Patents by Inventor Dennis R. Dietz
Dennis R. Dietz 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).
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Patent number: 10571140Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: American Aldes Ventilation CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Patent number: 10267913Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Dennis R. Dietz
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Publication number: 20170363310Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. In one embodiment, a terminal houses a plurality of sub-ducts each having an airflow regulator. At least one of the sub-ducts has a damper. When the damper is open, a maximum airflow through the terminal is a sum of maximum airflow permitted by the regulators.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: American Aldes Ventilation CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Patent number: 9759442Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. In one embodiment, a terminal houses a plurality of sub-ducts each having an airflow regulator. At least one of the sub-ducts has a damper. When the damper is open, a maximum airflow through the terminal is a sum of maximum airflow permitted by the regulators.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: American Aldes Ventilation CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Publication number: 20170074982Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: David M. SMITH, Sharon L. ADAM, Dennis R. DIETZ
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Patent number: 9510806Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Dennis R. Dietz
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Publication number: 20160076784Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: AMERICAN ALDES VENTILATION CORPORATIONInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Patent number: 9201428Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: American Aldes Ventilation CorporationInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Patent number: 8864675Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of a catheter body. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The deflectable member may be interconnected to the catheter body by a live hinge. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter body to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter body. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter body and when pivoted relative to the catheter body.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Curtis J. Franklin, John L. Loewen, David J. Messick, Craig T. Nordhausen, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Jim H. Polenske, Shawn D. Quick, Daniel H. Todd, Thomas L. Tolt, David W. Wilson
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Patent number: 8852112Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Bielewicz, Richard W. Denny, Dennis R. Dietz, Michael J. Fife, Joseph A. Huppenthal, David J. Messick, Craig T. Nordhausen, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Jim H. Polenske
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Publication number: 20140269209Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: David M. SMITH, Sharon L. ADAM, Dennis R. DIETZ
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Publication number: 20140065939Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. In one embodiment, a terminal houses a plurality of sub-ducts each having an airflow regulator. At least one of the sub-ducts has a damper. When the damper is open, a maximum airflow through the terminal is a sum of maximum airflow permitted by the regulators.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: AMERICAN ALDES VENTILATION CORPORATIONInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
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Patent number: 8535232Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Johannes Haftmann, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson
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Patent number: 8500648Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, IncInventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Johannes Haftmann
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Patent number: 8285362Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Paul N. Latulippe, David J. Messick, Craig T. Nordhausen, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Jim H. Polenske
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Publication number: 20120108980Abstract: Actuators employable for oscillating movement of a load. An improved actuator may include at least a first shape memory member that is actuatable to affect at least a portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The actuator may further include a second shape memory member actuatable to affect at least a second portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The utilization of one or more shape memory members facilitates the realization of controllable and reliable oscillating movement of a load in a compact manner. Such actuators may be used in imaging catheters having an ultrasound transducer disposed for oscillating movement to scan across an internal region of interest. Such imaging catheters may be used in generating three dimensional and/or real-time three dimensional (4D) images.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Shilling, Thomas L. Tolt, Clyde G. Oakley, Richard W. Denny, Dennis R. Dietz, Michael J. Vonesh, Craig T. Nordhausen
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Publication number: 20120108979Abstract: An imaging catheter is provided having a distal end portion selectively rotatable relative to a catheter body. A transducer array is supported by the distal end portion so that a corresponding imaging field may be selectively panned about an axis extending distally from the catheter body. The catheter may be advanced within a patient to a desired location. Optionally, the catheter may then be steered, or curved to position the transducer array. Optionally, the catheter may be rotated to further position the transducer array. Then, the imaging field may be panned without manipulation of the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Curtis Franklin, Thomas W. Shilling, Dennis R. Dietz, Craig T. Nordhausen, Dennis Dreher, Thomas L. Tolt
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Publication number: 20110237955Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2009Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Johannes G. Haftmann, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson
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Publication number: 20110166455Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter. The ultrasound array may be interconnected to a motor to effectuate pivotal reciprocal motion of the ultrasound transducer array such that the catheter may be operable to produce real-time or near real-time three dimensional images.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Dennis R. Dietz, Curtis J. Franklin, Craig T. Nordhausen, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Jim H. Polenske, Thomas W. Shilling, Thomas L. Tolt
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Publication number: 20100280316Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of a catheter body. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The deflectable member may be interconnected to the catheter body by a live hinge. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter body to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter body. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter body and when pivoted relative to the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, Curtis J. Franklin, John L. Loewen, David J. Messick, Craig T. Nordhausen, Clyde G. Oakley, Ryan C. Patterson, Jim H. Polenske, Shawn D. Quick, Daniel H. Todd, Thomas L. Tolt, David W. Wilson