Patents Represented by Attorney The Small Patent Law Group

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  • Method and apparatus for aligning a multi-modality imaging system
    Patent number: 8077943
    Abstract: A method of determining component misalignment in a multi-modality imaging system includes imaging a plurality of target objects with a first modality unit to generate a tomographic image data set and imaging the plurality of targets with a second modality unit to generate an emission image data set. The method also includes determining a location of the target objects in the emission image data set to produce emission target object location coordinates, calculating a positional alignment vector for each target object based on the emission target object location coordinates, and aligning the multi-modality imaging system based on the positional alignment vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Jay Williams, Gang Cheng, Xiaoquan Zhao
  • Method and apparatus for generating variable resolution medical images
    Patent number: 8073211
    Abstract: A hand carried medical imaging device includes a probe configured to acquire raw medical image data, an integrated display, a data memory configured to store the acquired raw medical image data, a back end processor, and a user interface operably coupled to the back end processor configured to receive commands from a user and to instruct the back end processor to display the produced medical image on the integrated display at a first resolution, and to either produce and send either the medical image at the second, higher resolution, to send the acquired raw image data, or both, to the external device, in accordance with the commands from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Nahi Halmann
  • Method and apparatus of detecting ionizing radiation
    Patent number: 8067744
    Abstract: A method of detecting ionizing radiation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Israel
    Inventors: Ira Blevis, Yaron Hefetz
  • Chemical detection method and system
    Patent number: 8067731
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample is provided. The method includes passing a set of ions obtained from the sample through an ion mobility spectrometer to filter out ions that are not ions of interest and to generate an ion mobility spectrum. A mass spectrum of at least some of the ions is generated using a mass spectrometer. The method also includes determining that the analyte of interest is in the sample when peaks of interest are found in one or more of the ion mobility spectrum and the mass spectrum, and the peaks of interest follow a predetermined pattern of peaks associated with the analyte of interest or are confirmed by ion mobility spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Maciej (Matthew) Stanislaw Matyjaszczyk, Amy Elizabeth Staubs
  • Method and system for displaying a cine loop formed from combined 4D volumes
    Patent number: 8064986
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying medical images are provided. The method includes performing three-dimensional (3D) volume visualization on a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images acquired continuously. The method further includes combining the 3D volume visualizations to form a plurality of four-dimensional (4D) volumes representing the 3D volume visualizations over a period of time and displaying at least one 4D volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Profio, Darin Okerlund, Karen Procknow, Ann Christine Hole
  • Apparatus and method for electrical connection clamping
    Patent number: 8062040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical connection clamping are provided. The apparatus includes a connection arrangement having a top clamp section and a bottom clamp section. The connection arrangement further includes a stacked connector between the top clamp section and the bottom clamp section. The top clamp section and the bottom clamp section are configured to distribute a compression force along a plurality of points of the stacked connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Michael Richard Moritz, Thomas Michael Corcoran
  • Method and apparatus for stock and index option price improvement, participation, and internalization
    Patent number: 8055577
    Abstract: A method for stock option trading includes receiving an option order at a market, contemporaneously receiving a copy of the option order at an electronic drop (EDrop) system, which is separate and distinct from the market, obtaining a potential cross quantity and a potential cross price based on the option order at the EDrop system, and submitting, through the EDrop system, a contra-order, with respect to the option order, to the market for fulfillment, wherein the contra-order specifies at least one of an underlying security potential cross quantity, and the potential cross price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Liquidpoint, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Saliba
  • Methods and apparatus for arbitrary antenna phasing in an electronic article surveillance system
    Patent number: 8049598
    Abstract: A method for controlling electronic article surveillance (EAS) transmissions is described. The method includes calculating system parameters associated with one or more of a desired frequency a desired duty cycle, and a desired phase difference between antennas for a transmitter, and initializing a counter with a value based on the system parameters. The method also includes comparing a count from the counter to the system parameters, and modulating EAS transmission signals based on the comparison between the count and the system parameters. An EAS transmitter and an EAS system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Oakes, Thomas J. Frederick, Richard L. Herring
  • Methods of identifying analytes and using encoded particles
    Patent number: 8049893
    Abstract: A method of identifying analytes that react with probes on encoded particles. The method includes providing a support substrate that has a plurality of the particles randomly distributed on the support substrate. The particles have elongated bodies with codes that extend along the corresponding bodies. The codes identify probes that are attached to the corresponding bodies, wherein at least some of the probes include fluorescent labels from reactions with the analytes. The method also includes detecting fluorescent signals that are emitted from the fluorescent labels. The fluorescent signals emit from random spatial locations along the support substrate. The method also includes detecting the codes of the particles at the random spatial locations along the support substrate and analyzing the codes and the fluorescent signals to identify the analytes that react with the probes on the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Moon, Alan D. Kersey, Martin A. Putnam, Tuo Li
