[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13193-13195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5511]
[[Page 13193]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S.
Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance
with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results
of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent
applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage
for companies and may also be available for licensing.
ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent
applications listed below may be obtained by writing to the indicated
licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National
Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville,
Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A
signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive
copies of the patent applications.
System and Method for Automatic Speed Adaptation Control of a Treadmill
Description of Invention: The invention offered for further
commercial development relates to the coupling of virtual reality
technology with a treadmill to implement goal-oriented walking
practices effectively and to promote improved learning skills during
gait training. The technology will be useful in rehabilitation of
individuals with gait impairments resulting from Parkinson's disease,
Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injury.
In order to allow patients practice (e.g., voluntary change of walking
speed in a natural way), software has been developed that automatically
updates the velocity of a treadmill following the intention of the
person walking on the treadmill. The invention uses a swing foot
velocity measurement to control the velocity of the treadmill which can
quickly and precisely detect the user's intention of changing walking
velocity. Swing foot velocity measurement allows users to voluntarily
change walking velocity while they have a realistic feel of walking
(such as over-ground walking). We are seeking a CRADA collaborator to
expand implementation of the invention into a fully integrated system
that can control treadmill velocity in real time and can be reliably
adapted to typical commercial treadmills.
Applications:
Rehabilitation of individuals with gait impairments as a
complication of Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke,
cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
The technology can also be used for walking through
architectural models, for educational purposes (student walk through
historical sites or geological surfaces), military or law enforcement
training, gaming, motor and sensory rehabilitation, and exercise and
recreation.
Development Status: Development partner with experience designing
virtual reality environments is sought for a CRADA collaboration.
Inventors: Hyung S. Park (NIH/CC) and Jung Won Yoon.
Relevant Publications:
1. Lichtenstein L, Barabas J, Woods RL, Peli E. A feedback control
interface for treadmill locomotion in virtual environments. ACM
Trans Appl Percept. 2007 Jan;4(1):Article No. 7; doi 10.1145//
1227134.1227141.
2. Souman JL, Giordano PR, Frissen I, De Luca A, Ernst MO. Making
virtual walking real: Perceptual evaluation of a new treadmill
control algorithm. ACM Trans Appl Percept. 2010 Feb;7(2):Article No.
11; doi 10.1145//1670671.1670675.
3. Christensen RR, Hollerbach JM, Xu Y, Meek SG. Inertial force
feedback for the treadport locomotion interface. Presence:
Teleoperators and Virtual Environments. 2000 Feb;9(1):1-14;
doi:10.1162/105474600566574.
4. von Zitzewitz J, Bernhardt M, Riener R. A novel method for
automatic treadmill speed adaptation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil
Eng. 2007 Sep;15(3):401-409. [PubMed: 17894272]
5. Farnet MG. Treadmill having an automatic speed control system.
U.S. Patent 5,368,532 issued November 29, 1994.
6. Potash RL, Jentges CJ, Burns SK, Potash RJ. Adaptive treadmill.
U.S. Patent 5,314,391 issued May 24, 1994.
7. Minetti AE, Boldrini L, Brusamolin L, Zamparo P, McKee T. A
feedback-controlled treadmill (treadmill-on-demand) and the
spontaneous speed of walking and running in humans. J Appl Physiol.
2003 Aug;95(2):838-843. [PubMed: 12692130]
Patent Status: HHS Reference No. E-046-2011/0--One aspect of the
overall invention currently exists in software form, for which the U.S.
Government will not be seeking patent protection.
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contacts:
Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019;
[email protected].
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institutes of
Health Clinical Center is seeking statements of capability or interest
from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop,
evaluate, or commercialize ``A system and method for automatic speed
adaptation control of a treadmill for patients.'' Please contact Dr.
Hyung S. Park at 301-451-7533 for more information.
