24th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120149951 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING FLUORINATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS - Disclosed are processes for the production of fluorinated olefins, preferably adapted to commercialization of CF | 2012-06-14 |
20120149952 | PRODUCTION OF DIESEL FUEL FROM VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL OILS - A process for producing a fuel composition from vegetable and/or animal oil comprises hydrodeoxygenating and hydroisomerizing the oil in a single step. The fuel composition has acceptable lubricity and comprises a mixture of C | 2012-06-14 |
20120149953 | PROCESS FOR MAKING A HIGH VISCOSITY BASE OIL WITH AN IMPROVED VISCOSITY INDEX - We provide a process, comprising oligomerizing one or more olefins having a boiling point less than 82° C. in a presence of an ionic liquid catalyst and one or more C5+ alpha olefins in a reactor to produce a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 36 mm | 2012-06-14 |
20120149954 | METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF HIGH-VALUE HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS FROM WASTE PLASTICS AND APPARATUS FOR METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF HIGH-VALUE HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS FROM WASTE PLASTICS - The subject of the invention is a method of production high-value hydrocarbon products from waste plastics and an apparatus for method of production high-value hydrocarbon products from waste plastics and an apparatus for the method. The method of obtaining in an inert gas atmosphere in which wastes are fed to the extruder and melted then depolymerized in thermolysis reactor and the depolymerization products vapors are conducted to preliminary separation unit in which preliminary separation takes place, according to invention is characterized in that obtained fractions are hydrorefmed and then conducted to the secondary separation unit and additional finishing operations unit. Apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that after preliminary separation unit ( | 2012-06-14 |
20120149955 | NOVEL PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF PALLADIUM-BASED CATALYSTS AND USE OF SAID CATALYSTS IN SELECTIVE HYDROGENATION - The invention concerns a novel process for the preparation of supported metallic catalysts in which the metallic phase is deposited in the form of agglomerates of nanoparticles of metallic oxide and forms a layer of fine thickness at the surface of the support. The process for the preparation of a catalyst comprises preparing in aqueous phase a colloidal suspension of agglomerates of nanoparticles of metallic oxide, then depositing that suspension on a porous support, drying the catalyst precursor obtained, and optionally calcining and reducing the precursor by means of any reducing compound. The invention also concerns the catalysts obtained by said process and their uses in reactions for the transformation of unsaturated organic compounds. The invention is applied to the refining field and more particularly to the treatment of gasolines obtained by steam cracking and/or obtained by catalytic cracking. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149956 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR OLIGOMERIZING ONE OR MORE HYDROCARBONS - One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oligomerizing one or more hydrocarbons. Usually, the process includes providing a feed including one or more C3 and C4 hydrocarbons to a separation zone, separating a first stream including an effective amount of C3 olefins for oligomerizing, separating a second stream including an effective amount of one or more C4 olefins for oligomerizing, providing at least a portion of the first stream to a first oligomerization zone for producing at least one of a C9 and a C12 hydrocarbon, and providing at least a portion of the second stream to a second oligomerization zone for producing at least one of a C8 and a C12 hydrocarbon. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149957 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR OLIGOMERIZING ONE OR MORE HYDROCARBONS - One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oligomerizing one or more hydrocarbons. The process can include providing a feed including one or more C3 and C4 hydrocarbons to a separation zone, separating at least a portion of C3 olefins, sending the C3 olefins to a first oligomerization zone for producing one or more C9 hydrocarbons, and returning at least a portion of an effluent from the first oligomerization zone to the separation zone. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149958 | Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Aromatics from Diverse Feedstock - The process relates to the use of any naphtha-range stream containing a portion of C8+ aromatics combined with benzene, toluene, and other non-aromatics in the same boiling range to produce toluene. By feeding the A8+ containing stream to a dealkylation/transalkylation/cracking reactor to increase the concentration of toluene in the stream, a more suitable feedstock for the methylation reaction can be produced. This stream can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the pygas stream from a steam cracker, “cat naphtha” from a fluid catalytic cracker, or the heavier portion of reformate. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149959 | Method to Adjust 2-Phenyl Content of an Alkylation Process for the Production of Linear Alkyl Benzene - A process is presented for controlling the output of monoalkylated benzenes. The alkylbenzenes are linear alkylbenzenes and the process controls the 2-phenyl content of the product stream. The control of the process to generate a linear alkylbenzene with a 2-phenyl content within a desired range by recycling a portion of the effluent from the alkylation reactor to the inlet of the reactor. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149960 | PRODUCTION OF STYRENE FROM ETHYLBENZENE USING AZEOTROPIC VAPORIZATION AND LOW OVERALL WATER TO ETHYLBENZENE RATIOS - A process for dehydrogenation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbon, including: contacting a reactant vapor stream, comprising an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and steam and having a first steam to alkylaromatic hydrocarbon ratio, with a dehydrogenation catalyst to form a vapor phase effluent comprising a product hydrocarbon, the steam, and unreacted alkylaromatic hydrocarbon; feeding at least a portion of the effluent to a splitter to separate the product hydrocarbon from the unreacted alkylaromatic hydrocarbon; recovered from the splitter as bottoms and overheads fractions, respectively; recovering heat from a first portion of said overheads fraction by indirect heat exchange with a mixture comprising alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and water to at least partially condense said portion and to form an azeotropic vaporization product comprising alkylaromatic vapor and steam having a second steam to alkylaromatic hydrocarbon ratio; and combining the azeotropic vaporization product with additional alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and additional steam, together or separately, to form the reactant vapor stream. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149961 | PROCESS FOR SEPARATING AT LEAST ONE OLIGOMERIZED EFFLUENT - One exemplary embodiment can be a process for separating at least one oligomerized effluent. The process can include providing an effluent from at least one of a first oligomerization zone for producing at least one of a C9 and a C12 hydrocarbon and a second oligomerization zone for producing at least one of a C8 and a C12 hydrocarbon, providing at least a portion of the effluent to a separation zone, and providing at least one stream from the separation zone to a hydrotreatment zone. