| 48th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20110295042 | METHOD FOR PREPARING PROPARGYLIC ALCOHOL CATALYZED BY 2-MORPHOLINOISOBORNANE-10-THIOL - A method for preparing a propargylic alcohol catalyzed by 2-morpholinoisobornane-10-thiol (MITH) is disclosed, which includes reacting R | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295043 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING DIMETHYL ETHER FROM METHANOL - A process produces dimethyl ether (DME) from methanol (MeOH). The process includes charging a feed mixture consisting of raw MeOH and a process-internally obtained return flow substantially consisting of unconverted MeOH and reaction water to an MeOH column. The feed mixture is evaporated in the MeOH column to form a first distillate substantially consisting of vaporous MeOH. The first distillate is supplied to a reactor and the MeOH is converted to DME by splitting off water in the reactor so as to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is withdrawn from the reactor, charged to a mixture column and separated into a bottom product substantially consisting of water and a second distillate substantially consisting of DME and MeOH. The second distillate is separated in a DME column into a third distillate substantially consisting of DME, a bottom product consisting essentially of water-poor MeOH, and uncondensable gases discharged overhead. The bottom product is either supplied to a top of the MeOH column or mixed with another bottom product withdrawn from a forerun column. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295044 | Production of propyleneglycol from glycerine - The present invention describes a process for the production of propylene glycol from glycerol, the transformation of purified glycerol to propylene glycol being carried out by means of a reaction of hydrogenolysis, in the liquid phase, where the two stages of the reaction take place simultaneously and in one and the same reactor ( | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295045 | Azeotrope-Like Composition of Hexafluoropropane, Hexafluoropropene and Hydrogen Fluoride - The present invention relates to an azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, hexafluoropropene and hydrogen fluoride. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295046 | Method Of Converting Ethanol To Base Stock For Diesel Fuel - A method of converting ethanol to a diesel fuel base stock comprises:
| 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295047 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING COMPOUND - A method for producing a compound according to the present invention includes synthesizing a compound represented by general formula (3): R—Ar | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295048 | Rhenium Promoted Catalyst - A group V metal/rhenium-modified molecular sieve catalyst can be used in hydrocarbon conversion reactions. Embodiments can provide a toluene conversion of at least 30 wt % with selectivity to benzene above 40 wt % and to xylenes above 40 wt % and non-aromatics selectivity of less than 2.0 wt %. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295049 | CATALYST RETURN APPARATUS, AND PROCESS FOR REACTING A FEEDSTOCK - A catalyst return apparatus is disclosed as well as a riser reactor system comprising the conduit apparatus and a riser reactor, the conduit apparatus comprising a catalyst return conduit and at least two flow control devices in series, each flow control device arranged to control the flow of fluid through the conduit, wherein the length of the catalyst return conduit is more than 20 m. A process for reacting a feedstock in a riser reactor system comprising a riser reactor, the catalyst return apparatus and, and a stage vessel, the process comprising: holding a fluid comprising the catalyst in the at least one stage vessel for a residence time of at least 10 seconds. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295050 | Method for Preparing Crystalline Metalloaluminophosphate (MeAPO) Molecular Sieve from Amorphous Materials - A process for obtaining a metalloaluminophosphate (MeAPO) molecular sieve comprising the following steps in the order given:
| 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295051 | METHOD AND REACTOR FOR CRACKING HYDROCARBON - A method for cracking hydrocarbon, comprises: providing steam and hydrocarbon; and feeding steam and hydrocarbon into a reactor accessible to hydrocarbon and comprising a perovskite material of formula A | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295052 | PROCESSES FOR OLEFIN/PARAFFIN SEPARATION UTILIZING POROUS, HYDROPHOBIC POLY(ETHER ETHER KETONE) MEMBRANES - Processes for olefin/paraffin separation utilizing porous, hydrophobic poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) membranes are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a process for olefin/paraffin separation comprises providing a porous membrane formed of PEEK polymer functionalized with hydrophobic groups, the porous membrane having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the porous membrane is contacted with a feed comprising an olefin and a paraffin and a permeate is caused to flow from the second surface of the porous membrane. The permeate has a concentration of the paraffin that is higher than a concentration of the paraffin of the feed. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295053 | Implantable Inner Ear Drive System - An acoustic drive device for an implantable hearing prosthesis is described. A cantilevered positioning stalk has a base end fixedly coupled to an implantable signal processor, an elongated center beam supported by the base end, and an unsupported free end of the positioning stalk. An acoustic drive unit is located at the free end of the positioning stalk and adapted to convert an electrical stimulation signal from the signal processor into an acoustic mechanical stimulation signal directed to an outer surface of a patient cochlea. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295054 | Method of Filling an Intraluminal Reservoir with a Therapeutic Substance - Methods described herein involve introducing a nasogastric tube into a patient, connecting the nasogastric tube with a reservoir, anchoring the nasogastric tube with the nasal cavity, and introducing a substance into the reservoir through the nasogastric tube. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295055 | Methods and Devices For The Rerouting Of Chyme To Induct Intestinal Brake - Methods and devices reroute chyme to induce intestinal brake in order to improve the effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures and to improve comorbidity resolution. A bowel is manipulated to provide a shortened path for chyme to travel to the ileum. These methods and devices of rerouting chyme to induce intestinal brake may comprise one or more of a surgical procedure, an implanted device, or a combination of an implant with an improved surgical procedure. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295056 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295057 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295058 | VAGINAL DEVICE - The present invention refers to a vaginal device | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295059 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR RESHAPING A HEART VALVE ANNULUS, INCLUDING THE USE OF A BRIDGE IMPLANT HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE BRIDGE STOP - Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial adjustability and retrievability years after implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize an adjustable bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295060 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE FOR FUNCTIONAL ISOLATION OF ANIMAL OR HUMAN TISSUES - A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295061 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMAGING AN INTERIOR SURFACE OF A CORPOREAL CAVITY - An endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion, optionally via a longitudinal channel of an endoscopic insertion tube. The endoscopic imaging catheter includes reflecting and optical elements and an imaging element. The reflecting element reflects onto the imaging element through the optical element side and rear views of at least a portion, or the entire 360° view of a wall encircling an intrabody lumen around the axis of said the longitudinal channel. