Patents by Inventor Michael James Hartman

Michael James Hartman 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).

  • Publication number: 20150346320
    Abstract: A smart street lighting system and method employs a plurality of street lights having a luminaire, a luminaire associate and a support pole. A communications module is contained within the luminaire associates and a power line is contained within the support poles. The power line is coupled to the communications module, the luminaire associate and the luminaire, and a steerable millimeter wave radar operatively coupled to the communications module. The communications module operates in a radio frequency network in a frequency range of 57-64 GHz. The steerable millimeter wave radar provides a signal reflected from a target that may be received by one of the luminaire associates within the system. A powerline communications system interfaces with the radio frequency network to provide communications between the communications modules in the street lights and the PLC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, Bruce Gordon Barnett, John Erik Hershey, Michael Joseph Mahony, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Patent number: 9130747
    Abstract: A full-duplex RF communication system and corresponding methods use digital adaptive filters for interference cancellation. As provided, the techniques allow full-duplex radio frequency communication without frequency-, time-, or code-division multiplexing and without the use of hardware RF cancellers. Such techniques may be useful for wireless communication, such as cellular communication, radio communication, broadcasting, short-range point-to-point communication, wireless sensor networks, and wireless computer networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Louis Zinser, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, John Anderson Fergus Ross
  • Patent number: 9100307
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating ultrasound data are provided. One method includes monitoring over time estimates of bandwidth of a channel communicatively coupling an imaging location with another location remote from the imaging location and communicating the estimates to a system at the imaging location. The method also includes identifying at least one of a region-of-interest (ROI) mask or one or more transmission parameters for the channel and adjusting at least one of the ROI mask or the one or more transmission parameters based on the monitored estimates of the bandwidth for communicating the medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ralph Thomas Hoctor, Pierino Gianni Bonanni, Stephen Francis Bush, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey
  • Publication number: 20150213827
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for increasing spectral efficiency over data channels in a storage or communication system. In some embodiments, data may be encoded and transmitted over multiple channels. The transmitted data from the multiple channels may be considered together as a channel bundle, thereby increasing the edge transitions of the group of signals to improve clock recovery and reduce coding constraints. In some embodiments, the channel bit size is reduced to maximize data rates based on the reduced coding constraints. Furthermore, the channel bundle has only one channel with timing markers, so that a receiver may receive information from the channel bundle and recover clocking based on the timing markers in the one channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, Richard Louis Zinser, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20150147064
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling and monitoring street lights using optical link signaling through free space which does not require an FCC license for operation. The optical link signaling is accomplished in the space between street lights by using LEDs for both area lighting and optical signaling. A Street lighting system luminaire comprises a structural member such as a pole, a lamp comprising one or more LEDs, and an optical receiver that receives optical signaling from one or more other luminaires in street lighting network. The modulator modulates the output of the lamp to launch data into the street lighting system for transport. The optical receiver and modulator enables strobing and flashing modes such as required to support emergency services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, Bruce Gordon Barnett, John Erik Hershey, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Publication number: 20150137703
    Abstract: A system and method for a lighting control system to control street lighting fixtures using modified geometric harmonic modulation for communications over a powerline. At least some of the lighting fixtures have another communications capability that enables RF communications. The communications may by messages be sent to the lighting fixtures to read RF enabled meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, BRUCE GORDON BARNETT, JOHN ERIK HERSHEY, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Publication number: 20150138000
    Abstract: A method and system for the control and signaling of traffic signal lights by emergency vehicles in the vicinity. Emergency vehicles can be detected by traffic signal lights allowing the emergency vehicle to have a prioritized, rapid, unimpeded, and safe emergency vehicle transit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, Bruce Gordon Barnett, John Erik Hershey, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Publication number: 20150142359
    Abstract: Monitoring street lighting infrastructure using special signaling devices and techniques for locating key components of the infrastructure and assessing their status. The integrity of common powerline connections may also be assessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, Bruce Gordon Barnett, John Erik Hershey, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Publication number: 20150137684
    Abstract: A system for identifying a fault in a light source is presented. The system includes at least one luminaire that includes the light source configured to emit light. Also, the at least one luminaire includes a monitoring device disposed proximate to the light source. The monitoring device includes a sensing unit configured to measure an amount of light emitted by the light source, and a squawk unit configured to generate a squawk signal based on the amount of light emitted from the light source, where the squawk signal is indicative of the fault in the light source. Further, the system includes a diagnostic unit communicatively coupled to the at least one luminaire and configured to determine the fault in the light source based on the squawk signal, and transmit a termination signal to the squawk unit to decouple an electrical power supply from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro, Bruce Gordon Barnett
  • Publication number: 20150141044
    Abstract: A method and system for geolocation using a street light system having transponding technology. A predetermined band of radio frequencies employing spread spectrum technology is used to identify locations relative to an individual street light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, Bruce Gordon Barnett, John Erik Hershey, Ralph Thomas Hoctor, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Patent number: 9030921
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for increasing spectral efficiency over data channels in a storage or communication system. In some embodiments, data may be encoded and transmitted over multiple channels. The transmitted data from the multiple channels may be considered together as a channel bundle, thereby increasing the edge transitions of the group of signals to improve clock recovery and reduce coding constraints. In some embodiments, the channel bit size is reduced to maximize data rates based on the reduced coding constraints. Furthermore, the channel bundle has only one channel with timing markers, so that a receiver may receive information from the channel bundle and recover clocking based on the timing markers in the one channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, Richard Louis Zinser, Xiaolei Shi