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149962 | IN SITU REMOVAL OF IRON COMPLEXES DURING CRACKING - The presence of complexes predominantly of iron and one or more of chromium, nickel and oxygen and mixtures thereof on the surface of a stainless steel exposed to a feed stream containing hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures tends to give rise to decomposition products of the hydrocarbon. The amount of iron complexes may be reduced in situ without stopping the process by adding to the feed stream 0.001 to 1 vol % a silane and optionally from 0 to 500 ppm based on the weight of the feed stream of sulphur or a sulphur containing compound. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149963 | Process for the destruction of sulfur and nitrogen mustards and their homologous/analogous at ambient conditions - The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the destruction of small to large quantities of sulfur and nitrogen mustards and lewisite, their homologous/analogues, and similar chemical warfare agents at ambient conditions without producing any toxic by-products. The process uses the superoxide ion that is either electrochemically generated by the reduction of oxygen in ionic liquids or chemically by dissolving Group 1 (alkali metals) or Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) superoxides, e.g. potassium superoxide, in ionic liquids. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149964 | Process for the destruction of sulfur and nitrogen mustards, lewisite, and their homologous/analogues in deep eutectic solvents - The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the destruction of small to large quantities of sulfur and nitrogen mustards and lewisite, their homologous/analogues, and similar chemical warfare agents at ambient conditions without producing any toxic by-products. The process uses the superoxide ion that is either electrochemically generated by the reduction of oxygen in deep eutectic solvents or chemically by dissolving Group 1 (alkali metals) or Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) superoxides, e.g. potassium superoxide, in deep eutectic solvents. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149965 | Radiation Therapy Delivery System and Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning - The invention relates to a radiation therapy delivery system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body in which the delivery means displaces said at least one energy emitting source along a path through at least part of one of at least one catheter in a continuous motion using a pre-determined velocity profile along said paths, said velocity profile determined by solving an optimization problem in three-dimensions defined for a function describing the spatial dose distribution. The invention relates also to a radiation therapy treatment planning system and a method for generating a radiation treatment plan for use in effecting radiation therapy of an anatomical portion of an animal body in which the movement of the radiation source through the anatomical portion is continuous. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149966 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF METAL DISTURBANCE BASED ON CONTACT FORCE MEASUREMENT - Apparatus and method for detecting metal disturbance during a medical procedure has a probe having an insertion tube, a joint, and a joint sensor for sensing a position of the insertion tube. The joint sensor has first and second subassemblies as magnetic transducers. A processor is used for measuring force using the joint sensor, and a threshold field value stored therein. The processor receives and processes one or more signals output by either the first and second subassemblies responsive to a magnetic field so as to detect changes in a position of insertion tube. The processor compares the sensed field value to the threshold field value and identifies a presence of a metal object when the sensed field value is below the threshold field value. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149967 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF METAL DISTURBANCE BASED ON ORTHOGONAL FIELD COMPONENTS - Apparatus and method for detecting metal disturbance during a medical procedure includes a probe having an insertion tube, a joint and a joint sensor, contained within the probe, for sensing a position of the insertion tube. The joint sensor has first and second subassemblies that are magnetic transducers. A processor is used for measuring force using the joint sensor, and has a threshold field value stored therein. The processor compares a sensed field value to the threshold field value and identifies a presence metal when the sensed field value is greater than the threshold field value. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149968 | REGULATION OF STEM CELL GENE PRODUCTION WITH SPECIFIC AND SELECTIVE ELECTRIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - Methods and devices are described for the regulation of BMP 2 and 4, TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3, FGF-2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase mRNA in stem cells via capacitive coupling or inductive coupling of specific and selective electric and/or electromagnetic fields to the bone cells or other tissues containing the stem cells, where the specific and selective fields are generated by application of specific and selective signals to field generating devices disposed with respect to the stem cells so as to facilitate the treatment of diseased or injured bone and other tissues. The resulting methods and devices are useful for the targeted treatment of osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteonecrosis, fresh bone fractures, fractures at risk, nonunion, bone defects, spine fusion, and/or other conditions in which BMP 2 and 4, TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3, FGF-2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and/or protein deficiencies in stem cells has been implicated. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149969 | METHOD AND MORPHOLOGICALLY ADAPTABLE APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE CHARGE DISTRIBUTION UPON LIVING MEMBRANES WITH FUNCTIONAL STABILIZATION OF THE MEMBRANE PHYSICAL ELECTRICAL INTEGRITY - A method and morphologically adaptable apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes is provided. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders that can be focused at the site of pain or edema to deliver a gradient in the magnetic field to prevent or reduce charge flow. Further there is provided a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of disorders wherein the device provides a static magnetic field such that the focused magnetic field gradient is oriented to be perpendicular to the neuron or membrane charge flow providing maximum deflection of the ion or charge flow. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149970 | INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE - Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149971 | VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE - Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149972 | Personalized, electronically-conveyed self-improvement messaging - The invention features a computer for fostering self-improvement in a person. The computer includes means for electronically conveying an audible message to the person. The message includes content that is generated by the person and that relates to the person's self-improvement, and includes phrases generated by the person. At least a portion of the message is an audible voice, the person's own voice or the voice of the person's coach family member, coach, or other trusted individual. Alternatively, the voice can be computer-generated. The computer can also include, or be operationally connected to, a monitor which displays messages to the person relating to the person's self-improvement. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149973 | Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System - A protocol or procedure is provided for lowering sympathetic nervous system arousal in a person in order to prepare that person for a medical or dental procedure. First, a therapeutic dosage of one or more neurotransmitter supplements, such as a gamma aminobutyric acid formulation, a tryptophan-derived neurotransmitter precursor, and dehydroepiandrosterone are administered to the patient. Concomitantly, gelled electrodes are placed adjacent or below the mastoid. The gelled electrodes are connected to a cranial electrotherapy stimulation device that administers a sub-sensation level current to the patient. Also, a noise dampening headset is placed on the patient and a neuroacoustic entrainment recording or program is played. Next, light is blocked with black out glasses. Then, the medical or dental procedure is performed. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149974 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF INCONTINENCE AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149975 | LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND - An adjustable gastric band (AGB) positionable around a human stomach to limit the flow of food therethrough is provided with an improved structure for receiving and retaining suture from the stomach to the gastric restrictive device and thereby enabling a safer gastro-gastric plication while simultaneously preventing movement of the gastric fundus relative to the gastric restrictive device while additionally reducing the risk of tissue in-growth around and through the fenestrations, apertures or interstices of prior adjustable gastric band (AGB) structures for receiving and retaining sutures, which will render this embodiment safer in regard to the need for any potential revision procedures which may require relocating, removing or replacing the adjustable gastric bands in the future as well as enabling a safer gastro-gastricbuttress plication which will reduce the incidence of both “slippage” and “erosion.” | 2012-06-14 |
20120149976 | SURGICAL ARTICLES AND METHODS - Described are devices, implants, kits, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions such as urinary in incontinence, in a male or a female patient. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149977 | PELVIC IMPLANT WITH SUSPENDING SYSTEM - A urethral stabilization system includes a support member adapted to be implanted into a patient to support a urethra. The support member has a first end and a second end. A first suspending member is attached between the first end of the support member and a first stabilizer and a second suspending member attached between the second end of the support member and a second stabilizer. A first thread member continuously extends between a first end that is attached to the first stabilizer and a second end that is free. A second thread member continuously extends between a first end that is attached to the second stabilizer and a second end that is free. The first and second stabilizers are configured to be advanced into the tissue to increase tension applied to the support member and withdrawn through the tissue to decrease tension applied to the support member. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149978 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR LUNG TREATMENT - Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149979 | Needle Capture Device - A needle capture device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, a housing at the distal ends of the shaft and tubular member, and a capture mechanism situated within housing. The housing has an alternating arrangement of flights and spaces radially arrayed about its exterior dimensioned to be closely received within an endoscopic instrument channel so as to coaxially orient said housing with the instrument channel. The capture mechanism has a first configuration in which it is adapted to receive and retain a needle presented into the distal end of the instrument channel, and a second configuration in which it is adapted to release the needle from the instrument channel. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149980 | VIDEO CRICOTHYROTOMY CAMERA AND CANNULA SYSTEM - A substantially rigid cannula having a channel configured to sequentially house a slidably removable video camera and to provide a ventilating airway upon sealable engagement of a ventilation extension with the channel after the camera is removed. The camera is connected with a monitor to guide the placement of the cannula and its placement within the tracheal lumen. Upon engagement with the channel and a ventilating source, a breathable airway is established through the cannula. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149981 | MAGNETICALLY MANEUVERABLE IN-VIVO DEVICE - An in-vivo device includes a magnetic steering unit (MSU) to maneuver it by an external electromagnetic field. The MSU may include a permanent magnets assembly to produce a magnetic force for navigating the device. The MSU may include a magnets carrying assembly (MCA) to accommodate the permanent magnet(s). The MCA may be designed to generate eddy currents, in response to AC magnetic field, to apply a repelling force. The in-vivo device may also include a multilayered imaging and sensing printed circuit board (MISP) to capture and transmit images. The MISP may include a sensing coil assembly (SCA) to sense electromagnetic fields to determine a location/orientation/angular position of the in-vivo device. Data representing location/orientation/angular position of the device may be used by a maneuvering system to generate a steering magnetic field to steer the in-vivo device from one location or state to another location or state. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149982 | Access Device for Surgery - The present invention provides an access device for surgery. The access device includes a guide member and a head member. The guide member and head member define a channel configured to receive and guide a sterile flexible scope with a working channel. The guide member and head member cooperate to extend through a small opening of 2 cm or less to access tissue structures. The head member may include surfaces to separate a pericardium from a surface of the heart, stabilize a beating heart and, with the endoscope, provide visibility for the implantation of a therapeutic such as stem cells to the surface of the heart with improved safety and accuracy. Ranges of other diagnostic, application of therapeutics or biologics, and observational applications may be facilitated by the access device, such as TMR, ablation, echo-probe diagnostics, LAA isolation, observation of the same procedures, etc. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149983 | ENDOSCOPIC CANNULA AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present disclosure provides methods and systems for endoscopic visualization inside the human body and performing clinical procedures under endoscopic guidance. In one embodiment, an endoscopic cannula of the present disclosure may include an elongated body having a channel along which an endoscope can be advanced. The cannula further includes a tip about a distal end of the elongated body, which can be inflated from a substantially firm collapsed state to an expanded state. The cannula also includes a tube situated within the channel and attached at its distal end to a distal region of the tip to permit forward advancement of the tube along with the tip when the tip is expanded. The tube in combination with the channel form a working conduit for passing surgical instruments beyond the tip. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149984 | Heat-and Fire-Resistant Container for Holding Endoscope During Surgical Operation - The invention, referred to commercially as the “Endosleeve,” is a heat- and fire-resistant holster, holder or sleeve to secure and protect an endoscope during a medical or surgical operation. The Endosleeve consists of several components: a clamp or other mechanism that attaches the Endosleeve to the operating table; flexible tubing, which connects the clamp to the actual holster in which the endoscope is placed and which allows the physician to move the Endosleeve as necessary; and a holster that is fire and heat resistant, protecting the physician and patient from operating room fires. There is currently no such safety device to safely hold an endoscope during a medical or surgical procedure. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149985 | ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM - A body-insertable apparatus comprising:
