17th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140114087 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING ISOCYANATES BY PHOSGENATION OF AMINES IN THE LIQUID PHASE - The present invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates by reacting amines with phosgene in the liquid phase, where phosgene, hydrogen chloride and isocyanates are separated with stripping columns operated at different pressures. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114088 | Process for Producing Fluorosulfuric Acid Aromatic-Ring Esters - A production process of a fluorosulfuric acid aromatic-ring ester according to the present invention includes reaction of an aromatic-ring hydroxyl compound with sulfuryl fluoride (SO | 2014-04-24 |
20140114089 | NOVEL PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF 4-AMINOBENZOAMIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE - The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-aminobenzoamidine (4-AMBA) salts of general formula (I) | 2014-04-24 |
20140114090 | LIGANDS AND CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR HYDROFORMYLATION PROCESSES - The present invention relates to ligands and catalyst systems for the hydroformylation of short and long chain olefins, preferably for the hydroformylation of ally alcohol producing 4-hydroxybutyraldehyde. The ligands disclosed herein are all-trans phosphinomethyl-cyclobutane ligands, such as, for example, all-trans-1,2,3, 4-tetra[bis-(3,5-xylyl)phosphinomethyl]-cyclobutane. The catalyst systems comprise these all-trans phosphinomethyl-cyclobutane ligands in combination with an organometallic rhodium complex such as, e.g., (acctylacetonato)-dicarbonyl-rhodium (I). The ligands and catalyst systems of the present invention may be employed in the hydroformylation of olefins, in particular in the hydroformylation of allylalcohol, and provide improved selectivity and high reaction yields. wherein R | 2014-04-24 |
20140114091 | METHOD FOR PREPARING 3,3-DIMETHYLBUTYRALDEHYDE - A method for preparing 3,3-dimethylbutyraldehyde. The method includes: providing t-butyl chloride and vinyl acetate as raw materials, conducting a catalytic reaction between the t-butyl chloride and vinyl acetate to yield 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl butyl acetate in the presence of a catalyst, the weight ratio of t-butyl chloride to vinyl acetate being 1: 0.84-0.93; and controlling a temperature at between 100 and 110° C. for conducting hydrolytic disproportionation of 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl butyl acetate in the presence of the catalyst to yield a mixture comprising 3,3-dimethylbutyraldehyde; and purifying the mixture by distillation to yield 3,3-dimethylbutyraldehyde, in which, the catalyst is aluminum trichloride, p-toluene sulphonic acid, or iron trichloride. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114092 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING POLYOXYMETHYLENE DIMETHYL ETHERS - A system and method for producing polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMM | 2014-04-24 |
20140114093 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING POLYOXYMETHYLENE DIALKYL ETHERS - A reaction system and method for producing polyoxymethylene dialkyl ethers (RO(CH | 2014-04-24 |
20140114094 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING 1-BUTENE AND A 1,3-BUTADIENE DERIVATIVE - Process for preparing 1-butene and a 1,3-butadiene derivative. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114095 | GLYCERIN PURIFICATION METHOD - This invention provides a cost-effective method for removing impurities from waste glycerin generated in the process of biodiesel production, so as to prevent a supercritical water reaction tube from clogging, when synthesizing acrolein by allowing supercritical water and acid to react with glycerin. The method for purification of glycerin of the invention comprises steps of: heating glycerin containing alkali metal, alcohol, organic fatty acid, and water under reduced pressure, so as to remove alcohol and water; adding sulfuric acid to glycerin from which alcohol and water have been removed, so as to neutralize glycerin; subjecting neutralized glycerin to centrifugation, so as to separate and remove a sulfate of alkali metal and organic fatty acid; adding a sulfate of alkaline earth metal to glycerin collected via centrifugation; and subjecting a mixture of glycerin and a sulfate of alkaline earth metal to centrifugation, so as to separate and remove a sulfate of alkali metal and an alkaline earth metal salt of organic fatty acid. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114096 | CATALYTICAL SYNTHESIS OF INTERNAL FLUOROBUTENES AND INTERNAL FLUOROPENTENES - A vapor phase process is disclosed for making internal fluorobutenes. The process involves contacting a halobutane starting material selected from the group consisting of CF | 2014-04-24 |
20140114097 | Method and Apparatus for Microwave Depolymerization of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks - A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by re-circulated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114098 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT PROCESSING OF SECONDARY DEPOSITS - Method for the depolymerisation of plastics material ( | 2014-04-24 |
20140114099 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING CYCLOHEXANE WITH STARTING MATERIALS ORIGINATING FROM A STEAMCRACKING PROCESS - The present invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexane by isomerizing a hydrocarbon mixture (HM | 2014-04-24 |
20140114100 | NOVEL PROCESS FOR PREPARING CYCLOHEXANE FROM METHYLCYCLOPENTANE AND BENZENE - The present invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexane from methylcyclopentane (MCP) and benzene. In the context of the present invention, MCP and benzene are constituents of a hydrocarbon mixture (HM1) additionally comprising dimethylpentanes (DMP), possibly cyclohexane and at least one compound (low boiler) selected from acyclic C | 2014-04-24 |
20140114101 | CONVERSION OF ALCOHOLS TO DISTILLATE FUELS - A process for the production of jet and other heavy fuels from alcohols and mixture of alcohols is disclosed. The process may include contacting in a reaction zone at least one C2 to C11 alcohol with a solid catalyst having activity for the simultaneous dehydration of the alcohols to form olefins, isomerization of the olefins to form internal olefins, and oligomerization of the olefins produced in situ via the dehydration reaction to form an effluent comprising mono-olefinic hydrocarbons. Preferably, the alcohol feed is a mixture of alcohols, such as C2 to C7 alcohols or C4 and C6 alcohols, enabling the production of a mixture of branched hydrocarbons that may be used directly as a jet fuel without blending. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114102 | SELECTIVE HYDROGENATION METHOD FOR PHENYLACETYLENE IN THE PRESENCE OF CRACKING C8 FRACTION - Provided is a method for selective hydrogenation phenylacetylene (PA) in cracked C8 fraction, which adopts a hydrogenation reactor featuring an upper catalyst bed and a lower catalyst bed, and operated by the following steps: feedstock cracked C8 fraction is supplied through the lower bed while hydrogen is supplied through the gas distributor located below the lower bed and increases the bed temperature to 0-20° C., and gas distributor located below the upper bed increases the upper bed temperature to 0-15° C., the reaction effluent from the upper bed is subsequently passed through and recovered from the packing layer. The method is characterized with low loss rate of styrene after hydrogenation and high hydrogenation rate of phenylacetylene. