Patents by Inventor Christian Bennett Fuller

Christian Bennett Fuller 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).

  • Spark gap device and method of measurement of X-ray tube vacuum pressure
    Patent number: 10605687
    Abstract: In the present invention, a pressure measurement device for determining the vacuum level within the evacuated housing of a vacuum electrode device is provided that includes an electrically conductive enclosure secured to an interior surface of the housing, an electrically conductive electrode extending through an aperture in the housing, the electrode having a tip at one end positioned within the interior of the housing inside the enclosure to define a gap between the tip and the enclosure and a conductive lead at a second end disposed outside of the housing, and a voltage source connected to the conductive lead to supply a voltage potential to the tip of the electrode. A voltage difference produced between the electrode and the enclosure ionizes gas within the enclosure causing a measurable current to flow between the electrode and the enclosure which can be used to determine the vacuum level in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Michael Roffers, Sergio Lemaitre, Christian Bennett Fuller, Kalyan Koppisetty
  • Spark Gap Device And Method Of Measurement Of X-Ray Tube Vacuum Pressure
    Publication number: 20170248485
    Abstract: In the present invention, a pressure measurement device for determining the vacuum level within the evacuated housing of a vacuum electrode device is provided that includes an electrically conductive enclosure secured to an interior surface of the housing, an electrically conductive electrode extending through an aperture in the housing, the electrode having a tip at one end positioned within the interior of the housing inside the enclosure to define a gap between the tip and the enclosure and a conductive lead at a second end disposed outside of the housing, and a voltage source connected to the conductive lead to supply a voltage potential to the tip of the electrode. A voltage difference produced between the electrode and the enclosure ionizes gas within the enclosure causing a measurable current to flow between the electrode and the enclosure which can be used to determine the vacuum level in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Michael Roffers, Sergio Lemaitre, Christian Bennett Fuller, Kalyan Koppisetty
  • X-ray tube target having enhanced thermal performance and method of making same
    Patent number: 9449782
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a frame enclosing a high vacuum, a cathode positioned within the enclosure, and a target assembly. The target assembly includes a target cap, a focal track material positioned on the target cap to receive electrons from the cathode, and a foam material positioned within a cavity of the target cap and positioned proximate the focal track. The x-ray tube also includes a bearing assembly attached to the frame and configured to support the target assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ben David Poquette, Thomas Carson Tiearney, Jr., Gregory Alan Steinlage, Michael Scott Hebert, Donald Robert Allen, Christian Bennett Fuller
  • X-RAY TUBE TARGET HAVING ENHANCED THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20140056404
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a frame enclosing a high vacuum, a cathode positioned within the enclosure, and a target assembly. The target assembly includes a target cap, a focal track material positioned on the target cap to receive electrons from the cathode, and a foam material positioned within a cavity of the target cap and positioned proximate the focal track. The x-ray tube also includes a bearing assembly attached to the frame and configured to support the target assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ben David Poquette, Thomas Carson Tiearney, JR., Gregory Alan Steinlage, Michael Scott Hebert, Donald Robert Allen, Christian Bennett Fuller