Patents by Inventor Mike Vanvoorhis

Mike Vanvoorhis 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: 7203281
    Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Craig Smith, Mike Vanvoorhis, Christopher Artig, David Pistorius
  • Patent number: 7142639
    Abstract: A dielectric connector for use in high voltage devices, including x-ray tubes, is disclosed. The connector comprises a dielectric material and is pre-formed before attachment to the x-ray tube. Pre-formation of the connector creates a first cavity portion therein that conforms in shape to a corresponding segment of the tube surface. A second cavity portion is also defined for receiving a high voltage receptacle. Upon attachment to the tube, the first cavity portion receives the corresponding tube segment. The high voltage receptacle is received into the second cavity portion and electrically connects with a receptacle defined on the tube surface. The receptacle enables a high voltage signal passing through the electrode to connect with either the anode or cathode disposed within the tube. Pre-formation of the connector enables connector testing and repair to occur before it is attached to the tube, saving resources, time, and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Craig Smith, Mike Vanvoorhis, Christopher Artig
  • Publication number: 20050232395
    Abstract: A dielectric connector for use in high voltage devices, including x-ray tubes, is disclosed. The connector comprises a dielectric material and is pre-formed before attachment to the x-ray tube. Pre-formation of the connector creates a first cavity portion therein that conforms in shape to a corresponding segment of the tube surface. A second cavity portion is also defined for receiving a high voltage receptacle. Upon attachment to the tube, the first cavity portion receives the corresponding tube segment. The high voltage receptacle is received into the second cavity portion and electrically connects with a receptacle defined on the tube surface. The receptacle enables a high voltage signal passing through the electrode to connect with either the anode or cathode disposed within the tube. Pre-formation of the connector enables connector testing and repair to occur before it is attached to the tube, saving resources, time, and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: David Smith, Mike Vanvoorhis, Christopher Artig
  • Publication number: 20050201520
    Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: David Smith, Mike Vanvoorhis, Christopher Artig, David Pistorius