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114103 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING CYCLOHEXANE COMPRISING A PRIOR REMOVAL OF DIMETHYLPENTANES - The present invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexane from benzene and/or methylcyclopentane (MCP) by hydrogenation or isomerization. Prior to the cyclohexane preparation, the dimethylpentanes (DMP) are removed in a distillation apparatus (D1) from a hydrocarbon mixture (HM1) comprising not only benzene and/or MCP but also DMP. If cyclohexane is already present in the hydrocarbon mixture (HM1), this cyclohexane is first removed together with DMP from benzene and/or MCP. This cyclohexane already present can be separated again from DMP in a downstream distillation step and recycled into the process for cyclohexane preparation. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114104 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING OLEFINS WITH HEAT TRANSFER FROM STEAM CRACKING TO ALCOHOL DEHYDRATION PROCESS - A method of producing ethylene and, optionally, propylene comprising: a) subjecting a feedstock to steam cracking to produce a first olefin containing stream; b) heating an ethanol containing stream with heat from a steam cracker; c) passing the heated ethanol containing stream over a dehydration catalyst at a temperature between 200 C to 500 C preferably 250 C to 450 C to produce a second olefin containing stream; d) combining the first and second olefin containing streams to give an initial product stream comprising ethylene and optionally propylene; and e) subjecting the initial product stream to purification comprising at least i) water content reduction ii) hydrogen content reduction iii) reduction of content of molecules containing 4 or more carbon atoms and iv) ethane content reduction. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114105 | PROCESS FOR THE STEAMCRACKING OF BIO-NAPHTHA PRODUCED FROM COMPLEX MIXTURES OF NATURAL OCCURRING FATS & OILS - A process can include making a bio-diesel, a bio-naphtha, and optionally bio-propane from a complex mixture of natural occurring fats & oils. The complex mixture can be subjected to a refining treatment for removing a major part of non-triglyceride and non-fatty acid components to obtain refined oils. The refined oils can be subjected to a fractionation step to obtain a substantially unsaturated liquid triglyceride part (phase L), and a substantially saturated solid triglyceride part (phase S). The phase L can transformed into alkyl-esters as bio-diesel by a transesterification. The phase S can be transformed into substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by an hydrodeoxygenation. Fatty acids can be obtained from the phase S and transformed into substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by hydrodeoxygenation or decarboxylation. Fatty acids soaps can be obtained from the phase S that are transformed into substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by decarboxylation. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114106 | PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PARA-XYLENE - A reforming process using a medium pore zeolite under conditions to facilitate the conversion of C | 2014-04-24 |
20140114107 | USE OF HYDROCARBON DILUENTS TO ENHANCE CONVERSION IN A DEHYDROGENATION PROCESS AT LOW STEAM/OIL RATIOS - A process for preparing styrene via the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, comprising recirculation of reaction byproducts to the initial reaction stream as an oil based diluent, providing an effective means for reducing the steam to oil ratio required to operate the catalytic dehydrogenation reactor. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114108 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING CONJUGATED DIOLEFIN AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTION - A method for producing a conjugated diolefin that can suppress reaction byproducts with high boiling point from remaining in steps following a quenching step by a quenching tower, and producing a conjugated diolefin (e.g., 1,3-butadiene) that can be used as a raw material for synthetic rubber, resin and the like, even when using an industrial grade mixed hydrocarbon that may not necessarily have a high purity as a raw material to produce the conjugated diolefin (e.g., butadiene). The method includes a step of producing a product gas by reaction containing a conjugated diolefin by feeding a hydrocarbon containing a monoolefin having 4 or more carbon atoms and oxygen to a reactor accommodated with a catalyst containing a metal oxide and a carrier, and a step of sending the product gas by reaction to a quenching tower and washing with a quenching agent (e.g., an organic amine aqueous solution). | 2014-04-24 |
20140114109 | Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene and preparation of multimetallic mixed oxide catalyst for such process - Oxidative dehydrogenation of light paraffins, such as ethane at moderate temperatures (<500° C.) to produce ethylene without the formation of side products such as acetic acid and/or other oxygenated hydrocarbons is achieved using tellurium-free, multimetallic catalysts possessing orthorhombic M1 phase and other crystalline structures that have an important role for obtaining high performance catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene. Such catalysts are prepared using thermal and hydrothermal methods. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114110 | INTEGRATION METHODS OF GAS PROCESSING PLANT AND NITROGEN REJECTION UNIT FOR HIGH NITROGEN FEED GASES - Gas processing plants and methods are contemplated in CO | 2014-04-24 |
20140114111 | RECOVERY OF MONOMERS - The invention relates to a process for the recovery of one or more monomers from a gas stream ( | 2014-04-24 |
20140114112 | CERAMIC INGOT OF SPENT FILTER HAVING TRAPPED RADIOACTIVE CESIUM AND METHOD OF PREPARING THE SAME - A method of preparing a simple ceramic ingot of a spent filter having radioactive cesium trapped therein, and a ceramic ingot of a spent filter having improved properties such as leach resistance, thermal stability, and cesium content are provided. The method includes grinding and mixing a spent filter having cesium trapped therein, adding a solidifying agent, and sintering the spent filter. The method of preparing a ceramic ingot of a spent filter can be useful in preparing the ceramic ingot of the spent filter from only the spent filter by means of simple grinding and sintering, and in preparing the ceramic ingot of the spent filter by adding a small amount of a solidifying agent. The ceramic ingot of the spent filter has a high density and improved thermal stability, and shows improved leach resistance since a leach rate of a radioactive material is remarkably low. Therefore, the spent filter having radioactive cesium trapped therein can be effectively used to prepare a stable ceramic ingot. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114113 | Proton Treatment Location Projection System - Treatment volume projection systems and methods for use in treating patients, including an image scanner to capture an image of a patient's treatment volume, a processor to process the image to generate a treatment volume image corresponding to at least a portion of the treatment volume, and an image projector to project the treatment volume image onto a projection surface. The treatment volume image can include an x-y scanning area of the treatment volume to assist delivery of treatment to the patient. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114114 | Systems and methods for the management and provision of radiotherapy - Methods and apparatus for the management and provision of radiotherapy are described in which values for dosimetric parameters are re-evaluated just prior to treatment, on the basis of the treatment plan as loaded into the radiotherapy apparatus, and during treatment, on the basis of monitored machine parameters. By displaying dosimetric parameters rather than complicated machine parameters, the technician operating the radiotherapy apparatus is able to monitor the dose provided to a patient undergoing therapy. Misadministration of radiation as a result of corrupted data or corrupted control signals are prevented. