Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110275932 | Method And Apparatus For Depth-Resolved Fluorescence, Chromophore, and Oximetry Imaging For Lesion Identification During Surgery - A tomographic fluorescent imaging device for imaging fluorophores in biological tissues has a scanned laser for scanning the tissue and a camera for receiving light from the biological tissue at an angle to the beam at a second wavelength ten or more nanometers greater in wavelength than the wavelength of the laser. Use of both intrinsic and extrinsic fluorophores is described. Images are obtained at each of several positions of the beam. An image processing system receives the series of images, models a path of the beam through the tissue, and determines depth of fluorophore in tissue from intersections of the modeled path of the beam and the path of the received light. The laser is of 600 nm or longer wavelength, to provide penetration of tissue. The imaging device is used during surgery to visualize lesions of various types to ensure complete removal of malignant tumors. An alternative embodiment uses differences in intensity of fluorescent radiation from tissue as observed at different wavelengths to determine depth of fluorophore in tissue. An embodiment operates at multiple wavelengths to construct tomographic images of chromophores, such as hemoglobin, and is capable of dynamic imaging. | 11-10-2011 |
20120209347 | Apparatus And Method For Modulating Neurochemical Levels In the Brain - A treatment for Parkinson's Disease uses a stimulus electrode implanted in a subthalamic nucleus with a chemosensor implanted in a globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) of the subject. A level of a neurochemical is sensed with the chemosensor, and compared to a desired level. When the level of the neurochemical is less than desired, an electrical stimulation is provided to the stimulus electrode. In alternative embodiments, the neurochemical sensed is glutamate or dopamine. An alternative system uses a chemosensor implanted in the striatum instead of the GPi. An alternative system for treating benign essential tremor uses a stimulus electrode implanted in the thalamus with feedback taken from a chemosensor in the striatum. | 08-16-2012 |
20120215093 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PATIENT REGISTRATION WITHOUT FIDUCIALS - A method for providing patient registration without fiducials comprises the steps of: spatially placing an ultrasound image of a patient randomly at different starting positions relative to a preoperative image; creating an independent registration corresponding to each different starting positions, by optimizing a spatial transformation between the preoperative image and the ultrasound image to provide a first batch of registrations; executing a second registration to fine-tune the alignment between the preoperative image and the ultrasound image; and concatenating the spatial transformation to obtain spatial transformation between the patient in an operating room and a corresponding preoperative image. | 08-23-2012 |
20140056498 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGISTERING ULTRASOUND AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES - A system and methods are presented for emulating the appearance of prominent features captured in ultrasound through directional dilation of a magnetic resonance gradient image along a direction determined by the relative ultrasound scan-head location with respect to the magnetic resonance gradient image in order to improve the robustness and reliability of registration. | 02-27-2014 |
20140362186 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATION OF STEREO-OPTICAL THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE-MAPPING SYSTEM - A system for, and method of, extracting a surface profile from a stereo pair of images obtained at an arbitrary setting S of an optical system, includes determining surface profile reconstruction parameters for images obtained with the optical system at a reference setting So of the optical system; determining warping parameters for a digital image processor for warping images obtained with the optical system at the arbitrary setting S into images corresponding to the reference setting So; obtaining the stereo pair of images from at least one camera of the optical system; warping the stereo pair of images into images corresponding to the reference setting So, and using the surface profile reconstruction parameters to determine the surface profile. In a particular embodiment, the surface profile is passed to a computer model of tissue deformation and used to determine an intra-surgery location of a tumor or other anatomic feature of tissue. | 12-11-2014 |
