Instruments and methods for performing non-invasive measurements of analyte concentrations and for monitoring, analyzing and regulating tissue status, such as tissue glucose levels.

Non-invasive tissue glucose level monitoring

A surgical system or assembly for performing cardiac surgery includes a surgical instrument (82); a servo-mechanical system engaged to the surgical instrument for operating the surgical instrument; and an attachment assembly for removing at least one degree of movement from a moving surgical cardiac worksite. The surgical system or assembly also includes a motion tracking system (88); and a control computer (34) engaged to the attachment assembly, the motion tracking system and to the servo-mechanical system for controlling movement of the attachment assembly and for feeding gathered information to the servo-mechanical system for moving the surgical instrument.

Performing cardiac surgery without cardioplegia

Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Circulatory monitoring systems and methods

A technique for measuring broadband near-infrared absorption spectra of turbid media (12) uses a combination of frequency-domain and steady-state reflectance methods Most of the wavelengths coverage is provided by steady-state measurement using a white light (21) and a spectrograph (22) The frequency-domain data are acquired at a few selected wavelengths using laser diodes (13) and an avalanche photodiode unit (16) Coefficients of absorption and reduced scattering derived from the frequency-domain data are used to calibrate the intensity of the steady-state measurements and to determine the reduced scattering coefficient at all wavelengths in the spectral window of interest, The absorption coefficient spectrum is determined by comparing the steady-state reflectance values with the predictions of diffusion theory, wavelength by wavelength Absorption spectra of a turbid phantom and of human breast tissue in vivo, derived with the combined frequency-domain and steady-state technique, agree well with expected reference values

/pdf/broadband-absorption-spectroscopy-in-turbid-media-by-hc4w020fpg.pdf

Broadband absorption spectroscopy in turbid media by combined frequency-domain and steady state methodologies

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting foreign objects. In one aspect an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency. The resonant circuit includes a sense circuit including an electrically conductive structure. The apparatus further includes a coupling circuit coupled to the sense circuit. The apparatus further includes a detection circuit coupled to the sense circuit via the coupling circuit. The detection circuit is configured to detect the presence of the object in response to detecting a difference between a measured characteristic that depends on a frequency at which the resonant circuit is resonating and a corresponding characteristic that depends on the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The coupling circuit is configured to reduce a variation of the resonant frequency by the detection circuit in the absence of the object.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for detection of metal objects in a predetermined space

A method and apparatus are provided for imaging and identifying concealed objects within an obscuring medium using radiation (optical, photo-acoustic, ionizing, and/or acoustic) optimized for imaging (e.g. temporal properties, spectral bandwidth, directionality, polarization, etc.). Radiation propagates through, interacts with, exits the medium and the object, and is detected/imaged. Image quality can be improved if radiation is collimated and/or if transmission and/or backscattered measurements from a number of perspectives are used to improved image reconstruction. Coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties. Contrast materials and agents can also aid in the detection of concealed objects. Adaptive methods, e.g. using reference objects, including implementations based on the concept of guide stars, can improve the imaging process. The surface can be monitored and groomed to enhance the imaging process. Tomosynthesis techniques can be used to reconstruct images. Acousto-optic effects may be observed when both optical radiation and acoustic radiation are introduce into the medium. A laser vibrometry, speckle, or holographic interferometry imaging technique can be used to readout the acoustic waveform exiting the medium surface directly or after interacting with a deformable mirrored or reflective layer coupled to the medium. The medium may be prepared prior to imaging in order to reduce surface irregularities and roughness. Multilayer mirrors and capillary optics can be used to enhance imaging systems which use ionizing radiation. Resistance images can be obtained using probes to penetrate the medium.

High resolution device and method for imaging concealed objects within an obscuring medium

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging using collimated non-ionizing acoustic radiation and electromagnetic radiation in the near ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions (i.e. "light") rather than ionizing x-radiation. The light used is of a narrow spectral bandwidth in that the optical properties of interest are relatively uniform over the bandwidth. The incident collimated light is transmitted through and backscattered out of a breast. Normal and diseased breast materials exhibit comparatively distinct characteristics when exposed to radiation and are thereby differentiated. Collimation can also be used to control the level of scattered radiation. Radiation coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling into and out of the breast as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties. Additional scatter reduction and/or improved sensitivity can be attained by compressing a region of the breast using contoured and/or flat compression plates of various sizes which may include an open region allowing access to the surface of the breast for irradiating a portion of the breast. An acoustic field can be introduced into a volume of breast tissue altering its optical qualities. These changes can be recorded by intersecting an optical field with the acoustic field, providing spatial information and tissue characterization.

Enhanced high resolution breast imaging device and method utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth

A multilayer x-ray reflector or reflectors are used with a source of radiation for narrow bandwidth or dual energy radiographic imaging applications. In one aspect, a unique multilayer design permits two distinct x-ray energies of narrow bandwidth to be reflected at the same incident angle for use in dual energy applications. In another aspect, several multilayer reflectors are employed in a slit scanning system. In yet another aspect, an elongated radiation source and a multilayer x-ray reflecting structure are combined to provide an x-ray or gamma ray source.

Apparatus for narrow bandwidth and multiple energy x-ray imaging

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging which uses collimated light (in the near Ultraviolet, visible, or infra-red) of a narrow spectral bandwidth rather than ionizing X-ray radiation. The collimated light is transmitted through the breast, losing intensity due to the reflective, absorptive and refractive properties of the breast materials in the beam path. Normal and diseased breast materials may exhibit distinctive characteristics from each other when exposed to different wavelength of light. Several images can be acquired at distinct wavelengths of light to help differentiate normal and diseased breast materials. Light transmitted through the breast is recorded by a photodetector, generating an analog signal which can then be digitized and made available to a computer for analysis, processing and display. The light transmitted through the breast can be collimated to reduce the level of scattered light which reaches the photodetector, improving image quality.

High resolution breast imaging device utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth

A sheath apparatus is described for the protection of exposed structures, in particular cables, poles, pipes, and towers from destructive interactions with external threats, including: various animals (including man), plants, and machines as well as from general environmental hazards. The protective configurable sheath apparatus may be optimized for a specific candidate (type of animal, plant, environmental hazard, machine) or for a range of candidates. A configurable sheath fully or partially encompasses the exposed structure to be protected. The sheath may be attached by a variety of means and is typically designed so that it is removable or upgradable. Thus, the sheath can be employed on a temporary basis or it can be replaced/modified as is needed. This versatile configurable sheath permits customization of commercially-available, mass-produced structures as well as retrofitting of installed structures. Sheath base materials may serve multiple functions. The protective properties of the sheath are not necessarily restricted to deterrents such as spikes, colors, patterns (which are used by snakes, frogs, insects, etc.), agents, etc. Design characteristics may also emphasize reducing or increasing the detectability of the exposed structure and attracting beneficial animals (or plants). Intelligent sheath apparatus incorporate active components and they may incorporate passive components. Intelligent sheath capabilities can be enhanced to handle surveillance applications.

Robert S. Nelson

Papers

High resolution device and method for imaging concealed objects within an obscuring medium

Enhanced high resolution breast imaging device and method utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth

Apparatus for narrow bandwidth and multiple energy x-ray imaging

High resolution breast imaging device utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth

Apparatus and method for enhancing the survivability of exposed structures