30th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130190543 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - A method is provided for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method comprises providing a hydrocarbon recovery composition comprising a mixture of branched internal olefin sulfonate molecules, and contacting hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation with the hydrocarbon recovery composition. The mixture of branched internal olefin sulfonate molecules has an average number of carbon atoms of between 19 and 23, and an average number of branches of at least 0.6 per molecule. A hydrocarbon composition produced from a hydrocarbon containing formation, and a hydrocarbon recovery composition comprising a mixture of branched internal olefin sulfonate molecules are also provided. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190544 | LUBRICANT BASE STOCKS FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES WITH IMPROVED LOW TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES - Provided are lube base stocks produced from renewable biological sources with improved low temperature properties. In one form, the lube base stock includes from 10 to 35 wt. % paraffins, 40 to 70 wt. % 1-ring naphthenes, and 0 to 40 wt. % combined 2-ring naphthenes and aromatics, and has a ratio of 1-ring naphthenes to paraffins from 1.8 to 5.0, and a Viscosity Index of from 100 to 160. The lube base stock has a | 2013-07-25 |
20130190545 | METHOD AND PLANT FOR DEHYDRATION BY A DELIQUESCENT SUBSTANCE - The present invention relates to a method and to a plant for dehydration of a liquid or gaseous effluent, wherein the following stages are carried out:
| 2013-07-25 |
20130190546 | BENZENE ALKYLATION WITH STAGED ALKANE INJECTION - A process for making an alkylated aromatic is described. The alkylating agent is introduced into the reactor in at least two positions. This decreases the propane/benzene ratio at each injection point, improving the methylation reagent selectivity. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190547 | PROCESS FOR DEHYDRATION OF ETHANOL INTO ETHYLENE WITH LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A process for dehydration of an ethanol feedstock into ethylene, comprising the vaporization of said ethanol feedstock in a mixture with at least a portion of the recycled purified water stream from heat exchange with the effluent that is obtained from the last reactor. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190548 | BEAM POSITION MONITOR AND PARTICLE BEAM THERAPY SYSTEM - A charged particle beam position monitor is provided with a plurality of position monitors and a beam data processing device that performs calculation processing of the state of a charged particle beam, based on a plurality of signals outputted from the position monitors. The beam data processing device includes a plurality of channel data conversion units that perform AD conversion processing of the plurality of signals outputted from the position monitors; a position size processing unit, for each of the position monitors, that calculates the beam position of the beam, based on voltage information obtained through the AD conversion processing; and an integrated control unit that controls the plurality of channel data conversion units in such a way that while the beam is irradiated onto an irradiation subject, AD conversion processing of the signals is performed at different timings for the respective position monitors. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190549 | POINT OF CARE RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL STRANDING SYSTEMS - A point-of-care seed stranding device for automating assembly of brachytherapy seed strands for implantation in patients. The device includes a number of features to reduce the potential for mistakes by the user, as well as to reduce the potential for damaging the radioactive seeds during the stranding process. Tactile feedback may be provided to prevent exertion of too much force in the packing step of the stranding process, as well as to indicate that the seed and/or strand cartridges are empty and need to be replaced. The device may also include a mechanism for holding seeds or spacers in place to allow automated packing of seeds or spacers having corresponding geometries. The device may also be provided with a seed counter which can be employed to preset the number of seeds in a strand and which disables the device from dispensing or packing additional seeds once the preset number of seeds has been packed into the strand. Also, methods for automated assembly of seed strands including the steps of setting the number of seeds, dispensing seeds and spacers, packing seeds and spacers and transferring assembled strands to another device. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190550 | MAGNETOSTRICTIVE AUDITORY SYSTEM - Disclosed is hearing device that uses magnetostrictive materials to assist a user in hearing and comprehending sounds. Conductive coils are made with a magnetostrictive covering that can comprise a film or other coating. In addition, printed circuit boards can be used with traces that form a coil to generate a magnetic field that activates a magnetostrictive film disposed over the coil traces on the printed circuit board. Enhanced effects are achieved using these systems. Delays in the signal processing can also be introduced by varying the thickness of the magnetostrictive coverings. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190551 | DRIVELINE CABLE ASSEMBLY - A blood pump assembly includes a blood pump configured for implantation and a cable assembly for providing power and control signals to the blood pump. The cable assembly includes a strain relief assembly and a driveline. The strain relief assembly secures the cable assembly to the blood pump and has an outer surface that is curved along a longitudinal extent of the strain relief assembly at least along an outer peripheral side of the outer surface. The strain relief assembly defines a compartment and an internal passage that leads to the compartment. The driveline houses a plurality of conductors that extend from the driveline through the internal passage and into the compartment. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190552 | IMPLANTABLE ACTUATOR FOR HEARING APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator | 2013-07-25 |
20130190553 | Portable Moist Heat System - A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190554 | BREATH PACING APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR PACING THE RESPIRATION OF A PERSON - The invention relates to a breath pacing apparatus, comprising a haptic output unit with a variable haptically perceivable feature, said haptic output unit being provided to change said haptically perceivable feature periodically according to a sequence of desired respiration cycles, wherein a characteristic of the change of said haptically perceivable feature is related to the length of the respiration cycles. The invention is further related to a corresponding method for pacing the respiration of a person. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190555 | SINGFIT - A method of treating patients with special needs to increase or activate brain activity including download one or more songs into the memory of a 4-track play and record device, delivering to a patient via the play and record device audibly the words to be sung in a song just prior to when the words are to be sung, recording the spoken words sung by the patient in response the delivering to the patient step audibly the words to be sung in a song just prior to when the words are to be sung on the play and record device, analyzing the recording and repeating the delivering and record over a period of time and tracking the patient's progress. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190556 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MODULATING CONSOLIDATION OF MEMORY DURING SLEEP - Devices, systems and methods to modify memory and/or cognitive function by delivering a sensory stimulus paired with learned material at opportune physiological periods during sleep. For example, described herein are systems, methods and devices to enhance a user's cognitive function in such areas as memorization and learning. A machine (e.g., a system or device) may be used to identify opportune periods of the sleep cycle and to deliver a stimulus during specific phases of the sleep cycle to facilitate or interrupt memory consolidation. In some variations the machine records ambient sensory inputs during awake acquisition or reinforcement/relearning and replays all or an extracted form of the ambient sensory stimuli a specified portion of the user's sleep. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190557 | GASTRIC BANDS FOR REDUCING OBSTRUCTIONS - Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to gastric bands which provide increased compliance to reduce food obstructions and/or reduces over restriction causing symptoms such as gastric enlargement and pouch dilatation. In one embodiment, a dual ringed reservoir band or inflatable portion is provided. In one embodiment, an additional ring or a middle pouch may be added to the dual ringed reservoir band. The addition of an additional ring or middle pouch may further increase band compliance resulting in even fewer food obstructions. In another embodiment, one or more funnels can also be implemented into a gastric banding system to induce satiety and/or for guiding a bolus through the gastric band. