Patents by Inventor Bret Nicholson

Bret Nicholson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9693437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, David Barker, Samuel Alder, Bret Nicholson, Robert Bruce Spratt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130272499
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, David Barker, Samuel Alder, Bret Nicholson, Robert Bruce Spratt, JR.
  • Publication number: 20070240260
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus comprising a [movable] base, [with locking wheels,] a support column, at least one positioning arm on the [said] support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support [sheet] with a receiving buckle [on a bed] so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered. The apparatus further comprising a telescoping support column and horizontal support for holding a first and second positioning arm. The positioning arms further comprising locking pivots for extending and retracting. Patient repositioning is effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a fabric gripper [that] secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus can further be mounted to either a ceiling or a wall or can comprise a swiveling support column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Elizabeth White, Andrew Rosenvell, Jason Silvenis, Gerrit Larsen, Bret Nicholson, Stefano Demartin, Joshua Oldham