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114115 | GAMMA SOURCE TRACKING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method for reconstructing a spatial position of a conduit arranged to accommodate a radiotherapeutic radioactive source. The method includes displacing an object emitting radiation inside the conduit prior to the administration of a treatment, detecting said radiation using detectors; generating data upon detecting the said radiation using a processor; and reconstructing the spatial position of the conduit by the processor based on the said data to identify a delivery path of the treatment. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114116 | ATTACHABLE MAGNETIC ACUPUNCTURE - Provided is an attachable magnetic acupuncture that is capable of reinforcing energy at meridians and acupoints of the human body by using the principle of electromagnetic conduction. The attachable magnetic acupuncture includes a plurality of magnets respectively disposed at vertexes of a regular polygonal shape so that magnetic force between the magnets adjacent to each other is minimized, and an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of magnets. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114117 | Systems For Replicating The Beneficial Effects Of Physical Exercise And Improving Cardiovascular Health - A system and method for inducing physiological effects of ischemic conditioning and physiological effects of shear stress in a subject's body that mimic the effect of exercise on the subject. The disclosure includes a first device configured to cause ischemia, a second device configured to mechanically generate arterial shear stress, and a third device configured to monitor one or more of markers of ischemia or hemodynamic parameters and further including a microcontroller and actuators to cause the ischemia for a preset duration and then stop the ischemia for a preset duration, and to repeat the ischemia and reflow periods according to a preset program, simultaneously cause the second device to mechanically generate arterial shear stress according to a preset program of mechanical pulse amplitude, duration, and frequency; and to concurrently monitor hemodynamic parameters or markers of ischemia. The method and device further includes application of electrical muscle stimulation, body vibration and chemical stimuli. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114118 | VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with one or more anastomosis devices and pumping such oxygenated blood directly to the aorta adjacent to the right atrium or left atrium via a VAD system. In one embodiment, a VAD system can be implanted with open surgery. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114119 | SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING A SMART PHONE FOR ALLEVIATING PHANTOM LIMB DISCOMFORT - The present invention is a system and method for alleviating phantom limb discomfort using a smart phone equipped with a camera and having a digital imaging program or application for acquiring, processing, and displaying digital images. A moving image is acquired of a portion of the subject that consists of the subject's half-torso adjacent the limb of the amputation site, and any remaining amputation-site limb, as well as of the complementary portion of the subject's torso and its adjacent healthy limb, in a particular mode of use. The digital imaging program or application is used to obtain, through processing, a composite moving image of the subject's body by deleting the moving image of the subject's half-torso adjacent the limb of the amputation site, and any remaining amputation-site limb, and replacing it with a mirror image of the moving continuous complementary portion of the subject's torso, and its adjacent healthy limb, in the particular mode of use. The composite image is then melded and subsequently displayed for the subject's viewing. Alleviation of the subject's phantom limb discomfort results from his viewing of the composite imagery readily available on his smart phone. This alleviation occurs by means referred to as Acquire, Flop, Meld and View. The present system and method does not require continuous or concerted physical or mental exertion by the subject. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114120 | INDUCING TACTILE STIMULATION OF MUSICAL TONAL FREQUENCIES - Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114121 | DEVICES AND METHODS FACILITATING SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY PROCEDURES - A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a tube member, a coupling member, and a rod member. The tube member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The coupling member is affixed to the tube member. The rod member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The rod member is slidably coupled with the coupling member. The distal end of the rod member is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the tube member. The proximal portion of the rod member is translatable relative to the tube member to transition the distal portion of the rod member between a contracted position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member extends along the distal portion of the tube member, and a deployed position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member bows outwardly relative to the tube member. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114122 | HYDRAULIC-MECHANICAL GASTRIC BAND - An implantable banding system for treating obesity is disclosed. The implantable banding system includes a telemetric control unit, a gastric band having at least one inner fluid compartment and an outer mechanical adjustment mechanism, the at least one inner fluid compartment being filled with a fixed volume of fluid, and the outer mechanical adjustment mechanism comprising a device configured to adjust the gastric band through a variety of diameters, an implant circuit coupled to the device and configured to receive an adjustment signal to control the operations of the device, and a sensor positioned within the at least one inner fluid compartment, configured to monitor a parameter of the fixed volume of fluid, generate an adjustment signal based on the parameter and one or more parameter control limits, and automatically activate the device based on the adjustment signal or transmit the adjustment signal to the telemetric control unit. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114124 | SIGNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS FOR USE WITH MEDICAL DEVICES - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medical device. The medical device may include an elongate member, having a proximal end and a distal end and at least two lumens extending therebetween. At least one of the lumens may be an imaging lumen configured to hold an imaging device, and an imaging device may be disposed inside the imaging lumen. A signal transmitting device may extend longitudinally through the imaging lumen. A distal end of the signal transmitting device may be operably coupled to the imaging device and a proximal end may be operably coupled to a processor. The processor may be located outside of the imaging lumen. The signal transmitting device may transmit signals between the imaging device and the processor. A grounded, braided catheter may be disposed within and extend the length of the elongate member, surrounding the imaging lumen. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114125 | MULTIFUNCTION MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114126 | UNIVERSAL ENDOSCOPE ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device for releasable coupling of a first medical tool to a second medical tool. The device may include an elongate member having a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be secured to a portion of the first medical tool, and the second end may be secured to a coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve defines a lumen that may receive a portion of the second medical tool. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114127 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - Provided is a medical instrument which has improved operability of an insertion portion and can guide a distal end of the insertion portion to an intended position. The medical instrument includes: an insertion portion ( | 2014-04-24 |
