Patents by Inventor Christopher Hardy

Christopher Hardy 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).

  • Determining the effects of new types of impairments on perceived quality of a voice service
    Patent number: 7099282
    Abstract: Empirically derived models are used to relate user perception to objectively measurable characteristics, under a criterion of nearly perfect co-variance between predicted MOS values and the variations in the values of the objectively measurable characteristics. In the example context of evaluating packet switched telephony service, the present invention eliminates the need to perform subjective tests to characterize each combination of codec type and transmission protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: MCI, Inc.
    Inventor: William Christopher Hardy
  • Methods and systems for controlling acquisition of images
    Publication number: 20060173268
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interacting effectively with three-dimensional data are provided such that a data acquisition system of an imaging system can be guided appropriately to gather relevant information from the object being imaged. In one embodiment, the imaging system includes the data acquisition system for obtaining a three-dimensional image of the object; and a processor coupled to the data acquisition system. The processor may be configured for receiving a user interface input based on interaction with the three-dimensional image, and for providing multiple parameters to the data acquisition system based on the user interface input. These parameters may be used for further acquisition by the data acquisition system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Rakesh Mullick, Christopher Hardy, Robert Darrow, Raghu Kokku, Timothy Poston
  • Method and system for evaluating the quality of packet-switched voice signals
    Patent number: 7085230
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining what level of performance must be maintained by a second communication service so as to be perceived as being of equal quality to a first communication service, especially where the second communication service is subject to additional impairments not experienced by the first communication service. In one example embodiment, the present invention is applied to determining what combinations of packet loss rate and packet delay are tolerable where a packet switched telephony service is desired to be perceived to be substantially equivalent to a traditional toll-quality non-packet-switched telephone service. Empirically derived models are used to relate user perception to objectively measurable characteristics, such as packet loss rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: MCI, LLC
    Inventor: William Christopher Hardy
  • Method and system for spatial-spectral excitation by parallel RF transmission
    Publication number: 20060132133
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method is provided. The MRI system comprises a plurality of transmit coils arranged spatially distinct from each other and configured for inducing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) excitation. The NMR excitation is selective both in spatial dimensions and in a chemical shift spectrum. The plurality of transmit coils are driven by a plurality of radio frequency (RF) pulses, and a gradient module is driven by a plurality of gradient pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Yudong Zhu, Christopher Hardy
  • Method and system for MR scan acceleration using selective excitation and parallel transmission
    Publication number: 20060132132
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) transmit coil array assembly for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF transmit coil comprises a plurality of coils arranged around an object and coupled to a pulse generator module. The pulse generator module is configured to drive the coils to induce a selective excitation pulse during a transmission mode of the MRI system. The selective excitation pulse is designed to excite an inner volume of the object and to facilitate scan acceleration and an imaging field of view is contained within the inner volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Yudong Zhu, Christopher Hardy
  • Cryogenically cooled radiofrequency coil array for magnetic resonance imaging
    Publication number: 20060132134
    Abstract: A cryogenically cooled radiofrequency (RF) coil structure for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and method for cryogenically cooling RF coils are provided. The cryogenically cooled RF coil structure comprises a sealed structure constructed of non-conducting material and adapted for containing a cooling substance and at least one RF coil disposed integrally in contact with the sealed structure such that sealed structure and integrally disposed RF coil are disposed about an object to be imaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Kathleen Amm, Ronald Watkins, William Barber, Christopher Hardy, Kenneth Rohling
  • Magnetic resonance imaging system and method
    Publication number: 20060074291
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using a double inversion recovery (DIR) imaging pulse sequence for acquiring black-blood images for obtaining a first level of nulling of a blood signal from acquired imaging slices is provided. The MRI system comprises an image processor configured changing a respective time order of the imaging slices at a selected point or points during the pulse sequence to obtain a second level of nulling of the residual blood signal from the imaging slices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Hardy, William Dixon, Xuli Zong
  • Robust coronary MR angiography MR without respiratory navigation
    Publication number: 20060052688
    Abstract: A method for acquiring image data from a subject during a scan with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprising the steps of acquiring a reference data set of a region of interest, acquiring a plurality of free-breathing data sets, and, selectively processing the plurality of free-breathing data sets in comparison with the reference data set to be used in creating an image of the region of interest. The reference data set comprises breath-held data set or, alternatively, free-breathing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Manojkumar Saranathan
  • Multi-turn element RF coil array for multiple channel MRI
    Publication number: 20050253582
    Abstract: An RF coil assembly for use in a multiple receive-channel MRI system is provided. The RF coil assembly is configured as a multi-turn-element RF coil assembly 200 to operate as a surface-coil array in cooperation with the MRI system 100 which is configured to operate in a multiple-channel receive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Randy Otto Giaquinto, Harvey Cline, Christopher Hardy, Charles Dumoulin, Paul Bottomley
  • Test unit for use at a network interface device
    Patent number: 6912269
    Abstract: A test unit provides testing capability at a network interface device (NID). The test unit may be remotely activated so that testing is initiated upon activation from a remote site. In one embodiment, a characteristic signal is sent over a telephone line toward the NID. A characteristic signal is detected and the testing unit is activated. The testing unit may perform multiple types of tests, including tests for detecting line loss, line noise and latency. The test may be implemented using electronic circuitry or using an intelligent computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: MCI, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christopher Hardy, Vaikunth N. Gupta
  • Method for making mesh containers with a rail and mesh container formed therefrom
    Publication number: 20050077299
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Hsi-Ming Cheng, R. Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Portion of a mesh basket
    Patent number: D513874
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Hardy, R. Neal Post
  • Portion of a mesh rolling bin
    Patent number: D514318
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Neal Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Frame and runner elements
    Patent number: D516347
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Neal Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Mesh drawer
    Patent number: D516814
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Neal Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Portion of a rolling cart
    Patent number: D517769
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Neal Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Portion of mesh rolling bin
    Patent number: D520750
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Neal Post, Christopher Hardy
  • Container with a hinged lid
    Patent number: D521238
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Everett, Christopher Hardy
  • Container
    Patent number: D524542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Hardy
  • Mesh laundry bin
    Patent number: D526754
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Hardy, R. Neal Post