Patents Represented by Law Firm Alexander
  • Patent number: 7903113
    Abstract: A system and method for rendering an MIP image that has reduced high frequency component loss and reduced chessboard artifacts. The method includes accessing volumetric data, having random noise. Rays are shot, or cast, through the volumetric data, onto a voxel grid, which has grid points. Sampling data along each ray is performed to obtain selected sample data points on the ray and a distance from a selected point to a nearest grid point is determined. A voxel intensity value is accessed at each selected point, as a function of the position of the selected point relative to the nearest grid point. The difference between the voxel intensity at each selected point is minimized an image is rendered from the volumetric data as a function of the minimizing step. Multiple methods may be used to minimize the difference between the voxel intensity at each selected point. These include for example 1.) applying a localized low pass filter, 2.) applying a localized high order interpolation kernel, and 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Smita Krishnan, Robert Schneider, Lining Yang, Min Xie
  • Patent number: 7896858
    Abstract: A pull-on disposable absorbent article may comprise multiple components creating multiple seams. The components may comprise multiple graphic objects that cooperate to form an appearance of a waistband around a viewable outer circumference of the pull-on disposable absorbent article. The components may further comprise multiple patterns of graphics in the form of multiple objects disposed immediately adjacent to one or more of the seams. Each of the graphic objects and patterns of graphics may be disposed on a viewable outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Dale Trennepohl, Andrew James Sauer, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Patent number: 7895527
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments comprise systems, user interfaces, machine-readable media, and/or methods for automatically acquiring data representing a plurality of different types of medical parameters of a patient, processing the data for presentation to a user via a display device, and initiating display of one or more different image windows, which present processed data representing and corresponding to the plurality of different types of medical parameters of the patient on the display device. Each of the plurality of different image windows is referenced to a single variable scale timeline and is arranged on the display device to permit the user to view values for each of the plurality of different types of medical parameters corresponding to a substantially common time from the single variable scale timeline. A plurality of user interface elements are implemented using object oriented executable code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Zaleski, Alexander Scarlat, Donald W. Rucker
  • Patent number: 7889841
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system performs automated multi-step imaging of patient anatomy and includes an X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device supports automated movement of an X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to patient anatomy in a series of pre-programmed steps. A multi-step programming interface enables a user to select, (a) a start position for X-ray imaging at a first location of a portion of patient anatomy and (b) an end position for X-ray imaging at a second location of a portion of patient anatomy. A computation processor automatically determines a series of pre-programmed steps comprising multiple incremental distances to be moved by the X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to the portion of patient anatomy in response to predetermined data including, (i) the selected start and end positions, (ii) the length of the portion of patient anatomy imaged in an individual step and (iii) the amount of overlap desired between successive X-ray images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Soroosh Kargar, Weng Lei
  • Patent number: 7890349
    Abstract: A system supports creation and modification of a flexible and comprehensive location structure model able to track patients in a healthcare (or other) setting and identify suitable patient locations and location availability via a user friendly display interface. A method processes location related information for use in facilitating movement of a patient in a healthcare enterprise. The method involves establishing a profile comprising information identifying multiple locations available to accommodate a patient for different purposes. The profile incorporates attributes including a location type identifier, and a location characteristic of clinical significance influencing availability of a particular location to a patient having a particular medical condition. The profile is employed in providing a user with an indication of location availability in response to user command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Cole, Ilene Sue Yost, Mike Digiacomo
  • Patent number: 7890340
    Abstract: In a method for allowing a patient suffering from a neurological disease and being treated with medication to self-monitor his or her current state, information regarding the motor functions and/or verbal and/or cognitive abilities of the patient are interactively acquired upon using a computer located for easy and repeated access by the patient, and at least one criterion number or a statement describing the state is determined on the basis of this information by an expert system at the computer and is made available to the patient by an output device at the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Abraham-Fuchs, Kai-Uwe Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7876251
    Abstract: A patient monitoring signal processing system adaptively varies medical signal data rate. The system uses an analog to digital converter for digitizing an analog cyclically varying input signal derived from a patient in response to a sampling clock input. The sampling clock determines frequency of analog to digital sampling of the analog input signal by the analog to digital converter. A detector detects first and second different signal portions within a cycle of the cyclically varying input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7873224
    Abstract: In an image/video encoding and decoding system employing an artifact evaluator a method and/or apparatus to process video blocks comprising a decoder operable to synthesize an un-filtered reconstructed video block or frame and an artifact filter operable to receive the un-filtered reconstructed video block or frame, which generates a filtered reconstructed video block or frame. A memory buffer operable to store either the filtered reconstructed video block or frame or the un-filtered reconstructed video block or frame, and an artifact evaluator operable to update the memory buffer after evaluating and determining which of the filtered video block or frame, or the un-filtered video block or frame yields better image/video quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Suhail Jalil, Khaled Helmi El-Maleh, Chienchung Chang
  • Patent number: 7869637
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic imaging system is disclosed that includes an X-ray source for controlling an X-ray beam radiated towards a patient under examination. The X-ray source includes an X-ray tube and X-ray collimator assembly. The system includes an-ray imaging device arranged for receiving the X-ray beam after is has passed through the patient to acquire latent image frames of a region of interest (ROI) of the patient's anatomy, and a system controller coupled to X-ray source and X-ray imaging device for controlling latent image frame acquisition and post-acquisition processing. The controlling includes controlling the X-ray imaging device and X-ray positioning, and collimator assembly operation. An image processing chain including an image processor coupled to the system controller, receives latent image frames from the X-ray imaging device for processing, including calculating a histogram from which pixels within a collimated area are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Baumgart, Gerhard Litz