20140114128 | APPLICATOR FOR AN ENDOSCOPE - A device for applying an attachment to an endoscope is disclosed. The device comprises an applicator supporting the attachment, an end of the attachment being accessible such that the endoscope is insertable into the attachment in a longitudinal direction. The attachment is removably secured to the applicator to enable the attachment to be withdrawn from the applicator together with the endoscope. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114129 | Complex Shape Steerable Tissue Visualization and Manipulation Catheter - Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114130 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS FOR LIGHT SOURCE OF ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM HAVING POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS FOR LIGHT SOURCE OF ENDOSCOPE - A power supply apparatus for a light source of an endoscope includes a light source unit including an input portion that a control signal is input from an output control unit, the light source unit switching a brightness of the illumination light by the control signal and a control signal cable connected to the output control unit and the input portion, and including a current control signal line to transmit the control signal, and a GND line. The power supply apparatus for a light source of an endoscope further includes a common-mode rejecting portion provided in the input portion, connected to the control signal cable, and rejects noise superimposed on the control signal cable. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114131 | SCANNING TYPE ENDOSCOPE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SCANNING TYPE ENDOSCOPE - A scanning endoscope includes an optical fiber that illuminates a living body, a holding member that holds the optical fiber, in which the optical fiber is provided so as to extend from a distal end face by a predetermined length, and a concave portion that communicates with the insertion hole is formed on the distal end face, a drive portion that is provided in the holding member, and causes a free end of the optical fiber that extends from the distal end face of the holding member to scan, and an adhesive portion that is coated on or filled in the concave portion to firmly fix the optical fiber and the holding member to each other, and has a plane which is flush with the distal end face of the holding member formed thereon. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114132 | DEVICE SUPPORTING TRACHEAL TUBE - A device for supporting a tracheal tube during tracheal intubation. The device is applied to the blade of a laryngoscope, or similar instrument. It includes one or more planar elements, each element having a profile adapted to the curvature of the blade a the location in which it is placed. On command, each element protrudes out from the blade through a longitudinal groove, in order to create one or more fixed transversal walls. Once the walls are created, the tracheal tube is then inserted into the laryngoscope and its far end is moved across the walls, and towards the trachea of the patient. The device also includes a set of mechanical gears that are controlled by a sliding button such that moving the button from a back position to a front position moves each of the planar elements from the position within the blade to the protruding position. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114133 | DILATOR DELIVERED NERVE SHIELD - A dilator delivered nerve shield assembly is presented. The dilator delivered nerve shield assembly has an elongate dilator shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The dilator delivered nerve shield assembly also has an elongate nerve shield that is configured for simultaneous insertion with the elongate dilator shaft. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114134 | LATERAL DISTRACTOR - A distraction device includes a cage distractor, two distractor blades, an inserter positioner, and a clip inserter. The cage distractor is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and includes two distractor housings moveable relative to one another. The inserter positioner is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and include a center member that is centered between the distractor blades when the inserter positioner is secured to the two distractor blades. The clip inserter is configured to secure a clip to a distal end thereof and is slidable through the center member to secure the clip to a cage distracted by the movement of the two distractor housings away from one another. The clip maintaining the distraction of the cage. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114135 | Tissue Retractor - A tissue retractor device for retracting tissue includes a base and a plurality of blades connected to and distributed around said base. Each of the blades is outwardly movable from the base and includes a respective sloped portion on an interior region of the blades. The tissue retractor includes a pusher engaged to the base. A portion of said pusher abuts the sloped portion of each of the blades. Movement of the pusher in a longitudinal direction engages a portion of the pusher against said sloped portion of each of the blades to move the blades and angularly displace the blades between a respective closed position and an open position. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114136 | Tissue Retractor - A tissue retractor device for retracting tissue is disclosed. The device includes a base connected to a plurality of blades distributed around the base. Each of the blades is outwardly movable from the base. A pusher is engaged to the base. The pusher is movable in a longitudinal direction to move the blades to angularly displace each of the blades from a respective closed position to an open position. At least one biasing device is engaged with the base that biases the respective ones of the blades toward a closed position. The closed position is where the blades are relatively close together with respect to the open position. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114137 | Retractor - The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114138 | RETRACTOR DEVICE AND METHOD - The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of blades movable from a first, substantially closed position to a second, substantially open position. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114139 | RETRACTOR DEVICE AND METHOD - The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of arms coupled to a frame and operatively coupled to a ring disposed at least partially within the frame. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114140 | Tissue Retractor - A tissue retractor device suitable for spinal surgery. The device includes base apparatus to which three blades are circumferentially hinged, the blades closing upon each other in default position from spring bias. A pusher mechanism is threadably connected to the base which spreads the blades by rotating the pusher in its threads relative to the base, which converts rotational motion to translational motion to angular motion of the blades about their respective hinges. One blade is longer than the others to present a multipurpose tip to the user of the device, such a tip being useful in avoiding nerve roots or other anatomy obstructing the surgical path. A dilator is threadably connected to the pusher, the dilator having a long hollow tube connected to a hollow tip extending beyond the blades to slide over guide-wire and initially position the device at the operative site, prior to using the pusher to retract patient's tissue. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114141 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING DECAYING PERIODIC PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - A system for processing decaying periodic physiological signals comprises at least a sensor, a physiological signal-digitizing device, and a digital-signal processing unit to establish a parameterized database according to P | 2014-04-24 |