  • Patent number: 8935095
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a device, system and methods that promote safety and security within an organization. Sensor data from one or more installation sensors is collected, analyzed and used to create a map and/or directions that, when received by a wireless mobile device, facilitate a person's possible egress around or from a detected event. The information provided to the person by the map and/or the directions may be individually crafted to be of maximum use to the specific recipient so the person can understand, plan and execute the most appropriate danger avoidance maneuvers in minimal time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Hartman, John E. Hershey, Robert J. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140286489
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of using division-free duplexing (DFD) in a cable communication network. Techniques for applying DFD in a cable communication network may enable data to be transmitted and received over a coaxial cable without using division duplexing techniques. For example, the cable communication network may include DFD enabled network nodes and each subscriber to the cable network may be equipped with a DFD system configured to operate in a DFD mode. In some embodiments, oppositely propagating signals may be transmitted over one frequency channel, and DFD techniques may be used to recover originally transmitted signals. Further, in some embodiments, DFD techniques may be used with encryption methods to increase the security of data transmitted in the cable communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, Richard Louis Zinser
  • Patent number: 8787571
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of using division-free duplexing (DFD) in a cable communication network. Techniques for applying DFD in a cable communication network may enable data to be transmitted and received over a coaxial cable without using division duplexing techniques. For example, the cable communication network may include DFD enabled network nodes and each subscriber to the cable network may be equipped with a DFD system configured to operate in a DFD mode. In some embodiments, oppositely propagating signals may be transmitted over one frequency channel, and DFD techniques may be used to recover originally transmitted signals. Further, in some embodiments, DFD techniques may be used with encryption methods to increase the security of data transmitted in the cable communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey, Richard Louis Zinser
  • Publication number: 20140171797
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating ultrasound probe location and image information are provided. One system includes an ultrasound device coupled with an ultrasound probe and configured to acquire ultrasound images of a subject. The ultrasound imaging system also includes at least one camera configured to acquire (i) scene information including ultrasound imagery of the ultrasound probe with the subject during an image scan and (ii) ancillary probe data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a processor configured to receive the ultrasound images and the ancillary probe data and a multiplexing unit configured to receive (i) the ultrasound images and ancillary probe data from the processor and (ii) the scene information from the camera, wherein the multiplexing unit is further configured to associate in time the ultrasound images, ancillary probe data and scene information. The ultrasound imaging system additionally includes a communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Erik Hershey, Michael James Hartman, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro
  • Publication number: 20140171799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing ultrasound probe location and image information are provided. One system includes an ultrasound device coupled with an ultrasound probe and configured to acquire ultrasound images of a subject. The system further includes at least one of a plurality of digital cameras or a plurality of digital scanners configured to acquire scene information including images of the ultrasound probe with the subject during an image scan. The system also includes a processor having an ultrasound registration unit (URU) with the URU configured to identify and reference a probe location of the ultrasound probe to a surface of the object from the scene information and correlate the probe location to one or more of the acquired ultrasound images. The URU is additionally configured to generate a representation of the surface showing the identified and referenced probe location corresponding to the correlated ultrasound images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: JOHN ERIK HERSHEY, MICHAEL JAMES HARTMAN, PIERINO GIANNI BONANNI, STEPHEN FRANCIS BUSH, MICHAEL JOSEPH DELL'ANNO, STANISLAVA SORO
  • Publication number: 20140164596
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating ultrasound data are provided. One method includes monitoring over time estimates of bandwidth of a channel communicatively coupling an imaging location with another location remote from the imaging location and communicating the estimates to a system at the imaging location. The method also includes identifying at least one of a region-of-interest (ROI) mask or one or more transmission parameters for the channel and adjusting at least one of the ROI mask or the one or more transmission parameters based on the monitored estimates of the bandwidth for communicating the medical images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ralph Thomas Hoctor, Pierino Gianni Bonanni, Stephen Francis Bush, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno, Stanislava Soro, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey
  • Patent number: 8688046
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide methods and systems for identifying quiet and/or under utilized segments of the radio spectrum and assigning the identified spectrum to non-primary license holders. The methods and systems may include spectrum management nodes for monitoring frequency bands of the radio spectrum for transmission by a primary user. When a primary user is not transmitting, segments of the quiet spectrum may be assigned to a non-primary user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Erik Hershey, Michael James Hartman, Richard Louis Zinser, John Anderson Fergus Ross
  • Patent number: 8688124
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of managing a handoff in a multimedia communication network. Embodiments include estimating the voice quality of a communication route in the network. The voice quality may be estimated by using a total voice quality metric involving subtracting various impairments to the voice signal. Impairments may result from the type of vocoder in a communication route, the error or loss associated with RF links and network links, and delays in the communication route. After subtracting the impairments to obtain the total voice quality metric for the communication route, the total voice quality metric may be compared with a threshold and/or other total voice quality metrics of other communication routes to determine whether and when a handoff should be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Louis Zinser, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey
  • Patent number: 8521520
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of managing handoffs in a wireless communication system having different types of vocoders. Some embodiments include translating state memory of a first vocoder to a second vocoder using a state memory transcoder. The state memory may be delayed to align differences in algorithmic delays between the first vocoder and the second vocoder. In one embodiment, a speech signal may be decoded from the first vocoder, delayed, and encoded to the second vocoder. Furthermore, for a period of time during and/or adjacent to the handoff, the first vocoder may output with decreasing amplitude while the second vocoder outputs with increasing amplitude. Such techniques may be used alone or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Louis Zinser, Michael James Hartman, John Erik Hershey