Method for the Detection of a Subdural Hematoma Using a Handheld
Hematoma Detector and Discriminator
Description of Invention: The invention offered for licensing and
further development is a device and method for detecting hematomas. The
device is based on near infrared light emitted perpendicularly into a
tissue from a non-stationary emitter and on continuous detection of the
reflected light with a non-stationary probe. The device is designed as
a handheld detector that can be used either in an ER or at the scene of
an accident, which will allow the Doctor or EMT to diagnose hematoma
for patients with a Traumatic Brain Injury at the scene. Furthermore,
this device can be utilized to discriminate between subdural and
epidural hematoma. The invention also discloses a novel method of data
analysis. The specific combination and sequences of data analysis are
performed to discriminate healthy tissue from tissue perfused with
blood. In addition, an interface to a laptop will be provided that
creates a 3D surface image of the location of the hematoma is
displayed. This invention will result in a better triage and treatment
for patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and fills a must filled
gap in TBI health care.
Applications:
Diagnosis for hematoma
Early screening and triage for diagnosis of hemorrhage
from head trauma
At-the-scene diagnostic
On-going patient monitoring
Neurosurgical procedure preparation
The device will be useful in combat critical care and/or
third world care where CT may not be readily available
Potential use of the device in a field deployable sense
Advantages:
Improved capabilities of accurately diagnosing hematoma
At-the-scene detection capabilities
The device is inexpensive, simple in its design and easy
to operate
[[Page 13194]]
Potential improvement in medical procedures
Development Status:
The invention is fully developed
May need to develop a prototype for testing on phantoms
Inventors: Jason D. Riley (NICHD) et al.
Patent Status:
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/286, 626 filed 15 Dec
2009 (HHS Reference No. E-010-2010/0-US-01)
PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/060506 filed 15 Dec 2010
(HHS Reference No. E-010-2010/0-PCT-02)
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contacts:
Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019;
[email protected].
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development, Section on Biomedical Stochastic Physics,
is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested
in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize the topic of this invention or related laboratory
interests. Please contact Alan Hubbs, PhD at 301-594-4263 or
[email protected] for more information.
System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling Radio Frequency
Signals in Interventional Devices
Description of Invention: The invention offered for licensing and
commercial development is in the field of Interventional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (``iMRI''). More specifically the invention discloses
interventional devices in which the heat generated at the device during
the imaging process can be controlled to not exceed acceptable levels.
Interventional devices may heat up significantly during an
interventional MRI procedure as a result of an RF induced current on
the device. The RF induced current is caused by the coupling between
the interventional device and RF electrical fields generated by the
MRI. As the magnitude of the induced RF signal increases, the amount of
heat that is generated also increases. The system of the present
invention measures the induced RF signal and changes a decoupling
capacitor value by using a varactor and a control circuit to adjust the
impedance of the device and thus controls the magnitude of the RF
signal. This unique design renders the device and the procedures done
with it safe.
Applications:
Interventional cardiology
MRI guided surgery
Advantages: The device may fundamentally enable any ``active'' MRI
catheter device to be safe during real-time MRI guided interventional
procedures. Automated feedback loops between RF power applied by the
MRI scanner and measured power detected inside the MRI catheter coil
can be used to assure safety of ``active'' MRI catheter devices.
Development Status: In development. Prototype is being built.
Inventors: Ozgur Kocaturk and Merdim Sonmez (NHLBI).
Relevant Publication: Overall WR, Pauly JM, Stang PP, Scott GC.
Ensuring safety of implanted devices under MRI using reversed RF
polarization. Magn Reson Med. 2010 Sep;64(3):823-833. [PubMed:
20593374]
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/430,311 filed 07
Jan 2011 (HHS Reference No. E-034-2011/0-US-01)
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact:
Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019;
[email protected].
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute is seeking statements of capability or interest from
parties interested in collaborative research to further develop,
evaluate, or commercialize safety interventional devices during iMRI
procedures. Please contact Peg Koelble at [email protected] for
more information.
Single Channel MRI Guidewire
Description of Invention: The invention offered for licensing and
commercial development is in the field of Interventional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (``iMRI''). More specifically the invention discloses
a guidewire for magnetic resonance imaging with a single channel design
to reduce complexity and to provide conspicuous tip visibility under
MRI. In the design of the present device, the guidewire body includes
an antenna formed from a rod and a helical coil coupled together. The
helical coil can have multiple windings without a gap between the
windings. The rod passes through the windings of the helical coil and
is coupled to the helical coil using a conductive joint positioned at
an end of the rod and at an end of the helical coil. Insulation can be
positioned between the rod and the windings of the helical coil. The
configuration allows visibility of the antenna along the length of a
rod, except where it enters the windings of the coil. Thus, the tip
visibility is enhanced as being separated from the rod.