20140114142 | INTELLIGENT PATIENT MONITOR PENDANT - A patient monitor system includes a pendant configured to be worn around a neck of a patient. The pendant includes an electrode to sense transthoracic electrical activity and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor analyzes the transthoracic electrical activity to detect a cardiac event. The pendant also includes a position sensor to determine an orientation of the pendant so as to detect whether the patient is in a horizontal or upright position. The processor determines the accuracy of the detected cardiac event based on data from the position sensor. The patient monitor system may also include additional electrodes connected to the pendant through a necklace. The pendant may also include a verbal verification module to execute verbal communication routines that automatically detect an ability of the patient to communicate verbally so as to further determine the accuracy of the detected cardiac event. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114143 | ESTIMATION DEVICE, ESTIMATION SYSTEM, ESTIMATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM FOR JET LAG SYMPTOM - Provided is an estimation device for a jet lag symptom, including an acquiring unit acquiring an estimation criterion set in a manner that each of feature quantities of a physiological index of a core body temperature system and a physiological index of an activity system is classified according to the severity of the jet lag symptom, and a feature quantity range is specified according to a classification of the severity of the jet lag symptom, an extracting unit extracting the feature quantities of the physiological index of the core body temperature system and the physiological index of the activity system on a subject, and an estimating unit determining which feature quantity range of the estimation criterion includes a feature quantity of a physiological index of the subject, and estimates a jet lag symptom of the subject. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114144 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING VASCULATURE HEALTH AND BLOOD CLOTS - A system and method for determining a pH level of blood in a vessel of a patient including a flexible elongated member configured and dimensioned for insertion in the vessel of the patient, a sensor positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member, and a connector connecting the elongated member to an indicator. The sensor measures the pH level of blood downstream of the blood clot. A system and method are also provided for determining a density of a blood clot in a vessel of a patient for subsequent selection of a treatment method. The system includes a sensor positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member, and a connector connecting the elongated member to an indicator, wherein the sensor determines the density of the blood clot and the indicator provides an indication of the density of the clot. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114145 | OPTICAL APPARATUS AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - The optical apparatus includes an optical measurement module, a central processing module, and an air-puff module. The air-puff module is used for generating an air pressure to a surface of the cornea according a blow pattern to cause a deformation of the cornea. The optical measurement module includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is used for measuring an intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye according to the deformation of the cornea. The second unit is used for measuring properties of the cornea in an optical interference way. The central processing module is coupled to the first unit and the second unit and used for receiving and processing the intraocular pressure and the properties of the cornea to provide a result. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114146 | DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES, MANDIBULAR MANIPULATORS WITH TONGUE AND NASAL SENSORS, AUTOMATED MANDIBULAR MANIPULATORS AND RELATED METHODS - Diagnostic devices may include features for determining at least one of bilateral nasal flow and tongue position. Automated mandibular manipulators may include at least one motor including a feedback feature for communicating at least one position of at least a portion of the mandibular manipulator to a computer. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114147 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE FILTER ADJUSTMENT BY HEART RATE METRIC FEEDBACK - A physiological signal processing system for a physiological waveform that includes a cardiovascular signal component provides a variable high pass filter that is responsive to the physiological waveform, and that is configured to high pass filter the physiological waveform in response to a corner frequency that is applied. A heart rate metric extractor is responsive to the variable high pass filter and is configured to extract a heart rate metric from the physiological waveform that is high pass filtered. A corner frequency adjuster is responsive to the heart rate metric extractor and is configured to determine the corner frequency that is applied to the variable high pass filter, based on the heart rate metric that was extracted. Analogous methods may also be provided. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114148 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA ANOMALY DETECTION PROCESS IN ASSESSMENTS - A method, computer program product, and computer system for identifying at least one attribute of a user. An attention level of the user is determined with the identified at least one attribute. The attention level of the user is analyzed. An action of the user is classified as an attention deficiency event using the analyzed attention level of the user. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114149 | LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSING DEVICE USING PULSE WAVE AND METHOD THEREOF - A lung cancer diagnosing device and the method thereof are provided. Lung cancer is diagnosed by using pulse waves having a wideband pulse width, so a possibility that a patient is exposed to radiation can be reduced, and since the configuration of transmission and reception circuits and relevant hardware of the device are simple, the size of the overall module is reduced. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114150 | Method And System For Using Cherenkov Radiation To Monitor Beam Profiles And Radiation Therapy - A system for providing monitored radiation therapy has a high energy radiation source, apparatus for excluding uncontrolled ambient light, and apparatus for collecting light emitted from a subject. The system has apparatus for spectrally analyzing the collected light, and a processor for determining oxygenation or other metabolic function of tissue within the subject from spectral analysis of the collected light. The system monitors radiation therapy by providing a beam of high energy radiation; collecting Cherenkov and/or photoluminescent light from the subject, the light generated along the beam; spectrally analyzing the light; and determining oxygenation or metabolic function of tissue from the spectral analysis. Beam profile of the system is calibrated by imaging from multiple angles Cherenkov and/or photoluminescent light emitted by a phantom placed in the beam in lieu of a subject, captured images are analyzed to determine beam profile. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114151 | NONINVASIVE BLOOD MEASUREMENT PLATFORM - A noninvasive blood measurement platform may be used to determine the amounts of various constituents of the blood based on the bulk absorption characteristics of the blood. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy such as, a broad-spectrum light, to determine maximum and minimum blood volumes. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy at the maximum and minimum blood volumes. The bulk absorption measurements may be transformed using a transformation operation to determine bulk absorption characteristics in terms of frequency and/or wavelength. A time-varying component of the bulk absorption characteristics may be derived by comparing the bulk absorption characteristics at the maximum blood volume to the bulk absorption characteristics at the minimum blood volume. Multivariate analysis may be performed on the time-varying component to determine the amount of the one or more constituents of the blood. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114152 | Device and Method for Combined Continuous Non-Invasive Measurement of Blood Pressure and Pulse Oximetry (SPO2) - An apparatus and method for measuring at least two patient parameters is provided. A first cuff includes a first inflatable bladder, a first light emitting device and a first sensor that senses light data for use in calculating at least two patient parameters. A second cuff includes a second inflatable bladder, a second light emitting device and a second sensor that senses light data for use in calculating the at least two patient parameters. A controller is coupled the first and second sensors and when the controller causes the bladder of one of the first and second cuffs to inflate, the sensor of the one of the first and second cuffs sensing first light data used in determining a first of the at least two patient parameters and the sensor of the other of the one of first and second cuffs simultaneously senses second light data used in determining of a second of the at least two patient parameters. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114153 | ADVANCED ANALYTE SENSOR CALIBRATION AND ERROR DETECTION - Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114154 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SENSOR DATA - Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114155 | SELF-CONTAINED HAND-HELD TEST DEVICE FOR SINGLE-USE - A self-contained hand-held test device for the single-use determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) includes a housing with proximal and distal ends, a housing cap configured for removable attachment to the distal end of the housing, a single analytical test strip (e.g., a single electrochemical-based analytical test strip) disposed partially in the housing and extending from the distal end thereof, a meter module disposed in the housing, and a lancing module attached to the proximal end of the housing. The lancing module is configured to lance a user's target site (such as a fingertip or other suitable site) for the expression of a bodily fluid sample. In addition, the single analytical test strip has a bodily fluid sample application portion and a meter module contact portion and is operably connected to the meter module in user irreplaceable manner. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114156 | ADVANCED ANALYTE SENSOR CALIBRATION AND ERROR DETECTION - Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114157 | CONTINUOUS ANALYTE MONITOR DATA RECORDING DEVICE OPERABLE IN A BLINDED MODE - A system is provided for monitoring analyte in a host, including a continuous analyte sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's analyte concentration and a device that receives and records data from the data stream from the continuous analyte sensor. In one embodiment, the device includes a single point analyte monitor, from which it obtains an analyte value, and is configured to display only single point analyte measurement values, and not any analyte measurement values associated with data received from the continuous analyte sensor. Instead, data received from the continuous analyte sensor is used to provide alarms to the user when the analyte concentration and/or the rate of change of analyte concentration, as measured by the continuous analyte sensor, is above or below a predetermined range. Data received from the continuous analyte sensor may also be used to prompt the diabetic or caregiver to take certain actions, such as to perform another single point blood glucose measurement. In another embodiment, the device provides for toggling between two modes, with one mode that allows for display of glucose concentration values associated with the continuous glucose sensor and a second mode that prevents the display of glucose concentration values associated with the continuous glucose sensor. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114158 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114159 | DUAL ELECTRODE SYSTEM FOR A CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure additional analyte or non-analyte related signal. Such measurements may provide a background and/or sensitivity measurement(s) for use in processing sensor data and may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114160 | Blood testing apparatus having a rotatable cartridge with multiple lancing elements and testing means - A blood testing apparatus includes a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows and at least one test member. A humidity cover is positioned at the at least one test member. The humidity cover is at least partially removable. Electronics are provided for analysis. The electronics includes an evaluation device for comparisons with previously stored measurements or evaluation data with the evaluation device storing a current test measurement. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114161 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROMOTING GLUCOSE MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems for encouraging interactions with a glucose monitoring system include incrementing a score and/or providing a reward based on a variety of different interactions with the glucose monitoring system. The interactions which improve the score may include initiating or changing displays, downloading data, setting operational parameters and other interactions that are independent of a user's glucose measurements. Encouraging these interactions can enhance success in maintaining healthy glucose concentrations. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114162 | NERVE INTERFACE ELECTRODE WITH FIBERS FOR INSERTION BETWEEN NERVE FASCICLES - A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath ( | 2014-04-24 |
20140114163 | NERVE SIGNAL DIFFERENTIATION IN CARDIAC THERAPY - Methods of nerve signal differentiation, methods of delivering therapy using such nerve signal differentiation, and to systems and devices for performing such methods. Nerve signal differentiation may include locating two electrodes proximate nerve tissue and differentiating between efferent and afferent components of nerve signals monitored using the two electrodes. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114164 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY SHIELDING A MICROELECTRODE ARRAY IN A PHYSIOLOGICAL PATHWAY FROM ELECTRICAL NOISE - A system and method for electrically shielding a physiological pathway from electrical noise is disclosed. The method includes the operation of implanting at least one signal microelectrode into a patient such that the signal microelectrode is proximate to the physiological pathway. An additional operation includes substantially enclosing the microelectrode and a section of the physiological pathway with an electrical shielding wrap. The electrical shielding wrap includes a plurality of holes that enable fluid communication of physiological fluids between an inside and outside of the wrap. