Patents by Inventor Mark A. McElroy
Mark A. McElroy 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: 11944476Abstract: A fixture for fabricating a detector mini-module includes a lower block having a Y-datum lower block upper surface, an X-datum lower block surface, and a Z-datum lower block surface orthogonal to both the Y-datum lower and X-datum block surface surfaces. A mount block for a detector is positionable and in contact with the X-datum lower block surface, the Y-datum lower block upper surface, and the Z-datum lower block surface. An intermediate block is positionable on the lower block having an aperture passing through an upper surface and having an X-datum intermediate block surface and a Z-datum intermediate block surface. When a mount block for the detector mini-module is positioned on the lower block, the mount block is biased having an X-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the X-datum lower block surface, and biased having a Z-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the Z-datum lower block surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: MINFOUND MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Mark McElroy, Zhiyuan Zha
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Patent number: 11602317Abstract: A detector sub-assembly for a CT system includes a detector module that includes a mount block having a top planar surface, a Y-axis planar surface that is parallel with the top planar surface, an X-axis planar surface that is orthogonal to the first Y-axis planar surface, and an aperture passing through the X-axis planar surface. The module includes a substrate having a pixelated photodiode positioned thereon, and a two-dimensional anti-scatter grid (ASG) positioned on the pixelated photodiode. The detector sub-assembly includes a support structure including a Y-axis mount surface and an X-axis mount surface, and a second aperture passing through the X-axis mount surface, a mounting screw having an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the aperture and passing through the aperture and into the second aperture when the Y-axis planar surface is on the Y-axis mount surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Minfound Medical Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Mark McElroy
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Publication number: 20220338825Abstract: A fixture for fabricating a detector mini-module includes a lower block having a Y-datum lower block upper surface, an X-datum lower block surface, and a Z-datum lower block surface orthogonal to both the Y-datum lower and X-datum block surface surfaces. A mount block for a detector is positionable and in contact with the X-datum lower block surface, the Y-datum lower block upper surface, and the Z-datum lower block surface. An intermediate block is positionable on the lower block having an aperture passing through an upper surface and having an X-datum intermediate block surface and a Z-datum intermediate block surface. When a mount block for the detector mini-module is positioned on the lower block, the mount block is biased having an X-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the X-datum lower block surface, and biased having a Z-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the Z-datum lower block surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Mark McElroy, Zhiyuan Zha
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Publication number: 20220338823Abstract: A detector sub-assembly for a CT system includes a detector module that includes a mount block having a top planar surface, a Y-axis planar surface that is parallel with the top planar surface, an X-axis planar surface that is orthogonal to the first Y-axis planar surface, and an aperture passing through the X-axis planar surface. The module includes a substrate having a pixelated photodiode positioned thereon, and a two-dimensional anti-scatter grid (ASG) positioned on the pixelated photodiode. The detector sub-assembly includes a support structure including a Y-axis mount surface and an X-axis mount surface, and a second aperture passing through the X-axis mount surface, a mounting screw having an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the aperture and passing through the aperture and into the second aperture when the Y-axis planar surface is on the Y-axis mount surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Mark McElroy
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Patent number: 10473796Abstract: A scintillator module for a CT detector includes an array of pixelated scintillators extending in a first direction at a first spacing, and extending in a second direction at a second spacing, a reflector on the array and between the pixelated scintillators, the reflector having a first thickness and forming notches having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. The module includes an anti-scatter grid having plates, each plate extending along a length such that, when the CT detector is positioned in a CT system, the length of the plates extend approximately toward a focal spot. The plates are separated from one another at one of the first spacing and the second spacing, and two of the notches have a gap therebetween that engages one of the plates. An adhesive positioned in the gap to adhere the one plate to the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: FMI Medical Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Kevin McMahon, Mark McElroy
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Publication number: 20190243006Abstract: A scintillator module for a CT detector includes an array of pixelated scintillators extending in a first direction at a first spacing, and extending in a second direction at a second spacing, a reflector on the array and between the pixelated scintillators, the reflector having a first thickness and forming notches having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. The module includes an anti-scatter grid having plates, each plate extending along a length such that, when the CT detector is positioned in a CT system, the length of the plates extend approximately toward a focal spot. The plates are separated from one another at one of the first spacing and the second spacing, and two of the notches have a gap therebetween that engages one of the plates. An adhesive positioned in the gap to adhere the one plate to the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: FMI Medical Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Kevin McMahon, Mark McElroy
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Patent number: 10201772Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Mark A. McElroy
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Patent number: 10112133Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter element, a cap, and a base seal. The filter element has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inside passage. The cap is affixed to the first end. The cap has a cap perimeter configured to mate with an opening of a filter housing. The base seal is disposed at the second end. The base seal has an outlet port in cooperative alignment with the inside passage. The base seal is configured to seal the outlet port to a housing outlet and the base seal is configured to seal a housing drain.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryant Morris, Mark McElroy
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Publication number: 20170209821Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: MARK T. ALLOTT, BRYANT A. MORRIS, MARK A. McELROY
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Publication number: 20170021291Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter element, a cap, and a base seal. The filter element has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inside passage. The cap is affixed to the first end. The cap has a cap perimeter configured to mate with an opening of a filter housing. The base seal is disposed at the second end. The base seal has an outlet port in cooperative alignment with the inside passage. The base seal is configured to seal the outlet port to a housing outlet and the base seal is configured to seal a housing drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Bryant Morris, Mark McElroy
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Patent number: 7779818Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix
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Publication number: 20090013972Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix
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Publication number: 20070221585Abstract: A collapsible, protective cover may be used to enshroud a filter during shipping, storage, and installation. The cover protects the filter from dirt and other harmful debris which could contaminate the clean filter element contained within the filter. As the filter is inserted into a filter canister, the cover collapses around the filter and moves out of the way, allowing the filter to enter the canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Andrea Vozar, Mark McElroy, Dana Heern, Brian Earnhart, Raymond Kulma, Aaron Stritesky
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Publication number: 20050197969Abstract: A human social system has a tendency to self organize around one or more of the production, diffusion and application of organizational knowledge. One or more of the production, diffusion and application of such knowledge can be enhanced by synchronizing knowledge policies with the tendency. The synchronization may be accomplished by proposing knowledge embryology, politics, diversity and connectivity policies (step S10). The proposed knowledge politics policy is practiced in the social system and is evaluated and/or refined (step S20). The proposed knowledge embryology, diversity and connectivity policies are practiced in the social system with the evaluated proposed politics policy, and the policies are evaluated and/or refined as needed (step S30).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Inventors: Mark McElroy, Steven Cavaleri, Joseph Firestone