Patents Represented by Attorney Joseph S. Heino
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Patent number: 6889836Abstract: An apparatus for organizing and retaining memorabilia includes a container having a front wall, a back wall, a pair of side walls and a floor. Insertable within the container is a plurality of folders, each folder having a front wall and a back wall. Each folder may be expandable. Each folder includes an inner pocket defined within it and the inner pocket of each folder may contain one or more slip pockets for holding items therewithin. Each folder may be constructed of a transparent material such that the contents of the folder are visible to the user. Each slip pocket may also be constructed of a transparent material. The container may be constructed of a number of materials and may include a container cover. The container cover may be hinged. The container may include a number of handles attached to or defined within it for assisting with transportation of the container and its contents.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Inventor: Maribeth A. Colloton
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Patent number: 6880241Abstract: A method for connecting a plurality of coaxial cables to a printed circuit board in a compact connector. The method generally comprises the steps of stripping the coaxial cables, bonding the coaxial cable to a flexible carrier, positioning the coaxial cables over traces of a printed circuit board providing pressure such that electrical contact is maintained between the cables and the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: General Electric Company A New York CorporationInventors: Stephen Dodge Edwardsen, Alphonse Leon Bron, Jon Ronander, Dag Jordfald
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Patent number: 6880181Abstract: A pair of lever arms each have an intermediate segment configured for pivotal mounting on a pair of pins that support a corresponding end of a pair of mounting arms of a flapper valve. Each of the lever arms has a forward end configured to engage and provide a lifting force on a corresponding one of the flapper valve mounting arms when the lever arm and the flapper valve mounting arm are rotated in a first direction during opening of the flapper valve upon manual actuation of a flush control lever or button. A counterweight reservoir is connected to a pair of rearward ends of the lever arms for holding a volume of water and delays rotation of the flapper valve in a reverse direction to seal the flush valve until a volume of water has drained through an outlet aperture in a bottom portion of the counterweight reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.Inventors: David Nichols-Roy, Charles R. Way
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Patent number: 6874270Abstract: A game bird decoy assembly and a method for making same includes a lightweight planar member contoured in the form of the silhouette of a game bird. The planar member has two opposing faces. A visually and graphically accurate rendition of a game bird is applied to each face of the planar member. The planar member is foldable so as to reduce the bulk of the decoy assembly. When the planar member is in its upright position, the fold extends across the planar member at an angle relative to the vertical. When unfolded, the decoy assembly is held open by use of a support rod that is insertable within the planar member near the point of the fold. The support rod extends through the planar member, across the fold, and into the adjacent portion of the planar member. It also includes a pair of apertures for suspending one or more of the assemblies from a hunter's belt.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventor: Steven J. Lorenz
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Patent number: 6866418Abstract: A C-arm x-ray machine includes a compact yoke and a support arm interposed between the yoke and the support base to reduce overall length of the machine and to increase overscan. The support arm is designed to lower the axis of rotation such that the axis of rotation nearly coincides with the center of gravity of the C-arm. The compact yoke is designed with a thin pivot point and includes a steel sleeve to enclose a pin situated at the first end of the yoke. The steel sleeve is required to strengthen the yoke at the critical load bearing area near the first end of the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vipin J. Pillai, Bindu Philip, Amol Gupta, Ratanjit Singh Sohal
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Patent number: 6852236Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbulently exposing water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and having a self-contained tank through which water flows is provided with an inlet pipe that directs water flow between the electrodes. A tank cover serves as a non-electrical conducting head for the plurality of electrodes that extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. Following the flow of water between the electrodes, a double vortex of water flow is created along one wall of the tank. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular electrode wastage or wear, during operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventors: William Holt, John V. Kraft
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Patent number: 6843347Abstract: A multipurpose step stool includes two substantially parallel, congruent, triangular side support members. The triangular side support members each include first, second, and third resting edges adapted to contact a supporting surface such as a floor. The first treads are oriented parallel to the first resting edges, the second treads are oriented parallel to the second resting edges, and the platform is oriented parallel to the third resting edges.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: RDL Investments, LLCInventors: Thomas Lamberson, Michael R. Webb, Richard C. Kochawski, Gene Gladkov, Robert D. Heckel, II