20140369584 | Method And Apparatus For Determining Tumor Shift During Surgery Using A Stereo-Optical Three-Dimensional Surface-Mapping System - A system and method for determining intraoperative locations of a lesion in tissue from lesion locations determined in preoperative imaging includes determining three dimensional locations of surface features of the organ in the preoperative images. A preoperative surface map is extracted from stereo images annotated with surface features from preoperative images. An intraoperative surface map of the organ is extracted from stereo images, and surface features are identified in the stereo images corresponding to surface features annotated into the preoperative surface map. Three dimensional displacements of the surface features are determined and used to constrain a computer model of deformation of the organ. In embodiments, the model of deformation is adapted or constrained to model locations and dimensions of surgical cavities using an optical flow method and/or locations of surgical instruments in the organ. The model of deformation is used to determine intraoperative locations for the lesion. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371600 | Apparatus For Meausring In-Vivo Mechanical Properties of Biological Tissues - An apparatus and method for measuring mechanical properties of tissue has a stereo optical surgical microscope with at least one objective lens and at least two digital cameras such that paired images obtained from the digital cameras form stereo pairs, and a digital image processing system adapted to determine surface topography of tissue from the stereo pairs of images and a resulting surface displacement map as a result from indentation. The apparatus has an one indenter; and mechanical modeling routines stored in memory of the image processing system, the mechanical modeling routines capable of constructing computer models of mechanical properties of tissue, and fitting parameters of the computer model to observed surface displacement maps generated by coregistering surface topography of tissue with and without the indenter positioned on the tissue. In an embodiment, fitted parameters of the computer model are displayed and used to adjust a surgical plan. An apparatus and method for measuring mechanical properties of tissue has a stereo optical surgical microscope with at least one objective lens and at least two digital cameras such that paired images obtained from the digital cameras form stereo pairs, and a digital image processing system adapted to determine surface topography of tissue from the stereo pairs of images and a resulting surface displacement map as a result from indentation. The apparatus has an one indenter; and mechanical modeling routines stored in memory of the image processing system, the mechanical modeling routines capable of constructing computer models of mechanical properties of tissue, and fitting parameters of the computer model to observed surface displacement maps generated by coregistering surface topography of tissue with and without the indenter positioned on the tissue. In an embodiment, fitted parameters of the computer model are displayed and used to adjust a surgical plan. | 12-18-2014 |
20140378843 | Method And Apparatus For Quantitative Hyperspectral Fluorescence And Reflectance Imaging For Surgical Guidance - An imaging system includes an illumination device for illuminating a target. A surgical microscope receives light from the target, the surgical microscope comprising at least one optical output port at which at least a portion of the received light is provided as an output from the surgical microscope. A tunable filter receives the portion of the received light provided as the output from the surgical microscope, the tunable filter being tunable to pass a filtered portion of the received light, the filtered portion of the received light having a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter and provided as output from the tunable filter. A high-resolution, broad-bandwidth electronic camera receives the light of a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter, the electronic camera converting the light of a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter to a plurality of electrical signals. A processor processes the plurality of electrical signals to form an image of the target. | 12-25-2014 |
20150148629 | Biopsy Device with Integrated Optical Spectroscopy Guidance - An optical spectroscopy probe for providing optical spectroscopy guidance of a mechanical biopsy procedure, and a tissue biopsy device including an optical spectroscopy probe. The optical spectroscopy probe is positionable in a lumen of a mechanical biopsy device. The probe may enable optical spectroscopy guidance in biopsy procedures, include brain biopsy procedures. | 05-28-2015 |
20150374308 | Method And Apparatus For Medical Imaging Using Differencing Of Multiple Fluorophores - A method of generating corrected fluorescence data of concentrations of a targeted fluorophore in tissue of a subject includes administering first and second fluorescent contrast agents to the subject, the first contrast agent targeted to tissue of interest, the second agent untargeted. The tissue is illuminated with light of a first stimulus wavelength and first data is acquired at an appropriate emissions wavelength; the tissue is illuminated at a second stimulus wavelength and second data is acquired at a second emissions wavelength associated with the second agent, the first and second emissions wavelength differ. Difference data is generated by subtracting the second data from the first data. A system provides for stimulus and capture at multiple wavelengths, with image storage memory and subtraction code, to perform the method. Corrected data may form an fluorescence image, or is used to generate fluorescence tomographic images. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140070678 | NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE ENCLOSURE - A notification appliance enclosure that facilitates convenient attachment and removal of a housing. The enclosure may include a mounting plate having a catch lip and a retaining wedge projecting from a surface thereof. The catch lip and the retaining wedge may be spaced apart to define a retaining pocket therebetween, and the catch lip may have a latch release aperture formed therethrough. A housing may fit over the mounting plate and may have a latch tongue extending from a surface thereof fits within the retaining pocket. A release latch may extend from a surface of latch tongue and may fit within the latch release aperture. The engagement between the release latch and the latch release aperture prevents the housing from being pulled away from the mounting plate. The retaining wedge resists movement of the latch tongue and thereby resists disengagement of the release latch from the latch release aperture. | 03-13-2014 |
20140332525 | NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE ENCLOSURE - A notification appliance enclosure is disclosed that facilitates convenient attachment and removal of a cover thereof The enclosure may include a housing having at least one retaining catch extending from a first side thereof and at least one pivot catch extending from a second side thereof. The enclosure may further include a cover adapted to fit over the housing, the cover having at least one retaining catch recess and at least one pivot catch recess formed therein and adapted to receive the retaining catch and the pivot catch, respectively, to secure the cover against movement away from the housing when the cover and the housing are connected to one another. The cover may further include a catch release pocket adapted to receive the tip of a tool or implement for allowing the retaining catch and the retaining catch recess to be forcibly moved out of engagement with one another. | 11-13-2014 |
20150380913 | BACK BOX WITH MOUNTING POSTS PROJECTING FROM RECESSED PORTIONS IN SIDEWALLS - A weatherproof back box for receiving a fire alarm notification or other fire alarm device includes a back wall and sidewalls that project from the back wall and define a mouth. The sidewalls further include recessed portions that extend from the back wall toward the mouth, and end prior to the mouth. The back box further includes mounting posts, which are preferably less than 50% of the depth of the back box, that project from the recessed portions into the mouth. Additionally, these mounting posts receive fasteners for securing the fire alarm notification device in the mouth of the back box. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120012560 | Torch Flow Regulation Using Nozzle Features - A nozzle for a plasma arc torch includes a body having a first end and a second end. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice located at the first end of the body. A flange is located at the second end of the body. The flange is adapted to mate with a corresponding consumable. The flange is configured to selectively block at least one gas passage in the corresponding consumable to establish a gas flow relative to the nozzle body. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012566 | Protective Shell for a Hand Held Plasma Cutting Torch - A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head. | 01-19-2012 |
20120152912 | ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES - An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152913 | ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES - An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc. | 06-21-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090212027 | Binary Signal Detection - A system and method for identifying a torch assembly associated with a thermal processing system can include a detector that detects a multi-bit binary signal based on a plurality of open circuits or closed circuits with the thermal processing system. Each representative binary signal can comprise an individual physical component. The system can also include a control mechanism in communication with the detector, the control mechanism identifying at least one characteristic of the torch assembly based upon the multi-bit binary signal. | 08-27-2009 |
20090215302 | Connector for a Thermal Cutting System or Welding System - A connector assembly for a thermal cutting system or welding system can include a housing having a locking device. The locking device can cause, upon application of a translational force, engagement of the connector assembly relative to a stationary receiving mechanism and can cause, upon application of a force on a contact member or a rotational moment on the contact member, disengagement of the locking device relative to the stationary receiving mechanism. The connector assembly can include a conduit disposed in the housing, the conduit carrying a gas to the thermal cutting system or welding system. The connector assembly can include a first current carrying member disposed in the housing, the first current carrying member carrying an operating current to the thermal cutting system or welding system and a second current carrying member disposed in the housing, the second current carrying member carrying a second current. | 08-27-2009 |
20110253683 | High Visibility Plasma Arc Torch - An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction. | 10-20-2011 |