| 2012-06-14 |
20120149986 | MEDICAL APPARATUS EMPLOYING FLEXIBLE LIGHT STRUCTURES - A method of manufacture and medical apparatus that provides an apparatus useful in illuminating at least a portion of a lumen of a body. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible member and a polymer encasement portion encasing a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters may be electrically coupled to one another without the use of wire bonds, and in some embodiments may be coupled without intervening electrical paths or traces. A maximum cross-sectional dimension of the polymer encasement portion may be less than twice a dimension of one of the light emitters. In some embodiments the maximum cross-sectional dimension is less than or equal to the sum of the dimension of one of the light emitters and a marginal dimension by which an outer portion of the polymer encasement portion extends beyond the light emitter. Light emitters may be arranged linearly, helically or in partially overlapping back-to-back relation. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149987 | SEAL ANCHOR FOR USE IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract. The seal anchor member defines a longitudinal axis, and has leading and trailing ends with at least one longitudinal port extending therebetween adapted for reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object. The seal anchor member may comprise a memory foam material and may include a plurality of longitudinal ports. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149988 | Self-Sealing Surgical Tool - A surgical tool that is self sealing. The surgical tool includes a body and a sealing disc. The body includes a tube positioned at a distal end and a hub at a proximal end. Furthermore, the body includes a sealing disc receiving space positioned through a sidewall of the hub. The sealing disc is securable within the sealing disc receiving space. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149989 | SURGICAL ACCESS APARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149990 | DEVICES FOR PERFORMING BLEPHAROPLASTY AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A blepharoplasty device includes a handle member, an elongate, curved first jaw member coupled to the handle member and having a first tissue contacting surface, and an elongate, curved second jaw member coupled to the handle member and having a second tissue contacting surface. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between a closed position and an open position to capture eyelid tissue and facilitate the cutting and subsequent reattachment of the eyelid tissue. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149991 | METHOD OF USING A SURGICAL TISSUE RETRACTOR - A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.). | 2012-06-14 |
20120149992 | Organic Light Emitting Diode Illuminated Surgical Retractor - A retractor having a housing having a handle portion at a first end and a blade portion at a second, opposite end. The retractor includes a light system having an organic light source for illuminating the blade portion. The light system is positioned within the housing such that it is fully encased by said housing. A pair of polarized light panels are attached to the blade portion for varying direction of light from the blade portion. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149993 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USER PROFILING FROM GATHERING USER DATA THROUGH INTERACTION WITH A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A system, method, and wireless communication device that profiles a user thereof, or a user at a second wireless communication device in communication therewith. The wireless communication device gathers user data for a user thereof, or from a user at a second wireless communication device, and either directly generates, or has generated elsewhere, a user profile, such as a personality or psychological profile, or medical diagnosis of the user, and can display the user profile to the user and/or alter the wireless communication device functionality based upon the user profile. The gathered user data can be from physical user interaction with the wireless communication device, or from other equipment resident at the wireless communication device, such as a camera and medical diagnostic devices. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149994 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINATION BASED ON OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - A system and method for processing a cuff pressure waveform to determine the blood pressure of a patient. The processing unit of the NIBP monitoring system receives status signals from one or more physiological parameter monitors. The physiological parameter monitors each include an operating algorithm that causes the physiological parameter monitor to generate a status signal indicating whether artifacts are present that prevent the determination of the physiological parameter. When the processing unit receives the monitoring signal from the physiological parameter monitor indicating the presence of artifacts, the processing unit adjusts the operation of the NIBP monitor. The adjustment of the NIBP monitor may be to delay the beginning of the NIBP determination cycle until artifacts are no longer present from the physiological parameter monitor or to control the cuff pressure in such a manner as to keep the patient safe and comfortable until the artifacts are no longer present. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149995 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149996 | Method and apparatus for providing derived glucose information utilizing physiological and/or contextual parameters - Systems and methods for non-invasively determining parameters related to blood glucose are disclosed. Embodiments are disclosed wherein a wearable sensor device comprises non-invasive sensors generating various sensed data which is then utilized to determine a glucose-related parameter. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149997 | SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - The present invention involves a method and an apparatus for analyzing measured signals, including the determination of a measurement of oxygen saturation and respiration rate in the measured signals during a calculation of a physiological parameter of a monitored patient. Use of this invention is described in particular detail with respect to oximetry-based measurements. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149998 | MEASUREMENT OF PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - A method of determining one or more physiological parameter of a patient by providing a plurality of implantable electrodes proximate a blood vessel of the patient, applying a measurement signal through the plurality of electrodes, the measurement signal having a known parameter, obtaining a resultant signal through the plurality of electrodes, the resultant signal having a resultant parameter, calculating vascular impedance based on the measurement signal and the resultant signal, and calculating a physiological parameter based on the vascular impedance. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is utilized to modify a therapy signal controlling therapy delivered to the patient. | 2012-06-14 |
