Patents by Inventor Michael F. Hoge

Michael F. Hoge 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: 7382854
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7247856
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated scintillator and collimator array for a CT detector. The integrated scintillator and collimator are fabricated from a manufacturing process or technique whereupon an array of scintillator material is positioned on a tooling base such that a collimator mold housing having a collimator mold therein may be positioned on the block of scintillator material. The block and mold housing are then aligned allowing a collimator mixture to be disposed into the mold. The collimator mixture is then allowed to cure to form an integrated scintillator and collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7238945
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7173998
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7112797
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated scintillator and collimator array for a CT detector. The integrated scintillator and collimator are fabricated from a manufacturing process or technique whereupon an array of scintillator material is positioned on a tooling base such that a collimator mold housing having a collimator mold therein may be positioned on the block of scintillator material. The block and mold housing are then aligned allowing a collimator mixture to be disposed into the mold. The collimator mixture is then allowed to cure to form an integrated scintillator and collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7084404
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7064334
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F Hoge
  • Patent number: 6933504
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Publication number: 20040217291
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated scintillator and collimator array for a CT detector. The integrated scintillator and collimator are fabricated from a manufacturing process or technique whereupon an array of scintillator material is positioned on a tooling base such that a collimator mold housing having a collimator mold therein may be positioned on the block of scintillator material. The block and mold housing are then aligned allowing a collimator mixture to be disposed into the mold. The collimator mixture is then allowed to cure to form an integrated scintillator and collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Hoge
  • Publication number: 20040179645
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge