50th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 42 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110306791 | IMPROVEMENT TO THE HIGH-PRESSURE LOOP IN A PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIS OF UREA - A process and a related plant layout for producing urea are disclosed, wherein the high-pressure loop ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306792 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING TOLTERODINE AND THE L-TARTRATE THEREOF - The present invention relates to a process for preparing tolterodine and the L-tartrate thereof. The preparation consists of the following steps: A) ammonolysis reaction between diisopropylamine and compound 2 (3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-4-phenyl-2H-benzopyran-2-one) activated by an activator to afford the amide 3; B) reduction of the amide by a reductant to give compound 1, i.e., racemic tolterodine free base; C) Resolution of the tolterodine free base to afford tolterodine L-tartrate. The present route is very short and suitable for industrial production. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306793 | Process for Preparing Substituted 3-(1-amino-2-methylpentane-3-yl)phenyl Compounds - A process for the preparation of substituted 3-(1-amino-2-methylpentane-3-yl)phenyl compounds. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306794 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING CINACALCET HYDROCHLORIDE - A process for preparing N-[(1R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]propan-1-amine hydrochloride salt of formula (I) | 2011-12-15 |
20110306795 | PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF NITRATED AROMATICS AND MIXTURES THEREOF - A process for the preparation of mononitroaromatics and dinitroaromatics, in which a hydrate melt of at least one metal nitrate M(NO | 2011-12-15 |
20110306796 | PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 1-BROMO-3,5-DIMETHYL ADAMANTANE - The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 1-bromo-3,5-dimethyl adamantane of formula (III), which is an useful intermediate for synthesis of 1-amino-3,5-dimethyl adamantane of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306797 | SULFONE COMPOUND - It is an object of the present invention to provide an aprotic polar solvent mainly useful as a solvent for an electrochemical device, and having a comparatively low melting point and excellent thermal stability. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306798 | Methods for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides - Novel methods for preparing arylsulfur pentafluorides are disclosed. Arylsulfur halotetrafluoride is reacted with a fluoride source under hydrous conditions to form an arylsulfur pentafluoride. The purification method is also disclosed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306799 | METHOD FOR THE TARGETED EXECUTION OF A REACTION TAKING PLACE ALONGSIDE SEVERAL COMPETING CHEMICAL REACTIONS - A method for the targeted execution of a reaction taking place alongside several competing chemical reactions is described, wherein the speeds of the competing reactions are set by the selection of the reaction conditions in such a way that the desired main reaction is not adversely affected. The invention further describes a new method for the oxidation of primary or secondary alcohols into aldehydes or ketones in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, a carboxylic acid anhydride or halogenide, and an amine in an organic solvent, in a continuous processing system (Moffatt-Swern oxidation). | 2011-12-15 |
20110306800 | METHOD FOR THE DECOMPOSITION OF CUMENE HYDROPEROXIDE - An improved method for the production of phenol, acetone and alpha-methyl styrene (AMS) from a cumene hydroperoxide and dimethylbenzyl alcohol (DMBA) mixture is described, wherein 0.5-5% additional water by weight is added prior to the final DMBA dehydration step, carried out in the presence of about 20-400 ppm mineral acid catalyst at 110-150° C. for 0.5 to 40 minutes residence time. The use of additional water allows greater flexibility in maintaining optimum temperature in the second stage over a much broader turndown range with fixed equipment, decreases the residual dicumyl peroxide (DCP) at the yield optimum for a given temperature, and increases the overall yield of AMS at optimum conditions at a given temperature. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306801 | EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION PROCESSES FOR RECOVERY OF ORGANIC SOLUTES FROM FEED SOURCES AND APPARATUSES FOR PERFORMING SAME - Methods for extracting an organic solute from a feed source using aromatic extraction solvents are described herein. Solvent modifiers such as, for example, cetyl alcohol may also be used to alter the properties of the solvent and improve the extraction. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent can be recycled after performing the extraction. In some embodiments, the organic solute may be separated from the extraction solvent after the extraction. For example, in some embodiments, the organic solute may be adsorbed on to 5 Å molecular sieve zeolites and then removed thereafter. Removal of the organic solute can take place by heating, applying a vacuum or a combination thereof. Apparatuses for extracting an organic solute from a feed source are also described herein. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306802 | PREPARATION OF HYDROXYAROMATIC ALDEHYDES - Hydroxyaromatic aldehydes are prepared by oxidation of a corresponding mandelic derivative carried out in a basic medium and in the presence of a catalytic system containing at least two metal elements. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306803 | SEPARATION OF GLYCOL MONO-TERTIARY-BUTYL ETHER AND GLYCOL DI-TERTIARY-BUTYL ETHER - A method of separating glycol mono-tertiary-butyl ether and glycol di-tertiary-butyl ether by an extraction process using hydrophilic and lipophilic extracting agents is disclosed. The separation method includes the step of separating a mixture including glycol mono-tertiary-butyl ether of the following Chemical formula 1 and glycol di-tertiary-butyl ether of the following Chemical formula 2 with a hydrophilic extracting agent and a lipophilic extracting agent, | 2011-12-15 |
20110306804 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING POLYOLS - Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306805 | PROCESS FOR HYDROGENATING ALKYL ESTER(S) IN THE PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE - A process for the preparation of alcohol(s) from alkyl ester(s) wherein hydrogen, carbon monoxide and at least one alkyl ester are brought into contact with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising copper and manganese in a reaction zone to produce at least one alcohol, wherein the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the reaction zone is in the range of from 100:1 to 1:10. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306806 | Synthesis of Ethanol from Biomass - A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over either cobalt and palladium supported on graphite or cobalt and platinum supported on silica selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306807 | METHANOL PURIFICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - The invention relates to a method and apparatus to recover and purify methanol from gases produced in the digester during the kraft pulping process. The gas is typically recovered as a foul gas (called stripper off gas or SOG) comprising methanol, water and various other contaminants. The gas is then treated with successive decanting and distillation steps to remove impurities, thereby producing highly purified methanol. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306808 | Process For Conversion of Organic, Waste, or Low-Value Materials Into Useful Products - The present invention addresses the processing of waste and low-value products to produce useful materials in reliable purities and compositions, at acceptable cost, without producing malodorous emissions, and with high energy efficiency. In particular, the invention comprises a multi-stage process that converts various feedstocks such as offal, animal manures, municipal sewage sludge, tires, and plastics, that otherwise have little commercial value, to useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. The process subjects the feedstock to heat and pressure, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components. Various materials produced at different points in the process may be recycled and used to play other roles within the process. The invention further comprises an apparatus for performing a multi-stage process of converting waste products into useful materials, and at least one oil product that arises from the process. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306809 | PROCESS FOR THE REDUCTION OF GASOLINE BENZENE CONTENT BY ALKYLATION WITH DILUTE ETHYLENE - The process converts ethylene in a dilute ethylene stream and dilute benzene in an aromatic containing stream via alkylation to heavier hydrocarbons. The catalyst may be a zeolite such as UZM-8. The catalyst is resistant to feed impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon oxides, and hydrogen and selectively converts benzene. At least 40 wt-% of the ethylene in the dilute ethylene stream and at least 20 wt-% of the benzene in the dilute benzene stream can be converted to heavier hydrocarbons. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306810 | PROCESSES FOR SYNTHESIZING ETHYLBENZENE FROM ETHANOL AND BENZENE - Processes for catalytically synthesizing ethylbenzene from ethanol and benzene comprising:
| 2011-12-15 |
20110306811 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING LIGHT OLEFINS - A process for producing at least one light olefin, comprising converting three raw materials in the presence of at least one catalyst comprising at least one molecular sieve and regenerating said at least one catalyst into three separate product streams. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306812 | PROCESS FOR THE COOLIGOMERIZATION OF OLEFINS - In a process for the cooligomerization of olefins, an olefin starting material comprising olefins having n carbon atoms and olefins having 2n carbon atoms is reacted over an olefin oligomerization catalyst to give a reaction product. The process is carried out under such conditions that the conversion of olefins having 2n carbon atoms is less than 10%. Both the cooligomer having 3n carbon atoms and the olefin having 2n carbon atoms which has been separated off from the reaction product have a high hydroformylatability. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306813 | Dilute Ethylene Alkylation of Benzene - Methods of forming ethylbenzene are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting dilute ethylene with benzene in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to form ethylbenzene, wherein such contact occurs in a reaction zone containing a gaseous phase and recovering ethylbenzene from the reaction zone. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306814 | RISER REACTOR SYSTEM AND A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN OLEFINIC PRODUCT - A riser reactor system comprising a riser reactor and a catalyst feed device for fluidized catalyst, the riser reactor having a riser interior in which catalyst is flowing during normal operation, and the feed device comprising an annular trough surrounding the riser interior, the annular trough having an up-stream opening for receiving fluidized catalyst, and at least one substantially circumferential downstream opening providing fluid communication between the trough and the riser interior; and a process for the preparation of an olefinic product using a riser reactor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the process comprising reacting an oxygenate feedstock in the presence of an oxygenate conversion catalyst under oxygenate-to-olefin conversion conditions in the riser reactor system, to obtain the olefinic product. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306815 | Metathesis Catalyst and Process for Use Thereof - This invention relates to a catalyst compound comprising a combination of a cyclic alkyl amino carbene ligand and a benzylidene both attached to a Group 8 metal, preferably ruthenium atom. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306816 | HEAVY HYDROCARBON REMOVAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Apparatuses and systems for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed herein. The apparatuses extract heavy hydrocarbons into light hydrocarbons and provide a solvent stream having the heavy hydrocarbons removed. Two water washing steps are used to remove residual solvent from the heavy hydrocarbon solution in light hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the second water wash is used for processing subsequent batches of the solvent stream. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further. Methods for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are also disclosed herein. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306817 | Method For Processing A Nitrous Aqueous Liquid Effluent By Calcination And Vitrification - A method for treating a nitric aqueous liquid effluent containing nitrates of metals or metalloids, comprising a step for calcination of the effluent in order to convert the nitrates of metals or metalloids into oxides of said metals or metalloids, at least one compound selected from the nitrates of metals or metalloids and the other compounds of the effluent leading upon calcination to a tacky oxide, and a dilution adjuvant leading upon calcination to a non-tacky oxide being added to the effluent prior to the calcination step, a method wherein the dilution adjuvant comprises aluminium nitrate and at least one nitrate selected from iron nitrate and rare earth nitrates. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306818 | Irradiation of a Target Volume, Taking into Account a Volume to be Protected - The idea concerns irradiation of a target volume ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306819 | Methods, Devices And Systems For Cardioelectromagnetic Treatment - Disclosed are methods of treatment or prophylaxis of a cardiac-related condition by electromagnetic field application. A person having or susceptible to such condition is subjected to low-level electromagnetic fields having a frequency between zero up to about 200 Hertz. The diseased state or condition may include diseased heart valves, an enlarged heart, circulatory blockage, coronary insufficiencies, and ischemia. The treatment may be administered non-invasively or invasively. An implantable device for invasively administering the treatment may include at least one component emitting electromagnetic fields having a frequency between zero and about 200 Hertz. The component may include at least one inductor. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306820 | METHOD OF TREATING INCONTINENCE - A method of treating incontinence includes inserting a rigid implant peri-urethrally into a patient, aligning a longitudinal axis of the rigid implant substantially parallel to a urethra of the patient, and limiting mobility of the urethra with the rigid implant. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306821 | INCONTINENCE TREATMENT DEVICE - An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross-linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306822 | METHOD OF TREATING INCONTINENCE - A method of treating incontinence in a patient includes implanting a support by suspending the support from a pair of connectors attached to tissue thereby supporting a urethra of the patient with an implanted support and a pair of implanted connectors. The method additionally includes evaluating the patient for incontinence post-implantation of the support, and reducing the incontinence of the patient by shortening a length of one of the pair of implanted connectors through intact skin from a location extracorporeal of the patient. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306823 | Closing system for a natural or artificial anus - The invention relates to a closing system for a natural or an artificial anus, comprising an inflatable balloon having an approximately toroidal structure, composed of a plane tubular section folded in on itself, the ends of which ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306824 | REMOTELY ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING SYSTEM - An implantable system comprises a housing that includes a flexible reservoir. The flexible reservoir is coupled to an inflatable portion of a gastric band via a fluid inlet/outlet. The flexible reservoir contains a fluid and has an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. An access port may be coupled to the flexible reservoir and/or the gastric band to facilitate filling and draining the reservoir and/or the gastric band. A movable wall is slidably positioned around the flexible reservoir to move the flexible reservoir between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration to move the fluid into and out of the inflatable portion of the gastric band. A driving mechanism is positioned around the movable wall and is capable of changing the size of the movable wall to compress or expand the flexible reservoir. A motor, coupled to the driving mechanism, may actuate the driving mechanism. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306825 | INTRACAVITY BALLOON CATHETER - A device and method for minimizing exposure of soft mucosa tissues to radiation, the device including a low-volume intracavity balloon catheter having multiple expansion portions, including an isometrically expanding portion and a substantially planar anterior portion. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306826 | OVER MOLDED IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO PROTECT TUBING FROM PUNCTURE - An implantable device used in a gastric band system includes an access port, a tube coupled to the access port, and a shielding device covering a portion of the tube. The shielding device is positioned adjacent to the access port and covers the end of the tube coupled to the access port. The shielding device is made from a puncture resistant material, to protect the tube from puncture by a misplaced syringe needle inserted by a physician. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306827 | NEEDLE GUARD TO PROTECT ACCESS PORT TUBING - An inflatable tissue expander, suitable for implantation in a breast, is provided. In addition, a needle guard assembly, suitable to protect tubing leading from an implantable access port, is provided. The needle guard assembly may include a first composite guard and a second composite guard, each composite guard including an arrangement of puncture resistant members and a flexible substrate having a first side on which the puncture resistant members are positioned. The needle guard assembly may comprise a sleeve extending over an end of the tube. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306828 | PROPULSION-UNIT AND ROBOT PROVIDED WITH SUCH A PROPULSION-UNIT - A propulsion-unit provided with a body and comprising at least one element having an external adhesive layer for providing frictional contact with an object's surface along which the unit in use moves, wherein the element is a supporting layer that supports said adhesive layer, and wherein drive means are provided for moving the supporting layer and the body with respect to each other. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306829 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NATURAL ORIFICE VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY - A transuterine cannula through which an endoscope can be advanced into the peritoneal space to provide visualization of tissue cutting in the peritoneal space pursuant to a vaginal hysterectomy. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306830 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION IN MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY - A magnetically guided endoscope system has a display system wherein the position of the boundary of the examination region of the magnetic field that is used for capsule endoscope guidance is displayed and/or the position of the peak of the magnetic field used for capsule guidance is displayed. The displayed information can be presented in the form of computer-generated graphics superimposed on a camera image of the patient by a computer, or can be a fixed indicator on the display screen of a display at which a computer causes the camera image of the patient to be displayed at a position that is correctly oriented with respect to the fixed information. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306831 | ENDOSCOPE WITH A BENDING PORTION - An endoscope ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306832 | FOLDING ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Disclosed is a folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources. The foldable endoscope includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes three elongate arms having first and second ends and being pivotally connected at the first ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism, upon activation by the actuator, is configured to pivotally deploy the three elongate arms from a closed position in which the elongate arms are aligned along the longitudinal axis to an open position with the second ends of the elongate arms radially spaced from the longitudinal axis. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306833 | FLOW REDUCTION HOOD SYSTEMS - Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306834 | Endoscope - An endoscope comprises an elongated shaft, a headpiece at a proximal end of the shaft, the headpiece having a housing, at least one light source which is arranged in the shaft in a distal area thereof, and produces lost heat, and a passive cooling which has at least one heat pipe which is arranged in the shaft and is thermally coupled to the at least one light source in order to lead away the lost heat in the proximal direction. The at least one heat pipe extends into the headpiece, and a heat sink body is arranged in the headpiece, to which heat sink body the at least one heat pipe is thermally coupled, and which absorbs the lost heat from the at least one heat pipe and emits the lost heat to the environment directly or via the housing of the headpiece. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306835 | ENDOSCOPY APPARATUS HAVING HIGH DEGREE OF MOTION FREEDOM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - An endoscopy apparatus having high degree of motion freedom and the operating method thereof are disclosed. The endoscopy apparatus having high degree of motion freedom includes a multi-stage endoscopy module and a control module. The multi-stage endoscopy module includes at least a first endoscopy unit and a second endoscopy unit. The first endoscopy unit and the second endoscopy unit can provide a first bending and a second bending respectively. The second bending is larger than the first bending. When the multi-stage endoscopy module moves to a region near a target observing position, the control module will control the second endoscopy unit to generate slight deformation to observe a real-time state of the target observing position. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306836 | TENDON-DRIVEN ENDOSCOPE AND METHODS OF USE - A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306837 | ENDOSCOPE - Provided is an endoscope which is capable of preventing liquid drops from attaching onto the vicinity of an observation window even in the case where the observation window is placed in the vicinity of a round-chamfered peripheral edge part. In the case where an observation window is placed in the vicinity of a round-chamfered peripheral edge part, the peripheral edge part in the vicinity of the observation window is round-chamfered in a manner that the radius of curvature (round-chamfer) becomes larger along with an increase in distance from a starting point, the starting point being the point closest to the observation window. With this feature, it is possible to prevent the liquid drops from attaching onto the vicinity of the observation window to thereby block the field of view. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306838 | ENDOSCOPE - Provided is an endoscope which is capable of letting a liquid drain off to a satisfactory level at the time of cleaning, while securing the degree of freedom of a layout. An observation window is placed on an observation window base part which is formed on a distal end surface of a distal end part so as to protrude from the surrounding area. An outer peripheral shape of the observation window base part is formed into a streamline shape with respect to a flow of a cleaning fluid jetted from a nozzle. With this feature, it is possible to block a liquid flow having a low flow rate from flowing on the observation window, and to allow the liquid flow which has been used for cleaning to promptly move to the outside of the observation window. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306839 | GUIDING DEVICE FOR USE WITH LARYNGOSCOPE - A guiding device for use with a laryngoscope for assisting in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient, the device comprising a guiding means for guiding an endotracheal tube through the patient's upper airways, and an attachment means to attach the guiding means to the blade of the laryngoscope. A laryngoscope comprising the guiding device is also disclosed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306840 | CONTROLLABLE MAGNETIC SOURCE TO FIXTURE INTRACORPOREAL APPARATUS. - A first magnetic field can be produced across a tissue region using a first magnetic field source, providing a magnetic coupling force between the first magnetic field source and a first object, wherein the first object provides a magnetic field or a magnetic susceptibility to obtain the magnetic coupling force. The magnetic coupling force can be sensed using a force sensor and a resulting sensed force signal can be provided to a controller. The controller can provide an output signal to control the magnetic coupling force using the sensed forced signal to obtain a constant or desired magnetic coupling force. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306841 | Surgical Retention Port and Method of Use - A surgical retention port particularly useful as an arthroscopic port for shoulder surgery is provided. The surgical retention port has a long pointed instrument such as a trocar or obturator, an inner cannula extending around the pointed instrument, a plurality of rotatable fingers coupled to the inner cannula, and an outer cannula extending around the inner cannula. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner cannula and long pointed instrument are keyed such that rotation of the long pointed instrument can effect rotational movement of the inner cannula. Rotation of the inner cannula in turn causes the rotation of the fingers from a first position where the fingers assume a collapsed configuration to a second position where the fingers assume an extended or open configuration. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306842 | Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly - A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306843 | EXPANDABLE TRANSLUMINAL SHEATH - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as ureteroscopy or stone removal. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306844 | PRESSURE SENSOR FOR MONITORING A SUBJECT AND PRESSURE SENSOR WITH INFLATABLE BLADDER - Pressure sensing devices for use with an inflatable bladder and monitoring apparatus for an at rest subject are disclosed herein. The device can comprise a housing comprising a recess and configured to be welded in a seam of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor can be located within the recess with a sensing side configured to be exposed to the cavity of the inflatable bladder and a reference side configured to be exposed to ambient air. A printed circuit board can be located within the recess and coupled to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is operable to detect a pressure change within the cavity due to a force exerted by a subject on the inflatable bladder. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306845 | SYSTEMS APPROACH TO COMORBIDITY ASSESSMENT - Methods, systems, and apparatus for assessing a state of a comorbidity associated with a primary disease are provided. The methods comprise receiving at least one autonomic index, neurologic index, stress marker index, psychiatric index, endocrine index, adverse effect of therapy index, physical fitness index, or quality of life index of a patient; comparing the at least one index to at least one reference value; and assessing a state of a body system of the patient that is a site of the comorbidity, based on the comparison. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method described above is also provided. A medical device system capable of implementing the method described above is also provided. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306846 | SYSTEMS APPROACH TO DISEASE STATE AND HEALTH ASSESSMENT - Methods, systems, and apparatus for assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a comorbidity thereof are provided. The methods comprise receiving at least one autonomic index, neurologic index, stress marker index, psychiatric index, endocrine index, adverse effect of therapy index, physical fitness index, or quality of life index of a patient; comparing the at least one index to at least one reference value; and assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a body system of the patient based on the comparison. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method described above is also provided. A medical device system capable of implementing the method described above is also provided. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306847 | IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ANALYSIS OF NEURONAL ACTIVITY - Techniques for combining electrochemical measurements of the brain or spinal cord by voltammetry together with a scan such as magnetic resonance imaging or spectroscopy, e.g. fMRI. The techniques use particular microelectrodes, such as carbon fibre or carbon paste electrodes which do not affect the magnetic resonance measurements. The techniques allow the correlation of voltammetry and magnetic resonance measurements which in turn allows one to be used for substitution of the other in appropriate circumstances and also allows the translation of results in animal models to the human model. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306848 | WOUND HEALING CHAMBER - A wound healing chamber is disclosed, which includes: a fixing plate with a first opening, wherein suturing holes are circularly formed around a peripheral section of the first opening, and the fixing plate is fixed on an object through the suturing holes; and a detachable cap mounted on the fixing plate, wherein the cap corresponds to the first opening, and the first opening is open or closed by the detachable cap. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306849 | Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis - This invention relates to method of diagnosing the presence and/or severity of a liver pathology and/or of monitoring the effectiveness of a curative treatment against a liver pathology in an individual, leading to a score, comprising the combination, of at least one blood test and of at least one data issued from a physical method of diagnosing liver fibrosis, said data being selected from the group consisting of medical imaging data and clinical measurements, said combination being performed through a mathematical function. This invention also relates to a method wherein the combination through a mathematical function, of at least one blood test and of at least one data issued from a physical method of diagnosing liver fibrosis, is performed at least twice and the at least two resulting scores are combined in an algorithm based on the diagnostic reliable intervals. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306850 | Sleep quality data collection and evaluation - A sleep quality assessment approach involves collecting data based on detected physiological or non-physiological patient conditions. At least one of detecting patient conditions and collecting data is performed using an implantable device. Sleep quality may be evaluated using the collected data by an implantable or patient-external sleep quality processor. One approach to sleep quality evaluation involves computing one or more summary metrics based on occurrences of movement disorders or breathing disorders during sleep. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306851 | MAPPING SYMPATHETIC NERVE DISTRIBUTION FOR RENAL ABLATION AND CATHETERS FOR SAME - This invention provides methods for mapping and ablating renal nerves to treat disease caused by systemic renal nerve hyperactivity, e.g. hypertension, heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306852 | Pharmaceutical Dosages Delivery System - Pharmaceutical delivery systems for delivering dosages according to the present invention include a carrier component and a cap configured to seal an internal volume of the carrier component, wherein the cap includes a device that produces a unique current signature. Dosages prepared to be delivered according to embodiments of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including clinical trials. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306853 | Body fluid sampling/fluid delivery device - A body fluid sampling or fluid delivery system includes a polymeric support and an array of polymeric microneedles coupled to the support, each of a microneedle having a height of 500 to 2000 μm and a tapering angle of 60 to 90°. A plurality of polymeric microchannels are provided with being associated with a microneedle. The plurality of polymeric microchannels are integrally formed with the array of polymeric microneedles without bonding. At least one polymeric reservoir is coupled to the plurality of microchannels. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306854 | SYRINGE-BASED WHISPERING GALLERY MODE MICRORESONATOR MICROFLUIDIC BIOCHEM SENSOR - A syringe-based whispering gallery mode sensor includes a syringe including an assembly provided its needle, the assembly including ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306855 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF BLEEDING - A device, system and method for detecting bile and blood are provided. The device may comprise a housing having a gap through which in-vivo fluids may flow, illumination sources on one side of the gap, a light detector which is facing the illumination sources and is positioned on the opposite side of the gap for detecting light which passes through the in-vivo fluids, and a transmitter to transmit the detected signals generated according to the detected light. The system may further comprise a receiver to receive the detected signals transmitted by the transmitter, and a processor. The method may comprise comparing the detected signals with a predetermined threshold calculated from the transmission spectra of bile and of blood and determining the presence and/or concentration of bile and blood in-vivo. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306856 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING MULTIPLE ANALYTES IN A SAMPLE - Systems and methods for analyzing multiple components of a fluid sample are provided. In certain embodiments, a system can include an analyte detection system configured to measure first analyte data in a first component of a fluid sample received from a patient and measure second analyte data in a second component of a fluid sample. In some embodiments, one or more portions of an optical system is movable with respect to other portions of the system in order to optically and/or electrochemically analyze multiple components of a fluid sample. In other embodiments, optical and/or electrochemical analysis can be performed simultaneously on multiple components of a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a first analyte can be measured in a sample (e.g., whole blood) before the sample is separated into its components (e.g., plasma, red blood cells, etc.), and a second analyte can be measured in a component of the sample after separation. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306857 | QUANTITATIVE MULTI-SPECTRAL OPTO-ACOUSTIC TOMOGRAPHY (MSOT) OF TISSUE BIOMARKERS - A method of multi-spectral opto-acoustic tomography (MSOT) imaging of a target tissue including a target tissue biomarker includes illuminating the target tissue with an illumination device emitting at least one pulsed illumination pattern at several illumination wavelengths, detecting pressure signals from the target tissue biomarker with a detector device, wherein the pressure signals being produced in the target tissue are in response to the illumination, and reconstructing a quantitative tomographic image of a distribution of the target tissue biomarker in the target tissue, wherein the pressure signals are analyzed using a photon propagation model which depends on an illuminating light fluence in the target tissue and on the illumination wavelengths, at least one spectral processing scheme, and an inversion scheme providing the tomographic image. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306858 | Systems And Methods For Wavelet Transform Using Mean-Adjusted Wavelets - Methods and systems are disclosed for transforming a signal using a continuous wavelet transform based at least in part on a truncated, mean-adjusted wavelet. A wavelet may be truncated to a finite support to generate a truncated wavelet. The real part of the truncated wavelet may be forced to have a zero mean to generate a truncated, mean-adjusted wavelet. The signal may be transformed using a continuous wavelet transform based at least in part on the truncated mean-adjusted wavelet. Information may be derived about the signal from the transformed signal. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306859 | MULTIPURPOSE, MODULAR PLATFORM FOR MOBILE MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION - A system provides for mobile medical instrumentation for use with a body. The system includes a primary wireless communication device, such as a cell phone or tablet computer, and one or more cradles. The cradles provide an interface to the body which provides for input of signals from the body, and optionally, therapeutic outputs to the body. The cradle and the primary wireless communication device may be releasably joined together so as to form a unitary structure when contacting the body. Alternately, the cradle may interface with the body, and communicate wirelessly to the primary wireless communication device. A cradle adapted to provide for a portable electrocardiogram includes a plurality of electrodes adapted for contact or non-contact sensing of the body. In the preferred embodiment, three electrodes are arranged in a triangular arrangement, most preferably a Einthoven triangular arrangement, with the distance between electrodes being 4 centimeters or less. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306860 | Band Stop Filter Employing a Capacitor and an Inductor Tank Circuit to Enhance MRI Compatibility of Active Medical Devices - A band stop filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The band stop filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the band stop filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the band stop filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the band stop filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306861 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE WITH A SELECTIVELY POSITIONAL ELECTRODE - An endotracheal tube usable for intraopertive monitoring of the laryngeal nerve. The endotracheal tube includes at least one electrical contact that is movable along and about an exterior sidewall of the endotracheal tube and connected to the exterior sidewall by a connector when the electrode is placed in a position to optimize the conductivity between the nerve being monitored and the electrical contact. The electrical contact may be connected using a locking tube, tape, adhesive, etc. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306862 | ELECTRODE AND ELECTRODE POSITIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR ABDOMINAL FETAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAM DETECTION - The invention relates to large area electrodes suitable for use in a fetal heart rate monitoring systems. The electrode comprises: a cutaneous gel contact ( | 2011-12-15 |
20110306863 | PATIENT ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES - A patient alignment system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures where the embodiment is mounted or referenced to the patient positioning interface such as add-on positioning devices, or directly with the diagnostic and/or therapeutic treatment table or couch. Some patient and equipment positions can obstruct fixed wall or ceiling mounted lasers or an optical view of the anatomy being imaged or treated and patient set-up and alignment may become less accurate or not possible. The patient alignment system may use lasers, cameras or other optical means, ultrasound or RF transceiver technologies, or a combination of multiple technologies, and be mounted in positions, such as below the treatment table or couch and offer a solution to patient alignment for such circumstances. Prone breast imaging and treatment is one example where this system may be used to advantage. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306864 | POSITIONER FOR ULTRA-PORTABLE IMAGING SYSTEM - A flexible, lightweight, easily maneuverable positioner for an imaging system. The positioning system in one example has a cart section with a base frame coupled to one or more wheels. There is a mast extending from the cart section and a linkage assembly coupled to a second end of the mast, wherein the mast is configured to swing about a vertical plane. There is a positioning arm coupled to the linkage assembly, wherein the positioning arm is configured to swing about at least one of a horizontal plane and the vertical plane. An imaging bracket is used to couple to the positioning arm and configured to receive an imaging unit. In one example, the positioner is coupled together by fasteners, wherein the positioner can be assembled and dis-assembled via the fasteners without tools | 2011-12-15 |
20110306865 | PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING DEVICE - The invention features a system for imaging tissue including (i) a source of electromagnetic radiation; (ii) an encasement h a plurality of acoustic transducers (e.g., at least 128); (iii) a support structure having a portion for holding a tissue; and (iv) a chamber between the encasement and support structure for housing an acoustic coupling medium. In the system, electromagnetic radiation from the source is sufficient to induce a thermoacoustic response in the tissue positioned in the support structure, and the plurality of acoustic transducers are positioned to receive ultrasound from the thermoacoustic response of the tissue. The invention also features methods of imaging a tissue using the systems. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306866 | Apparatus and method for the vibratory stimulation of at least one portion of a vascular access device for its monitoring - The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a vascular access device, including at least one signal generator for generating vibrations in order to stimulate the vascular access device or a portion thereof to vibrate, at least one signal receiver for detecting vibrations of the vascular access device or of said portion thereof, and at least one evaluation device for evaluating the detected vibrations. Moreover a method for monitoring the vascular access device by using the apparatus of the invention is specified. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306867 | Methods and Systems for Determining Vascular Bodily Lumen Information and Guiding Medical Devices - Methods and systems for determining information about a vascular bodily lumen are described. An exemplary method includes generating an electrical signal, delivering the electrical signal to a plurality of excitation elements in the vicinity of the vascular bodily lumen, measuring a responsive electrical signal from a plurality of sensing elements in response to the delivered electrical signal, and determining a lumen dimension. Specific embodiments include generating a multiple frequency electrical signal. Another embodiment includes measuring a plurality of responsive signals at a plurality of frequencies. Still other embodiments include using spatial diversity of the excitation elements. Yet other embodiments use method for calibration and de-embedding of such measurements to determine the lumen dimensions. Diagnostic devices incorporating the method are also disclosed, including guide wires, catheters and implants. The methods and systems described herein are advantageous as they do not include injecting a second fluid for the measurements. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306868 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING | 2011-12-15 |
