Michael Chad Weir

US Patent:

7476197, Jan 13, 2009

Filed:

Dec 4, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/634322

Inventors:

Christopher A. Wiklof - Everett WA, US
Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US

Assignee:

Microvision, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

A61B 1/06

US Classification:

600160, 600113, 600478

Abstract:

Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes that utilize multiple light collectors are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager is disclosed. The scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam onto a region of interest of an object. The scanned beam imager further includes a first light collector structured to collect light reflected from the region of interest and a second light collector positionable relative to the scanning tip. The second light collector structured to collect light transmitted through the region of interest.

US Patent:

7558455, Jul 7, 2009

Filed:

Jun 29, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/770849

Inventors:

Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US
John R. Lewis - Bellevue WA, US
Amjad I. Malik - Bothell WA, US
Christopher A. Wiklof - Everett WA, US
Mathew D. Watson - Bellevue WA, US
Richard A. James - Woodinville WA, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc - Cincinnati OH
Microvision, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G02B 6/06

US Classification:

385119, 385116

Abstract:

A scanning beam assembly includes a beam generator to generate a beam of radiation; at least one reflector configured to deflect the beam across a field of view; and a plurality of multi-mode optical fibers for receiving radiation reflected from the field of view, wherein the optical fibers have end surfaces that face in at least two different directions, or wherein the optical fibers are configured to receive scattered radiation from an angular field of view larger than that determined by their individual numerical apertures.

US Patent:

7561317, Jul 14, 2009

Filed:

Nov 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/592755

Inventors:

Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

G02B 26/08

US Classification:

3592011, 3592012, 3592241

Abstract:

A scanning beam assembly comprising: a beam generator to generate a beam of radiation, and two or more oscillating reflectors configured to deflect the beam in sequence, each reflector being driven to contribute an incremental deflection of the beam so as to achieve a desired scanning beam waveform, at least one oscillating reflector aligned to receive the beam from the beam generator and deflect the beam to a second oscillating reflector, each oscillating reflector operating in a sinusoidal mode having a frequency and amplitude, and a controller for controlling the phase and/or frequency and/or amplitude of the oscillation of the reflectors so as to provide a desired scanning beam waveform.

US Patent:

7925333, Apr 12, 2011

Filed:

Aug 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/846039

Inventors:

Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US
Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs - Mason OH, US
Robert M. Trusty - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 6/00

US Classification:

600476

Abstract:

A method of controlling a medical device is provided. The method includes generating a beam of radiation using a radiation source assembly. The beam of radiation is directed toward a distal end of the medical device using an optical fiber. The beam of radiation is directed onto an area of interest by scanning the reflector in a scanning pattern, the reflector receiving the beam of radiation from the optical fiber. Radiation is collected from the area of interest using a collector to generate a signal for use in producing a viewable image. A loss of scan condition of the reflector is detected automatically by a control system.

US Patent:

7982776, Jul 19, 2011

Filed:

Jul 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/777602

Inventors:

Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs - Mason OH, US
Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

H04N 5/228
H04N 5/217
H01J 5/16
A61B 1/06
A61B 6/00

US Classification:

34820899, 348241, 250234, 600173, 600476

Abstract:

A system, method and apparatus for eliminating image tearing effects and other visual artifacts perceived when scanning moving subject matter with a scanned beam imaging device. The system, method and apparatus uses a motion detection means in conjunction with an image processor to alter the native image to one without image tearing or other visual artifacts. The image processor monitors the motion detection means and reduces the image resolution or translates portions of the imaged subject matter in response to the detected motion.

US Patent:

7983739, Jul 19, 2011

Filed:

Aug 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/845457

Inventors:

Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs - Mason OH, US
Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 6/00
G21F 5/02
G02B 26/12

US Classification:

600476, 2504961, 3592241

Abstract:

A scanned beam imaging system including a radiation source configured to provide a beam of radiation, a movable element configured to direct the beam of radiation onto a scanned area, and a collector configured to receive radiation returned from the scanned area. The imaging system further includes a housing that houses the movable element therein and a reference mark coupled to or received in the housing. The reference mark is positioned such that at least part of the radiation from the radiation source is directable at the reference mark.

US Patent:

8050520, Nov 1, 2011

Filed:

Mar 27, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/056710

Inventors:

Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

G06K 9/36

US Classification:

382289, 382296, 3592141, 3592151, 3592201, 3592211, 3592251, 3592261, 3592262

Abstract:

A method for creating a pixel image in a two-dimensional display coordinate system from sampled data derived from a collector of a scanned beam imager adapted to transmit a beam of radiation which traces a trajectory in a two-dimensional acquisition coordinate system. The trajectory contains datum locations in the acquisition coordinate system associated with the sampled data. The method includes receiving the sampled data. The method also includes adjusting a mathematical model of the trajectory based on a function of at least one of rotation, translation, and desired scaling of the model of the trajectory. The method also includes constructing the pixel image in the display coordinate system from the adjusted model of the trajectory.

US Patent:

8160678, Apr 17, 2012

Filed:

Jun 18, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/764261

Inventors:

Michael S. Cropper - Edgewood KY, US
Thomas W. Huitema - Cincinnati OH, US
Michael P. Weir - Blanchester OH, US
Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs - Mason OH, US
Jere J. Brophy - Loveland OH, US
Robert M. Trusty - Cincinnati OH, US
Randal T. Byrum - South Lebanon OH, US
David C. Youmans - Loveland OH, US
Sean P. Conlon - Loveland OH, US
Gary L. Long - Cincinnati OH, US
Paul G. Ritchie - Loveland OH, US
Jane A. Sheetz - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 5/05

US Classification:

600427, 623 11, 623 17, 623 16, 623902, 606214

Abstract:

A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image.