Patents by Inventor Steven M Bunce

Steven M Bunce 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: 20130331694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Publication number: 20130245449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 8435183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Publication number: 20120289829
    Abstract: A hand held ultrasound system includes a balance body incorporating system electronics and a transducer assembly connected to the balance body. The hand held ultrasound system also includes control elements that are arranged in an ergonomic fashion on the balance body so that a user can hold the system and operate at least one of the control elements with the same hand. The system may also include a user interface that comprises a D-controller and a touch screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 8147408
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown which provide feedback with respect to the desired or proper placement of a medical device guide without introducing protuberances or other perturbations to the surface of devices used in medical procedures. Embodiments provide a biopsy needle guide bracket for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly, wherein the biopsy needle guide bracket and ultrasound transducer assembly are adapted to detect when the biopsy needle guide bracket is properly located on the ultrasound transducer assembly using one or more sensors. Embodiments may implement various sensor technology, such as Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, capacitive coupled sensors, inductive coupled sensors, and/or the like to provide feedback with respect to placement of a medical device guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Bunce, Blake W. Little
  • Patent number: 8052606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Publication number: 20100274131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 7819807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 7591786
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system for use with a core module for diagnostic ultrasound, the system comprising at least one core module having a housing, system electronics package and a I/O port and one or more docking station(s) in electronic communication with a plurality of peripheral devices, the docking station capable of releasable connection to the core module. The invention further details the individual modular components of the system, being a receptacle connector, a docking station, a multiple transducer adaptor and a mobile docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy T. Holmberg, Blake W. Little, Steven M. Bunce
  • Publication number: 20040150963
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system for use with a core module for diagnostic ultrasound, the system comprising at least one core module having a housing, system electronics package and a I/O port and one or more docking station(s) in electronic communication with a plurality of peripheral devices, the docking station capable of releasable connection to the core module. The invention further details the individual modular components of the system, being a receptacle connector, a docking station, a multiple transducer adaptor and a mobile docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Randy T. Holmberg, Blake W. Little, Steven M. Bunce
  • Publication number: 20030195418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 6575908
    Abstract: A hand held ultrasound system comprises a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Publication number: 20030078501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Publication number: 20030013966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: 5886338
    Abstract: A symbology reader employing an area detector and LEDs mounted at various angular orientations on a printed circuit board for illuminating a target object in an object plane. Each of the LEDs is oriented according to a desired beam vector to illuminate a particular area of the object plane so that the sum of the beams produces a desired illumination pattern. In one embodiment, the illumination pattern is selected to be inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the area detector to provide an even response over an entire image area. The individual LEDs are angularly aligned by an alignment board having an alignment aperture for each LED. The LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board with their body portions spaced apart from the board and supported by semi-rigid wire leads soldered to the board. Each of the alignment holes of the alignment board is laterally offset slightly from the mounting position of the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation
    Inventors: Kevork G. Arackellian, Steven M. Bunce, Joel T. Aragon
  • Patent number: 5684290
    Abstract: A symbology reader employing an area detector and LEDs mounted at various angular orientations on a printed circuit board for illuminating a target object in an object plane. Each of the LEDs is oriented according to a desired beam vector to illuminate a particular area of the object plane so that the sum of the beams produces a desired illumination pattern. In one embodiment, the illumination pattern is selected to be inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the area detector to provide an even response over an entire image area. The individual LEDs are angularly aligned by an alignment board having an alignment aperture for each LED. The LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board with their body portions spaced apart from the board and supported by semi-rigid wire leads soldered to the board. Each of the alignment holes of the alignment board is laterally offset slightly from the mounting position of the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Kevork G. Arackellian, Steven M. Bunce, Joel T. Aragon
  • Patent number: 5608578
    Abstract: A method and window for providing a clean aperture at the reading face of a symbology reader. The window includes a layered structure including laminar sheets of optically transmissive material overlaying a window base and the adjacent laminar sheets. Each laminar sheet is releasably bonded to the window base. In use, when the outermost laminar sheet is damaged, it is peeled away to reveal the clean sheet beneath. In one embodiment, each laminar sheet includes an integral grasping tab projecting outwardly. The grasping tabs in each successive sheet are offset to permit a user to grasp the single tab corresponding to the outermost laminar sheet to peel it away. In one embodiment, a flexible boot covers an edge portion of the window to protect the window structure and retain the laminar sheets from being inadvertently peeled off. In one embodiment, the grasping tabs are replaced with recesses to provide access for gripping subsequent sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Bunce, Joel T. Aragon
  • Patent number: 5598007
    Abstract: A symbology reader having a pair of optical sources for producing cursor beams. The cursor beams are emitted from two spaced apart locations on the reader and angled with respect to an image direction of a detector assembly within the reader. The cursor beams intersect at a desired object distance to form a composite image indicating that the reader is positioned an appropriate distance from a target object. In one embodiment, multiple composite images are formed. The composite images are spaced apart to delineate the extent of an object field of the detector assembly. In one embodiment, the optical sources are LEDs concealed beneath a mounting platform and emitting light transversely to the image direction. In this embodiment, turning mirrors redirect the light forward of the reader to form the cursor beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Bunce, Joel T. Aragon
  • Patent number: 5572007
    Abstract: A symbology reader having a replaceable window element. The window element is user replaceable and incorporates varying features for varying applications. By removing and replacing a window element, the user may provide a clear, uncontaminated surface through which light may enter or exit the reader. In some embodiments, the window element includes focusing elements for defining a target plane for a detector assembly within the reader. In one such embodiment, the reader also includes additional focusing elements for focusing spotter beams to aid a user in aligning the reader to the defined target plane. The window element also incorporates polarizers and color selected filters for optimizing the reader for specific applications. In one embodiment, the reader includes a protective rubber boot to provide shock protection and to releasably retain the window element in attachment to the reader. In an alternative embodiment, the reader includes a releasable tab to hold the window element in position on the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Joel T. Aragon, Steven M. Bunce
  • Patent number: 5504367
    Abstract: A symbology reader employing an area detector and LEDs mounted at various angular orientations on a printed circuit board for illuminating a target object in an object plane. Each of the LEDs is oriented according to a desired beam vector to illuminate a particular area of the object plane so that the sum of the beams produces a desired illumination pattern. In one embodiment, the illumination pattern is selected to be inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the area detector to provide an even response over an entire image area. The individual LEDs are angularly aligned by an alignment board having an alignment aperture for each LED. The LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board with their body portions spaced apart from the board and supported by semi-rigid wire leads soldered to the board. Each of the alignment holes of the alignment board is laterally offset slightly from the mounting position of the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Kevork G. Arackellian, Steven M. Bunce, Joel T. Aragon