Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090088603 | ROTATION ACTUATOR FOR ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for rotating an end effector on a long, flexible medical device. The methods and devices utilize an actuator mechanism that is effective to rotate an end effector on the distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The actuator mechanism is movable between a freely rotatable position and a rotationally resistant position. When the actuator mechanism is in a freely rotatable position, the actuator mechanism can be rotated to impart torque to the end effector, and thus at least a distal portion of the elongate shaft, to cause the end effector to rotate. In order to prevent the actuator mechanism from “freewheeling,” wherein the actuator mechanism freely rotates in an opposite direction upon release rather than the end effector rotating in the desired direction, the actuator mechanism can be moved to the rotationally resistant position. | 04-02-2009 |
20100042141 | ROTATION ACTUATOR FOR ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for rotating an end effector on a long, flexible medical device. The methods and devices utilize an actuator mechanism that is effective to rotate an end effector on the distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The actuator mechanism is movable between a freely rotatable position and a rotationally resistant position. When the actuator mechanism is in a freely rotatable position, the actuator mechanism can be rotated to impart torque to the end effector, and thus at least a distal portion of the elongate shaft, to cause the end effector to rotate. In order to prevent the actuator mechanism from “freewheeling,” wherein the actuator mechanism freely rotates in an opposite direction upon release rather than the end effector rotating in the desired direction, the actuator mechanism can be moved to the rotationally resistant position. | 02-18-2010 |
20100088877 | MEDICAL DEVICE ACTUATORS - The present invention provides a flexible actuator, and methods for manufacturing and using a flexible actuator, for transmitting high loads from a user to an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible actuator can extend from a handle of a medical device to an end effector located on a distal end of the device. The actuator can include a head formed on a terminal end thereof with at least one planar surface that is approximately coplanar with an outer surface of the flexible actuator. In use, the actuator can be coupled to a medical device having an end effector located on a distal end thereof. Tension applied to the actuator can be effective to actuate the end effector. | 04-15-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090328016 | GENERALIZED EXPRESSION TREES - Expression tree versatility and applicability are enhanced to facilitate programming across various program languages and execution contexts. An expression tree can represent programmatic code as data in a representation common to multiple process mechanisms. As a result, entire programs or portions thereof can be captured and processed by a numerous common language components. Further, language specific concepts can be reduced to the common representation to enable language independent employment. | 12-31-2009 |
20110307874 | CREATING TEXT FUNCTIONS FROM A SPREADSHEET - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for creating text functions form a spreadsheet. Embodiments of the invention extract functions from spreadsheets and represent the functions in textual form. Representation in textual form promotes code reuse, clarify, expressive power, and better performance. Text can be rendered in virtually any programming language, such as, for example, C#, C++, Visual Basic (“VB”), etc. In some embodiments, programming language extensibility to support spreadsheet compatible data types and functions is utilized. | 12-15-2011 |
20110314461 | IMPLEMENTING PARALLEL LOOPS WITH SERIAL SEMANTICS - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing parallel loops with serial semantics. Embodiments of the invention provide a semantic transforms and codegen patterns that provide more efficient parallel loop implementations with serial loop semantics. Embodiments of the invention support assignments within for-loop bodies, support break/return constructs within for-loop bodies, and run transformations to covert serial constructs to parallel constructs. | 12-22-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080260338 | Optical fiber having wave-guiding rings - A waveguide includes a cladding region that has a refractive index that is substantially uniform and surrounds a wave-guiding region that has an average index that is close to the index of the cladding. The wave-guiding region also contains a thin ring or series of rings that have an index or indices that differ significantly from the index of the cladding. The ring or rings enable the structure to guide light. | 10-23-2008 |
20090296747 | PHASED LASER ARRAY WITH TAILORED SPECTRAL AND COHERENCE PROPERTIES - Architectures for coherently combining an array of fiber-based lasers are provided. By matching their lengths to within a few integer multiples of a wavelength, the spatial and temporal properties of a single large laser are replicated, while extending the average or peak pulsed power limit. | 12-03-2009 |
20110170563 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENABLING QUANTUM-DEFECT-LIMITED CONVERSION EFFICIENCY IN CLADDING-PUMPED RAMAN FIBER LASERS - Cladding-pumped Raman fiber lasers and amplifiers provide high-efficiency conversion efficiency at high brightness enhancement. Differential loss is applied to both single-pass configurations appropriate for pulsed amplification and laser oscillator configurations applied to high average power cw source generation. | 07-14-2011 |
20110243164 | PHASED LASER ARRAY WITH TAILORED SPECTRAL AND COHERENCE PROPERTIES - Architectures for coherently combining an array of fiber-based lasers are provided. By matching their lengths to within a few integer multiples of a wavelength, the spatial and temporal properties of a single large laser are replicated, while extending the average or peak pulsed power limit. | 10-06-2011 |
20120287951 | HYBRID FIBER-ROD LASER - Single, or near single transverse mode waveguide definition is produced using a single homogeneous medium to transport both the pump excitation light and generated laser light. By properly configuring the pump deposition and resulting thermal power generation in the waveguide device, a thermal focusing power is established that supports perturbation-stable guided wave propagation of an appropriately configured single or near single transverse mode laser beam and/or laser pulse. | 11-15-2012 |
20130202264 | WAVEGUIDES HAVING PATTERNED, FLATTENED MODES - Field-flattening strands may be added to and arbitrarily positioned within a field-flattening shell to create a waveguide that supports a patterned, flattened mode. Patterning does not alter the effective index or flattened nature of the mode, but does alter the characteristics of other modes. Compared to a telecom fiber, a hexagonal pattern of strands allows for a three-fold increase in the flattened mode's area without reducing the separation between its effective index and that of its bend-coupled mode. Hexagonal strand and shell elements prove to be a reasonable approximation, and, thus, to be of practical benefit vis-à-vis fabrication, to those of circular cross section. Patterned flattened modes offer a new and valuable path to power scaling. | 08-08-2013 |