Applications:
Interventional cardiology
MRI guided surgery
Advantages:
The unique design of the device and its dipole antenna,
provide a lower profile guidewire (such as coronary 0.014: guidewire)
and it is therefore safer and more convenient to use compared with
existing guidewires.
The modified dipole antenna of the device can combine the
distinct tip signal profile typical of loop antennae with the whole-
shaft visibility of dipole antennae, all operating on a single receiver
channel. This overcomes challenges both of conspicuity and of
undesirable coupling of comparable two-channel devices that causes
heating.
Development Status: In development. Prototype is being built.
Inventors: Merdim Sonmez, Ozgur Kocaturk, and Christina E. Saikus
(NHLBI)
Relevant Publications:
1. Kocaturk O, Kim AH, Saikus CE, Guttman MA, Faranesh AZ, Ozturk C,
Lederman RJ. Active two-channel 0.035'' guidewire for interventional
cardiovascular MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2009 Aug;30(2):461-465.
[PubMed: 19629968]
2. Qian D, El-Sharkawy AM, Atalar E, Bottomley PA. Interventional
MRI: tapering improves the distal sensitivity of the loopless
antenna. Magn Reson Med. 2010 Mar;63(3):797-802. [PubMed: 20187186]
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/429,833 filed 05
Jan 2011 (HHS Reference No. E-274-2010/0-US-01)
Related Technology: U.S. Patent Application No. 12/810,481 filed 24
Jun 2010 (HHS Reference No. E-209-2007/0-US-03), entitled ``Active
0.035 Guidewire with Two Separate Channels''
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact:
Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019;
[email protected].
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute is seeking statements of capability or interest from
parties interested in collaborative research to further develop,
evaluate, or commercialize technology involving single channel MRI
guidewires. Please contact Peg Koelble at
[[Page 13195]]
[email protected] for more information.
Active Adaptive Detuning Systems To Improve Safety of Interventional
Devices
Description of Invention: The invention offered for licensing and
commercial development is in the field of Interventional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (``iMRI''). More specifically the invention discloses
interventional devices in which the heat generated at the device during
the imaging process can be controlled to not exceed acceptable levels.
Active MRI compatible intravascular devices contain RF antenna so
that they are visible under MRI. However, these metallic structures may
heat up significantly during interventional MRI procedures due to eddy
current formation over the conductive transmission lines. The
electrical field coupling between interventional devices and RF
transmission coils strongly depend on the device position and
orientation within the bore and insertion length of the device.
Currently, conventional detuning circuit is used to decouple the
conductive intravascular device during RF transmission phase of the MRI
by activating the circuit with a PIN diode. However, conventional
passive techniques do not adapt for each possible orientation or
insertion length of the device. The current invention provides for a
new active detuning system that adapts its circuit component to limit
heating for every possible orientation and insertion length. The system
reads out the received current signal value during RF transmission
phase and changes the decoupling capacitor value by using varactor and
integrated circuit components to reach new resonant condition (very
high impedance).
Applications:
Interventional cardiology
MRI guided surgery
Advantages: The device may fundamentally enable any ``active'' MRI
catheter device (independent of the orientation and insertion length of
the device) to be safe during real-time MRI guided interventional
procedures.
Development Status: In development. Prototype is being built.
Inventors: Ozgur Kocaturk (NHLBI).
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/360,998 filed 07
Jul 2010 (HHS Reference No. E-114-2010/0-US-01)
Relevant Publication: Overall WR, Pauly JM, Stang PP, Scott GC.
Ensuring safety of implanted devices under MRI using reversed RF
polarization. Magn Reson Med. 2010 Sep;64(3):823-833. [PubMed:
20593374]
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact:
Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019;
[email protected].
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute is seeking statements of capability or interest from
parties interested in collaborative research to further develop,
evaluate, or commercialize this technology. Please contact Peg Koelble
at [email protected] for more information.
Dated: March 4, 2011.
Richard U. Rodriguez,
Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of
Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 2011-5511 Filed 3-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P