  • Multi-headed imaging probe and imaging system using same
    Patent number: 8043221
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Marteau, Aurelie Roncaglioni, Lionel Wodecki
  • RF array coil system and method for magnetic resonance imaging
    Patent number: 8046046
    Abstract: A RF array coil system and method for magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The array coil system includes an anterior coil section having a main anterior coil section and at least one secondary anterior coil section removably attachable to the main anterior coil section. The array coil system further includes a posterior coil section having a main posterior coil section and at least one secondary posterior coil section removably attachable to the main posterior coil section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pei H. Chan, Labros Petropoulos
  • Motor driver for ultrasound system
    Patent number: 8038619
    Abstract: A motor driver for an ultrasound system is provided. The ultrasound system includes a transmitter and receiver, both communicatively coupled to a transducer array of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound system further includes a digital motor driver for controlling movement of the transducer array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Franz Steinbacher
  • Protective hood
    Patent number: 8037547
    Abstract: A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body includes a channel extending along at least a portion of the cap section and/or at least a portion of the side and back sections. A transparent face member is held by the hood body. An adjustable head harness assembly is held by the hood body. The adjustable head harness assembly includes an elastic member extending through the channel for securing the hood body on the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Duncan
  • Deicer covering system
    Patent number: 8041199
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming. The system may include a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, wherein the heating element is supported by the main body, and a concealing cover that is configured to hide the main body the said heating element from view. The concealing cover has a larger axial envelope than the main body and the heating element. The concealing cover may be shaped as a naturally existing object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Deicing system and method
    Patent number: 8041200
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicing system configured to prevent ice from forming in a water containment vessel. The system includes a heating element configured to heat the water within the containment vessel, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through an electrical path and may be configured to monitor water temperature. The second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through the electrical path and may be configured to monitor heating element temperature. At least one of the temperature sensors may include a reset button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting spectral doppler gain
    Patent number: 8036856
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting a parameter used in the display of a Doppler spectral image comprises acquiring a plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A subset of Doppler data is determined from the plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A noise characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is calculated, and a signal characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is identified. The noise and signal characteristics are compared, and a system parameter is adjusted based on a result of the comparing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lihong Pan, David Thomas Dubberstein
  • Security system and method for using an LF activated RFID tag
    Patent number: 8026811
    Abstract: A security system includes a system control panel for arming and disarming a security system. A door sensing unit is mounted proximate to a door to be monitored. The door sensing unit includes a door contact, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and a low frequency (LF) transmitter. The door contact is configured to detect open and closed states of the door. The RF transceiver is interconnected with the system control panel over a network and the LF transmitter transmits an LF data packet when the door contact detects the open state of the door. A disarm device having an LF detection circuit detects the LF data packet. The disarm device transmits an RF disarm data packet based on the LF data packet. The RF transceiver transmits a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on the RF disarm data packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Raman Kumar Sharma, Francisco Bogarin
  • Systems and methods for generating calibration maps for non-pixelated gamma detectors
    Patent number: 8022357
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a non-pixelated gamma camera is provided, wherein the method includes determining a linearity map and a uniformity map of a reference isotope; and determining a linearity map and uniformity map of another isotope. Delta maps are calculated based on the maps of the reference isotope and the maps of the other isotope. During recalibration, new maps of the reference isotope are determined, thereby enabling new maps of the other isotope to be created based on the delta maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ornit Amir, Michael Kogan, Leonid Beilin, Yaron Hefetz
  • Dual motor upright vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 8020252
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Tacony Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas L. Blocker, John F. Kaido
  • Method and system for scatter correction
    Patent number: 8017914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correcting primary and secondary emission data. The method includes obtaining an emission data set having primary and secondary emission data representative of primary and secondary emission particles emitting from a region of interest and applying a scatter correction model to the emission data set to derive an estimated scatter vector. The method also includes comparing the emission data set to the estimated scatter vector to identify an amount of secondary emission data in the emission data set and correcting the emission data set based on the amount of secondary emission data identified in the comparing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott David Wollenweber, David Leo McDaniel, Charles William Stearns