20110306869 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE - An apparatus and method for producing tomographic image is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus for producing tomographic image comprises: an ultrasonic imaging unit configured to obtain multiple ultrasonic images of a subject; a tomographic imaging unit configured to obtain one or more tomographic image data of the subject; and a tomographic image correction unit configured to produce corrected tomographic image of a tomographic image which can be produced from the one or more tomographic image data by using the multiple ultrasonic images. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306870 | THERAPEUTIC APPARATUS FOR TREATING A SUBJECT USING MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES - A therapeutic apparatus for treating a subject comprising: a first heating means adapted for heating a first region of the subject, a first control means for controlling the power directed into the first region by the first heating means such that the power stays below a threshold value, a particle heating means adapted for heating magnetic nanoparticles within a second region of the subject using a time varying magnetic field, wherein the first region comprises the second region. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306871 | Multiple-People MRI Scanner That Can Simultaneously Scan More Than One Person - A system and method perform magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) on more than one people simultaneously with one MRI scanner. The system may include a superconducting or non-superconducting magnet, a set of three dimensions of magnetic field gradients, RF coils, and magnetic field shimming coil set that can accommodate more than one people within one scanner. The system and method may be used for performing MRI on more than one interacting or non-interacting people for anatomic, functional, metabolic, and/or molecular imaging and studies. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306872 | COMBINED FIELD LOCATION AND MRI TRACKING - A composite tracking system for a medical device comprises a field location tracking system including at least one field location sensor structured to be coupled to a medical device, a magnetic resonance tracking system including at least one tracking coil structured to be coupled to a medical device, and a composite tracking processor operably coupled to the field location tracking system and the magnetic resonance tracking system. The composite tracking processor is operable to receive and process field location parameters from the field location tracking system and positional coordinates from the magnetic resonance tracking system to register a field location coordinate system to a magnetic resonance coordinate system. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306873 | SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING HIGHLY ACCURATE SURGERY - Methods and apparatuses for performing highly accurate surgery using a finite element model coupled with ultrasonic tracking are described. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306874 | Adjustable Instruments For Use With A Localizer - A system for tracking the position of an instrument relative to an area of interest. The system includes an instrument and an instrument guide mounted to the instrument. The instrument guide carries a first localizer proximate the instrument. The first localizer is movable relative to the instrument. The system also includes a fixator configured to be attached to the area of interest. The fixator carries a second localizer proximate the area of interest. The second localizer is movable relative to the area of interest. The first and second localizers are movable in order that the first and second localizers are in communication such that the position of one of the first and second localizers is known relative to the position of the other of the first and second localizers. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306875 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY METHOD - The present invention relates to an optical coherence tomography system having an interferometer, in particular a Michelson interferometer, having a reference arm (R) for variable adjustment of an optical reference path length and having a measuring arm (M) in which an object (sample P) to be scanned can be disposed and/or is disposed in a sample volume (PV), | 2011-12-15 |
20110306876 | Elongated Marker For Soft Tissue Volume Identification - The present invention related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306877 | LOCATING AND ANALYZING PERFORATOR FLAPS FOR PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - A method and an apparatus for preoperative identification of a perforator vessel for plastic and/or reconstructive surgery using ICG fluorescence angiography imaging are disclosed. Time-resolved image processing is used to highlight perforator locations and to enable visual discrimination among candidate perforators by various computed metrics. Based on these metrics, the surgeon is able to interactively locate and select perforator vessels suitable for plastic and reconstructive surgery. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306878 | INTERVENTIONAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A delivery system for local drug delivery to a target site of internal body tissue is provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A reservoir is configured to be disposed such that the reservoir is capable of interacting with the localized electric field. The reservoir is configured to carry a cargo capable of being delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Associated methods are also provided. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306879 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATING TISSUE - Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306880 | METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ANALYZING DISTRIBUTION VARIATION OF SCATTERERS AND APPLICATION USING THE SAME - A method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers is provided and used for dynamically analyzing changes in two or three dimensional scatterer distribution and concentration of ultrasound data by using probability density function along with a moving window technique. The present invention has advantages in low computation load and may be used for real-time analysis. A method for dynamically detecting thermal ablation area and thermal ablation level and a method for dynamically controlling thermal ablation intensity are also provided for non-invasive detection and thermal ablation. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306881 | High-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation apparatus having integrated temperature estimation and elastography for thermal lesion determination and the method thereof - The invention disclosed a high-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation apparatus having integrated temperature estimation and elastography for thermal lesion determination and the method thereof, using the different power to burn by the same focused ultrasound transducer, and then using the apparatus to measure the temperature and elasticity estimating by the relevant analysis method. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306882 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAIRING A WIRELESS DEVICE WITH A SYSTEM THROUGH A CHARGE CRADLE - A system and method for pairing an X-ray system with a wireless device is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a unique pairing code with control circuitry that controls the operation of the X-ray system, providing the unique pairing code to the wireless device in the form of a pulse sequence and receiving a wireless signal indicative of the unique pairing code from the wireless device. The wireless device is then paired and enabled for use with the X-ray system. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306883 | PROVIDING AN ELASTIC IMAGE IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments for providing an elastic image are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a living body to output ultrasound data corresponding to a plurality of frames while applying compression to the living body; and a processing unit configured to extract frames from a(n−1) | 2011-12-15 |
20110306884 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a physical quantity calculation unit configured to calculate a physical quantity relating to an elasticity of body tissue based on ultrasound echo data, a physical quantity average unit configured to calculate an average value of physical quantities in an elastic image of the body tissue generated based on the calculated physical quantity, a comparison value calculation unit configured to calculate a comparison value for each pixel by comparing a physical quantity for each pixel of the elastic image with the average value, and an index value calculation unit configured to calculate an index value relating to an elasticity of a predetermined region in the elastic image based on the comparison values. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306885 | Method and Apparatus to Produce Ultrasonic Images Using Multiple Apertures - A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from the echoes received by the single omnidirectional transducer is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. Specular reflections are attenuated by using even a single omnidirectional receiver displaced from the insonifying probe. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. In fact, gaps can be left to accommodate spanning a patient's ribs, or simply to reduce the cost of the large aperture array. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306886 | Volume Mechanical Transducer for Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound - A one-dimensional array is used for transmit operation, allowing connection with an imaging system for planar scanning and avoiding transmit electronics in the transducer array. A multi-dimensional array is used for reception only, avoiding transmit interconnects while providing greater coherence in elevation. Both arrays are moved to scan different planes, allowing acquisition of data representing a volume. This transducer arrangement may be used for scanning breasts for cancer screening. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306887 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TISSUE CHARACTERISTICS - A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements. The apparatus and system include a base unit having illumination, detection and control sub-units, the illumination sub-unit providing illumination optical energy for illuminating a target tissue and the detection sub-unit detecting tissue characteristics of a target tissue, a separate tissue interface unit, and a pathway coupling the base unit and the tissue interface unit. The system and apparatus may also include a tissue interface unit configured to perform spectroscopic measurements on a target tissue, a docking unit configured to support the tissue interface when not in use, the docking unit including an illumination source and a processor that processes spectrographic measurements results received from the tissue interface unit, and a pathway coupling the docking unit and the tissue interface unit. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306888 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE, BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT CONTROL METHOD - When a start timing of an individual measurement control arrives, the pressurization control is started and a maximum blood pressure (blood pressure characteristic value) is estimated based on blood pressure characteristics information obtained during the pressurization control. The presence or absence of blood pressure fluctuation is determined based on the maximum blood pressure estimated this time and the (estimated) maximum blood pressure up to the previous times. The actual measurement process of the blood pressure is executed when determined that the blood pressure fluctuation is present. The actual measurement process is canceled when determined that the blood pressure fluctuation is absent. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306889 | Pulse Condition Acquisition Apparatus And Method - A device and method for collecting sphygmus information; it includes a sensor component, said sensor component incorporates a electric machine fixed in the casing, a screw fixed with said electric machine, a lifting structure setting outside said screw, and a sensor probe fixed in the base of said lifting structure, said electric machine drives said screw to revolve when rotating, further makes said lifting structure ascended or descended relatively to said screw. The pulse signal collection can be automatically achieved, and limited protecting structure is employed in the collecting process. | 2011-12-15 |
20110306890 | CARDIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT FOR CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - A first lead provides therapeutic stimulation to the heart and includes a first mechanical sensor that measures physical contraction and relaxation of the heart. A controller induces delivery of therapeutic stimulation via the first lead. The controller receives signals from the first mechanical sensor indicative of the contraction and relaxation; develops a template signal that corresponds to the contraction and relaxation; and uses the template signal to modify the delivery of therapeutic stimulations. In another arrangement, a second lead, with a second mechanical sensor also provides signals to the controller indicative of contraction and relaxation. The first mechanical sensor is adapted to be positioned at the interventricular septal region of the heart, and the second mechanical sensor is adapted to be positioned in the lateral region of the left ventricle. The controller processes the signals from the first mechanical sensor and the second mechanical sensor to develop a dysynchrony index. | 2011-12-15 |