20140069895 | AUTOMATED CARTRIDGE DETECTION FOR A PLASMA ARC CUTTING SYSTEM - The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system automatically using replaceable cartridges. A replaceable cartridge for use with a plasma arc cutting system includes a housing, a connection mechanism for coupling the housing to a plasma arc torch, an arc constrictor connected to the housing, an arc emitter connected to the housing, and an identification mechanism disposed relative to the housing and configured to communicate information to a reader of the plasma arc cutting system and automatically set at least one operating parameter of the plasma arc cutting system. | 03-13-2014 |
20150343554 | Plasma Cutting System with Efficient Components - A plasma cutting system is provided. The system includes a power source configured to generate a plasma arc, and a plasma arc torch connected to the power source for delivering the plasma arc to a workpiece. The plasma arc torch defines a multi-function fluid flow path for sustaining the plasma arc and cooling the plasma arc torch such that the plasma cutting system has a power-to-gas flow ratio of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm). The power-to-gas flow ratio comprises a ratio of power of the generated plasma arc to a total gas flow supplied to the plasma arc torch. | 12-03-2015 |
20150351214 | Cooling Plasma Cutting System Consumables and Related Systems and Methods - In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080215436 | System for delivering advertisements to wireless communication devices - An advertising system and method for a communication system that delivers advertisements to subscribers based on the respective subscriber data. The advertisers, through the provider of the system, have advertisements selected and delivered to the subscriber based on the subscriber data. The advertiser pays for advertisement delivery such that the provider can offer reduced rates or free communication services to the subscribers. The provider is capable through the system to update the subscriber data in real time including personal profile, purchase history, financial condition, and location. The provider through the system is capable of establishing advertisement delivery priority by evaluating the subscriber data in real time just prior to triggering advertisement delivery. The advertisement can be delivered in place of ring tones, at the end of the conversation, and while waiting for the other party to answer. | 09-04-2008 |
20130124335 | System for Delivering Advertisements to Wireless Communication Devices - An advertising system and method for a communication system that delivers advertisements to subscribers based on the respective subscriber data. The advertisers, through the provider of the system, have advertisements selected and delivered to the subscriber based on the subscriber data. The advertiser pays for advertisement delivery such that the provider can offer reduced rates or free communication services to the subscribers. The provider is capable through the system to update the subscriber data in real time including personal profile, purchase history, financial condition, and location. The provider through the system is capable of establishing advertisement delivery priority by evaluating the subscriber data in real time just prior to triggering advertisement delivery. The advertisement can fee delivered in place of ring tones, at the end of the conversation, and while waiting for the other party to answer. | 05-16-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100089885 | LASER MACHINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH MULTIPLE BEAMLET LASER BEAM DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Multiple beamlet laser beam delivery systems and methods may be used in laser machining systems and methods to machine multiple regions on a workpiece simultaneously. One embodiment of a laser machining system and method may be used, for example, to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost. The multiple beam delivery systems may be movable to scribe multiple lines simultaneously in the workpiece. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089886 | LASER MACHINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH VISION CORRECTION AND/OR TRACKING - Vision correction and tracking systems may be used in laser machining systems and methods to improve the accuracy of the machining. The laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost. The vision correction and/or tracking systems may be used to provide scribe line alignment and uniformity based on detected parameters of the scribe lines and/or changes in the workpiece. | 04-15-2010 |
20140217071 | LASER MACHINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH VISION CORRECTION AND/OR TRACKING - Vision correction and tracking systems may be used in laser machining systems and methods to improve the accuracy of the machining. The laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe one or more lines in large flat workpieces such as solar panels. In particular, laser machining systems and methods may be used to scribe lines in thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with accuracy, high speed and reduced cost. The vision correction and/or tracking systems may be used to provide scribe line alignment and uniformity based on detected parameters of the scribe lines and/or changes in the workpiece. | 08-07-2014 |