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190558 | SYSTEMS, TOOLS, AND METHODS FOR TREATMENTS OF PELVIC CONDITIONS - Described are surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, involving an expansion member. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190560 | Medical Coil, method of manufacturing the same, and medical instrument - A medical coil is provided which is formed by winding an element wire, and includes a convex part provided on a first end of a width direction of the element wire, and a concave part provided on a second end of the width direction of the element wire. At least one of the convex part and the concave part has a slant face. When a compressive force is applied in an axial direction of the medical coil, the convex part and the concave part adjacent to each other are configured to approach each other. A segment which connects a top part of the convex part which protrudes the most and a deepest part of the concave part which is deepest forms an angle so as not to be parallel to an axis of the medical coil. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190561 | STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING AN IMAGING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member and a handle assembly connected to the elongate member. The handle housing may house a steering mechanism movable relative to the handle assembly and configured to steer the elongate member along a first plane and a second plane different from the first plane, a camera system configured to capture images from a distal end of the elongate member, and an illumination system configured to provide illuminating light from the distal end of the elongate member. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190562 | ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT HAVING MOVABLE DISTAL TOOL - Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member near a pivot, wherein the tool may be configured for at least one of suction and infusion, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards both sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPATIAL AND SPECTRAL IMAGING - A system and method for acquiring images containing spatial and spectral information of an object include acquiring defocused images using an optical system based on extended depth of field. The optical system further includes a filter array comprising an array of at least six different sub-filters that are arranged such that any group of four immediately adjacent sub-filters includes at least one red sub-filter, at least one green sub-filter and at least one blue sub-filter. The filter array is located at the aperture stop of the optical system. A coded mask is located at the focal plane of the optical system, and an imager is located beyond the focal plane such that images acquired by the imager are defocused. The images are refocused, and spectral and spatial information is restored by designated software. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190564 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope which is introduced into a subject; a change unit which changes a position or posture of the capsule endoscope in the subject with respect to the subject; a storage unit which stores in advance a change procedure of the capsule endoscope as a control parameter of the change unit; and a controller which controls the change unit in accordance with the parameter stored in the storage unit. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190565 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL IMAGING OF LUMINAL ORGANS, AND FOR CENTERING WITHIN AND CONTACTING A LUMINAL ORGAN - Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. It is possible, e.g., using a first optical arrangement, to transceive at least one electromagnetic radiation to and from the portion(s). Further, it is possible, e.g., to actuate an expandable second basket arrangement so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample(s). The second arrangement can have at least one prong or strip that has a flat shape on at least one side thereof. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190566 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a first bending portion that is operated and bent, a function portion that is operated to be capable of performing a predetermined function, a grasping portion including a long axis provided to extend from a distal end portion through a proximal end portion, a first rotation body capable of operating the first bending portion, a second rotation body capable of operating the function portion, and an operation portion main body provided at a proximal end side of the grasping portion, with the second rotation body being disposed at a side where a palm of a hand is located when the grasping portion is grasped with the hand, with the second rotation body facing the first rotation body with the long axis therebetween, and a second shaft being located at a proximal end side from a first shaft. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190567 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a second bending drive mechanism. The second bending drive mechanism passively bends the second bending portion in accordance with external force when the drive force is not transmitted to the first bending portion. The second bending drive mechanism bends the second bending portion in a predetermined direction in a case that the second bending portion has received external force in the predetermined direction, and generates force against the external force in a direction different from the predetermined direction in the second bending portion in a case that the second bending portion has received the external force in the different direction while the drive force to bend the first bending portion in the predetermined direction has been transmitted to the first bending portion. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190568 | Laryngoscope - A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190569 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR POSITIONING A SLEEVE - A surgical instrument for positioning a sleeve is presented. The surgical instrument comprises a shaft, a handle connected to one end of the shaft, a sleeve holder connected to the opposite end of the shaft and defining a space in which the sleeve is to be positioned. The surgical instrument further comprises a locking element adapted to protrude into the space for engagement of the sleeve and a magnet adapted to force the locking element into the space by a magnetic force. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190570 | GUIDE SLEEVE FOR SUPRAPATELLAR SURGERY - A tissue protection sleeve for use in suprapatellar surgery is provided. The sleeve has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve further comprises at least two open grooves that extend along the inner surface from the first end to the second end. The grooves are adapted to accommodate elongated fixation elements inserted into a tibia. A drill guide sleeve and a trocar for inserting a guide wire are also provided and can be accommodated by the tissue protection sleeve. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190571 | SURGICAL TISSUE PROTECTION SHEATH - A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190572 | RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - The present invention relates to a retraction system for laparoscopic surgery. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retraction system includes: a retraction part for holding an object or tissue to be retracted; a retraction fiber control part for retracting the retraction part at the area to be retracted by means of a retraction fiber to fix the retraction part; and an abdominal wall fixer coupled to the retraction fiber control part, wherein the abdominal wall fixer is fixed to the abdominal wall. The retraction fiber control part includes: a retraction fiber control part body having a retraction hole through which the retraction fiber connected to the retraction part passes in the lower portion thereof; and a retraction fiber fixing part disposed outside the retraction fiber control part body so as to retract the retraction fiber or fix the retraction fiber such that the retraction fiber is immovable. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190573 | WOUND PROTECTOR INCLUDING FLEXIBLE AND RIGID LINERS - A wound protection system is disclosed. The wound protection system includes a wound protector and a seal anchor member that are engageable with one another and insertable into a bodily opening. The wound protection system protects the bodily opening from contamination while facilitating access to underlying bodily structures within the surgical site. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190574 | ACCESS PORT HAVING ROLLABLE PROXIMAL END - A surgical access device for insertion into an opening in tissue includes an adjustable member at a proximal end which is transitionable between an un-deployed configuration where the adjustable member is rolled up proximally and a deployed configuration where the adjustable member is unrolled distally to allow for the use of the surgical access device in an opening having a larger size than the surgical access device. The surgical access device includes an elongate member which is adapted for insertion into an opening in tissue and including a lumen extending therethrough for the reception of a surgical instrument. An adjustable member extends from a proximal portion of the elongate member and is variable between the un-deployed configuration and the deployed configuration where the adjustable member extends distally from the proximal portion of the elongate member when in the deployed configuration to at least partially surround the elongate member. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190575 | Lateral Retractor System and Methods of Use - Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical refractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190576 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A blood pressure and pulse measurement device includes a cuff including a first air bladder, a pressure sensor, a pressing member, a pulse wave sensor, and an operation unit. When measurement of the blood pressure is instructed by the operation unit, the first air bladder of the cuff is inflated to increase inner pressure to a sufficient level such that the blood pressure of the patient can be measured by the pressure sensor and then deflated. When measurement of the blood pressure is not instructed by the operation unit, air of the first air bladder of the cuff is released such that the measurement location of the patient is not substantially pressed by the first air bladder, and the measurement location of the patient is pressed by the pressing member with sufficient pressure such that pulse of the patient can be detected by the pulse wave sensor. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190577 | SENSOR DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING, ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING INSTRUMENT AND ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY METHOD - A sensor device for EIT imaging comprises an electrode array for measuring an impedance distribution, with at least one sensor for determining spatial orientation of the electrode array coupled to the electrode array. An EIT imaging instrument is connectable to a sensor for determining spatial orientation of a test person, and optionally in addition connectable to a sensor for gathering information on electrical and/or acoustic activity and/or a sensor for gathering information on dilation. A computing device is connected or integrated for adjusting impedance data based on spatial data, which spatial data describe the spatial orientation of a test subject. An EIT imaging method for measuring an impedance distribution and adjusting said measured impedance distribution comprises measuring impedance distribution by using an impedance distribution measuring device comprising an electrode array, and transforming the measured impedance distribution into EIT images. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190578 | Low pain penetrating member - Reducing the volume or drag on skin or sharpness of the penetrating member entering the wound during the cutting process will reduce the pain associated with lancing, and result in less power desired for retraction of the penetrating member from the skin. A variety of other penetrating member configuration as shown in the application. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190579 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHTED TEST STRIP - A test strip with a sample chamber is secured to a meter. The sample chamber in the portion of the test strip that extends out of the meter is illuminated by transmitting light from a light source inside the meter internally through the test strip towards the sample chamber. By way of analogy, the test strip acts in a fashion similar to a fiber optic cable or optical wave guide by transmitting the light from the meter to the remotely located sample chamber that extends outside the meter. The user is then able to easily see the sample chamber of the test strip in dark conditions so that the user is able to readily align the sample chamber with the drop of fluid on the skin as well as view the sample chamber in order to ensure proper filling. The light also illuminates a test strip slot into which the test strip is inserted. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190580 | ANALYZING PHOTON DENSITY WAVES IN A MEDICAL MONITOR - A monitoring system that may include an emission feature capable of emitting light into tissue, a modulator portion capable of modulating the emitter at a modulation frequency to generate photon density waves, a detection portion capable of detecting photons of the photon density waves after propagation through the tissue and capable of providing a distribution of detected photons over a time period for the photon density waves, and an analysis portion capable of calculating a skewness of the distribution and making determinations relating to a value of a physiologic parameter of the tissue based at least in part on the skewness of the distribution. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190581 | AUTOMATED CCHD SCREENING AND DETECTION - Automated critical congenital heart defect (“CCHD”) screening systems and processes are described. A caregiver may be guided to use a single or dual sensor pulse oximeter to obtain pre- and post-ductal blood oxygenation measurements. A delta of the measurements indicates the possible existence or nonexistence of a CCHD. Errors in the measurements are reduced by a configurable measurement confidence threshold based on, for example, a perfusion index. Measurement data may be stored and retrieved from a remote data processing center for repeated screenings. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190582 | ISCHEMIC REGION DETECTION - An ischemia detecting system has an implantable medical device connectable to an LV cardiac catheter with sensors for generating sensor signals representative of the concentration of a constituent in coronary venous blood at different sites in the coronary venous system. The sensor signals are co-processed by the system to detect an ischemic region of the subject's heart based on a relation between the sensor signals. The detection of the particular ischemic cardiac region is possible by conducting the concentration monitoring on either sides of a branching vein in the coronary venous system and co-processing the sensor signals. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190583 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING A PATIENT'S GLYCEMIC RESPONSE - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method and/or system for tailoring insulin therapies to physiological characteristics of a patient. In particular, observations of a blood glucose concentration of a patient responsive to a meal profile and an insulin profile may be used for estimating one or more physiological parameters. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190584 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOT FORMATION - Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing changes in at least one physical property of soft tissue. A series of acoustic pulses is generated and directed into the soft tissue such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the tissue. Waves reflected off the tissue, or a flexible member that moves with the tissue, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby. Repetition of the generating, receiving and estimating steps provides characterization of the at least one physical property over time. Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing at least one physical property of blood, by generating a series of acoustic pulses and directing the series of pulses into the blood such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the blood. Acoustic pulses and/or optical waves reflected from the blood, or a flexible member in contact with the blood that moves with the blood, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190585 | NOVEL METHOD OF PROGNOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH CASES OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE - The present invention relates to an in vitro method of prognosis for the arrest of bleeding in a patient suffering from postpartum haemorrhage in the absence of an invasive procedure, comprising the following steps: (a) determining, using a biological sample from said patient, the plasma fibrinogen concentration, the blood troponin concentration and also the prothrombin time; (b) studying at least two clinical markers for said patient, selected from the group comprising heart rate and the presence of placentation abnormalities; (c) calculating a score Z according to the following equation: Z=a+b+v+d+e; where a is associated with the existence of placentation abnormalities in said patient, with a being 0 when no placentation abnormality is observed in said patient and a being 1 when one or more placentation abnormalities are observed in said patient; where b is associated with the heart rate of said patient, with b being 0 when the heart rate of said patient is less than or equal to 115 bpm (beats per minute) and b being 1 when the heart rate is greater than 115 bpm; where c is associated with the plasma fibrinogen concentration of said patient, with c being 0 when said concentration is greater than or equal to 2 g/L and c being 1 when said concentration is less than 2 g/L; where d is associated with the blood troponin concentration of said patient, with d being 0 when said concentration is less than the detection cut-off and d being 1 when said concentration is grater than or equal to the detection cut-off; where e is associated with the prothrombin time (PT) of said patient, with e being 0 when said prothrombin time is greater than or equal to 50% and e being 1 when said prothrombin time is less than 50%; where a score Z of greater than or equal to a value of 2 is an indication of the need to perform an invasive procedure in order to stop the bleeding in said patient suffering from postpartum haemorrhage. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190586 | Multi-Terminal Nanoelectrode Array - An electrode for monitoring nerve activity has been developed. The electrode includes an array of electrically conductive projections extending from a surface of an electrical contact that enable the electrical contact to be connected directly to the nerve. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190587 | HIGH-DENSITY ELECTRODE-BASED MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system is disclosed including a high-density arrangement of transducers, which may be configured to ablate, stimulate, or sense characteristics of tissue inside a bodily cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity. High-density arrangements of transducers may be achieved, at least in part, by overlapping elongate members on which the transducers are located, and varying sizes, shapes, or both of the transducers, especially in view of the overlapping of the elongate members. Also, the high-density arrangements of transducers may be achieved, at least in part, by including one or more recessed portions in an elongate member in order to expose one or more transducers on an underlying elongate member in a region adjacent an elongate-member-overlap region. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190588 | BODY FAT MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A body fat measurement device includes a back area electrode group support unit including back area electrodes arranged to contact a back area of a measurement subject, a trunk area dimension measurement unit that detects the width and depth of a trunk area of the measurement subject, a position detection unit that detects a relative positional relationship between the back area electrode group support unit and the trunk area dimension measurement unit, an electrode selection unit that selects specific electrodes, placed in contact with the back area at an area that corresponds to the location of the navel of the measurement subject, from a plurality of electrodes included in a trunk area electrode group, based on the position information detected by the position detection unit, and a body impedance measurement unit that measures a body impedance of the measurement subject using the selected back area electrodes. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190589 | MULTIPLE PEAK ANALYSIS IN A PHOTOACOUSTIC SYSTEM - A physiological monitoring system may use photoacoustic sensing to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. A photoacoustic signal generated in response to a photonic signal may include multiple peaks as a result of multiple blood vessels and other structures below the surface of the skin of a subject. A photoacoustic system may identify a first and second peak in the photoacoustic signal and determine values from the peaks indicative of physiological parameters. Physiological parameters, such as venous oxygen saturation and arterial oxygen saturation, may be determined based on the values. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190590 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING RADIATION EXPOSURE OF A PATIENT AND RADIATION EXPOSURE MONITORING SYSTEM THEREOF - A method for estimating radiation exposure of a patient arising from at least one medical image study of that patient is described. The method comprises obtaining radiation exposure information relating to a plurality of procedures for which there exists a potential exposure of the patient to radiation, performing anatomical alignment of the obtained radiation exposure information to at least one reference image, estimating a radiation dose per procedure, and calculating an aggregated radiation dose based at least partly on the estimated radiation doses. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190591 | PHOTOACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER AND IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention disclosed herein features a photoacoustic scan head that includes laser fibers integrated into the housing of an arrayed ultrasound transducer using an optically transparent epoxy or other resin. The light-emitting ends of the fibers are positioned adjacent to the front surface of the transducer and direct laser light onto a subject being scanned by the transducer. The light beams generated by the fibers may be angled to intersect the acoustic field generated by the transducer so as to generate a photoacoustic effect in the region scanned by the transducer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190592 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF EPICARDIAL FAT FROM VOLUMETRIC IMAGES - Methods and systems are provided for determining the volume of epicardial fat of a heart, which include acquiring a plurality of volumetric image data representing the heart; morphologically characterizing a volume of interest represented by the volumetric image data, including identifying a predetermined number of reference contours of the heart; estimating the epicardial surface, Σ, according to a three-dimensional series expansion of vector spherical harmonic functions based on the reference contours; and determining the volume of epicardial fat based on the voxels which are located inside the estimated epicardial surface, Σ, and which have a grey level within a predetermined range, characteristic of fatty tissue. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190593 | IMAGE DIAGNOSIS ASSISTANCE APPARATUS, PROCESSING METHOD THEREOF, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - An image diagnosis assistance apparatus calculates a first characteristic value based on an image feature of an image that is a diagnosis target, acquires a second characteristic value based on the findings information of the image input by a user via an operation unit, and performs diagnostic inference for a predetermined region of the image based on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value, and the reliability of inference of the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190594 | Scanning Optoacoustic Imaging System with High Resolution and Improved Signal Collection Efficiency - Provided herein are scanning, high-resolution optoacoustic imaging systems or microscopes. Generally, the system/microscope comprises subsystems for scanning a tissue or object therein with a wavelength of electromagnetic energy, such as optical energy, collecting and detecting ultrasonic waves produced when the tissue or object absorbs the incident wavelength and converting the same to an electrical signal, and for processing, analyzing and displaying the electrical signal as a digital image. Specifically, the system/microscope utilizes an off-axis parabolic reflector with a high numerical aperture value for deep tissue visualization. Also, provided is a method for collecting volumetric image data voxel-by-voxel within a subject utilizing the imaging system or microscope. A series of voxels within the scanned tissue produces detectable ultrasonic waves that are collected by the off-axis parabolic reflector and processed as described as a high-resolution image of the tissue or object therein. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190595 | Laser Optoacoustic Ultrasonic Imaging System (LOUIS) and Methods of Use - Provided herein are the systems, methods, components for a three-dimensional tomography system. The system is a dual-modality imaging system incorporates a laser ultrasonic system and a laser optoacoustic system. The dual-modality imaging system has means for generate tomographic images of a volume of interest in a subject body based on speed of sound, ultrasound attenuation and/or ultrasound backscattering and for generating optoacoustic tomographic images of distribution of the optical absorption coefficient in the subject body based on absorbed optical energy density or various quantitative parameters derivable therefrom. Also provided is a method for increasing contrast, resolution and accuracy of quantitative information obtained within a subject utilizing the dual-modality imaging system. The method comprises producing an image of an outline boundary of a volume of interest and generating spatially or temporally coregistered images based on speed of sound and/or ultrasonic attenuation and on absorbed optical energy within the outlined volume. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190596 | Dynamic Optoacoustic Angiography of Peripheral Vasculature - Provided herein are systems and methods for dynamic optoacoustic imaging of the peripheral vasculature. The system generally comprises a short pulse laser, a fiberoptic laser light delivery system, and imaging module, a scanning system, and electronics/computer system for system control and three-dimensional and two-dimensional optoacoustic image visualization. A method is provided for optoacoustic imaging of an appendage using the dynamic optoacoustic imaging system where an appendage of a subject is imaged under conditions of normal, maximum and minimum tolerable temperatures and displaying differential anatomical images of peripheral vasculature in the appendage and functional diagnostic parameters as a function of time and temperature. From this data medical conditions of the appendage may be diagnosed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190597 | Method and Device for Evaluation of Local Tissue's Biological or Biomechanical Character - A device for evaluation of a tissue's biological or biomechanical character is disclosed. The device uses negative pressure to draw a portion of the tissue across one or more electrode pairs disposed within the device. By measuring one or more parameters associated with an electric or magnetic field defined by the electrode pairs, in vivo evaluation of the tissue's biological or biomechanical character may be achieved in a minimally invasive manner. The device may also include an indenter to apply a positive stress on the tissue within the sidewall to further evaluate its biological or biomechanical character. A method of using the device is also disclosed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190598 | MAGNETIC FIELD DEVICE FOR MAPPING AND NAVIGATION IN LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - Devices, systems and methods for using those devices and systems are disclosed to facilitate mapping and navigation during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. These devices, systems and methods include implantable magnetic devices and sensing devices that facilitate locating the implantable magnetic devices such that a surgeon can accurately locate and place devices at particular points of interest during a medical procedure. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190599 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF FLUID CHANGES - A diagnostic system for monitoring changes in a medium is disclosed. The system includes a transmitter configured to generate and transmit a time-varying magnetic field into a medium responsive to a first signal. The system also includes a receiver positioned on an opposite side of the medium from the transmitter and configured to generate a second signal responsive to a received magnetic field at the receiver. The system also includes a processing unit configured to determine a phase shift between the transmitted magnetic field and the received magnetic field for a plurality of frequencies of the transmitted time-varying magnetic field. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190600 | System and Method for Identifying an Optimal Image Frame for Ultrasound Imaging - A method for identifying an optimal image frame is presented. The method includes receiving a selection of an anatomical region of interest in an object of interest. Furthermore, the method includes obtaining a plurality of image frames corresponding to the selected anatomical region of interest. The method also includes determining a real-time indicator corresponding to the plurality of acquired image frames, wherein the real-time indicator is representative of quality of an image frame. In addition, the method includes communicating the real-time indicator to aid in selecting an optimal image frame. Systems and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the method for identifying an optimal image frame are also presented. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190601 | Method for Measuring Magnetization Transfer Between Molecules with Magnetic Resonance Imaging - A method for chemical exchange saturation transfer (“CEST”) imaging that is more insensitive to off-resonance and magnetization transfer effects than other CEST methods is provided. Sn general, three different images are obtained: one obtained with radio frequency (“RF”) saturation about a labeling frequency, one obtained with RF saturation about a reference frequency, and one obtained with RF saturation about both the labeling and reference frequencies. This method, termed saturation with frequency alternating radiofrequency irradiation (“SAFARI”), is also very robust to magnetic field inhomogeneities. The three images, referred to as a labeled image, reference image, and dual frequency image, are selectively combined to produce an image of the subject in which CEST contrast is present, but errors arising from off-resonance and magnetization transfer effects are substantially suppressed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190602 | 2D3D REGISTRATION FOR MR-X RAY FUSION UTILIZING ONE ACQUISITION OF MR DATA - Systems and methods for 2D3D registration of apply MR volumes and X-ray images using DRR techniques. A bone classifier is trained from co-registered UTE1, UTE2 and CT prior images. Dual-echo MR UTE1 and UTE2 images are acquired from a patient. The bone structure of the patient is classified and a labeled segmentation is generated. A DRR image is generated from the labeled segmentation and is registered with an X-ray image of the patient. The registration methods are implemented on a processor based system. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190603 | METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND FOCAL SPOT SHAPING - The focus of a focused ultrasound system is calibrated with respect to a frame-of-reference, such as that of a magnetic resonance system, by selectively activating only specific regions of the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound system, thereby altering the shape of the focus. The focal shape is selectively modified in shape and positioned in successive steps of a calibration procedure, while moving the focus through successive localizers of the frame-of-reference. The parameters for operating the ultrasound system when the calibration procedure is completed are stored as parameters that accurately position the focus of the ultrasound system with respect to the frame-of-reference. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190604 | Drive System for a Head Clamp for Use in Imaging by Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray - A head clamp for Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is generally C-shaped including a base and two legs carrying pin clamp members. A course and fine adjustment system allows one of the clamp members to move inwardly relative to the other and then to be finely adjusted so as to apply a clamping force to the skull. The C-shaped support member comprises a truss with a C-shaped inner band adjacent the skull, an outer band generally following the shape of inner band and a plurality of openings defining spaced bars between the inner band and the outer band. The adjustment system comprises a screw that adjusts the width of the C-shaped member at the base and at one leg and includes a gauge to measure force applied with the mechanism located outside the field of view of the head both vertically and horizontally. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190605 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR OBJECTIVELY CHARACTERIZING MEDICAL IMAGES - Methods and compositions are provided for objectively characterizing a pathological lesion in a patient. The method comprises: introducing into the patient a contrast enhancing agent; subjecting the patient to at least one of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to obtain an image; and applying a 3-D autocorrelation function to a subdomain of interest of the image to obtain at least one 3-D autocorrelation spectrum. The method may further comprise comparing the at least one 3-D autocorrelation spectrum to a pre-existing 3-D autocorrelation spectrum that is characteristic for the pathological lesion. In one example, the methods and compositions may be useful for identifying and objectively characterizing amyloid plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190606 | COMBINED QUANTITATIVE MRI AND QUANTITATIVE MRS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE AND HIPPOCAMPAL SCLEROSIS - Using both quantitative MRI and quantitative MRS, the inventor demonstrates herein that as age and dementia progress, hippocampal volume (HV), amygdala volume (AV), and NAA/mI ratio all decrease compared to normal controls. The inventor's data also demonstrate herein that NAA/mI vs. total amygdala volume showed a very strong linear correlation, while NAA/mI vs. mean total hippocampal volume had a lesser but still significant correlation. Further, after analyzing the data derived from both quantitative MRI and quantitative MRS methods, the inventor made the surprising discovery that the two tests, when combined, provide significantly improved biomarkers over either alone, and are more effective at early MCI and/or AD diagnosis, as well as HS diagnosis. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190607 | LOCAL COIL AND MANUFACTURE OF MECHANICALLY PREFORMED, FLEXIBLE LOCAL COILS FOR MRI - A method for manufacturing a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device includes manufacturing the local coil with a flat cross-section. The method also includes deforming the local coil from the flat cross-section into a curved cross-section. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190608 | ORAL COIL FOR A MAGNETIC RESONANCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - An oral coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system for creation of magnetic resonance images of a jaw area of a patient includes a high-frequency antenna system with a number of high-frequency antennas and a shim system. The shim system includes a number of shim elements for homogenization of a static basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance tomography system. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190609 | ECHOGENIC MEDICAL DEVICE - An echogenic medical device includes a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, first and second opposing longitudinal sides, and a passageway extending therethrough. The distal end includes a beveled opening communicating with the passageway, and extending between a distal tip portion disposed along the first longitudinal side and a heel portion disposed along the second longitudinal side. A first echogenic region extends circumferentially around the shaft at the distal portion. The first echogenic region is structured for providing a signal visible along the circumference of the shaft under ultrasound visualization. A second echogenic region extends along a length of the second longitudinal side and is substantially aligned with the heel portion. The second echogenic region is structured and arranged for providing a generally linear signal visible under ultrasound examination along the second longitudinal side, and substantially not visible along the first longitudinal side. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190610 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a fluid position detection unit configured to detect a position of fluid in a subject, a biopsy needle position detection unit configured to detect a position of a biopsy needle to be inserted into the subject, a distance calculation unit configured to calculate a distance between the fluid and the biopsy needle, based on the detected position of the fluid and the detected position of the biopsy needle, and a notice unit configured to generate a warning when the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190611 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A DEVIATION OF A MEDICAL INSTRUMENT FROM A TARGET POSITION - In a method for determining a deviation of a medical instrument from a target position, in an image of an implant located in the body of a patient created with an imaging system, a virtual model of the implant is fitted at the correct location and thus a location of the implant is determined in the imaging system. On a basis of the location of the virtual model in the imaging system and a target position for an instrument selected as a fixed position relative to the virtual model, the location of the target position in the imaging system is determined. A video image of the instrument is created by a recording device and its current location in relation to the recording device is determined from this. By a geometrical relationship between the recording device and the imaging system, a deviation of the instrument from the target position is determined. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190612 | PROCESSING OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY IMAGES BY ECG ANALYSIS - A method of processing images for interventional imaging, wherein a region of interest is visualized, is provided. The method comprises acquiring a series of 2D images of the region of interest in a patient during at least one respiratory phase, acquiring an electrocardiographic signal which is synchronized with the acquisition of the series of 2D images, processing the electrocardiographic signal to estimate at least one deformation phase of the region of interest induced by the patient's respiratory movement, and registering the different successive 2D images in relation to the estimated deformation phase. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190613 | Real-Time Biomechanical Dosimetry using Optical Coherence Elastography - Methods for quantifying, adjusting or terminating a dose of a therapeutic intervention applied to tissue of a patient. A therapeutic intervention of a specified intensity is applied to a region of interest of the tissue. The tissue is mechanically excited, typically concurrently with the therapeutic intervention, and the region of interest is scanned optically or ultrasonically at the same time. An interference signal is acquired by coherently detecting post-interaction illumination arising in the region of interest by interfering the post-interaction illumination with a reference beam derived from the identical source as that of the scanning. A phase and/or amplitude of response of the tissue relative to the mechanical excitation based on the interference signal. A spatially resolved measure of a property of the region of interest is derived based on the phase of response, allowing for adjustment or termination of the therapeutic intervention. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190614 | ANESTHESIA IN BONE JOINTS - A medical needle, kit, and pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic pertaining to inserting a needle percutaneously in a patient is disclosed. A method is disclosed with the needle having a leading apex that is dulled to restrict penetration through articular cartilage, advancing the needle leading apex into a bone joint and stopping said needle leading apex short of substantially penetrating bone joint articular cartilage, and injecting through the needle lumen a pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic and out of said opening and into the bone joint to contribute to the anesthetizing of nerves near said bone joint. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190615 | System for 3D Visualization of Radio-Opaque Embolic Materials Using X-ray Imaging - An image data processor automatically identifies individual picture elements representing embolic material in first and second 2D X-ray images in response to a luminance intensity value of the picture elements exceeding a threshold. The image data processor also automatically identifies individual volume elements in a 3D X-ray image dataset corresponding to the identified individual picture elements by, for an individual picture element, detecting intersection of a projected line with one or more volume elements in the 3D image dataset representing vessels. The projected line substantially passes from the individual picture element to an X-ray radiation source. The display processor initiates generation of data representing a display image showing the identified individual volume elements representing embolic material, with enhanced visualization. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190616 | MULTIPLE IMAGING MODE TISSUE MARKER - An intracorporeal marker for marking a site within living tissue of a host having a body of porous hydroxyapatite whose physical properties permit the body to be distinguished from human soft tissue under visualization using ultrasonic and radiation imaging modalities. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190617 | SYRINGE WITH VISUAL USE INDICATOR - Systems and methods are presented for the visual indication of whether a power injector has discharged fluid from a power injector syringe in a previous medical procedure. In this regard, the systems and methods generally provide for a power injector and a syringe for use with the power injector. The syringe includes a visual indicator that moves between a first state and a second state at approximately the same time that the power injector discharges fluid from the syringe such that an operator may view the change in state. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190618 | Contrast Media Managment Using Patient Renal Function - Various embodiments are disclosed that incorporate renal function check functionality in relation to contrast media injections. A contrast media injector system ( | 2013-07-25 |
