of the present disclosure include an emitter driver configured to be capable of addressing substantially 2N nodes with N cable conductors configured to carry activation instructions from a processor. In an embodiment, an address controller outputs an activation instruction to a latch decoder configured to supply switch controls to activate particular LEDs of a light source. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054279 | DIAGNOSIS OF PERIODIC BREATHING - A method for diagnosis comprises receiving a signal associated with respiration of a patient. The signal is processed so as to identify features that are indicative of beginning and end times of apnea episodes. Time shifts between recurrences of the features are computed and processed so as to generate an output comprising a plurality of bands corresponding to different multiples of a cycle length of the apnea episodes. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054280 | Finger Type Pulse and Blood Oxygen Measuring Device - The invention discloses a finger type pulse and blood oxygen measuring device, including an upper shell suite and a lower shell suite that are installed with silica gel soft finger pad, and a semi-closed holding cavity shaped by the coordination of the silica gel soft finger pad that installed within the upper shell suite and lower shell suite; herein its feature it is that the foresaid silica gel soft finger pad that installed within the upper shell suite and lower shell suite has optical windows which are corresponding to each other, while the optical window and silica gel soft finger pad become integrated; and a removable power supply module is installed in the lower shell suite. The beneficial effects of the invention is that because of the adoption of the removable type power supply module which is able to load the battery, by the comparison with the current technology, it is easier to assemble and disassemble the battery, and it enforces the anti-damage function of the measuring device; the device also adopts the integrated technology for the mould of the transparent silica gel optical window and the silica gel soft finger pad, which makes the craft simpler, and enhances the consistency of the products, and also increases the comfort of the fingers for placement in measuring. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054281 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054282 | Analyte Monitoring System and Methods for Managing Power and Noise - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for conserving energy of a power source of an analyte monitoring device. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing noise during data transmissions to and from the analyte monitoring device. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054283 | METHODS AND DRESSING SYSTEMS FOR PROMOTING HEALING OF INJURED TISSUE - A dressing system is disclosed which has a sponge and a near infrared spectroscopy sensor positioned adjacent to the sponge for monitoring oxygenation levels of tissue adjacent to the sponge. The dressing system may further include a tube coupled to the sponge for removing fluid from the sponge. The dressing system comprises: a sponge; and a tensioning system coupled to the sponge. The tensioning system further comprises a central longitudinal member coupled to the sponge; and at least one tensioning member coupled to the central longitudinal member. A sequential compression system comprises: an envelope sleeve dressing; and a bladder that is both expandable and retractable. A tissue filler system is also described and includes a plurality of tubes; wherein each of the plurality of tubes further comprises apertures; and a pump coupled to at least one of the tubes which obviates the need for any sponge or wound screen. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054284 | Anti-Coagulant Calibrant Infusion Fluid Source - Methods and systems for preventing or eliminating thrombus during use of a sensor are disclosed. The method comprises providing a calibrant infusion fluid source comprising a predetermined amount of a calibrant and adding a predetermined amount of a non-heparin anti-thrombotic agent into the calibrant infusion fluid source. A system and method is disclosed that includes an infusion calibrant source comprising a predetermined amount of a calibrant and a predetermined amount of a non-heparin anti-thrombotic agent with a glucose sensor. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054285 | Flexible and Conformal Patch Pump - Provided is a flexible and conformal wearable, self-contained medical device. The medical device comprises an integral housing formed by a flexible upper portion and a flexible lower portion joined along their perimeters. The medical device is also provided in a plurality of shapes and configurations for increasing the flexibility and conformability of the housing. The components contained within the housing, such as a drug reservoir, printed circuit board, and power supply are preferably constructed from flexible materials and are formed, connected and positioned according to the configuration of the housing in a manner for enhancing flexibility of the housing. A thermal bubble micropump is provided for controlling flow of a drug from the flexible reservoir, that utilizes a thermal resistor provided locally to a thermal expansion fluid that causes a surrounding membrane to expand and displace a volume of drug to be provided to the user. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054286 | Expandable Electrode Pad - An expandable electrode pad having a flexible and stretchable base member that may be either expanded or compressed to provide proper positioning for a plurality of electrode distal contacts. Portions of the base member may have perforations that allow one or more sections of the base member to be separated and positioned a greater, non-stretchable distance away from the remaining strip of distal contacts. Additionally, the circuit body may comprise a distal cut zone that provides for freedom of movement of the plurality of distal contacts and a proximal perforated zone that eliminates lead wire entanglements while also allowing for the tearing of perforations between adjacent conductive circuits when a greater reach is required for the proper placement of a distal contact. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054287 | CATHETER WITH MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CONTROL HANDLE HAVING ROTATIONAL MECHANISM - A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The rotational control assembly has an outer rotational member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the rotational control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054288 | BIOMEDICAL SENSORS USABLE ON UN-PREPARED CONTACT SURFACES - A biomedical sensor is disclosed that provides at least first and second electrical nodes for connection to medical equipment. The biomedical sensor includes a plurality of protruding electrodes that extend from a common base. At least one of the protruding electrodes is coupled to the first electrical node, and at least two of the protruding electrodes are coupled to the second electrical node. At least one of the plurality of protruding electrodes is adjustable in length such that each of the plurality of protruding electrodes is adapted to contact a non-planar surface of a subject. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054289 | Physiologic Database And System For Population Modeling And Method of Population Modeling - The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for creating a physiologic database or library that can be indexed to at least health, disease, patient characteristics, and acute medical crises or other dangerous condition. The present invention also provides apparatuses and methods for creating an athletic performance database or library. The database can be structured and continuous/pseudo-continuous modeling statistics applied to provide novel insight into performance and progress of an athlete or group of athletes, as well as standing relative to other athletes, or to provide novel insight into the natural history of disease and the response to treatment, and ultimately to improve care delivery. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054290 | Method and System for Interpretation and Analysis of Physiological, Performance, and Contextual Information - The present invention is directed to methods and systems of data interpretation and inference making that are possible when a multitude of physiological or performance signals are captured continuously (or pseudo-continuously), synchronously, and simultaneously. In some embodiments, physiological or performance context is added to any individual data stream when combined with others. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054291 | Eye tonometry apparatus, systems and methods - A system for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, comprising a plurality of force sensors that are adapted to contact a surface of an eye, means for measuring the forces exerted on the force sensors when in contact with the eye surface, and processing means that is adapted to receive the measured forces and determine IOP of the eye as a function of the measured forces. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054292 | SYSTEM FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING AND RELATED METHODS - Photoacoustic imaging systems and methods that allow for the creation of three-dimensional (3D) images of a subject are described herein. The systems include one or more optical fibers attached to an ultrasound transducer. Ultrasonic waves are generated by laser light emitted from the optical fiber(s) and detected by the ultrasound transducer. 3D images are acquired by ultrasound signals from a series of adjacent scan planes or frames that are then stacked together to create 3D volume data. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054293 | Combination Localization System - A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide two or more navigation modalities to navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. Image data can also be illustrated relative to a tracked position of the instrument in the volume for navigation. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054294 | Tissue Scanner - A three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging system uses dye markers. Thermoacoustic signals are produced by the dye markers when light from an external source is absorbed by the dye. Thermoacoustic images with and without dye stimulation may be generated using excitation frequencies both inside and outside the frequency band of fluorescence of the dye marker, and these may be combined, and/or combined with conventional ultrasound images for image enhancement. An apparatus for carrying out this method on mice, uses a commercially available array of transducers positioned opposite to the body of the mouse, which is immersed in a coupling media. A source of illumination such as a laser directs light to the mouse through the coupling media, and resulting acoustic waves are captured by the array and reconstructed to form an image. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054295 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD USING A LIVER FUNCTION ANGIOGRAPHIC IMAGE, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ON WHICH IS RECORDED A PROGRAM THEREFOR - Performing image diagnosis in an easier and more appropriate manner by focusing on functional levels and segments of a liver. A segment function level calculation unit obtains, from liver function angiographic images obtained using a contrast agent that produces a contrast effect according to a functional level of a liver of diagnostic target, evaluation values representing functional levels of a plurality of liver segments in liver regions, a display image generation unit generates an image based on the evaluation values, and the image so generated is displayed on a display unit. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054296 | REMOTE DISPLAY FOR MEDICAL SCANNING APPARATUS - A hand held medical diagnostic apparatus including a processing unit and a probe adapted to produce medical diagnostic data. The processing unit receives medical diagnostic data and processes It to produce display Information. There is a communications channel adapted to transmit data between the processing unit and a remote display unit located remotely from the probe and from the processing unit. The processing unit is adapted to send the display information via the communications channel to the remote display unit and the remote display unit is adapted to display the display information on a screen. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054297 | MEDICAL SYSTEM - A medical system has an electromagnetic navigation system and a patient bed that supports a patient during a medical procedure assisted by the navigation system. The navigation system includes at least one field coil that is integrated in the patient bed at a defined position. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054298 | OPTICAL METHOD FOR DETERMINING MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TISSUE - In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical method for determining morphological parameters and physiological properties of tissue is presented. The method includes using reflectance measurements from a tissue area for a plurality of wavelengths, using a bio-optical model, using radiative transfer modeling and using a non-linear inversion procedure. The method further includes systematically varying values of the morphological parameters and physiological properties of the tissue and simultaneously varying the inherent optical properties, which are linked to the morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue, until the non-linear inversion procedure returns values for the morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue such that an agreement between the reflectance measurements and reflectances computed by the radiative transfer model, based on the returned morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue values and corresponding inherent optical properties values, reach a predetermined level of accuracy. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054299 | Method, System, and Computer-Accessible Medium for Assessment of Glycosaminoglycan Concentration in Vivo by Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer - An exemplary methodology, procedure, system, method and computer-accessible medium can be provided to determine one or more particular frequencies of cross-relaxation between at least one molecule and at least one particular compound, determine a chemical exchange based on magnetic resonance data using a further frequency which is different from the one or more particular frequencies, and derive particular information about the anatomical region of interest based on the chemical exchange. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054300 | SURGERY SUPPORT DEVICE, SURGERY SUPPORT METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING SURGERY SUPPORT PROGRAM - Presentation of images showing with high resolution the state of a surgical field during surgery is realized with a simple configuration. When performing surgery, a three-dimensional model is generate based on MRI images of a patient captured prior to surgery, and three-dimensional coordinates of each location on a surface of the patient are measured by scanning a laser beam over the surface and detecting laser beam reflected therefrom, and correspondence is made with the MRI image for each location of the surface (frameless/markerless: steps | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054301 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ARTERIES USING A MAGNETIC RESONANCE CONTRAST AGENT - Systems and methods for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in which both arterial-phase image data and post-contrast image data is collected. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054302 | Method and apparatus for detecting, Characterizing, and sampling tissue via a lumen - An apparatus for diagnosing a patient includes a catheter having a tip. The apparatus includes a bioptome disposed in proximity to the tip to obtain a tissue sample of the patient. The apparatus includes a radiodetector disposed in proximity to the tip to detect radiation in the patient. A method for diagnosing a patient includes the steps of moving a tip of a catheter to a desired location in a blood vessel of the patient determined by radiation detected by a radiodetector disposed in proximity to the tip. There is the step of obtaining a tissue sample of the patient with a bioptome disposed in proximity to the tip. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054303 | Apparatus for registering and tracking an instrument - There is provided a device for generating a frame of reference and tracking the position and orientation of a tool in computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system. A first curvature sensor including fiducial markers is provided for positioning on a patient prior to volumetric imaging, and sensing the patient's body position during surgery. A second curvature sensor is coupled to the first curvature sensor at one end and to a tool at the other end to inform the computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system of the position and orientation of the tool with respect to the patient's body. A system is provided that incorporates curvature sensors, a garment for sensing the body position of a person, and a method for registering a patient's body to a volumetric image data set in preparation for computer-assisted surgery or other therapeutic interventions. This system can be adapted for remote applications as well. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054304 | Combination Localization System - A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide two or more navigation modalities to navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. Image data can also be illustrated relative to a tracked position of the instrument in the volume for navigation. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054305 | PHOTON UPCONVERTING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Implantable medical devices, such as catheters and stents, which contain light upconverting materials as part of their construction, are disclosed. Such upconverting materials, often rare earth compounds, can convert longer wavelength light, such as light from the 600-800 nm region, which penetrates the body tissue easily, but which is too low energy to induce many chemical reactions, into shorter wavelength light, such as light above 500 nm, which penetrates only a small distance through the body tissues, but which contains enough energy to induce a greater variety of chemical reactions, including conversion of drugs such as psorlens from an inactive to an active form, activation of cytotoxic or antimicrobial photocatalysts such as TiO | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054306 | TISSUE CLIP - A tissue clip for adjoining tissues including a body portion, a biasing mechanism interconnecting the body portion to a tissue grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism having a first condition wherein the grasping mechanism is extending against and away from the body portion and a second condition wherein the grasping mechanism is biased against the body portion. A tissue clip and deployer combination. A method of interconnecting tissue by deploying the tissue clip, puncturing tissue to be interconnected with the tissue clip, and interconnecting the tissue. A method of treating an aneurism by deploying the tissue clip at an aneurism site, closing off the aneurism site with the tissue clip, and treating the aneurism. A method of imaging a surgical procedure with ultrasound by modifying a surface of a metal surgical instrument, and imaging the metal surgical instrument with ultrasound during a surgical procedure. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054307 | MEDICAL APPARATUS CONTAINING DEVICE, DISCARDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE OF MEDICAL APPARATUS - A container case contains a capsule endoscope which incorporates a magnet. A magnetic body is disposed so as to guide, from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole, a magnetic field which is generated from the magnet of the capsule endoscope that is accommodated between and positioned by a first hold portion of an outer case and a second hold portion of an inner case which position the capsule endoscope. Thereby, there is provided a capsule medical apparatus containing device which can facilitate handling of a capsule medical apparatus and can enhance the efficiency in storage of the capsule medical apparatus. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054308 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPERIMPOSING VIRTUAL ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS ON AN IMAGE - A system for superimposing virtual anatomical landmarks on an image includes a medical positioning system (MPS) for producing location readings with respect to points within a region of interest in accordance with an output of a location sensor disposed in a medical device. A coordinate system of the MPS is registered with an image coordinate system. A control unit receives a signal from a user to record a location reading when the medical device is at a desired point in the region of interest where the user desires to place a virtual landmark, modifies the recorded location reading for motion compensation, transforms the motion-compensated location reading from the MPS coordinate system to the image coordinate system to produce a target location, and then superimposes a representation of the virtual landmark on the image at the target location. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054309 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS USEFUL IN CONDUCTNG IMAGE GUIDED INTERVENTIONS - Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to image guided interventions on dynamic tissue. One embodiment is a method that includes creating a dataset that includes images, one of the images depicting a non-tissue internal reference marker, being linked to non-tissue internal reference marker positional information, and being at least 2-dimensional. Another embodiment is a method that includes receiving a position of an instrument reference marker coupled to an instrument; transforming the position into image space using a position of a non-tissue internal reference marker implanted in a patient; and superimposing a representation of the instrument on an image in which the non-tissue internal reference marker appears. Computer readable media that include machine readable instructions for carrying out the steps of the disclosed methods. Apparatuses, such as integrated circuits, configured to carry out the steps of the disclosed methods. Systems that include devices configured to carry out steps of the disclosed methods. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054310 | PORTABLE MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DOCUMENTATION OF DERMATOLOGICAL AREAS AND SUBJECTS OF INTEREST - An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand-held, battery powered imaging device that provides: (1) an Identification Picture wherein an image of the patient's face is captured for identification purposes; (2) an Area of Interest picture wherein an image of the general area of interest on the patient is captured; and (3) a Subject of Interest picture wherein an image of the subject lesion of interest is captured. Two digital imaging systems, including a wide-angle (e.g. fisheye) imaging system and a macro (close-up) imaging system, are provided to allow for the simultaneous capture of AOI and SOI images thereby capturing an image that identifies the location of the lesion on the body and an image that comprises a close-up view of the lesion. A light source or flash provides illumination during the image capture phase. A laser range finding configuration including spaced first and second lasers are angularly disposed so as to cast beams that intersect at a desired distance from the imaging apparatus thereby allowing the user to quickly position the imaging apparatus at a predetermined distance from the patient when capturing images. Audible output provides the user with input to assist in properly capturing the images, and a trigger-type actuator is provided to initiate image capture. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054311 | DEVICE, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DISPENSING MEDIA AS PART OF A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A device, method, and computer program product for controlling a dispensing device adapted to be capable of dispensing contrast media as part of a medical imaging procedure. The device comprises a controller device, user interface, injector portion, and a storage device such that a user of the device may initialize multiple dispensing functions in the injector portion and user interface via a user input. The method and computer program product for controlling a dispensing device comprises receiving a user input from a user interface and directing the dispensing device to perform multiple dispensing functions, including actuating the injector portion and updating the user interface, in response to a user input. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054312 | Reinforced Venous Access Catheter - A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054313 | ULTRASONIC BONE ANALYZING DEVICE - This disclosure provides an ultrasonic bone analyzing device, which includes a transmission module for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the inside of a living body from an outer skin of the living body, a reception module for receiving an echo signal that is a reflection wave of the transmitted ultrasonic signal from the inside of the living body, and an analyzing module for generating analysis data indicative of a state of a cartilage using an amplitude value of an echo signal from the inside of the cartilage obtained from between a cartilage surface and a subchondral bone among the received echo signals. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054314 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a physical quantity calculator for setting correlation windows to two echo signals obtained by transmission/reception of ultrasound to and from a biological tissue and different in time on the same sound rays and performing a correlation arithmetic operation between the correlation windows to thereby calculate physical quantities related to elasticity of respective regions in the biological tissue, an elastic image data generator for generating elastic image data of the biological tissue with respect to an elastic image forming region of a transmission/reception surface of the ultrasound, based on the physical quantities, a physical quantity average unit for calculating an average of the physical quantities in the elastic image forming region for every frame, a comparator for comparing a value calculated by the physical quantity average unit and a preset average value of the physical quantities, and a notification unit for notifying a result of comparison by the comparator. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054315 | MICROMANIPULATOR CONTROL ARM FOR THERAPEUTIC AND IMAGING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can image a target tissue volume and apply ultrasound energy to the target tissue volume. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured controllably apply ultrasound energy into the prostate by maintaining a cavitational bubble cloud generated by an ultrasound therapy system within an image of the prostate generated by an imaging system. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054316 | Reduction of Multiline Artifacts in Doppler Imaging - Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods that provide reduction of multiline artifacts in Doppler imaging. Certain embodiments provide for various ensembles of transmit beams at different spatial locations and overlapping receive beams between the locations. Certain embodiments provide for calculating various auto-correlation estimates based on the received beams and then combining the auto-correlation estimates to create an image. In certain embodiments, combining the auto-correlation estimates comprises applying a linear interpolation filter that decreases the weight applied for receive beams that are spatially located further away from the transmit beam. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054317 | TRACKING AND OPTIMIZING GAIN AND CONTRAST IN REAL-TIME FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING - A system for dynamic optimization of gain and contrast in ultrasound imaging includes an image processor module programmed to dynamically estimate a correction profile in real-time and apply the correction profile to adjust a gain and contrast of image frame data sets. The image processor module is programmed to identify tissue and background regions in an image frame data set, determine an image intensity for each of the tissue and background regions, and formulate a gain profile based on the image intensity of the tissue region to compensate the gain variation of an image. The image processor module is further programmed to calculate an image contrast metric based on the image intensity of the tissue and background regions, and modify a gray map of the image frame data set based on the image contrast metric to adjust the contrast of an image displayed on the display system. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054318 | SETTING AN OPTIMAL IMAGE PARAMETER IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments of setting an optimal image parameter for obtaining an optimal ultrasound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, a processing unit is configured perform an image process upon an ultrasound image to thereby detect a center of a blood vessel from the ultrasound image. The processing unit is configured to set the center of the blood vessel as an optimal focal point position. The processing unit is configured to calculate a plurality of steering angles, a plurality of transmit (Tx) frequencies and a plurality of sound speeds. The processing unit is further configured to form a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to each of the steering angles, the Tx frequencies and the sound speeds based on the ultrasound data, detect a signal to noise ratio (SNR), a number of edge points of the blood vessel and a contrast difference between pixels for each of the second ultrasound images to thereby detect an optimal steering angle, an optimal Tx frequency and an optimal sound speed. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054319 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PLURALITY OF SLICE PLANE IMAGES - There is disclosed an embodiment for providing a plurality of slice plane images by setting the plurality of slice planes on volume data. An ultrasound data acquisition unit forms ultrasound data of a target object. A processor forms volume data based on the ultrasound data. A user interface receive a first user instruction for setting a reference plane in the volume data, a second user instruction for setting a reference point on the reference plane and a third user instruction for providing information on a plurality of slice planes. The processor sets a plurality of slice planes, each being orthogonal to the reference plane and including the reference point and forms a plurality of slice plane images. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054320 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, transmission unit, reception unit, control unit, adjustment unit, automatic setting unit, switching unit, manual setting unit, correction unit, and generating unit. The adjustment unit adjusts transmission/reception conditions for repeated ultrasonic transmission/reception in accordance with an instruction from the user. The automatic setting unit sets the first gain for correcting an echo signal in accordance with the adjusted transmission/reception conditions. The switching unit switches between activating and stopping the operation of the automatic setting unit. The manual setting unit sets the second gain for correcting an echo signal in accordance with an instruction from the user. The correction unit corrects an echo signal with the first or second gain. When the adjustment unit adjusts a transmission/reception condition while the automatic setting unit stops operation, the correction unit corrects an echo signal with the second gain. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054321 | METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF BREATHING SIGNAL WITH THE CAPTURE OF ULTRASOUND DATA - A method for producing an ultrasound image comprises monitoring the subject's respiration cycle or waveform, acquiring ultrasound data from the subject, producing an ultrasound image from the received ultrasound data received during the time when the subject's motion due to breathing had substantially stopped. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054322 | Microembolic signals detection during cordiopulmonary bypass - In a method of detecting microemboli in a patient, an echography probe is applied to a selected location of the patient. An ultrasonic signal is sensed with the echocardiography probe. The ultrasonic signal is processed with a processor to determine a systemic embolic load in the selected location. A representation of a systemic embolic load indicated by the ultrasonic signal is presented to a user. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054323 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN ULTRASOUND SPATIAL COMPOUND IMAGE CONSIDERING STEERING ANGLE - Embodiments for providing an ultrasound spatial compound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object based on a plurality of steering angles corresponding to a plurality of frames to output a plurality of ultrasound data; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit, the processing unit being configured to set a reference steering angle corresponding to each of the frames, calculate a steering angle corresponding to each of the frames by using a sequence based on the reference steering angle, perform scan conversion upon the ultrasound data to form the frames, and perform spatial compound imaging upon images of spatially overlapped regions in the frames to form an ultrasound spatial compound image. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054324 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE PLANE IMAGES FOR A PLURALITY OF VIEWS - Embodiments for forming multiple plane images for a target object in an ultrasound system are disclosed. A processor forms volume data indicative of the target object by using ultrasound data. The processor is configured to: set a reference plane in the volume data; detect a falx contour and a contour of a cerebrum in the reference plane and an entire contour of the brain in the volume data; normalize the volume data by using the falx contour, the cerebrum contour and the entire contour of the fetal brain; and set multiple planes with respect to the reference plane in the volume data. The processor forms plane images corresponding to the respective multiple planes by using the volume data. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054325 | STEERING ANGLE ADJUSTMENT OF SCAN LINES USING VIRTUAL TRANSDUCER ELEMENTS IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments forming an ultrasound image by adjusting a steering angle of scan lines using virtual transducer elements in an ultrasound system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a processing unit forms a first ultrasound image by using the ultrasound data, which may be acquired based on first scan lines steered at a first steering angle. The processing unit determines a center of the target object on the first ultrasound image. A control unit defines virtual transducer elements associated with an array transducer, defines second scan lines and computes a second steering angle of the second scan lines based on the virtual transducer elements and the center of the target object. An ultrasound data acquisition unit forms second ultrasound data based on the second scan lines steered at the second steering angle. The processing unit forms a second ultrasound image by using the second ultrasound data. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054326 | DIRECT VISUALIZATION CATHETER - An endoscopic device providing direct visualization of a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure in which there is significant body and/or artificially introduced fluids is provided. This endoscopic device comprises catheter with a lumen in which a transparent gel may be housed. During the surgical operation the transparent gel may be dispensed at the target site to displace the body fluids, such as blood. A visualization tool housed in the catheter may then be inserted into the gel to allow a surgeon to view the target site through the gel. Additionally, the catheter may comprise a surgical tool(s) that a surgeon may use to perform an operation at the target site. After completion of the operation, the gel and tools may be retracted back into the catheter and removed from the patient's body. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054327 | Hypodermic Vein Detection Imaging Apparatus based on Infrared Optical System - The present invention is to provide a hypodermic vein detection imaging apparatus capable of visualizing a vein under the skin. The hypodermic vein detection system according to the present invention comprises a hypodermic vein detection imaging apparatus ( | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054328 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MONITOR - A biological information monitor includes: a first measuring unit which measures a pulse wave propagation time of a patient; a second measuring unit which measures a blood pressure of the patient; a calculating unit which calculates an estimated blood pressure value of the patient based on the pulse wave propagation time of the patient; a setting unit which sets a threshold; and a determining unit which compares the estimated blood pressure value with the threshold. The second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient at least one of at time intervals and at a time when an operator operates the second measuring unit, and the second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient by the determining unit based on the comparison result. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054329 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ACCURATE BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT - A multiple-axis accelerometer for use with a blood pressure monitor or a blood pressure measuring device (BPM) to determine an inclination associated with the point of fixture. The accelerometer is attached to a substrate that is structured and arranged in a vertical or substantially vertical plane. The accelerometer includes a first accelerometer portion that is adapted to generate a first output based on acceleration in a first direction in the vertical plane (A | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054330 | Blood Pressure Measuring Device and Method for Measuring the Blood Pressure of a Living Being - A blood pressure measuring device includes a flexible element configured to at least partially surround a body part and having a stiffening element configured to stiffen the flexible element; and at least one pressure sensor element attached to the flexible element. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054331 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE WITH MOTION ARTIFACTS ELIMINATION - The invention discloses an apparatus and method for measuring a blood pressure. In particular, the method and apparatus according to the invention are capable of eliminating motion artifacts induced by, for example, talking, irregular breathing, frequent swallowing, coughing, shaking, and so on motions of a subject. The method and apparatus according to the invention utilizes a set of fuzzy logic rules and a curve-fitting way to eliminate the motion artifacts. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054332 | Blood Pressure Measuring Cuff - An inflatable cuff comprising an ak inflatable bladder and a strap member which forms a sleeve configured to extend around an arm of a person is disclosed. The sleeve shaped strap member has a waist portion which carries the bladder and a pair of longitudinally extending edges. The longitudinally extending edges of the waist portion are attached to complimentary interlocking halves of a zip fastener to enable the longitudinally extending edges to be zipped together to reduce the circumference of the waist portion of the sleeve and secure the cuff in position around a person's arm whose blood pressure is to be measured. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054333 | Stent Flow Sensor - A stent for placement in a blood vessel of a patient, the stent including: a proximal end, a distal end, and a generally circular cross-section with a diameter; a Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) ultrasound sensor using a Doppler principle for determining patency and flow rate through the cross-section, and pressure drop from the proximal end to the distal end; a transmitter for providing signals to an external receiver outside the patient's body; and a coil device for receiving energy from outside the patient's body and coupled to the transmitter for powering the transmitter. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054334 | Alarm testing and backup for implanted medical devices with vibration alerts - Alarm tests are disclosed which use alarm test signals to assess alarms provided by medical devices. Especially relevant are implanted devices that monitor cardiac activity and provide notification in response to medically relevant events. Alarm tests can occur periodically, or in response to a patient, doctor, or remote party initiating the alarm test. Alarm tests can also occur during the actual alarms issued to detected medical events. Alarm tests lead to pass or fail results, which in turn may cause operations to contingently occur. Alarm test failure in the auditory, visual, or tactile modality, may cause an alternatively defined alarm signal to be used as back-up. Alarm test logs can store alarm test results, including quantification of the measured alarm signal. Rapid alarm tests are described, as are various methods of accurately measuring characteristics of the test signal in ambulatory patients, which are especially relevant to a vibration alarm. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054335 | System for Cardiac Pathology Detection and Characterization - A system improves characterization and diagnosis of cardiac electrophysiological activities by analyzing and characterizing cardiac function signals (including surface ECG signals and intra-cardiac electrograms) based on cardiac electrophysiological energy mode and pattern identification and mapping. The system accurately determines a time stamp, location and severity of cardiac pathology and clinical events by calculating a cardiac signal energy mode and energy variation and distribution. The system identifies cardiac disorders, differentiates cardiac arrhythmias, characterizes pathological severity, predicts life-threatening events, and supports evaluation of administration of drugs. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054336 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE PULSE BY MEANS OF LIGHT WAVES WITH TWO WAVELENGTHS - The method makes it possible in particular to determine the heartbeat of a person by means of a pulse measuring device ( | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054337 | METHOD AND MEDICAL DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF INTERFERENCE GENERATED BY A RADIO TRANSMISSION FROM THE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of processing in a medical device an electric biological signal collected from a patient, includes: a) acquiring a plurality of samples from the electric biological signal according to a sampling process wherein each sample is taken from the electric biological signal and memorized; b) during the sampling process of a), monitoring an active/inactive status of a radio time-division-multiplexing transmission of signals from the medical device over a radio communication network; and, when the status of the radio time-division-multiplexing transmission becomes active, c) preventing in a) the acquisition of any of the plurality of samples, which according to the sampling process should be acquired during the active status of the radio time-division-multiplexing transmission, from being performed until the radio time-division-multiplexing transmission remains in the active status. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054338 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING HEAT STRESS OF A LIVESTOCK ANIMAL - A method of estimating heat stress of livestock animals. The method comprises capturing a sequence of images each depicting a thorax of a livestock animal during a monitoring period, analyzing the sequence of images to detect a movement frequency of the thorax during the monitoring period, computing a breathing rate of the livestock animal as a function of the movement frequency, and estimating a heat stress status for the livestock animal according to the breathing rate. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054339 | METHOD FOR DETECTING RESPIRATORY CYCLES IN A STETHOSCOPE SIGNAL - In order to distinguish between a breathing phase and a non-breathing phase, it comprises steps consisting, for each stethoscope signal sample, of: —filtering ( | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054340 | INDICATIVE CHEST SEAL - A wound dressing can include an adhesive dressing with a diaphragm vent that allows the passage of gas out of a patient's body but restricts the flow of gas into the body. A sensor device is positioned so as to be able to sample gas passing through the vent and measure one or more gas characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, and/or pressure. If the data from the sensor device exceeds certain parameters suggestive of a pneumothorax, a processing device can activate an alert system, such as an indicator light, audible alarm, and/or wireless signal, to alert the care provider. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054341 | UNCONSTRAINED WEARABLE SPIROMETER APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND MEASUREMENT METHOD USING THE SAME - Provided is an unconstrained wearable spirometer apparatus. The apparatus includes a variable resistor including a conductive yarn, the length of which changes according to a change in circumference of one's chest when breathing, and having a resistance which changes according to a change in length of the conductive yarn, a resistance-voltage converter converting the resistance of the variable resistor into a voltage, an analog-digital converter converting the voltage in an analog-digital manner, and digitizing the converted results, a cross-sectional capacity calculator calculating changes in cross-sectional capacity of one's chest according to the digitized voltage, an adder adding the calculated changes in cross-sectional capacity and calculating lung capacity, and a transmitter externally transmitting the calculated lung capacity information. Therefore, lung capacity can be measured by wearing such an apparatus in the form of clothing without the use of an external apparatus or device. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054342 | SYSTEM & METHOD FOR ANALYZING ELECTRO-ENCEPHALOGRAPHY DATA WITH PAIR RANKING, COMBINED SCORE COMPARISONS, AND POOLED DATA ANALYSIS - A system and method for analyzing EEG data. The system comprises data from at least one or all of the 19 (or more) standard scalp locations, a computing device operable to calculate deviance for the data, and a single score for each of a plurality of scalp sites based on the deviance. An output device presents a ranked list of the single scores to identify defective scalp sites, or a single score for all sites and pairs combined that may be used in assessment or operant conditioning. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054343 | MONITORING SYSTEM - A method of performing impedance measurements on a subject. The method includes using a processing system to determine at least one impedance measurement to be performed, and at one electrode arrangement associated with the determined measurement. A representation of the arrangement is displayed so the impedance measurement can be performed once the electrodes have been arranged in accordance with the displayed representation. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054344 | USE OF IMPEDANCE TECHNIQUES IN BREAST-MASS DETECTION - A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in the breast and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in a breast. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality, at least to the quadrant. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054345 | BIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND BIOLOGICAL STIMULATION APPARATUS - A biological measurement apparatus of this invention includes (i) a micro piezoelectric element for vibrating a nerve cell of a subject without coming in contact with the nerve cell, (ii) an electromagnetic wave antenna for receiving an electromagnetic wave generated by the nerve cell vibrated by the micro piezoelectric element, and (iii) a computer for measuring an electric charge of the nerve cell based on the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave antenna. Further, this biological measurement apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave antenna for emitting an electromagnetic wave to a nerve cell. This configuration provides an apparatus capable of measuring an electrical activity of a nerve cell in a living organism in real time and three-dimensionally at a spatial resolution of a nerve cell size. Moreover, this configuration provides an apparatus capable of individually giving electrical stimulations to any desired cells in the subject. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054346 | Systems and methods for Intra-operative semi-quantitative threshold neural response testing related applications - Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a means for determining, as an example, the health or location of nerves. A determination according to the present invention may include semi-quantitative threshold testing using intra-operative electrical stimulation to determine whether one or more nerves are functioning as expected. A determination according to the present invention may also be utilized to determine or predict the success of a surgical procedure that may affect the functioning of one or more nerves. Semi-quantitative analysis may be performed by comparing electrical stimulation intensity, or an approximation thereof, at which a threshold neural response is observed to an expected or previously applied electrical stimulation intensity, or an approximation thereof. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054347 | Devices for Selective Recruitment, Isolation, Activation, and/or Elimination of Various Cell Populations - Implantable devices comprise at least one or more targeting molecules that form a primary coating layer for selectively recruiting, isolating, activating, and/or eliminating any cells of interest, such as T cells, monocytes, and stem cells. The implantable devices can be utilized for selectively removing a particular subset of cells from bodily fluids of a patient. Various non-selective pharmaceutical agents and biological agents can be incorporated into the implantable devices so that cells of interest can be isolated for elimination or for activation/differentiation. Cell-type selectivity is conferred by the presence of cell-type-specific targeting molecules incorporated into the implantable device, preferably at the surface level to permit direct or indirect interaction between the cells of interest and targeting molecules of the implantable device. Related therapeutic methods for utilizing the implantable devices are also provided. These implantable devices can be manufactured as a stent, a catheter, a holding chamber, or any other device, and can be manufactured into any shape, including a conduit, a vessel, and a tubing. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054348 | OPTICAL BIOPSY DEVICE - An objective lens system for an optical biopsy device has a lens that comprises a first part configured for viewing at a first magnification, and a second part configured for viewing at a second magnification. The second magnification is substantially different from the first magnification. The first magnification enables viewing a larger area of a target and the second magnification enables viewing the target at a cellular level with high sensitivity and specificity. Combining viewing at two different magnifications in a single objective lens results in a compact optical biopsy device. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054349 | CLUTCH AND VALVING SYSTEM FOR TETHERLESS BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054350 | BIOPSY APPARATUS HAVING A TISSUE SAMPLE RETRIEVAL MECHANISM - A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe having a biopsy cannula and a sample basket arranged coaxially about a longitudinal axis. The sample basket is movably disposed relative to the biopsy cannula along the longitudinal axis from a tissue harvesting position to a tissue sample retrieval region. The sample basket has a sample notch formed as an elongate recessed region for receiving a tissue sample. A tissue sample retrieval mechanism includes a sample collection tank configured for removable insertion into a sample tank receptacle. The sample tank receptacle permits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and prohibits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The sample collection tank is configured to retrieve the tissue sample directly from the sample notch as the sample basket is moving along the longitudinal axis at the tissue sample retrieval region. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054351 | HIGH-MODULUS SUPERELASTIC ALLOY WIRE FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL PURPOSES - A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054352 | Portable Dialysis Access Monitor Device - A portable dialysis access monitor device, comprising: an electronic monitor device and a server. The electronic monitor device includes a first microprocessor, an acoustic detector, a touch screen, a first storage device, a diagnostic programming module, an alarm device and a power supply device. The first microprocessor collects acoustic frequency signals, sound signals and thrill signals detected from a dialytic fistula. If signal difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the electronic monitor device provides a warning by the alarm device. The server includes a second microprocessor, a second storage device and a mobile internet. The server receives and analyzes the acoustic frequency signals, the sound signals and the thrill signals detected from the dialytic fistula by utilizing the second microprocessor to get an analyzed result. The server transmits the analyzed result to the electronic monitor device by utilizing the mobile internet. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054353 | Spinal canal access and probe positioning, devices and methods - Methods and devices for detecting positioning of a probe in a tissue of a patient. A method can include providing a detection device; advancing a device coupled probe through the tissue of the patient and toward the patient's spinal canal; detecting a change in pressure about the distal portion of the coupled probe during advancing, where the detected pressure change indicates probe positioning in the patient's spinal canal; outputting the detected pressure change or indication of probe positioning to a visual display. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054354 | Nonlinear System Identification Techniques and Devices for Discovering Dynamic and Static Tissue Properties - A device for measuring a mechanical property of a tissue includes a probe configured to perturb the tissue with movement relative to a surface of the tissue, an actuator coupled to the probe to move the probe, a detector configured to measure a response of the tissue to the perturbation, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the detector. The controller drives the actuator using a stochastic sequence and determines the mechanical property of the tissue using the measured response received from the detector. The probe can be coupled to the tissue surface. The device can include a reference surface configured to contact the tissue surface. The probe may include a set of interchangeable heads, the set including a head for lateral movement of the probe and a head for perpendicular movement of the probe. The perturbation can include extension of the tissue with the probe or sliding the probe across the tissue surface and may also include indentation of the tissue with the probe. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a Lorentz force linear actuator. The mechanical property may be determined using non-linear stochastic system identification. The mechanical property may be indicative of, for example, tissue compliance and tissue elasticity. The device can further include a handle for manual application of the probe to the surface of the tissue and may include an accelerometer detecting an orientation of the probe. The device can be used to test skin tissue of an animal, plant tissue, such as fruit and vegetables, or any other biological tissue. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054355 | Identification Techniques and Device for Testing the Efficacy of Beauty Care Products and Cosmetics - A method for testing the effect of a skin care product includes measuring a mechanical property of skin tissue using nonlinear stochastic system identification, applying the product to the skin, repeating the measurement of the mechanical property after the application of the product, and comparing the before and after measurements to quantify the effect of the product. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054356 | VESTIBULOGRAM - An apparatus for determining a subject's threshold for perceiving acceleration includes a motion platform to execute motions and to receive a response to the executed motions from a subject on the motion platform and a feedback system in communication with the motion platform to receive the subject's responses, and to determine a next motion. The next motion has at least one feature determined based on the response of the subject to the executed motions. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the motion platform and the feedback system to cause the motion platform to execute the motions defined by a motion set | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054357 | METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING VAGINAL TISSUE ELASTICITY - Methods for characterizing elasticity of vaginal tissue are provided. A transvaginal probe is used to deform vaginal tissue during examination. The probe is equipped with pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. Stress and strain data is recorded during examination. Elasticity of vaginal tissue is then characterized by calculating a stress gradient defined as a ratio of stress over strain for each point of measurement. Vaginal tactile image may also be compiled to include a family of surfaces representing locations of measurement points at predefined constant levels of stress. Pelvic organ abnormality condition may be detected if the stress gradient is below either a predetermined threshold or a normal stress gradient obtained from clinical data. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054358 | GAIT AND POSTURE ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD USING CORRECTED FOOT PRESSURE - There is provided a gait/posture analysis method which analyzes a gait/posture of a walker wearing a shoe having one or more pressure sensors attached thereon. The gait/posture analysis method includes: measuring a base foot pressure, which is generated when the walker wears the shoe, at arbitrary time intervals; calculating a representative base foot pressure by using the plurality of base foot pressures measured at the arbitrary time intervals; correcting a foot pressure measured by the pressure sensors by using the representative base foot pressure; calculating a foot-pressure related value, which is to be used for analyzing the gait/posture of the walker, by using the corrected foot pressure; and analyzing the gait/posture of the walker by using the foot-pressure related value. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054359 | Footwear-based body weight monitor and postural allocation, physical activity classification, and energy expenditure calculator - A footwear system for monitoring weight, posture allocation, physical activity classification, and energy expenditure calculation includes an accelerometer configured to obtain acceleration data indicative of movement of a user's foot or leg. The footwear system may also include a pressure sensing device mounted in an insole and configured to obtain pressure data indicative of pressure applied by a user's foot to the insole, as well as a transmitter communicatively coupled to both the accelerometer and the pressure sensing device and configured to transmit the acceleration and pressure data to a first processing device configured process the acceleration data and the pressure data to distinguish a first posture from a second posture different from the first posture and process the acceleration data and the pressure data to distinguish a first movement-based activity from a second movement-based activity different from the first movement-based activity. The footwear system may also include a second processing device communicatively coupled to the first processing device and configured to derive a second energy expenditure value. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054360 | FINGER MOTION DETECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a finger-motion detecting apparatus and method and includes a sensing unit to be disposed on a wrist of a subject person, said sensing unit being configured to output a measurement signal into the wrist of the subject person and to receive a reflected signal of the measurement signal according to the motion of tendons in the wrist of the subject person, a signal control unit configured to control whether the measurement signal is outputted and to adjust the measurement signal on the basis of the reflected signal, and a finger-motion recognizing unit configured to detect finger motion of the subject person from the reflected signal. According to the present invention, since a sensor capable of detecting finger motion is worn on a wrist, the problem of inconvenience in existing methods is resolved. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054361 | MOTOR FUNCTION ESTIMATING SYSTEM, MOTOR FUNCTION ESTIMATING METHOD AND PROGRAM - The motor function estimating system | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054362 | MASSAGE APPARATUS AND MASSAGE METHOD THEREOF - A massage apparatus and a massage method are provided. The method includes the following steps: measuring a parameter value of the one kind of physiological parameter of a part of a human body; comparing the measured parameter value with the reference ranges; obtaining a massage command corresponding to one of the reference ranges when the measured parameter value falls within the one of the reference ranges; massaging the part of the human body within a predetermined time interval according to the obtained massage command | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054364 | EXERCISE SYSTEM - The exercise system includes a passive exercise device ( | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054365 | VACUUM CLOSURE DEVICE - This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favours the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054366 | THERAPEUTIC PRESSURE SYSTEM - A therapeutic pressure system includes a sealed actuator housing containing an electrolyte and one or more polymer actuators that actuate via movement of electrolyte components into, out of around or within the polymer matrix of the polymer actuators. The system also includes an actuator support structure for the polymer actuators, working and counter electrodes in working contact with the actuators, circuitry for connecting the electrodes to a power source, and a controller between the power source and the electrodes to control the electrical current to the electrodes. The system is particularly useful for use in a hospital bed. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054368 | Foot Pain Relief Device - A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054369 | MUSCLE TREATMENT DEVICE - Muscle treatment devices and methods are described for applying pressure to and facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body. The muscle treatment device preferably includes an elongate shaft, an intermediate member engaged to the shaft, and at least one muscle treatment member engaged to both the shaft and intermediate member such that in use, the at least one muscle treatment member is prevented from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In a method if using the device to facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body, a patient preferably shortens the muscle being treated, applies angular pressure to the muscle by contacting skin tissue such that it directly affects and/or pins the underlying targeted muscular structure of the muscle with the outer surface of the at least one muscle treatment member, and then lengthens the muscle. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054370 | Knee joint separation brace - This brace supplies a helping hand to those persons that for one reason or another can not have knee surgery. Bone infections, allergic reaction to materials, even cost they can't afford all prevent the repair. The intent here is to do something no other brace does, it separates the joint just slightly so that the bone on bone does not rub each other and so gives relief from swelling and pain. The mechanism that does all the work without putting pins in bones for traction, is versitile. Used on an operating table the modified cam can assist in anything from back surgery to joint and bone surgery. The advantage of traction is there but without the use of the drilled and pinned bones. This makes for quick prep and shorter recovery time. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054371 | Adjustable Modular Splint System - A modular splint system having a base for securing to the limb, with various intervening components for joint positioning, with outriggers for mounting various tensioning devices and secured to the base with reclosable fasteners for precise alignment of forces. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054372 | CERVICAL SPINE AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE - The present invention relates to a cervical spine and neck supporting device for stabilising the spinal symmetry of a user when seated, comprising, a head garment comprising a band of material for surrounding a user's head, and a back flap comprising a head garment-cooperating end attachable to the head garment and a free end on which the user sits; wherein in use with the band of material surrounding the user's head and the head garment-cooperating end of the back flap attached to the head garment, the back flap is of sufficient length to allow the user to sit on the free end, in order to put the back flap under tension thereby restricting movement of the user's head and neck to stabilise the user's spine. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054373 | Systems, devices, and methods for diagnosing and treating conditions of the spine - Systems, devices, and methods for diagnosing and treating conditions of the spine employ a garment for selectively positioning vertebrae of a spine of a supine individual, e.g., during diagnostic imaging of the spine. The garment affects movement of vertebrae that can be diagnostically correlated with incidents of back pain. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054374 | POST-NIPPLE RECONSTRUCTION PROTECTOR - An improved post-operative dressing for providing both breast and, notably, nipple reconstruction and which in particular establishes custom lateral supporting of the nipple annulus. A body is constructed of a medical grade silicone and exhibits a three dimensional shape adapted for placement over the reconstructed breast and an aperture defined by an inner rim configured within the body is adapted to seat therethrough an associated nipple graft in a laterally supporting and non-pressure applied fashion. A number of secondary advantages incorporated into the body include each of apertures for breathability, suction/adherence properties, and impregnation or entrainment within the body inner surface of any form of anti-infection medicine. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054375 | Dressing comprising polyacrylate particles and use thereof - The invention relates to dressings comprising a particle mixture of polyacrylate particles for using in modern wound treatment. The invention especially relates to a dressing comprising a particle mixture of polyacrylate particles, which contains a particle fraction for inhibiting proteases in a wound and a particle fraction for absorbing or eliminating aqueous liquids. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054376 | METHOD AND COMPRESSION HOSE FOR RELIEVING HEEL PRESSURE - A compression hose adapted to be worn to cover at least the calf and foot of a leg of an individual, and a method for medically treating the individual with the compression hose. The compression hose includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual. A heel opening is located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the compression hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual. The heel opening has a perimeter defined by a stitch that limits stretching and expansion of the heel opening relative to stretching and expansion of the leg and foot portions of the compression hose. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054377 | NOSE CLEANING DEVICE - A nose cleaning device comprises first and second buds, each bud at the end of a shaft, and the shafts connected together with the buds biased apart in a tweezer arrangement. The inner faces of the buds are flat, and each bud comprises a depth limiting stop for limiting the depth to which the bud can be inserted into a nostril. The invention thus provides a simple to use device which can help parents improve the comfort of their child or carers improve the comfort of disabled or elderly patients. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054378 | Methods and Systems for Measuring and Verifying Additives for Use in a Dialysis Machine - The present application discloses a portable dialysis system for conducting a dialysis treatment. The portable dialysis system has a controller unit that includes a display, a scale, a bar code reader, and a memory storing a plurality of programmatic instructions. Upon execution, the instructions generate a first graphical user interface, a second graphical user interface, and a third graphical user interface for presentation on the display. The first graphical user interface displays each additive required for use in the dialysis treatment. The second graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to scanning using the bar code scanner. The third graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to measurement using the scale. | 2011-03-03 |
| 20110054379 | HEMODIALYSIS CATHETER WITH THROMBUS REMOVING DEVICE - The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for removing thrombus outside of a hemodialysis. The hemodialysis catheter comprises an elongate shaft comprising a plurality of lumens. A first lumen has a first distal port. The first lumen is configured for the flow of a fluid in a first direction. A second lumen has a second distal port proximal to the first distal port. The second lumen is configured for the flow of the fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A third lumen has a third distal port proximal to the second distal port. An elongate device is disposed through the third lumen. The elongate device has an operable member on a distal end or a device to connect to an operable member disposed on the elongate shaft. The operable member is configured to engage and remove thrombus from an exterior surface on the elongate shaft. | 2011-03-03 |