20120149999 | Tissue penetration device - A sampling module includes a module body portion with a lancet channel, a lancet slidably disposed within the lancet channel. A cover sheet is disposed over the lancet and a lancet channel that captures the lancet shaft in the lancet channel, and a sample reservoir for collection of a sample obtained by lancing a patient with the lancet. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150000 | Non-Invasive Monitoring Device - The invention concerns a device for non invasive monitoring of the concentration of a constituent of a human or animal bloodstream. In the preferred example the device comprises drive circuitry ( | 2012-06-14 |
20120150001 | Hyaluronic acid based glucose monitoring - The invention provides a method for using OCT human tissue scan data for tracking a scan structure in depth, follow change in structure position within an OCT scan from, for example, fasting glucose level to peak glucose level and back down again, and relate the structure position change to analyte concentration. In the preferred embodiment, the analyte of interest is glucose concentration and the target of interest is living human skin. A hyaluronic acid based mechanism is suggested for dermis thickness. Alternate embodiments of the method are presented, including curve fitting of topographic regions corresponding to trackable target features. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150002 | Systems and Methods Utilizing Plethysmographic Data for Distinguishing Arterial and Venous Saturations - Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for using the PG waveform to determine peripheral venous and arterial saturations. Generally, saturations are determined by isolating an indicator of venous or arterial blood volume in each of a plurality of PG waveforms and using the isolated indicators to determine saturation in the corresponding region of the vasculature. Indicators may include respiratory induced variations of AC and/or DC components of the PG waveforms, peaks of the PG waveforms, troughs of the PG waveforms, venous pulsations of the PG waveforms, etc. Indicators may further be isolated in either the time or frequency domain. The isolated indicators may advantageously be normalized, e.g., based on a baseline of the PG waveform or a derivative thereof. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150003 | System Non-invasive Cardiac Output Determination - A system determines cardiac output and stroke volume by using non-invasive oximetric signals, such as SPO2 data and waveform, to determine blood flow quantitatively. A non-invasive system determines cardiac output or stroke volume. The system includes an input processor for receiving signal data representing oxygen content of blood of a patient at a particular anatomical location. A computation processor uses the received signal data in calculating a heart stroke volume of the patient comprising volume of blood transferred through the blood vessel in a heart cycle, in response to, a blood volume derived in response to oxygen content of patient blood and at least one factor representing reduction in blood flow volume from a patient heart to the particular anatomical location. An output processor provides data representing the calculated heart stroke volume to a destination device. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150004 | Transdermal Sampling and Analysis Device - Transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system are provided for non-invasively and transdermally obtaining biological samples from a subject and determining levels of analytes of the obtained biological samples. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may cause disruption to the skin cells to create capillary-like channels from which biological samples may flow to the transdermal sampling and analysis device. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may collect the biological samples in a reservoir where the biological sample may chemically react with a biologically reactive element. A sensor may convert the produced electrons (ions) into measured electrical signals. The converted signals may be measured and the levels of an analyte may be determined based on the measured signals. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150005 | Analyte Sensors with a Sensing Surface Having Small Sensing Spots - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a sensing surface that includes two or more sensing elements disposed laterally to each other, where the sensing surface is on a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150006 | STIMULI RESPONSIVE MEMBRANE - There is provided a glucose responsive membrane comprising a nanoporous support substrate and a coating of a glucose responsive hydrogel attached to a surface of the nanoporous substrate. There are also provided methods for the preparation of the glucose responsive membrane and a medical device for the monitoring or regulation of glucose levels in a patient comprising the membrane. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150007 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150008 | ELECTRODE WITH REDUNDANT IMPEDANCE REDUCTION - An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150009 | Lead For An Active Implantable Medical Device Wtih A Chip For Electrode Multiplexing - A lead for active implantable medical devices comprising a chip, notably for electrode multiplexing. The lead ( | 2012-06-14 |
20120150010 | MONITORING UTERINE ACTIVITY - An apparatus and method for detecting uterine activity uses cutaneous electrodes on the maternal abdomen to obtain electrophysiological signals that can be used to obtain fetal and maternal heart rate. The apparatus includes a first input for receiving electrical signals from the cutaneous electrodes and a second input for receiving movement signals indicative of a movement of the maternal body from a movement detector. A signal processor separates a uterine electromyogram signal from fetal and maternal heart rate signals and filters out motion artefacts from the electromyogram using the movement signals. An output presents electrohysterogram (EHG) data from the uterine electromyogram signal. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150011 | BIOMEDICAL ELECTRODE - A biomedical electrode is disclosed that includes at least first and second electrical nodes for connection to medical equipment. The biomedical electrode includes a first electrical node including a disc of conductive material having a diameter d | 2012-06-14 |