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295062 | EQUIPMENT FOR INFRARED VISION OF ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHODS THEREOF - Equipment for infrared vision of anatomical structures applicable to assist the physicians in endoscopic, fetoscopic or laparoscopic operations and methods for signal processing to enhance said vision, comprising two units that work together: a multimodal or multispectral imaging unit, constituted by a device comprising an endoscope or fetoscope or laparoscope, and additional optical systems to acquire multimodal images of the interior of the patient's body; and an image processing unit, to which said images are transferred, comprising processing devices with a navigation interface which process said images and display the patient's enhanced anatomical map image and the endoscope location, equipped with hardware and software that apply at least five different vision-enhancing methods, namely normalization, segmentation, tracking, mapping and fusion. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295063 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A medical system includes a movable portion configured to allow an angle to be changed within a predetermined angular range, an actuator configured to drive the movable portion so as to change the angle of the movable portion when a wire is pulled, a control unit configured to perform drive control of the actuator, a slack detection unit configured to detect a driving condition as to whether or not the wire is slack, a slack adjustment unit configured to adjust slack of the wire based on a detection result produced by the slack detection unit; and a slack adjustment command input unit used to input a command to adjust the slack of the wire, wherein the slack adjustment unit adjusts the slack of the wire to a predetermined state of adjustment in response to the command to adjust the slack of the wire. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295064 | IMAGE PICKUP UNIT - An image pickup unit includes a board to which an image pickup device is electrically connected, the board is provided with a first terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a first endoscope is configured, and a second terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a second endoscope is configured, a folding portion is provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion of the board, when the board is used as an image pickup unit of the second endoscope, the board is folded at the folding portion, and a signal transmission member is connected to the second terminal portion, and at least one of a terminal size and a space between terminals in the second terminal portion is set to be larger than at least one of a terminal size and a terminal space in the first terminal portion. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295065 | SEGMENTED INSTRUMENT HAVING BRAKING CAPABILITIES - One embodiment of present invention is a segmented instrument having braking capabilities that includes an elongate body having a plurality of links and a hinge connecting a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. There is also brake assembly coupled to each link in the pair of adjacent links and positioned to span the distance between the pair of adjacent links. Another embodiment of the present invention is a segmented instrument having a plurality of links and at least one lockable and articulatable joint positioned to connect a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. In addition, the at least one lockable and articulatable joint is adapted and configured to increase the number of frictional surfaces available between the pair of adjacent links. There are also provided methods for controlling a segmented instrument. Exemplary steps of the method include introducing a segmented instrument into a patient where the segmented instrument has a plurality of links wherein adjacent links are joined by a hinge. Next, there is the step of manipulating the links about the hinges to maneuver the segmented instrument to provide access to a surgical site within the patient. In one aspect, the manipulating step produces a sliding motion between a plurality of complementary shaped components within a portion of a brake assembly between adjacent links. Next there is the step of actuating the brake assembly to substantially prevent movement about the hinge of the links attached to the braking mechanism. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295066 | CONTINUOUS FLOW ENDOSCOPE SYSTEMS - Endoscopes having a hollow outer sheath configured for insertion into a patient's body are disclosed. A hollow inner sheath is receivable within the outer sheath, and is configured to slideably receive a first internal instrument. A working element can be configured to rotatably support at least the first internal instrument and a second internal instrument such that at least the first internal instrument and the second internal instrument are rotatable about a common axis of rotation being substantially coextensive with a longitudinal axis of the outer sheath. The working element can have at least one guide rail extending longitudinally of the axis of rotation and an actuator block can be slideably mountable to the at least one guiderail and so securable to at least one of the instruments as to be able to urge the at least one of the internal instruments longitudinally of the outer sheath. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295067 | REMOTE TRACTION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR MINI-INVASIVE SURGERY - A guide and remote traction system for mini-invasive surgery in a body cavity that is easily positioned and hooked and causes lower injury, comprising: | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295068 | ENDOSCOPE BENDING SECTION CONTROL MECHANISM - An endoscope ( | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295069 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion inserted in a subject; a bending portion including an independently bendable first bending part and a second bending part bendable together with the first bending part in the same direction as a bending direction of the first bending part; a flexible tube portion; a first wire inserted through the insertion portion and having a distal end fixed to a distal end of the first bending part; a first guide pipe through which the first wire is inserted so as to be advanceable/retractable with respect to an insertion direction S, which has a distal end fixed between the bending portion and the flexible tube portion; a second wire inserted in the insertion portion and having a distal end fixed between the first and second bending parts, which causes the second bending part to be rigid when pulled; and a second guide pipe. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295070 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - Provided is an endoscope apparatus which is equipped with an endoscope including an object lens, a distal end portion and a handling section, a heat-producing device being incorporated into the distal end portion. The endoscope apparatus includes: a cleaning system which transiently discharges a cleaning liquid toward the object lens to clean the object lens; a cooling system which refluxes a coolant in the distal end portion to cool the heat-producing device; a liquid sending system, installed outside the endoscope, for supplying the cleaning liquid and the coolant; and a liquid-sending pressurizing system shared between the cleaning liquid and the coolant. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295071 | STEREOSCOPIC COUPLER FOR MECHANICALLY AND OPTICALLY COUPLING A STEREO ENDOSCOPE TO A STEREO ENDOSCOPIC CAMERA - A stereoscopic coupler for mechanically and optically coupling an endoscope to a portion of a camera, the stereoscopic coupler comprising: | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295072 | IMAGING ASSEMBLY WITH TRANSPARENT DISTAL CAP - An imaging assembly for use in a medical imaging device such as an endoscope or the like. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes a transparent distal cap that is shaped to receive an image sensor insert. The image sensor insert has a cooling channel that supplies a cooling liquid or gas to one or more illumination sources. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295073 | SYSTEM FOR ILLUMINATING A BODY ORIFICE - A system for illuminating a body orifice includes: a frustoconical optical waveguide speculum includes a distal end, a proximal end wider than the distal end, an at least partially circumferential body wall having a bore passing between the proximal and distal ends of the speculum; and a base that couples to the speculum and receives a light source such that the speculum is configured to propagate light from the light source along the body wall. In a preferred embodiment, the body wall defines between an inner and outer surface of the body wall a fluidic channel configured to delivery fluid to the distal end of the speculum and a suction channel configured to drain fluid from distal end of the speculum. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295074 | Methods and Devices for Providing Multiple Devices Access to a Surgical Site Through a Single Port - Methods and devices are provided to assist in providing multiple devices access to a surgical site through a single port. In one exemplary embodiment an access device includes a body having a plurality of ports. The ports can include at least one primary instrument port and at least one secondary instrument port. A self-sealing passageway can be disposed between the primary and secondary instrument ports to allow communication between the two ports. As a result, a surgical instrument can be repositioned from one port to another without removing the instrument from the access device. In one embodiment a combined end effector nominal width of surgical instruments disposed in the ports can be greater than a diameter of the primary instrument port and/or a diameter of the body of the access device. Exemplary systems and methods for performing procedures using multiple devices in a single surgical opening are also provided. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295075 | TISSUE RETRACTOR STAY - A handless surgical stay includes an elastomeric band with a longitudinal body having a first end. The surgical stay further includes a tissue retention member including a tissue engaging portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band such that the tissue engaging portion extends outwardly relative to the first end. Substantially all of the elastomeric band can be configured for engagement with a surgical retractor frame such that the stay does not include a handle. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295076 | ACCESS APPARATUS WITH SHALLOW ZERO CLOSURE VALVE - A surgical access assembly for use with a surgical access device includes a housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an elongate access member extending from the housing whereby the housing and the access member having a longitudinal passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument, an instrument seal disposed within the housing and being adapted to establish a substantial fluid tight seal about the instrument and a zero closure valve mounted relative to the housing and being adapted to assume an open condition upon passage of the surgical instrument and a substantially closed position in the absence of the instrument. The zero closure valve includes a valve periphery and first and second lips depending from the valve periphery. The first and second lips have lip edge surfaces in juxtaposed relation to define a slit when the valve is in the closed position thereof. At least one of the lips has a general arcuate internal lip surface leading to the lip edge surface to define a sloping configuration dimensioned to facilitate passage of the surgical instrument through the valve. Each of the first and second lips may define a general arcuate lip surface. In one embodiment, the internal arcuate lip surface of each of the first and second lips includes an outer surface portion arranged at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the seal housing and an inner surface portion arranged at a second angle relative to longitudinal axis and being different from the first angle. The first angle is greater than the second angle. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295077 | Methods and Devices for Providing Multiple Devices Access to a Surgical Site Through a Single Port - Methods and devices are provided to assist in providing multiple devices access to a surgical site through a single port. In one exemplary embodiment an access device includes a body having a plurality of ports. The ports can include at least one primary instrument port and at least one secondary instrument port. A self-sealing passageway can be disposed between the primary and secondary instrument ports to allow communication between the two ports. As a result, a surgical instrument can be repositioned from one port to another without removing the instrument from the access device. In one embodiment a combined end effector nominal width of surgical instruments disposed in the ports can be greater than a diameter of the primary instrument port and/or a diameter of the body of the access device. Exemplary systems and methods for performing procedures using multiple devices in a single surgical opening are also provided. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295078 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTION, ORGANIZATION AND DISPLAY OF EMS INFORMATION - A system for collecting and displaying emergency medical services information according to embodiments of the present invention includes a patient monitoring device configured to monitor a patient, a navigation device, a patient charting device, a database, a display device, and a processor communicably coupled to the defibrillator, the navigation device, the patient charting device, the database, and the display device. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor is configured to receive emergency medical services information from the defibrillator device, the navigation device, and the patient charting device, store the emergency medical services information in the database, and display the emergency medical services information on the display device according to an information template. According to some embodiments, aggregated data feeds from one or more such processors are stored in a remote server and available to remote enterprise users via a secure web interface. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295079 | INGESTIBLE DEVICES FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - An ingestible apparatus produces and processes physiological signals representative of a physiological parameter. The apparatus measures the physiological parameter from within the body of a living entity. The apparatus includes a physiological transducer circuit to sense the physiological signals, a processor to process the physiological signals in response to the physiological transducer circuit, and a transmitter that transmits the processed signals during transmission intervals which are alternated with idle intervals. The apparatus further includes a capacitor-based circuit, including at least one capacitor, to accumulate sufficient charge during one of the idle intervals to supply power to the transmitter during one of the transmission intervals. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295080 | Physiology Condition Detection Device and the System Thereof - A physiology condition detection device comprises a physiology condition sensor, a signal converter and an RFID processor. The physiology condition sensor is configured to sense physiology condition. The signal converter is configured to convert the sensed physiology condition to digitized physiology data. The RFID processor is configured to control the operation of the physiology condition sensor and the signal converter, and report the digitized physiology data. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295081 | Biologic Information Detecting Apparatus - In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure bloodpressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295082 | Transformation of Medical Status Data into Executable Programs - A transformer system receives medical status data generated by a monitoring device. The medical status data represents one or more physiological characteristics of a patient. In response to receiving the medical status data, the transformer system applies a transformation to the medical status data. A script file results from the transformation of the medical status data. The transformation is specified by an Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (XSLT) document. The transformer system then executes the script file. When the transformer system executes the script file, the transformer system can perform various actions. For example, the transformer system can generate result data and provide the result data to one or more other systems. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295083 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MONITORING, ANALYZING, AND/OR ADJUSTING SLEEP CONDITIONS - Therapeutic and diagnostic systems and methods help an individual with a sleep disordered breathing condition, such as habitual snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), achieve deep, restorative sleep. The systems and methods include component that serve complementary sensing, monitoring, and corrective or diagnostic functions. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295084 | INTEGRATING DEVICE-BASED SENSORS AND BEDSIDE BIOMARKER ASSAYS TO DETECT WORSENING HEART FAILURE - Physiological sensor data can be combined with external biomarker assays, such as a bedside assay for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), to improve the sensitivity and specificity of heart failure detection. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295085 | Medical Monitoring Device and System - A portable device that receives data provided by one or more sensors and displays statistical data related to the sensor data or otherwise related to the person. Statistical data may include high, low, average, mean value, median value, standard deviation, least square, variance, distribution, compilation, etc. for or at any given time or period of time for the person being monitored, as well as for such values for segments or groups of the population, or limit values, or target values, etc. The values may represent measurements and other data related to physiological signs and parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiogram, glucose level, substances and/or chemical presence or level, analyze measurements, etc. The portable device may also display such measurements. The portable device may compute the statistical data, with or without the aid of a remote computer, and/or store statistical data, and/or a remote computer may compute and/or store statistical data. The portable device may communicate with a remote computer through a wireless link from the portable device, which may compute and/or store statistical data and measurements. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295086 | STATE-OF-ATTENTION DETERMINATION APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - The apparatus includes: a detection section for detecting a time period during which an operator is making preparations prior to beginning a driving operation; an adjustment section for adjusting a determination criterion for determining a state of attention of the operator during a driving operation, which calculates an eye fixation related potential of the electroencephalogram signal of the operator measured at least in the time period by using the measured oculomotor signal of the operator, and which adjusts the determination criterion based on the calculated eye fixation related potential; a determination section for calculating an eye fixation related potential from the electroencephalogram signal and the oculomotor signal of the operator measured after beginning the driving operation, which determines a state of attention of the operator during the driving operation based on the calculated eye fixation related potential and the adjusted determination criterion; and an output section for acting to call attention of the operator based on a result of determination. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295087 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTION SENSOR, ELECTRIC APPARATUS USING THEREOF AND BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTION METHOD - A biological information detection sensor is provided by which it is possible to integrate multiple detection means, and it is possible to measure the biological information that is necessary in accordance with the usage state of the sensor used by the user while avoiding redundant information. The biological information detection sensor includes: a skin condition detection portion measuring at least one of a capacitance and an electric resistance change between engaged comb electrodes; a smell component detection portion measuring an electric resistance in accordance with objects absorbed on a selective sensitive membrane which is formed on a portion of the engaged comb electrodes; a temperature detection portion measuring an ambient temperature based on an electromotive force generated by a thermocouple which is formed by using at least two kinds of metallic materials and which is formed on a portion of the engaged comb electrodes; a switching means SW which compares the electromotive force generated by the thermocouple due to changes of the ambient temperature to a predetermined threshold, detects a contact state with an object having a heat source such as a biological body based on a comparison result and conducts switching operation of ON and OFF of the skin condition detection portion and the smell component detection portion based on the contact state. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295088 | Systems, devices, and methods including implantable devices with anti-microbial properties - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable implant configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent microbial growth or adherence to the implant. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295089 | Systems, devices, and methods including implantable devices with anti-microbial properties - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable implant configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent microbial growth or adherence to the implant. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295090 | Systems, devices, and methods including implantable devices with anti-microbial properties - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable implant configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent microbial growth or adherence to the implant. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295091 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING PATIENT DATA - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295092 | Biologic Information Detecting Apparatus - In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295093 | Retinopathy Of Prematurity Determination And Alarm System - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determining a likelihood of possible retinopathy of prematurity and alerting a caregiver of such likelihood. According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for determining a risk of retinopathy of prematurity in a patient may include a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine whether an oxygen saturation level of the patient extends beyond an oxygen saturation threshold, determine an extent that the oxygen saturation level of the patient extends beyond the oxygen saturation threshold, and trigger an alarm when the extent that the oxygen saturation level of the patient extends beyond the oxygen saturation threshold exceeds a threshold at which the patient may be at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity. The apparatus may also include a display unit configured to present the alarm in response to the trigger from the processing unit. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295094 | Retinopathy Of Prematurity Determination And Alarm System - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determining a likelihood of possible retinopathy of prematurity and alerting a caregiver of such likelihood. According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for displaying an indication of a risk of retinopathy of prematurity in a patient may include a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine whether an oxygen saturation history of the patient places the patient at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity. The apparatus may also include a display unit configured to present an indication of a risk of prematurity in the patient when the processing unit determines that the oxygen saturation history of the patient places the patient at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity, the indication comprising at least one of a number associated with the risk, an audible alarm, or a visual alarm. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295095 | Meter with bi-stable display - A medical handheld device having a bi-stable display, which can be supplemented by a further display, is presented. The display of the medical handheld device can have a display surface. The display surface can have a keypad in the form of a matrix of sensors. The matrix of sensors can be coupled to image segments on the display surface and can detect touches on the display surface. By coupling the matrix of sensors to the image segments of the display surface, a change of the representation of touched areas of the display surface can occur. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295096 | Method and system for electrode impedance measurement - The present invention relates to measuring electrical impedance, and particularly to measuring impedance of electrodes used to acquire physiological signals. The measurement of electrode impedance is typically performed to ensure proper electrode-to-skin contact, and thus verify the quality of the acquired signals. Electrode-to-skin contact impedance has also clinical utility for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment, as it can be used to measure skin conductivity, which is function of physiological processes. The present invention relates in particular to a substantially continuous method for performing such measurement. The measurement is performed in such a way that it does not affect the bioband, the range (or ranges) of frequencies that contains components used for diagnostic, prognostic, triage, and/or treatment purposes. The present invention therefore performs this impedance measurement without affecting the physiological signal while allowing for uninterrupted monitoring of said signal. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295097 | FETAL ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND FETAL ELECTRODE - An electrode assembly comprising a fetal electrode ( | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295098 | Catherter with Contractable Mapping Assembly - The invention is directed to a mapping catheter useful for mapping tubular regions in and around the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body. A mapping assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The mapping assembly comprises a tubular structure comprising a pre-formed generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly. A plurality of electrodes are carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. A control handle is mounted at the proximal end of the catheter body. A contraction wire extends through the catheter body and non-conductive cover of the mapping assembly for contracting the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. The contraction wire has a distal end anchored in the non-conductive cover and a proximal end anchored to a mechanism in the control handle that facilitates longitudinal movement of the contraction wire relative to the catheter body. The portion of the contraction wire extending through the non-conductive cover is positioned on the side of the generally circular main region closer to the center of the generally circular region. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295099 | Electrode kit for easy and fast deployment in electroencephalogram acquisition and monitoring applications - Electrodes for use in electroencephalographic recording, including consciousness and seizure monitoring applications, have novel features that speed, facilitate or enforce proper placement of the electrodes, including aligning tabs and arrowed aligning juts, color coding, and an insulating bridge between reference and ground electrodes which ensures a safe application distance between the conductive regions of the two electrodes in the event of cardiac defibrillation. A method of using a set of four such electrodes is also disclosed. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295100 | MICRONEEDLE ELECTRODE - In certain variations, methods, systems and/or devices for enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject's skin using one or more microneedle electrodes are provided. A microneedle electrode may be applied to the subject's skin by placing the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject's skin. The microneedles of the microneedle electrode may be inserted into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to or through dermis of the skin. An electrical signal passes or is conducted through or across the microneedle electrode and the subject's skin, where impedance of the microneedle electrode is minimal and greatly reduced compared to existing technologies. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295101 | MODULAR SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY - A facility for performing patient localization for radiation therapy is described. The facility activates two or more discrete software modules, and performs interactions between the activated software modules. Based upon the performed interactions, the facility performs patient localization for a radiation therapy session. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295102 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NETWORKED WEARABLE MEDICAL SENSORS - A medical sensor system comprises a gateway comprising a wideband receiver and a narrow band transmitter, the each gateway configured to receive a wideband positioning frame using the wideband receiver from one or more wearable sensors and to transmit acknowledgement frames using the narrow band transmitter that include timing and control data for use by the sensors to establish timing for transmission of the positioning frame; and at least one wearable sensor comprising a wideband transmitter and a narrow band receiver, the sensor configured to transmit a sensor data frame to the gateway using the wideband transmitter and to receive an acknowledgement frame from the gateway using the narrow band receiver, extract timing and control information from the frame, and adjust the timing and synchronization of the wideband transmitter using the timing and control information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295103 | VISUAL STIMULATION PRESENTING APPARATUS, FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS, MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPH APPARATUS, AND BRAIN FUNCTION MEASUREMENT METHOD - A visual stimulation presentation apparatus including: a specimen holding unit, made of a non-magnetic material, configured to hold multiple specimens of actual objects serving as specimens for presenting a subject with visual stimulation when running an apparatus to measure brain functions of the subject by detecting change in magnetic field; an actuator, made of a non-magnetic material, configured to selectively present multiple specimens of actual objects set in the specimen holding unit, by driving the specimen holding unit; and a control unit configured to control driving of the actuator; is used, whereby presenting time and presenting position can be precisely controlled and the delicate surface state of the objects with a high degree of sense of texture. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295104 | DETECTION AND GUIDE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING BLOOD VESSELS - A detection and guide system provides access to desired blood vessel locations. An implant formed of a biocompatible material is implanted within a mammalian body proximate an outer surface of a blood vessel. The detection and guide system may be configured to be positioned outside the mammalian body to detect the implant and to guide a needle to the desired entry site of the biological boundary structure. A needle guide may be coupled to a housing of the detection and guide system and directed at an angle such that positioning the implant detector over the implant aligns an opening through the needle guide with the desired entry site. The detection and guide system may, for example, provide metal detection of a metallic implant or magnetic detection of a magnetic implant. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295105 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPENING A TISSUE - Systems and methods for opening a tissue to a target value are disclosed herein. In an exemplary method, a region of the tissue is targeted for opening, a size range of microbubbles corresponding to the target value is determined, microbubbles of the size range are positioned in proximity to the targeted region, and an ultrasound beam is applied to the targeted region such that the tissue is opened with the assistance of the microbubbles to the target value. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295106 | System and Method for Visualizing Catheter Placement in a Vasculature - A system for advancing a needle through a vasculature to an injection site at the heart of a patient includes a guide catheter with a reflective distal tip. Also included is an imaging unit that is mounted on the catheter to radiate an energy field. Structurally, a distal portion of the catheter is biased to bend into a predetermined configuration that will position the distal end of the catheter for interception by the energy field. If necessary, coincidence of the reflective tip with the energy field is established by moving the energy field along the length of the guide catheter. With coincidence, the reflective tip reflects a signal that is useful for advancement of the needle from the guide catheter and into the injection site. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295107 | Catheter System for Measuring and Marking Vessel Characteristics - A system marks and measures a Vessel lumen, heart valve or body cavity using a circumference measuring catheter. A catheter system comprises a catheter device including a loop having an adjustable circumference that is adjustable within a vessel. The catheter device includes a means for adjusting the circumference of the loop and a means for measuring adjusted loop circumference. An output unit sends data indicating the measured loop (vessel) circumference or cross-sectional area derived using the measured loop circumference for presentation to a user. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295108 | APPARATUS FOR USE WITH NEEDLE INSERTION GUIDANCE SYSTEM - A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body 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 sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295109 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NAVIGATION OF A SURGICAL TOOL - The invention relates to a method of navigation of a tool to be used in a surgical operation for treating a target region within the body of a patient. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295110 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF TRACKING AND MAPPING IN A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A tracking system for a target anatomy of a patient can include a medical device having a magnetic source ( | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295111 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE ORIENTATION OF A CATHETER - The present invention relates to a system for determining the orientation of a catheter ( | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295112 | Anatomical recognition and dimensional analysis of breast volume to assist breast surgery - Various systems, methods, techniques and/or modules are provided to allow for the automated analysis of the 3-D representation of the upper front torso (i) to recognize 3-D anatomical features, (ii) to orient the subject with reference to their anatomy or a display, (iii) to determine dimensional analysis including direct point-to-point lines, 3-D surface lines, and volume values, (iv) to simulate the outcome with the addition of breast implants including breast and nipple positioning, (v) to assist in the selection of the breast implants, and/or (vi) to assist in the planning of breast surgery. The automated analysis is based on the analysis of changes in a 3-D contour map of the upper torso, orientation analysis of 3-D features and planes, color analysis of 3-D features, and/or dimensional analysis of 3-D features and positions of the upper torso. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295113 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING MEDICAL IMAGES - A method for displaying medical image data. The method includes digitally combining 3D volume visualizations to form a plurality of four-dimensional (4D) volume visualizations representing the 3D volume visualizations over a period of time. The plurality of 4D volume visualizations include first and second 4D volume visualizations. The first 4D volume visualization including the entirety of the common region during a first time period, and the second 4D volume visualization including the entirety of the common region during a different second time period. The method also includes digitally combining the first and second 4D volume visualizations by digitally processing the first and second 4D volume visualizations to generate a modified 4D volume visualization of the entirety of the common region. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295114 | DEVICES, METHODS AND KITS FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC MATERIALS TO A PANCREAS - Devices and methods are described herein for engraftment of stem cells into a pancreas using an endovascular approach. Targeted intra-arterial injection of stem cells selectively in a splenic artery can achieve engraftment of insulin producing cells in the tail of the pancreas with high efficiency and without systemic circulation of these cells to other organs. In one embodiment, a catheter device includes expandable occlusion elements in the form of inflatable balloons that can be used to isolate a proximal and distal end of a pancreatic portion of the splenic artery. In another embodiment, the occlusion elements include a filter element instead of a balloon. In some embodiments, targeted delivery of stem cells to the pancreatic tail can be achieved for treatment of, for example, diabetes. In some embodiments, an arterial section of the splenic artery can be isolated for selective perfusion of therapeutic cells/drugs to the tail of the pancreas. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295115 | Interventions Using Correlated Nuclear and Ultrasound Imaging - An apparatus and method for localizing a nuclear-emitting lesion during an intervention using correlated nuclear and ultrasound imaging. The apparatus provides interventional access and quasi-stereotactic positioning of interventional devices, with real-time ultrasound image visualization for tracking the approach of the device to the lesion. The apparatus is intended to overcome the shortcomings of fully-stereotactic nuclear-emission image localization. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295116 | PROVIDING A MOTION IMAGE IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments for providing a motion image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to form transmit signals having different phases between a n | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295117 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING A CHARACTERISTIC READING DISTANCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL - A device for measuring a characteristic reading distance of an individual, includes a measurement support carrying at least one ultrasound emitter member and at least one ultrasound receiver member, at least one of these members, referred to as a main measurement member, possessing a measurement axis on which emission or reception by the main measurement member is privileged, and being suitable for emitting or receiving ultrasound propagating in a measurement cone centered on its measurement axis. The device further includes an electronic processor unit adapted, as a function of the ultrasound signal received by the receiver member, to deliver a signal representative of the distance between the measurement support and an eyeglass frame worn by the individual's head, and to deduce therefrom the characteristic reading distance, and elements to verify that the eyeglass frame is situated at least in part in the measurement cone of the main measurement member. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295118 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND IMAGE-INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image memory, an output-information creating unit, and a control unit. The image memory associates and stores an ultrasound image and a first image that is set in accordance with a schematic image representing a portion imaged onto the ultrasound image and a positional image indicating a scanning position with ultrasound when creating the ultrasound image. The output-information creating unit creates a second image based on a shape of the first image stored by the image memory. The output-information creating unit then creates an image that image information extracted from the ultrasound image associated with the first image is superimposed onto the created second image, as output information. The control unit performs control of outputting the output information created by the output-information creating unit to an external device. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295119 | ULTRASOUND PROBE AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of transducer elements arranged in an array. The plurality of transducer elements are organized to form a transmit aperture and a receive aperture. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of summing nodes. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a set of receive switches associated with each of the transducer elements in the receive aperture. Each set of receive switches is configured to selectively connect the associated transducer element to any one of the plurality of summing nodes. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295120 | 3D ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound apparatus and a method for operating the same are provided. A 3D ultrasound apparatus includes a first processor, a second processor and a controller. The first processor determines a start point from an image data obtained by scanning an object in a human body. The second processor extracts a top image of the object from the image data based on the start point. The controller controls a sagittal view of the object by rotating the image data, using the top image. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295121 | 3D ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING 3D ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating a 3D ultrasound system are provided. A 3D ultrasound system includes an extractor, a processor, and a controller. The extractor scans an image of an object in a human body, and extracts a region of interest (ROI) image in an inputted ROI with respect to a selected image. The processor detects edges from a plurality of side images of the object with respect to the ROI image. The controller measures the thickness of the image using the detected edges. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH A CONFIGURABLE RECEIVE APERTURE - A system and method of ultrasound imaging includes a beamformer including a plurality of channels, a two-dimensional transducer array including a plurality of elements, and a plurality of signal pathways linking the plurality of elements to the plurality of channels. The system and method also include a plurality of switches positioned along the plurality of signal pathways. The plurality of switches being configured to actively connect a subset of the plurality of elements to the plurality of channels in order to form a receive aperture. The plurality of switches are further configured to control an aspect ratio of the receive aperture by changing which of the plurality of elements are actively connected to the plurality of channels. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295123 | CURVED LINEAR ARRAY TRANSDUCER, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A focused ultrasound beam is created using a probe having a curved linear array. The curved linear array is asymmetric and two dimensional comprising individual parallel circumferential, linear sub-arrays disposed at a distal end of a probe. A first sub-array is disposed proximate a distal end and a final sub-array is disposed proximate a proximal end with subsequent sub-arrays disposed between the first and final array. In practice, the first sub-array transmits a set of pulses of ultrasound radiation for a period of time then an adjacent array transmits a set of pulses of ultrasound radiation after a lag. The transmissions by each sub-array continue with a lag between each array transmission until the final sub-array transmits a final set of pulses of ultrasound radiation. The pulse is generated by each transmission is steered and focused depending on the phases and amplitudes of the pulses of ultrasound radiation transmitted by the full set of elements in the transmitting sub-arrays. The set of multiple pulses permits interrogating individual voxels in a scanned volume from different directions. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295124 | ULTRASONIC PROBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of stacked flexible printed circuit boards, and a plurality of connection portions. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are arrayed. The first electrode is provided on the emitting surface side of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The plurality of second electrodes are respectively provided on the rear surface sides of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The plurality of stacked flexible printed circuit boards respectively include a plurality of terminals. The plurality of connection portions electrically connect the second electrodes to the terminals. At least one of the flexible printed circuit boards extends longer than the flexible printed circuit board serving as an upper layer. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295125 | Apparatus and method for radio frequency ablation of a liver tumor in liver tissues - A method for detecting death process of a cell or tissue of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of illuminating the cell or tissue of the living subject with a coherent light, collecting fluorescent light returned from the illuminated cell or tissue of the living subject, identifying a NAD(P)H peak of a spectrum of the collected fluorescent light with a wavelength, λ | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295126 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ARTERIAL STIFFNESS - Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295127 | Vibro-Acoustic Detection of Cardiac Conditions - Apparatus and methods for vibro-acoustic detection of cardiac conditions are disclosed. An example method includes calculating a frequency difference between a first frequency of a first cardiac signal and a second frequency of a second cardiac signal; calculating an amplitude difference between the first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signal; calculating a root-mean-square value based on a difference between the first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signal; calculating a value based on the frequency difference, the amplitude difference, and the root-mean-square value; and detecting a cardiac condition based on the value. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295128 | BLOOD-PRESSURE SENSOR - A blood-pressure sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode, a magnetization fixed layer, a nonmagnetic layer, a magnetization free layer, and a second electrode. The substrate is bent to generate a tensile stress at least in a first direction. The first electrode is provided on the substrate. The magnetization fixed layer has magnetization to be fixed in a second direction, and is provided on the substrate. The nonmagnetic layer is provided on the magnetization fixed layer. The magnetization free layer has a magnetization direction which is different from the first direction and from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second electrode is provided on the magnetization free layer. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295129 | METHOD OF MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE SAME - A method for measuring the blood pressure of a subject is provided, the method comprising applying an occluding pressure to a portion of the subject such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel may be at least partially occluded; increasing the occluding pressure; superimposing on the occluding pressure a pressure signature; and monitoring the flow of blood through the blood vessel to identify a flow signature corresponding to the superimposed pressure signature. Further, there is provided an apparatus for measuring blood pressure, the apparatus comprising means for applying an occluding pressure to a portion of a subject, such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel may be occluded; means for increasing the occluding pressure; means for applying a pressure signature superimposed on the occluding pressure to the portion of the subject; a sensor for detecting changes in the flow of blood through the blood vessel as a result of the applied pressure; and means for determining when the changes in the flow of blood correspond to the characteristics of the pressure signature. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295130 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE INCLUDING CUFF TO BE WRAPPED AROUND MEASUREMENT SITE - A blood pressure measurement device includes a wrapping strength detecting portion for detecting a wrapping strength of a cuff with respect to a measurement site. The wrapping strength detecting portion detects the wrapping strength of the cuff prior to calculation of a blood pressure value by a blood pressure calculation unit. That is, the wrapping strength of the cuff is detected based on a relationship indicated by a volume change ΔV | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295131 | Biologic Information Detecting Apparatus - In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295132 | Biologic Information Detecting Apparatus - In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295133 | Biologic Information Detecting Apparatus - In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295134 | Method For ECG Screening - A method for screening a selected population such as student athletes for heart disease and/or cardiac abnormalities comprises obtaining an ECG of an individual member of the population at a first location; uploading the ECG to a data storage device connected to a communications network; storing the ECG in the data storage device; subsequently downloading the stored ECG to a display device at a second location remote from the first location; interpreting and annotating the displayed ECG; and, transmitting the annotated ECG to a pre-designated recipient. The method may further include advising school officials of the results of screening so that participation in school athletics may be limited for students identified as being at risk of sudden death if full participation were allowed. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295135 | SYSTEM FOR VERIFYING THE INTEGRITY OF CARDIAC COMPLEX TEMPLATES - A method and system for verifying the integrity of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) templates and updating the NSR template after selected time intervals. At selected time intervals after establishing a NSR template, cardiac complexes are sensed and values for one or more cardiac parameters are measured. The values of the cardiac parameters are compared to predetermined value ranges for NSR cardiac complexes. When the values of the cardiac parameters fall within the predetermined value ranges, values for the differences between the values of the cardiac parameters for the cardiac complexes and the values for the cardiac parameters of the NSR cardiac complexes are calculated. When the values of the differences are greater than one or more threshold values, the NSR template is updated as a function of the sensed cardiac complexes. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295136 | FAR-FIELD SENSING CHANNEL FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICE - An implantable pacemaker is provided with a far-field sensing channel which requires a reduced refractory period during the time when pacing pulses are delivered as compared with sensing channels using intra-cardiac electrodes. The far-field sensing channel may use the conductive housing of the implantable device or can and an indifferent electrode mounted on the device header as the electrodes for its differential inputs. Such a far-field sensing channel is able to sense activity occurring in either the atria or the ventricles for the purposes of arrhythmia detection and/or capture verification. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295137 | CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY OPTIMIZATION USING ELECTROMECHANICAL DELAY FROM REALTIME ELECTRODE MOTION TRACKING - An exemplary method includes providing a mechanical activation time (MA time) for a myocardial location, the location defined at least in part by an electrode and the mechanical activation time determined at least in part by movement of the electrode; providing an electrical activation time (EA time) for the myocardial location; and determining an electromechanical delay (EMD) for the myocardial location based on the difference between the mechanical activation time (MA time) and the electrical activation time (EA time). | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295138 | Method and system for reliable inspiration-to-expiration ratio extraction from acoustic physiological signal - A method and system for reliably estimating inspiration-to-expiration ratio from an acoustic physiological signal. A background sound level is set to an energy level whereat a predetermined share of data points on an energy envelope is below the energy level, after which respiration phase start and end times are determined at energy crossings above the background sound level, enabling more reliable determination of respiration phases. Moreover, reliably determined respiration phase start and end times, in addition to being used to estimate inspiration-to-expiration ratio, are applied to other purposes, such as estimating respiration period, validating an independently computed respiration period and/or adjusting a sampling window of the acoustic physiological signal, reducing system complexity and conserving computational resources. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295139 | Method and system for reliable respiration parameter estimation from acoustic physiological signal - A method and system that reliably estimates a respiration parameter from an acoustic physiological signal without introducing undue complexity or intense computation. A median filter is applied to an energy envelope of the signal to remove heart sound “sparks” from the envelope and better isolate lung sounds. The median filter is followed by a low-pass filter that removes abrupt changes in the envelope caused by the median filter's nonlinearity. Various peak cross-checks are performed on an autocorrelation result generated from the envelope to confirm the reliability of the signal before an estimate of a respiration parameter is generated from the autocorrelation result. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295140 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring Trace Levels of CO in Human Breath Using Cavity Enhanced, Mid-Infared Absorption Spectroscopy - A method and apparatus for analyzing trace levels of CO in human breath for the purpose of, among other things, assessing the severity of pulmonary diseases and monitoring the patient's response to a prescribed treatment. The apparatus measures in situ and in real time the CO concentration at sensitivity levels at least as low as parts per billion. A laser of the apparatus has a wavelength in mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum. The optical is constructed and arranged to perform cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) the breath sample. The cavity includes highly reflective mirrors mounted to each side of the optical cavity to cause the light received from the laser to bounce back and forth within the optical cavity to increase effective path length of the light. A breath intake tube is connected to the optical cavity for collecting a sample of the patient's exhaled breath and transferring it to the optical cavity. A photo detector measures parameters of the light exiting the optical cavity. A controller to operates the system and determines the concentration of CO in the breath sample based on measurements from the photo detector. Appropriate hardware and software display and store the data in real time. | 2011-12-01 |
| 20110295141 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSTICS - A method for assessing lung function in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises isolating a lung compartment. Thereafter, in one embodiment, an inhaled gas of known composition is introduced into the lung and compared to the composition of the exhaled gas. Alternatively, accumulated CO | 2011-12-01 |
