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Publication Number
US-11395592-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a removable optical imaging device cap for use with a near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device for detecting intracranial hematoma.
Core Innovation
The document describes an optical NIR handheld imaging system for imaging an object using a removable optical imaging device cap that seals against ambient light. The cap conforms to an uneven skull surface by using a bellow sealingly engaged to a bellow support plate, where the bellow has a C shaped cross-sectional profile with first and second perimeter rims. The second perimeter rim contacts the surface of the object to be imaged while the bellow is deformed to allow optical contact through the cap’s tips.
The cap includes a bellow support plate with a first support plate face shaped to engage a mounting face of the imaging device when the device cap is mounted within an inner volume. The mounting face has planar mounting face and an outer wall defining the mounting surface inner volume, and the mounting face comprises a plurality of openings arranged in a predetermined configuration adapted to receive at least three optical transceivers. Within the bellow support plate, at least three deformable housings are provided, each receiving a light pipe with a tip adapted to contact the surface of the object to be imaged, with each light pipe corresponding to one optical transceiver.
To exclude ambient light while preventing suction or vacuum sealing, the document describes an air inflow system associated with the cap’s perimeter and support plate features. The system includes features such as grooves, gaps, or air holes and describes an S-shaped groove to allow air inflow while maintaining light blocking for improved signal-to-noise. The imaging device processes NIR optical density and/or ratiometric characteristics for hematoma detection, and provides status and alert indication.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim (clm-00001) directed to an optical imaging device cap for use with a near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device. The independent claim’s coverage centers on the cap structure, mounting interface, a C-shaped bellows seal with deformable housings/light pipes, and the functional imaging contact relationship to the object surface.
Optical imaging device cap with mounting surface and transceiver openings
An optical imaging device cap for use with a near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device, where the optical imaging device comprises a body, at least three optical transceivers located within the body, and a mounting surface having a planar mounting face and an outer wall extending from the periphery of the face, defining a mounting surface inner volume, and the planar mounting face comprises a plurality of openings arranged in a predetermined configuration adapted to receive the at least three optical transceivers.
Bellows assembly sealingly engaged to a bellow support plate
The cap comprises a bellow support plate and a deformable bellow sealingly engaged to the bellow support plate, the bellow support plate comprising a first support plate face shaped to engage the mounting face when the device cap is mounted, and a second support plate face configured to face a surface of the object to be imaged.
Deformable housings with light pipes whose tips contact the object surface
At least three deformable housings, each adapted to receive a light pipe and having a tip adapted to contact the surface of the object to be imaged, where each light pipe corresponds to one of the at least three optical transceivers, and wherein in use the second perimeter rim contacts the surface of the object and the bellow is deformed to allow the tips of the deformable housings to contact the surface of the object to be imaged.
C shaped cross-sectional bellows perimeter rims for sealing and contact
The deformable bellow has a C shaped cross-sectional profile defining a first perimeter rim and a second perimeter rim, wherein the first perimeter rim sealingly engages the bellow support plate, and wherein in use the second perimeter rim contacts the surface of the object to be imaged.
Claim coverage in the partial content is concentrated in clm-00001, which defines a removable cap having a mounting interface for at least three optical transceivers, a sealing C-shaped bellows engaged to a bellow support plate, and deformable housings carrying light pipes with tips that contact the imaged object surface during use.
Stated Advantages
Improved signal-to-noise via maintaining light blocking while allowing air inflow to prevent suction/vacuum sealing [as described].
Documented Applications
Imaging an object for detecting intracranial hematoma using near infrared (NIR) optical imaging.
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