20130190619 | Angiography Catheter - A catheter assembly having a relatively stiff proximal portion bonded to a conformable distal portion with a first lumen extending through the proximal portion and through the distal portion. Also provided is a plurality of stylets each having a different preformed shape and each sized for insertion into the first lumen. Each stylet is effective to shape the distal end to a predetermined shape. Alternatively, the stylets may be received in a second lumen formed in a wall of the proximal portion and of the distal portion. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190620 | RADIATION MEASURING SYSTEM BASED ON OPTIMAL MEASUREMENT GEOMETRY AND RADIATION MEASURING METHOD USING THE SAME - A radiation measuring system includes a whole-body counter having upper and lower radiation detectors that are located in front of a measurement space, which has an inlet passage and is located in a housing, and that detects respective internal radiations of a measurement target and first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to one of a thyroid gland, a lung, a whole body, or a hypogastrium, and a processor controlling determination of an internal radioactive contamination location of the measurement target, based on a ratio of the first and second internal radiations, applying the optimal measurement geometry corresponding to the ratio of the first and second internal radiations, and detecting the first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to the internal radioactive contamination location. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190621 | THROMBOSIS WARNING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a device for detecting the potential formation of a thrombus in a patient on a ventricular assist device. The device uses an energy source and sensor to detect changes in rheology of the patient. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190622 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH PIXEL ORIENTED PROCESSING - An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190623 | Histotripsy Therapy Transducer - A Histotripsy therapy transducer is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the transducer is sized and configured to direct Histotripsy energy through the perineal window into the prostate. The Histotripsy therapy transducer can include a notch or opening near the periphery of the transducer to accommodate a transrectal imaging probe. The notch or opening in the therapy transducer allows for movement of the therapy with respect to the imaging probe without contact or interference from the imaging probe. In some embodiments, the transducer can be “heart-shaped” or round. Methods of use are also described. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190624 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE - A method for displaying an ultrasound image on a display device is provided. Image signals are generated with an ultrasound probe during examination of an item under examination with ultrasound and are transferred to a data processing device. The image signals are displayed by the data processing device as an ultrasound image on a display device. In order to make it easier for an operator to observe the ultrasound image, by means of an orientation detection device, a change in orientation of the display device in space is detected and an associated change in orientation signal is provided to the data processing device and the orientation of the ultrasound image on the display device is changed by the data processing device as a function of the change in orientation of the display device in space. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190625 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, PHASE SHIFT TRANSMISSION/RECEPTION CONTROL METHOD, AND ULTRASONIC PROBE - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe has a laminated structure of an acoustic matching layer, transducer layer with arrayed transducers, and backing layer. A transmission/reception unit transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object via the transducers. A control unit controls the transmission/reception unit to synchronize ultrasonic-wave generation by a specific transducer of the transducers with ultrasonic-wave reception by a different transducer. A phase shift detection unit detects a phase shift between an output signal from the transmission/reception unit and a reference signal, the output signal corresponding to synchronization between the ultrasonic-wave generation and the ultrasonic-wave reception. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190626 | DETERMINING LOCATION OF, AND IMAGING, A SUBSURFACE BOUNDARY - A method of determining a location (x,z) of a subsurface boundary ( | 2013-07-25 |
20130190627 | PROBE FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a case, a piezoelectric member provided inside the case, at least one acoustic matching layer disposed at a front of the piezoelectric member, an acoustic lens disposed at a front of the acoustic matching layer, and a backing member disposed at a rear of the piezoelectric member and provided with a plurality of pores to reduce sound waves transmitted to the rear of the piezoelectric member and to allow to adjust an acoustic impedance. A method of manufacturing the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes the operations of preparing a fluid to form a backing layer, pouring the fluid into a mold, hardening the fluid and removing the mold. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190628 | WIRE-TYPE WAVEGUIDE FOR TERAHERTZ RADIATION - In order to guide electromagnetic waves in the terahertz range over long distances of several meters with low bending losses and large bandwidth, a device, a system and a method are provided such that electromagnetic waves in the terahertz range can be coupled into a wire having a core structure and at least one confinement structure, wherein the confinement structure extends continuously along a length of the wire. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190629 | ELECTRONIC SPHYGMOMANOMETER FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE - An electronic sphygmomanometer includes a cuff including an air bladder, a pressure sensor, an artery volume sensor, and a computation device. The computation device includes an inner pressure control section, a volume sensor signal receive section for receiving a pulse wave signal detected by the artery volume sensor, a pressure sensor signal receive section for receiving a pressure pulse wave signal superimposed on the inner pressure of the air bladder and detected by the pressure sensor, a judgment section for choosing either the pulse wave signal or the pressure pulse wave signal as a signal for calculating pulse rate of the patient during a period when the inner pressure of the air bladder is increased and/or decreased by the inner pressure control section, and a pulse rate calculation section for calculating pulse rate of the patient based on the pulse wave signal and the signal chosen by the judgment section. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190630 | OPTICAL VITAL SIGN DETECTION METHOD AND MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A vital sign measurement device includes an optical sensing system and an output unit. The optical sensing system includes an optical source, an optical refractor, and an optical detector. The optical sensing system is placed against the anatomical location of the subject to sense movement corresponding to an arterial pulse. The optical sensing system can sense an arterial pulse from the movement, bending, or compression of at least one portion of the optical sensing system relative to other portions of the optical sensing system resulting in a change in an optical signal received by the optical detector. The output unit generates a measure of a vital sign. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190631 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING RESPIRATORY SINUS ARRHYTHMIA - At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable electronic device, comprising a heart rhythm detection unit, a respiratory dynamics detection unit, an evaluation unit and at least one connection to at least two electrode poles. The at least two electrode poles are connected to the heart rhythm detection unit, and the heart rhythm detection unit is configured to supply a heart rhythm signal representing the heart rhythm as an output signal. The at least two electrode poles are connected to a respiratory dynamics determination unit, and the respiratory dynamics detection unit is configured to supply a respiratory dynamics signal representing the respiratory dynamics as the output signal. Moreover, the heart rhythm detection unit and the respiratory dynamics detection unit are connected to the evaluation unit, and the evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the heart rhythm signal in conjunction a temporally associated respective respiratory dynamics signals. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190632 | AUTOREGULATION MONITORING - A method may include controlling a ventilator to introduce mean airway pressure (MAP) variations in a patient to induce slow waves of substantially fixed amplitude and period to the patient. The method may also include analyzing arterial blood pressure in the patient with respect to the MAP variations and determining, based on the analyzing, whether an autoregulatory mechanism associated with the patient's brain is operating properly. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190633 | Interface Devices, Systems, and Methods for Use With Intravascular Pressure Monitoring Devices - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to provide FFR measurements in a small, compact device that integrates with existing proximal and distal pressure measurement systems and does not require a separate power source. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190634 | Implantable Medical Devices Using Heuristic Filtering in Cardiac Event Detection - Methods for performing cardiac signal analysis in an implanted medical device, and devices configured to perform illustrative methods of cardiac signal analysis. A cardiac signal is captured by an implanted device using implanted electrodes and, during at least certain conditions, the cardiac signal undergoes heuristic filtering. In some embodiments, heuristic filtering is achieved by modifying a signal or value that is used as an indicator of received signal amplitude. In an illustrative example, the heuristic filtering includes periodically incrementing or decrementing the signal or value toward a desired quiescent point, where the heuristic filter period is significantly longer than the sampling period for the signal itself. In another illustrative example, the heuristic filter frequency can be adjusted dynamically to keep the signal average near the desired quiescent point. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190635 | CALIBRATION METHOD OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAM SIGNALS AND THE APPLICATION PROGRAM FOR THE SAME - A calibration method of electrocardiogram signals and the application program for the same. The method comprises steps of receiving an uncalibrated/unidentified electrocardiogram signal of a user, calculating the ratio of the distance length of an uncalibrated/unidentified electrocardiogram signal and the distance length of an electrocardiogram template, then generating a trigonometric value which corresponds with a trigonometric projection degree according to the ratio. Next step is to set a characteristic point of the uncalibrated electrocardiogram signal as an axis anchor point of the trigonometric projection for attaining a displacement. Lastly, perform the calibration on the unidentified electrocardiogram signal according to the generated trigonometric value which corresponds with trigonometric projection degree and the attained displacement. Then perform identification comparison of the unidentified electrocardiogram signal and the saved electrocardiogram template for further authorization. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190636 | OPTIMIZATION OF LV AND RV LEAD PLACEMENT BASED ON ELECTRICAL DELAYS - A system comprises a cardiac signal sensing and a processing circuit. The cardiac signal sensing circuit senses a first cardiac signal segment that includes a QRS complex and a second cardiac signal segment that includes a fiducial indicative of local ventricular activation. The processor circuit includes a site activation timer circuit configured to determine a time duration between a fiducial of the QRS complex of the first cardiac signal segment and the fiducial of the second cardiac signal segment. The processor circuit is configured to generate, using the determined time duration, an indication of optimality of placement of one or more electrodes for delivering therapy and provide the indication to at least one of a user or process. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190637 | System for Monitoring and Diagnosis of Cardiac Electrogram Signals Using Multi-Dimensional Analysis - An analyzer automatically analyzes both, a common portion of multiple successive heart cycles of electrophysiological signal data synchronized with respect to a P wave and a common portion of multiple successive heart cycles of the signal data synchronized with respect to an R wave, to identify changes occurring in amplitude value and time duration of the common portion of the multiple successive heart cycles of the signal data. A display processor initiates generation of at least one display image showing the common portion of the multiple successive heart cycles synchronized in time, adjacent and mutually vertically displaced to facilitate visual comparison and highlighting an identified change by a visual attribute. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190638 | MOTION AND NOISE ARTIFACT DETECTION FOR ECG DATA - Technologies are provided herein for real-time detection of motion and noise (MN) artifacts in electrocardiogram signals recorded by electrocardiography devices. Specifically, the present disclosure provides techniques for increasing the accuracy of identifying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) rhythms, which are often measured via such devices. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for detecting MN artifacts in an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording includes receiving an ECG segment and decomposing the received ECG segment into a sum of intrinsic mode functions. The intrinsic mode functions associated with MN artifacts present within the ECG segment are then isolated. The method further includes determining randomness and variability characteristic values associated with the isolated intrinsic mode functions and comparing the randomness and variability characteristic values to threshold randomness and variability characteristic values. If the randomness and variability characteristic values exceed the threshold characteristic values, the ECG signal is determined to include MN artifacts. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190639 | UTILIZING LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE IN EXHALED BREATH CONDENSATE TO DIAGNOSE GRAM NEGATIVE PNEUMONIA - A device for collecting exhaled breath condensate from a subject. The device comprises a plunger assembly and a stopper. The stopper is connected to the plunger disk of the plunger assembly by a plurality of support pins and is configured for sealing engagement. The device is utilized to collect exhaled breath condensate from both spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated subjects and the devices utilized to determine whether lipopolysaccharide is present in the collected exhaled breath condensate. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190640 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF PULMONARY PARAMETERS - An apparatus includes a mouthpiece to communicate an airflow between a user and an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece; an interrupter in fluid communication with the airflow chamber and adapted to initiate an occlusion event by adjusting between an open state and a closed state, such that fluid communication is at least partially prevented between the airflow chamber and ambient air during the occlusion event initiated by the interrupter; a container in fluid communication with the airflow chamber; a flow rate sensor in fluid communication with the airflow chamber and adapted to measure an airflow exchange between the airflow chamber and the container during the occlusion event; and a controller adapted to determine an instantaneous lung volume based on the measured airflow exchange between the airflow chamber and the container. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190641 | MODULAR ACOUSTIC SPIROMETER - A system for measuring spirometric flow rate using a microphone and a mobile computer device connected to or integrated with the microphone. The mobile computer device may include a processor and storage. The storage may be operatively connectible, e.g over a network, to a computer system used by a practitioner. The system has a transducer adapted for converting spirometric flow rate into an audible signal with an audio frequency characteristic of the spirometric flow rate. The microphone is external to the transducer and may be adapted to detect the audible signal having an audio frequency and to convert the audible signal to a corresponding electrical signal having the audio frequency. The audio frequency may be characteristic of a peak expiratory flow rate and the output result is characteristic of the peak expiratory flow rate. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190642 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - There is provided an apparatus for use in diagnosing the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive signals representing measurements of a patient's breathing obtained during a plurality o breathing cycles by the patient while the patient is awake, convert the signals into the frequency domain and to determine a value for at least one parameter based on an analysis of the frequency-domain converted signals in one or more frequency bands covering frequencies below 100 Hz. | 2013-07-25 |
20130190643 | Ventilation Mask with Integrated Piloted Exhalation Valve - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided various tubing arrangements and an associated Y-connector which may be used to facilitate the operative interface of the mask to a ventilator within a ventilation system. The tubing arrangement may comprise a pair of bi-lumen tubes. One end of each of the bi-lumen tubes is fluidly connected to the mask, with the opposite end being fluidly connected to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is in turn fluidly connected to one end of either a tri-lumen tube or a quad-lumen tube also included in the tubing arrangement, the opposite end of such tri-lumen tube or quad-lumen tube being fluidly connected to the ventilator. The Y-connector is uniquely configured to fluidly connect certain lumens of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube to dedicated, corresponding ones of the lumens included in respective ones of the bi-lumen tubes, and to further allow for the selective detachment of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube from the bi-lumen tubes. | 2013-07-25 |