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Patent number: 6845261Abstract: An MR system correlates MR images with acquired physiological data. MR image data and physiological data is acquired through two independent pipelines. Both pipelines range from analog to digital conversion to image or data display. The pipelines are synchronized by triggers calculated from data contained in the physiological pipeline which are then used to trigger the acquisition of data in the MR image pipeline. Another embodiment includes time synchronization of a distributed acquisition and processing system having the ability to correlate physiological and MR data using a common time base and the ability to selectively store physiological data. Simplified network time protocol is used to synchronize timers and a separate data conduit is used for sending physiological data to the data store process. This supports different modes of synchronization between acquisition and the physiological signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bo Pettersson, Robert Holden Haworth
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Patent number: 6830375Abstract: An anti-collision method and apparatus for use with a C-arm x-ray imaging machine to prevent damage to the imaging apparatus and injury to patients and health care workers includes a load cell, a differential buffer and integrator, an analog to digital converter, and a microcontroller controlling the motor drive. The present invention also provides a method for controlling the apparatus via a microcontroller and includes the steps of determining whether an up/down switch is actuated, reading and comparing a value with a tabulated value, halting the C-arm if the difference between the tabulated value and the recorded value exceeds a threshold value and reversing the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Inc.Inventor: Piyush Vijay Deshpande
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Patent number: 6827685Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing speckle pattern and increasing contrast resolution in ultrasound images is provided. Compared to other frequency compounding techniques, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding reduces speckle noise without sacrificing the resolution. Compared to spatial compounding, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding is more robust against tissue motion because sequential vectors rather than frames are summed together for compounding. The method and apparatus is implemented by transmitting two or more firings, combining two or more of the firings coherently to extract the tissue-generated harmonic components, detecting the outputs of the coherent sums and detecting one or more firings before coherent sum, and finally combining all detected outputs to form the compounded image. The method and apparatus sums wide-band fundamental and wide-band harmonic images after detection to form a compounded image.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Feng Lin, Satchi Panda, Richard Yung Chiao
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Patent number: 6800207Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbulently exposing water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and having a self-contained tank through which water flows is provided with an inlet pipe that directs water flow between the electrodes. A tank cover serves as a non-electrical conducting head for the plurality of electrodes that extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. Following the flow of water between the electrodes, a double vortex of water flow is created along one wall of the tank. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular electrode wastage or wear, during operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Jay V. KraftInventors: William Holt, John V. Kraft
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Patent number: 6789942Abstract: A mechanically adjustable brake for use with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is generally comprised of a brake handle and an eccentric shaft support which, when rotated using the handle, actuates a cam and presses a brake pad into the C-arm. Movement of the C-arm is thus restricted when the brake is applied. The brake mechanism specifically includes a brake handle, a brake shaft, a cam mounted on the brake shaft, a plunger having a first end engaged with the cam and a second end having a brake. The brake handle is used to rotate the brake shaft and the cam, the cam pushes down on the plunger and the brake engages the C-arm. The brake mechanism further comprises a plunger support, a spring that is compressed when the brake is actuated and is decompressed when the brake is released thus permitting movement of the C-arm. The brake shaft is connected to the brake handle using an eccentric shaft support.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Vipin J. Pillai, Bindu Phillip
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Patent number: 6765134Abstract: An instrument or assembly utilizes a foundation, or platform, which foundation or platform houses a combination of separate and different string elements. The first string element uses the concept familiar to the Chapman Stick, a ten-string fret board. The foundation also includes other string elements, including a plurality of altered eight-string slide guitars and at least one modified six-string guitar all of which are similarly mounted to the foundation or platform. Various controllers are used to output the string vibrations of these various stringed elements to a programmable digital surround mixer which allows for sound processing, enhancement and blending of the sounds generated by the different string arrays used within the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: James Bartz
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Patent number: 6733177Abstract: A variable friction disc brake for use with a C-arm x-ray imaging apparatus interposed between the support arm and yoke of the imaging apparatus. The variable friction disc is generally comprised of ring having a gap, width both sides of said gap having apertures therethrough such that a bolt may be inserted into said apertures and used to adjust the width of the gap, and the tension on the ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Vipin J. Pillai, Sourav Ghosh