20120150012 | ACOUSTIC WAVE MEASURING APPARATUS - An acoustic wave measuring apparatus includes a plate pressed against a subject, a probe that has an acoustic wave conversion unit for receiving an acoustic wave emitted from the subject through the plate to convert into an electric signal, a seal member provided on the probe so as to enclose a periphery of the acoustic wave conversion unit for forming a space to hold lubricant between the plate and the acoustic wave conversion unit, a providing unit that provides the lubricant into the space formed by the seal member and a lubricant monitoring unit that detects whether the space is filled with the lubricant. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150013 | PHOTOACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT OF ANALYTE CONCENTRATION IN THE EYE - An in vivo determination of the presence or concentration of an endogenous or exogenous substance by photoacoustically assaying the substance in the eye and correlating the presence or concentration of the substance in the eye to the presence or concentration of the substance in the blood, without removing a tissue or fluid sample from the body for assay. The eye, unlike other body sites such as the skin, has a relatively constant pressure and temperature, providing an additional utility for the inventive method. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150014 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NONINVASIVELY MONITORING CONDITIONS OF A SUBJECT - A method and system are presented for use in determining one or more parameters of a subject. A region of interest of the subject is irradiated with acoustic tagging radiation, which comprises at least one acoustic tagging beam. At least a portion of the region of interest is irradiated with at least one electromagnetic beam of a predetermined frequency range. Electromagnetic radiation response of the at least portion of the region of interest is detected and measured data indicative thereof is generated. The detected response comprises electromagnetic radiation tagged by the acoustic radiation. This enables processing of the measured data indicative of the detected electromagnetic radiation response to determine at least one parameter of the subject in a region corresponding to the locations in the medium at which the electromagnetic radiation has been tagged by the acoustic radiation, and outputting data indicative of the at least one determined parameter. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150015 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING HEALING ADJACENT TO IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of detecting healing adjacent to an implanted medical device can first include pre-treating a surface of the medical device prior to implantation, thereby defining a pre-treated surface of the medical device. Then, subsequent to implantation, a portion of the pre-treated surface that is not covered by endothelial tissue is detected by a detection device. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150016 | IMAGE GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY SYSTEM AND SHIELDED RADIO FREQUENCY DETECTOR COIL FOR USE THEREIN - A radiation therapy system includes a radiation source capable of generating a beam of radiation; a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising at least one radiofrequency detector coil; and an electrically grounded dielectric material between the radiation source and the radiofrequency detector coil for shielding the at least one radiofrequency detector coil from the beam of radiation. Also disclosed is a radiofrequency detector coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus sheathed at least in part by a dielectric material that is adapted to be electrically grounded. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150017 | OPEN PET/MRI HYBRID MACHINE - A PET/MRI hybrid machine that combines a PET device with an MRI device, includes: an open PET device that has a PET field of view at least part of which is an open space accessible from outside; and an open MRI device that has an MRI field of view at least part of which is an open space accessible from outside, and the open space of the PET field of view and the open space of the MRI field of view are allowed to overlap each other at least in part. This makes it possible to simultaneously measure and image the same open space accessible from outside by the PET device and the MRI device, thereby acquiring functional information and morphological information at the same time. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150018 | SHIELD TYPE RADIATION THERAPY AND IMAGING HYBRID DEVICE - A shielding structure against nuclear fragments (referred to as a shield) is operated according to ON and OFF of beam irradiation so as to reduce incidence of nuclear fragments on detectors during beam irradiation. This enables measurement of annihilation radiations and three-dimensional imaging of the irradiation field immediately after irradiation or even during irradiation. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150019 | MRI BY DIRECT TRANSVERSE HYPERPOLARIZATION USING LIGHT ENDOWED WITH ORBITAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM - A magnetic resonance system includes a main magnet ( | 2012-06-14 |
20120150020 | Microcoil Construction - A microcoil is manufactured by rolling a trace unit in such a way as to form at least one winding. The trace unit is comprised of a conductive trace attached to a flexible insulating film. A preferred embodiment of the microcoil contains both a first winding and a second winding electrically connected and spaced apart by ajoining portion. The microcoil may be used for internal magnetic resonance imaging of patient by attaching the microcoil to a catheter. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150021 | IDENTIFYING CRITICAL CFAE SITES USING CONTACT MEASUREMENT - A method for mapping includes receiving electrical inputs measured by a probe at respective locations in a chamber of a heart of a subject. The electrical inputs are processed to identify complex fractionated electrograms. At each of the respective locations, a respective contact quality between the probe and a tissue in the chamber is measured. A map of the complex fractionated electrograms in the chamber is created using the electrical inputs and the measured contact quality. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150022 | PROBE TRACKING USING MULTIPLE TRACKING METHODS - A method, including: receiving an input indicative of respective apparent locations of a plurality of points disposed along a length of a probe inside a body of a subject, and applying a model of known mechanical properties of the probe to the respective apparent locations so as to minimize a first cost function with respect to shapes that can be assumed by the probe in the body. The method further includes choosing a shape responsively to the minimized first cost function and determining preliminary coordinates of the apparent locations responsively to the shape, minimizing a second cost function with respect to differences between the apparent locations and the preliminary coordinates, and generating corrected coordinates of the points along the length of the probe based on the minimized second cost function. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150023 | MICRONEEDLE ARRAYS FOR ACTIVE AGENT DELIVERY - The present invention provides for microneedle arrays and related systems and methods. Particularly, microneedle arrays that are configured to deliver active agents, including nucleic acids and vaccines, are provided. Additional related methods of vaccinating and minimizing the amount of vaccine necessary for effective inoculation are also provided. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150024 | TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY CAPSULE - An imaging system, including a capsule, configured to enter an esophagus of a patient, having an ultrasonic transducer configured to image tissue of the patient. The system further includes an applicator tube configured to enter the esophagus, the tube being attachable to the capsule for positioning the capsule within the esophagus, and being detachable from the capsule after positioning of the capsule so as to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the esophagus while the capsule remains in position in the esophagus. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150025 | Image Registration Using Interventional Devices - A system receives an image volume of a patient. A catheter applied to the patient contains at least one sensor, which may be a microcoil and which is detectable in the image volume. A size and a shape of a region of interest are pre-defined. A processor determines a location of the at least one sensor in the image volume. The image volume is generated by a medical imaging device. The processor defines the shape and size of the region of interest relative to the location of the at least one sensor to determine the region of interest in the image volume. Image data of the region of interest in the image volume and of the region of interest in a previous image volume are registered. The region of interest is determined during an interventional procedure on the patient. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150026 | IMAGING SYSTEM - A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT - A method of assessing a lung compartment of a patient may involve: advancing a diagnostic catheter into a lung airway leading to a first sub-compartment of the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member disposed on the diagnostic catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the first sub-compartment; introducing a diagnostic gas into the first sub-compartment; and recording a perfusion value of the diagnostic gas within the first sub-compartment. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150028 | System and Method of Chemical Imaging Using Puled Laser Excitation and Time-Gated Detection to Determine Tissue Margins During Surgery - System and method for differentiating tissue margins in a biological sample using pulsed laser excitation and time-gated detection. A region containing a biological tissue is irradiated with substantially monochromatic pulsed laser light to thereby produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are detected using time-gated detection to thereby obtain a Raman spectroscopic image from the irradiated region characteristic of either a neoplastic portion or a non-neoplastic portion of the region containing the biological tissue. A boundary between a neoplastic portion and a non-neoplastic portion is differentiated and the boundary location in the Raman spectroscopic image is displayed. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150029 | System and Method for Detection and Monitoring of Ocular Diseases and Disorders using Optical Coherence Tomography - A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and patients with ocular diseases and disorders. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150030 | Instruments, Methods and Systems for Harvesting and Implanting Cartilage Material - The present disclosure provides instruments and systems for accessing and removing hyaline cartilage from desired donor sites. The present disclosure also provides instruments/systems for implantation of hyaline cartilage grafts, e.g., to fill osteochondral defects. The apparatus/systems may be used in connection with mapping techniques and systems. Thus, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a clinician may be guided in his use of the disclosed apparatus/systems by articular joint surface mapping data in locating/identifying harvest sites for “best fit” grafts, i.e., grafts that exhibit desired geometric and/or surface attributes for use in particular implantation site(s). Alternatively, the disclosed instruments/systems may be employed to access anatomical sites independent of such mapping techniques/systems. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150031 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO IDENTIFY VULNERABLE PLAQUES WITH THERMAL WAVE IMAGING OF HEATED NANOPARTICLES - Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for the thermal imaging of cells with nanoparticles. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150032 | Sequence Variants Associated with Prostate Specific Antigen Levels - Certain sequence variants have been found to be useful for correcting Prostate Specific Antigen levels in humans. The invention provides diagnostic applications based on such correction, including methods of diagnosis of prostate cancer. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150033 | ANTIMICROBIAL ULTRASOUND TRANSMISSION GEL - An antimicrobial ultrasound transmitting gel has an ultrasound-transmitting gel and an effective amount of one or more antimicrobial additives. The gel may further include one or more skin cleansers to provide a gel that may be used to both decontaminate the skin and for the performance of the ultrasound. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150034 | System and Method for Fusing Three Dimensional Image Data from a Plurality of Different Imaging Systems for Use in Diagnostic Imaging - A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150035 | Method and Apparatus for the Selective Treatment of Tissue - A HIFU System ( | 2012-06-14 |
20120150036 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING A THREE DIMENSIONAL VOLUME - A method of ultrasound imaging includes acquiring plural groups of ultrasound data sets in an imaged volume that at least partially encompasses an object. The groups of ultrasound data sets include ultrasound image data obtained by transmitting one or more ultrasound pulses from one or more transducer elements into different zones of the imaged volume. The method also includes arranging the ultrasound data sets into one or more temporal groups based on when the ultrasound data sets are acquired. The ultrasound data sets in each temporal group are acquired during a common time period. The method further includes constructing a three-dimensional image of the object based on the ultrasound data sets in at least one of the temporal groups. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150037 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a location sensor that detects a location of the ultrasound probe, and a location calculation device configured to calculate a location of echo data in a first three-dimensional coordinate system having a certain point as an origin based on the probe location. A deformation calculation device performs a deformation calculation to deform a shape of the body tissue in either an ultrasound image or a medical image captured by a medical imaging apparatus other than the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to a shape of the body tissue of the other image. A display image control device performs a coordinate conversion between the coordinate system of the ultrasound image and a coordinate system of the medical image and displays a deformed image based on the deformation calculation and the other image about a same cross-section on a display device. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150038 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe which transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject, receives ultrasonic echoes generated by reflection of the ultrasonic waves on the subject and outputs ultrasound image signals includes a case having a grip portion set therein and functional units disposed in the case. The functional units include an ultrasonic wave-generating unit, at least one integrated circuit board and a battery. The battery disposed in the case at a position corresponding to the grip portion ensures the safety of operators from heat generated in the at least one integrated circuit board and the like. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150039 | ULTRASOUND VOLUME PROBE NAVIGATION AND CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE - An ultrasound volume probe navigation and control method is provided. The method includes acquiring scan data in a three-dimensional scan mode, forming a navigation view based on a three-dimensional matrix formed by the scan data in beam space, determining a critical area on the navigation view, and navigating and controlling the ultrasound volume probe based on whether a blood vessel is in the critical area. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150040 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY CONTROLLING A FRAME INTERVAL BETWEEN ULTRASOUND SCANNING FRAMES FOR AN ULTRASOUND ELASTICITY IMAGING SCAN - An apparatus, system and method for adaptively controlling a frame interval between ultrasound scanning frames of an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting ultrasound beams to a subject during an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan, and a receiver for receiving ultrasound beam echoes from the subject responsive to transmitted ultrasound beams. The system also includes a processor for processing a plurality of the ultrasound beam echoes to determine a strain variation of the tissue undergoing strain, calculating a value for an ultrasound scanning frame interval adapted for imaging the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation, and setting the value of the ultrasound scanning frame interval for acquiring ultrasound elasticity images of the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150041 | CELL AND CHANNEL OF ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER, AND ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER INCLUDING THE SAME - A cell of an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The cell includes a substrate; a supporting portion disposed on the substrate; a thin film spaced apart from the substrate and the supporting portion; and a connection portion which connects the supporting portion and the thin film. The connection portion may include a deformation portion that is elastically deformable. A channel of the ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of cells arranged in an array. The ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of channels arranged in an array. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150042 | VACUUM-PUMP SUCKER - This invention relates to a vacuum-pump sucker for high-resolution microscopy comprising a sucker body and a transparent plate. The vacuum-pump sucker is designed as a stabilizer for sample stabilization in a clinical optical virtual biopsy system with sub-micron resolution. The sucker is connected with a vacuum pump. As the vacuum pump pumps out air or gas, tissues around the imaged area will be sucked by the sucker and the distance between objective lens and the imaged tissue can be stabilized. In this way, the stability and resolution of the clinical biopsy system can be greatly improved. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150043 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING FLUORESCENT LIGHT IMAGES - An imaging system divides image pixels intensities by exposure time to generate image data in units of intensity per time. The imaging system divides a fluorescent light image in intensity per time units by an excitation light image in intensity per time units to provide a quantitative corrected fluorescent light image that is generally invariant to position of an imaging instrument relative to a biological tissue being imaged. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150044 | PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICE AND METHOD - Disclosed is a phototherapy device including: a pixel unit to irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength to a skin, detect a skin reflection light of the light irradiated to the skin, and convert the detected skin reflection light into an electrical signal; an image processor to use the electrical signals to generate skin image information; and a control unit to control light intensity irradiated to the skin for a skin diagnosis or a skin disease therapy based on the skin image information, or to determine a two-dimensional distribution of the light. The phototherapy device of the present disclosure simultaneously provides the diagnosis and therapy of the skin disease. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150045 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR FLUORESCENT OBSERVATION - An endoscope system is disclosed for detecting fluorescent light emitted in the near-infrared region by a plurality of fluorescent labeling materials introduced into a living tissue. An illumination system generates illumination light in the wavelength range 600 nm-2000 nm which serves as excitation light for the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials, and a detection system that can separately detect different ones of the plurality of fluorescent light emissions that are emitted at different wavelengths from among the plurality of fluorescent labeling materials is provided. The endoscope system may include a conventional-type endoscope having an insertion section, or a capsule endoscope that wirelessly transmits image data. By superimposing the image data obtained using reflected light in the visible region and fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescent labeling materials, improved diagnostic capabilities are provided. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150046 | TISSUE CONTRAST IMAGING SYSTEMS - Tissue contrast imaging systems are described which detect differences in tissue contrasts to obtain images of the tissue region. The systems may be used to obtain images of the cardiac tissues particularly in a blood-filled environment. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150047 | PULSE WAVE SENSOR - Among the technical characteristics disclosed in this specification, the pulse wave sensor with one of the technical characteristic includes a construction to detect the pulse wave at a wrist (i.e., a construction to measure the pulse wave to be worn at the wrist). To be more concrete, the pulse wave sensor includes a measurement unit to measure the pulse wave, a power source unit to supply power to the measurement unit, a cable to connect between the measurement unit and the power source unit electrically, and a armlet type housing to contain the measurement unit, the power source unit, and the cable. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150048 | VASCULAR ANALYSIS METHODS AND APPARATUS - According to some aspects, a method of identifying a boundary of a portion of a vasculature is provided, the vasculature comprising a geometric representation of a plurality of vessels. The method comprises logically dividing the geometric representation into a plurality of regions, determining at least one feature within each of the plurality of regions, and defining the boundary of the portion of the vasculature based, at least in part, on the at least one feature determined within each of the plurality of regions, wherein the boundary forms a volume defining a separation between inside and outside of the portion of the vasculature. According to some aspects, a method of performing vascular analysis using a geometric representation of a plurality of vessels of the vasculature is provided. The method comprises computing a boundary of a portion of the vasculature based on the geometric representation, logically dividing the geometric representation within the boundary into a plurality of regions, and analyzing at least one feature for each of the plurality of regions within the boundary. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150049 | IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT TO MONITOR ORGAN PERFUSION OR HEMODYNAMIC STATUS - An implantable medical device system and associated method deliver drive signals having different frequencies to establish vector fields comprising an arterial volume and a venous volume corresponding to targeted portion of a patient's body. Impedance signals are determined in response to drive signals having different frequencies. Impedance parameter values are determined over time. A change in the hemodynamic status of a targeted portion of the patient's body is identified in response to the impedance parameter values. | 2012-06-14 |
20120150050 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING STROKE VOLUME OF THE HEART USING BIO-IMPEDANCE TECHNIQUES - A method of estimating stroke volume of the heart is described. In this method, the volume of the heart is estimated from electrical impedance data of the chest, at two different phases of the cardiac cycle. The stroke volume is estimated from the difference between the volumes estimated at the two phases. | 2012-06-14 |