  • Patent number: 7863314
    Abstract: Provided are 5-membered heterocycle-based p38 kinase inhibitors. Further provided are pyrazole and imidazole-based p38 kinase, including p38? and p38? kinase, inhibitors. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are also provided. Methods of use of the compounds and compositions are also provided, including methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of p38 kinase mediated diseases and disorders, including, but not limited to, inflammatory diseases and disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Olga M. Fryszman, Hengyuan Lang, Jiong Lan, Edcon Chang, Yunfeng Fang
  • Patent number: 7860287
    Abstract: A system compares clinical trial protocol data in a configuration file with medical image metadata and data exchange protocol header data and in response generates a message to a user. A patient clinical image data processing system comprises a first validation processor for parsing a message conveying patient medical image data to identify image metadata indicating first characteristics of the image. The first validation processor performs a first comparison by comparing the metadata with configuration data indicating predetermined characteristics of images required for a particular use and indicating the image is acceptable for the use in response to a successful first comparison. A second validation processor parses header data of DICOM compatible data representing the image to identify image metadata indicating second characteristics of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gudrun Wirkner Zahlmann, Andrew Wronka, Paul Brandon
  • Patent number: 7857801
    Abstract: A disposable diaper including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes laterally opposing side flaps formed by laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis and deployable chassis ears formed by other laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis. Each chassis ear is held laterally inwardly folded until being released and unfolded laterally outward so as to project laterally outward beyond the adjacent side flap. An elastically extensible stretch waistband overlies portions of the laterally opposing chassis ears and extends laterally across the waist region between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Hamall, Gary Dean LaVon, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 7855468
    Abstract: A device and method for producing rotational mechanical power is disclosed which has a plurality of hinged blades attached to a central circular hub. The device may be used to convert the kinetic energy from the movement of the wind, ocean or river currents, or tidal flows into useful rotational mechanical power. The rotational mechanical power may be converted into electrical energy. Each of the plurality of blades are attached to the central circular hub via a hinge. Each blade is also fitted with a blade limiter to restrict its motion to no more than 90° relative range from the tangent line to the central hub at the point where the blade attaches to the hub. The hinges and blade limiters allow the blades to both present a surface automatically to the motive natural fluid and to generate the maximum torque in one side and minimum resistance torque positions in the opposite side relative to the motion of the motive stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng S. Lin
  • Patent number: 7852204
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed where a third brake light assembly contains solar cell panel and battery where the solar cell panel charges the battery, driving light and brake light wherein the driving light draws electricity from the battery, a radio frequency receiver that activates the driving light; a radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch, where the radio frequency transmitter receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver. Likewise, a method to add driving light to a vehicle's third brake light assembly is disclosed which includes providing solar cell panel, battery, and driving light where the solar cell panel charges the battery and the battery supplies power to the driving light, and providing radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch and it receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 7851439
    Abstract: Organic compounds that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Simon Bushell, Matthew LaMarche, Michael J. Patane, Lewis Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7849498
    Abstract: A system and associated communication protocol enables network compatible applications to be integrated into any process involving concurrent operation of applications. A system for use in a first application concurrently operating together with a plurality of network compatible applications includes an entitlement processor. The entitlement processor enables user access to the first application in response to validation of user identification information. The system also includes a communication processor for intermittently communicating an activity indication to a managing application within a timeout window and the activity indication is communicated sufficiently often to prevent an inactivity timeout of the first application. The managing application receives activity indications from multiple concurrently operating applications sufficiently frequently to prevent an inactivity timeout of the individual applications and maintains corresponding activity monitoring indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Lynn Royer, John Andrew Heil
  • Patent number: 7844904
    Abstract: A user interface system employed in retrieving information from an information repository used in exchanging data between different electronic data systems includes the following method. A first menu is displayed which supports user selection of a bi-directional communication interface from a plurality of interfaces. The bi-directional communication interface is used for communicating data between a particular source and destination. In response to user selection of a bi-directional communication interface, a second menu is displayed which supports user entry of data determining communication characteristic information to be retrieved from said information repository for said selected communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy Patitucci
  • Patent number: 7844320
    Abstract: A surgical navigation system has a computer with a memory and display connected to a surgical instrument or pointer and position tracking system, so that the location and orientation of the pointer are tracked in real time and conveyed to the computer. The computer memory is loaded with data from an MRI, CT, or other volumetric scan of a patient, and this data is utilized to dynamically display 3-dimensional perspective images in real time of the patient's anatomy from the viewpoint of the pointer. The images are segmented and displayed in color to highlight selected anatomical features and to allow the viewer to see beyond obscuring surfaces and structures. The displayed image tracks the movement of the instrument during surgical procedures. The instrument may include an imaging device such as an endoscope or ultrasound transducer, and the system displays also the image for this device from the same viewpoint, and enables the two images to be fused so that a combined image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ramin Shahidi
  • Patent number: 7844470
    Abstract: A system links a standardized coded diagnosis associated with a medication order with information in a pharmacy information system to supplement medication utilization data. A pharmacy user interface system includes a user interface processor for providing data representing at least one display image supporting user entry of a coded diagnosis identifier for association with an order identifier identifying a medication order record indicating an order for a particular medication to be administered to a particular patient during an inpatient stay in a medical facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan M. Portnoy, Raymond F. Miller
  • Patent number: D633324
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc
    Inventors: Dean Mondragon, Cyan Godfrey, Mike Page, Margaret Butler, Mark K. Romandy