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Patent number: 6733074Abstract: A wheelchair backrest assembly is attachable to a wheelchair to replace the standard web or sling-type back. The backrest assembly is comprised of a rectangular frame having a central opening defined within it, the rectangular frame has sides curved forwardly to accommodate users of various sizes and shapes. A plurality of support members are attached to the frame and mountable to the upright cane portions of the wheelchair. The front portion of the rectangular frame, or that portion facing the wheelchair user, is covered by a cushioned pad, the back of which has a plurality of pockets designed to accommodate formable stays. The shape of each stay may be molded by hand and should be of a material resilient enough to withstand frequent reforming and yet should be strong enough such that when a user reclines against the backrest, the stays remain in place.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Marken International, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Groth
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Patent number: 6715917Abstract: A support arm for use with a C-arm x-ray imaging machine is interposed between the yoke and the cross member of a C-arm x-ray imaging machine. The support arm is a generally rectangular structure having a first end, a second end and a central area between the first end and the second end, a generally circular pin attached to or integrally molded with the first end of the rectangular structure, said pin being set at an obtuse angle relative to the vertical, and a generally circular aperture defined within the second end of the rectangular structure. The support arm also includes a plurality of weight reducing apertures, or pockets, are defined within the support arm and the weight reducing pockets are covered with a plate to prevent contamination. The support arm reduces the overall length of the x-ray apparatus, brings the axis of rotation of the C-arm closer to the center of gravity and saves weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Ratanjit Singh Sohal, Amol Gupta
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Patent number: 6704946Abstract: A sprayer assembly adapted for releasable attachment to a water supply line, such as for a conventional toilet, is provided. The sprayer includes a three-way valve housing connected to the water supply line for the toilet, the valve housing including a supply conduit and a diverting conduit. A plunger is slidably disposed within the diverting conduit and is biased to a closed position by a biasing means extending between the supply conduit and the plunger. An attachment member is releasably engageable with the diverting conduit and operates to slide the plunger with respect to the diverting conduit in order to allow fluid flow through both the supply conduit and the diverting conduit. The attachment member is secured to one end of a hose that is attached to a sprayer head opposite the attachment member that enables an individual to manually dispense water flowing from the valve housing and through the attachment member and hose to the sprayer head.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.Inventors: John R. Mueller, Patricia M. Mueller, Henry M. Anderson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6658788Abstract: A live trap and cage assembly has a base, opposing sidewalls and a central main support section. To either end of the sidewalls is a door. Each door is movable from an upper position to a lower position. The doors are configured so as to be quickly moveable from the upper position to the lower position upon the triggering of an event inside the assembly. The base of the assembly includes a bait reservoir or “billboard” which is situated to the exterior of the assembly, and a bait holder and release mechanism which is situated to the interior of the assembly. The bait holder is suspended within the interior of the assembly by a cable which extends downwardly from the central support of the assembly. The cable is attached to each of the opposing doors and allows full movement of each door from the upper position to the lower position. The bottommost portion of the bait holder is slidably attachable to a “trigger” bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Dale R. Steinfest
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Patent number: 6645146Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the penetration of the harmonic imaging while preserving the image uniformity by using signals from a similar frequency band to form a composite image. A near field image uses primarily tissue generated harmonic signal associated with a first transmitting event that has a center frequency of f1. Such tissue generated harmonic signal has a frequency band centered on 2f1. In the far field, fundamental echo signals from the second transmitting event that has a center frequency of f2 are primarily use. Since the center frequency f2 in the transmitting event is close to 2f1 and there is a significant overlap in frequency band between signals extracted from the first transmitting event and signals extracted from the second transmitting event, a composite image formed from these signals has similar speckle size across the whole image.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Qian Zhang Adams, Satchi Panda, Richard Yung Chiao
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Patent number: 6640962Abstract: An interlocking transfer system includes a workstation having four or more sides, each of which is positioned at 90° angles from the next adjacent side. A cam lift assembly is provided on each of the sides and a means for moving the pallets horizontally. The cam lift assembly is actuated by a reciprocating cylinder which operates to lift and lower the pallets. While pallets are lifted, they are also advanced horizontally using either an external reciprocating cylinder, a motor or by hand. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention provides high efficiency and low transfer rate. It also eliminates the need for lift and locate devices, transfer space due to traffic control, and end-to-end cross transfers. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention also provides for interchangeable fixtures.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Jerral Richardson