20140300951 | DIRECTLY DRIVEN SOURCE OF MULTI-GIGAHERTZ, SUB-PICOSECOND OPTICAL PULSES - A robust, compact optical pulse train source is described, with the capability of generating sub-picosecond micro-pulse sequences, which can be periodic as well as non-periodic, and at repetition rates tunable over decades of baseline frequencies, from MHz to multi-GHz regimes. The micro-pulses can be precisely controlled and formatted to be in the range of many ps in duration to as short as several fs in duration. The system output can be comprised of a continuous wave train of optical micro-pulses or can be programmed to provide gated bursts of macro-pulses, with each macro-pulse consisting of a specific number of micro-pulses or a single pulse picked from the higher frequency train at a repetition rate lower than the baseline frequency. These pulses could then be amplified in energy anywhere from the nJ to MJ range. | 10-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080255451 | LOW POWER ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit. | 10-16-2008 |
20090156926 | Integrated System for Intravascular Placement of a Catheter - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient'vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. | 06-18-2009 |
20090203989 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING A CATHETER - A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion of the medical device into a patient is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, then determining a possible first position of the location marker. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed. | 08-13-2009 |
20100204569 | SYSTEM FOR PLACEMENT OF A CATHETER INCLUDING A SIGNAL-GENERATING STYLET - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor unit for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a field produced by a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. The stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that can be operably connected to the sensor unit and/or console through a sterile barrier without compromising the barrier. The stylet can also be wirelessly connected to the sensor unit and/or console. | 08-12-2010 |
20110282188 | INSERTION GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR NEEDLES AND MEDICAL COMPONENTS - A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target. | 11-17-2011 |
20120220854 | Integrated System for Intravascular Placement of a Catheter - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. | 08-30-2012 |
20130006102 | Needle Length Determination and Calibration for Insertion Guidance System - A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. In yet another embodiment, systems and methods for determining the length of the needle to be guided by the guidance system are disclosed. | 01-03-2013 |
20130060116 | Integrated System for Intravascular Placement of a Catheter - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. | 03-07-2013 |
20130102889 | Systems and Methods for Ultrasound-Based Medical Device Assessment - Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within the body of a patient through the use of an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods described herein enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the medical device, how much of the device will be disposed within the vessel, thus enabling the clinician to choose a catheter with suitable length. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system for assisting with placement of the medical device comprises a console, a probe for producing an image of a target location, and a processor. The processor provides to a user proximity information relating to the anticipated proximity of the medical device to the target location prior to insertion of the medical device. A display is included for depicting the image, target location depth, and the proximity information of the medical device to the target location. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116571 | Ruggedized Ultrasound Hydrogel Insert - A ruggedized hydrogel product that is formulated to withstand the effects of high-energy sterilization procedures, such as gamma beam and electron beam sterilization, without significant structural degradation is disclosed. This enables the hydrogel product to be suitable for use in medical applications where sterile components are required. In one embodiment a ruggedized hydrogel product is disclosed and comprises a gel component, water for hydrating the gel component, and at least one free radical absorber component that is capable of absorbing free radicals produced when the hydrogel product is sterilized via a high-energy sterilization procedure. The free radical absorber component in one embodiment includes potassium metabisulfite and ascorbic acid. The ruggedized hydrogel product can be included with an ultrasound probe to provide an acoustically transparent interface between the probe and the skin of a patient. | 05-09-2013 |
20130217999 | Systems and Methods for Positioning a Catheter - A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion thereof into a patient. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, such as a permanent magnet, then determining a possible first position thereof. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed. | 08-22-2013 |
20130245434 | Integrated System for Intravascular Placement of a Catheter - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. | 09-19-2013 |
20130324851 | Low Power Ultrasound System - A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit. | 12-05-2013 |
20130338503 | Apparatus and Methods for Detection of a Removable Cap on an Ultrasound Probe - An ultrasound imaging device including the ability to determine when a component, such as a removable probe cap, is attached to a portion of an ultrasound probe. Such a cap is employed in one embodiment to act as a spacer component to provide a standoff for the probe head. Detection of probe cap attachment to the ultrasound probe enables the resultant ultrasound image to be adjusted automatically by the ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound probe, a cap or other component that is attachable to the probe, and a component attachment detection system for detecting attachment of the component to the probe. Once the cap is detected, an aspect of an ultrasound image produced by the imaging system is modified, such as cropping the image to remove undesired portions of the cap, such as the spacer component. | 12-19-2013 |
20140163356 | Insertion Guidance System for Needles and Medical Components - A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target. | 06-12-2014 |
20140303492 | System for Placement of a Catheter Including a Signal-Generating Stylet - An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor unit for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a field produced by a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. The stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that can be operably connected to the sensor unit and/or console through a sterile barrier without compromising the barrier. The stylet can also be wirelessly connected to the sensor unit and/or console. | 10-09-2014 |