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING BRAIN-BASED BIO-SIGNALS - The current invention includes systems and methods for detecting, by a sensor including at least two electrodes, a multicomponent brain-based bio-signal in an internal tissue of a patient, digitizing, by at least one computer processor communicatively coupled to the sensor, the multicomponent brain-based bio-signal, isolating, by the at least one computer processor, a plurality of subcomponent signals from the digitized multicomponent brain-based bio-signal, comparing isolated data from one or more of the isolated sub component signals, by the at least one computer processor, to predetermined baseline data, and generating, by the at least one computer processor, at least one of an instruction to a machine and a visual diagnosis of a condition, in response to said comparing isolated data to baseline data. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114166 | HAND-HELD HEART MONITOR - A heart monitor is provided herein. The heart monitor includes a housing and first and second electrodes disposed in a first surface of the housing At least a third electrode is disposed on a second surface of the housing. The first and second electrodes are held by a user with his left and right hand respectively, while the third electrode contacts the user's torso or left leg. A processor records lead measurements corresponding to voltage differences between the first, second and third electrodes. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114167 | Patient-Readable Portable Cardiac Monitor - Systems and devices to gather data from a subject's heart, analyze said data to determine whether the subject is experiencing cardiac arrhythmia, and display results of said determining. Use, and display of cardiac condition information, are preferably simple and unambiguous to untrained users. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114168 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NERVE MAPPING AND MONITORING - Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114169 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS - An object information acquiring apparatus applying light to an object, receiving an acoustic wave generated inside the object, and acquiring information on an inside of the object on the basis of the acoustic wave comprises a light source configured to selectively emit irradiation light with at least two kinds of wavelengths; a wavelength switching unit for instructing the light source to implement switching between the wavelengths of the irradiation light; an illumination optical system guiding the irradiation light to the object; and a light irradiation limiting unit for limiting irradiation of the light to the object during a period from when the wavelength switching unit provides an instruction on wavelength switching of the light to when the light source completes the wavelength switching of the light. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114170 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND COVER FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC PROBE - There is used an object information acquiring apparatus that has a light source; a photoacoustic probe including an emission end that emits light from the light source to an object and a reception section that receives an acoustic wave generated from the object to which the light is emitted; a cover covering at least the emission end of the photoacoustic probe; a light-shielding member provided inside the cover and filling a gap formed between the photoacoustic probe and the cover when the photoacoustic probe is inserted into the cover; and a processor acquiring information on the inside of the object based on the acoustic wave. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114171 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND PHOTOACOUSTIC PROBE - There is provided an object information acquiring apparatus that includes: an optical system forming light from a light source; an emission end emitting the light; a diffuser panel diffusing the emitted light; a spacer defining a distance between the diffuser panel and an object; a receiver receiving an acoustic wave generated from the object to which the light is emitted; and a processor acquiring information on inside of the object on the basis of the acoustic wave. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114172 | SUBJECT INFORMATION OBTAINING APPARATUS AND SUBJECT INFORMATION OBTAINING METHOD - A subject information obtaining apparatus and a subject information obtaining method are provided with which a resolution of a photoacoustic image can be improved even when an absorber arranged at a particular position with respect to a detector for photoacoustic waves is used. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114173 | INTEGRATION BETWEEN 3D MAPS AND FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGES - A coordinate system registration module, including radiopaque elements arranged in a fixed predetermined pattern and configured, in response to the radiopaque elements generating a fluoroscopic image, to define a position of the module in a fluoroscopic coordinate system of reference. The module further includes one or more connections configured to fixedly connect the module to a magnetic field transmission pad at a predetermined location and orientation with respect to the pad, so as to characterize the position of the registration module in a magnetic coordinate system of reference defined by the magnetic field transmission pad. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114174 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR QUANTIFICATION OF KNEE CARTILAGE FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - The present invention relates to systems, compositions, and methods for quantification of joint cartilage from magnetic resonance imaging. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a universal coordinate to identify informative locations in joints that reflect cartilage loss throughout the joint, reduce the burden of measuring joint cartilage, and allow for the calculation of a more sensitive measure of cartilage loss than traditional cartilage segmentation methods. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114175 | SUPERCONDUCTIVE ELECTROMAGNET APPARATUS AND COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has a plurality of cooling pipes disposed while being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal length of the coil assembly, a first manifold connected to a lower end of the plurality of cooling pipes to distribute and supply a coolant to the plurality of cooling pipes, and a second manifold connected to an upper end of the plurality of cooling pipes to be supplied with the coolant from the plurality of cooling pipes, thereby able to evenly cool off the coil assembly in a longitudinal direction thereof. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114176 | CT PERFUSION PHANTOM - A physical phantom reference to control for variability of computed tomography measurement results duplicates the density curve of blood perfusion of contrast material in a healthy aorta or large artery to normalize observed changes in healthy arterial blood perfusion when calculating the reduction in tumor blood perfusion between two examination times. In one embodiment, a plurality of compartments with different concentrations of contrast material corresponding to a density curve of blood perfusion of a healthy tissue are positioned-in a screening field of a CT machine so the CT machine images the compartments when it linages the healthy tissue. In another embodiment, a pipe containing fluid receives an injection of contrast material from the injector when the injector injects the contrast material into the patient, the pipe having sections of varying diameter so the sections together correspond to a blood perfusion curve of the contrast material in a healthy tissue. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114177 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPHY OF THE BREAST - A system and method for performing magnetic resonance elastography (MRE] of a patient's breasts is provided. An MRE driver configured to be placed on the sternum of the patient is used to impart mechanical energy to the sternum, which in turn generates shear waves in at least one of the patient's breasts. Such a driver is amenable to use with standard breast radio frequency (RF] coils without the need for modification of the existing breast RF coil hardware. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114178 | CONCURRENT FAT AND IRON ESTIMATION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE SIGNAL DATA - A computer-implemented method for concurrently estimating the amount of fat and iron in anatomical tissue from magnetic resonance (MR) signal data includes receiving a test signal representative of the anatomical tissue acquired using a MR pulse sequence type. A repository of reference signal data is generated. The repository comprises a plurality of reference signals derived by an MR signal simulation for a plurality of different transverse relaxation rates, a plurality of different fat fractions, and the MR pulse sequence type. A first reference signal is identified in the plurality of reference signals. The first reference signal provides a best match to the test signal based on one or more matching criteria. The repository is searched to determine a first transverse relaxation rate and a first fat fraction associated with the first reference signal. Then, the amount of fat and iron in the anatomical tissue is estimated based on the first transverse relaxation rate and the first fat fraction. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114179 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR POSITIONING AN IMPLANT - The present invention relates to a method for measuring or verifying the position of a medical implant located in an anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) relative to the body part(s) and/or structure(s) or specific points, landmarks or planes of the same, wherein a device is provided which has an at least partially known or previously determined geometry or at least partially known dimensions and is connected to the medical implant; positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) is acquired; the position of the medical implant is calculated using a navigation system and a reference structure which is or can be connected to the device; and the calculated position of the medical implant is related to or compared with the acquired positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) in order to measure or verify the position of the medical implant within or relative to the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s). | 2014-04-24 |
20140114180 | LIVE 3D ANGIOGRAM USING REGISTRATION OF A SURGICAL TOOL CURVE TO AN X-RAY IMAGE - A method, system, and program product are provided for providing a live 3D image of a body lumen. The 3D shape of a flexible surgical tool in the body lumen is determined using optical shape sensing. An x-ray image is taken of the body lumen, with at least one of the body lumen and the surgical tool being radiopaque. The determined 3D surgical tool shape is registered to the x-ray image. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114181 | TIME REVERSAL OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY FOR LOCATING TARGETS IN A HIGHLY SCATTERING TURBID MEDIUM - A time reversal optical tomography (TROT) method for near-infrared (NM) diffuse optical imaging of targets embedded in a highly scattering turbid medium is presented. TROT combines the basic symmetry of time reversal invariance and subspace-based signal processing for retrieval of target location. The efficacy of TROT is tested using simulated data and data obtained from NIR imaging experiments on absorptive, scattering and fluorescent targets embedded in Intralipid-20% suspension in water, as turbid medium, as well as, a realistic cancerous model breast assembled using ex vivo human breast tissues with two embedded tumors. The results demonstrate the potential of TROT for detecting and locating small targets in a turbid medium, such as, breast tumors in early stages of growth. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114182 | Opto-Acoustic Imaging Devices and Methods - In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114183 | COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) FLUOROSCOPY IMAGING SYSTEM USING A STANDARD INTENSITY CT SCAN WITH REDUCED INTENSITY CT SCAN OVERLAYS - A method for providing CT fluoroscopy of an internal procedure site during a medical procedure so as to visualize patient anatomy and a high-contrast medical element during the procedure without subjecting the patient to unacceptable quantities of X-ray radiation, comprising: (1) taking a standard intensity CT scan of the internal procedure site; (2) taking a reduced intensity CT scan of the procedure site while the high-contrast medical element is inserted into the procedure site; (3) extracting the high-contrast medical element portion of the reduced intensity CT scan from the reduced intensity CT scan; (4) merging the high-contrast medical element portion of the reduced intensity CT scan extracted in Step 3 with the standard intensity CT scan of the procedure site taken in Step 1 so as to provide a composite CT scan; (5) displaying the composite CT scan; and (6) returning to either Step 1 or Step 2. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114184 | DETERMINING A LUMINAL-FLOW-RELATED INDEX USING BLOOD VELOCITY DETERMINATION - Apparatus and methods are described for use with an imaging device ( | 2014-04-24 |
20140114185 | DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A LUMEN BY MEASURING TEMPORAL CHANGES IN CONTRAST AGENT DENSITY - Apparatus and methods for use with a set of angiographic images of a lumen of a subject's body are described. Temporal changes in a density of a contrast agent at a given location within the lumen are analyzed via image processing. In response to the analysis, a characteristic of the lumen at the location is determined, and, in response thereto, an output is generated. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114186 | MARKER OR FILLER FORMING FLUID - A system for at least partially filling and marking a cavity within a patient includes a delivery device. A quantity of marker forming fluid is located within the delivery device. The quantity of marker forming fluid is configured to at least partially fill the cavity and form therein a bioabsorbable body after delivery into the cavity from the delivery device. A radiopaque marker, separate from the quantity of marker forming fluid and releasably attached to a portion of the delivery device, is configured to be delivered into the quantity of marker forming fluid in the cavity from the delivery device and configured to remain in the bioabsorbable body upon the formation of the bioabsorbable body in the cavity. | 2014-04-24 |
20140114187 | ULTRASOUND DETECTOR AND DETECTING DEVICE FOR OPTOACOUSTIC OR THERMOACOUSTIC IMAGING - An ultrasound detector adapted for ultrasound detection with medical applications includes an optical waveguide, and at least one Bragg grating, created with a predetermined refractive index modulation amplitude in the optical waveguide, wherein the at least one Bragg grating includes a localized defect in periodicity so that a localized-light resonance portion is formed around the defect, and the localized-light resonance portion has spectral properties capable of being modulated in response to an ultrasound oscillation, wherein the optical waveguide is a non-amplifying optical medium, and the refractive index modulation amplitude is selected such that the localized-light resonance portion is concentrated at the defect in periodicity and the ultrasound oscillation can be sensed by the at least one Bragg grating with an acoustic sensitivity most of which being obtained over the localized-light resonance portion. | 2014-04-24 |