Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Christopher L. Bernard
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Patent number: 6925051Abstract: The present invention provides a reactive adhesive formulation for use in a limited play data storage medium, the reactive adhesive formulation including at least one adhesive material, at least one reactive material disposed within the at least one adhesive material and at least one photo-bleaching retarder material disposed within the at least one adhesive material. The at least one photo-bleaching retarder material includes resorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol and/or polyhydroxystyrene.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Marc Brian Wisnudel, Kathryn Lynn Longley, Daniel Robert Olson, Jan Pleun Lens, Edward Paul Lindholm
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Patent number: 6909775Abstract: A computed tomography (“CT”) gantry cooling system including a gantry housing defining a gantry chamber, wherein the gantry housing includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a gantry cover disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the gantry housing. The CT gantry cooling system also including a fan disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the fan is operable for forcing cooling air into the gantry chamber and creating a positive pressure within the gantry chamber. The CT gantry cooling system further including a vent disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the vent is operable for exhausting heated air from the gantry chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Shawn A. Ray, Charles B. Kendall
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Patent number: 6891928Abstract: Liquid metal gaskets for use in vacuum tubes are provided. Such liquid metal gaskets are ideal for use in x-ray tubes in x-ray imaging systems. These liquid metal gaskets comprise an internal plug incorporating a liquid metal filling, a first seal connected to a first end of the internal plug so as to isolate a bearing assembly from a vacuum vessel portion of the vacuum tube, and a second seal connected to a second end of the internal plug so as to prevent particles and vapors in a cavity of the bearing assembly from migrating into a vacuum area of the x-ray tube. The liquid metal gaskets incorporate any suitable liquid metal, such as mercury, gallium, or a gallium alloy. The liquid metal gaskets allow any suitable type of bearing assembly lubricant to be used, such as oils, powders, liquids, solids, wetting metals, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignees: Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Thomas Saint Martin, Frédéric Dahan
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Patent number: 6888916Abstract: Preprocessing methods of this invention remove data relating to cavities of the heart, and improve density mix of parts left therein during CT imaging, so as to allow coronary arteries to be more accurately tracked with conventional tracking algorithms than currently possible. An embodiment comprises: obtaining an original CT voxel dataset comprising a plurality of voxels; creating a heart voxel dataset from the original voxel dataset comprising only voxels belonging to the heart; creating a heart minus cavities voxel dataset by removing voxels belonging to the left and right ventricles, the left and right atriums, and the aorta from the heart voxel dataset; enhancing predetermined voxels in the heart minus cavities voxel dataset to create an enhanced heart minus cavities voxel dataset; and mixing an intensity of the original CT voxel dataset with an intensity of the enhanced heart minus cavities voxel dataset to create the pre-processed voxel dataset.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Laurent Launay, Renaud Capolunghi, Jérôme Knoplioch
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Patent number: 6885724Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize asymmetric geometry to acquire radiographic tomosynthesis images are described. Embodiments comprise tomosynthesis systems and methods for creating a reconstructed image of an object from a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images. These systems comprise: an x-ray detector; and an x-ray source capable of emitting x-rays directed at the x-ray detector; wherein the tomosynthesis system utilizes asymmetric image acquisition geometry, where ?1??0, during image acquisition, wherein ?1 is a sweep angle on one side of a center line of the x-ray detector, and ?0 is a sweep angle on an opposite side of the center line of the x-ray detector, and wherein the total sweep angle, ?asym, is ?asym=?1+?0. Reconstruction algorithms may be utilized to produce reconstructed images of the object from the plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Baojun Li, Abdulrahman Al-Khalidy, Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Stephen W. Metz, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Vianney Pierre Battle
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Patent number: 6873675Abstract: A multi-sector back-off logic algorithm for obtaining optimal slice-sensitive computed tomography (“CT”) profiles. The systems and methods of the present invention improving the temporal resolution of a CT system by checking for Z location errors between sectors and automatically backing-off to an alternative multi-sector algorithm when necessary (i.e., selecting an optimized maximum number of sectors to reconstruct), providing less Z location error. Based upon this Z location error, the systems and methods of the present invention also calculating the maximum number of sectors that should be used for reconstruction “on-the-fly” (i.e., on a per image basis across an entire series of images). These systems and methods utilizing the Recommended Protocol for Cardiac Reconstruction Algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Rajendra Kurady, Darin Okerlund, Mark Woodford, Edward Henry Chao
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Patent number: 6850066Abstract: A gradient compensation system comprising a magnet assembly, at least one field-generating gradient coil operable for generating magnetic field gradients in three orthogonal coordinates, and at least one gradient compensation coil positioned adjacent to the magnet assembly and operable for generating a magnetic field to compensate for leakage fields. A system for eliminating image distortion in magnetic resonance imaging comprising a magnet assembly comprising an imaging gradient coil and an imaging volume, and at least one gradient compensation coil positioned adjacent to the magnet assembly operable for generating gradient compensation fields in response to the magnetic field change.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventors: Timothy J. Havens, Xianrui Huang, David T Ryan
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Patent number: 6807812Abstract: A magnetic resonance assembly comprising, a liquid cryogen vessel, a liquid cryogen cooled conducting magnet disposed within the liquid cryogen vessel, a closed vaccum vessel surrounding the liquid cryogen vessel and spaced from the liquid cryogen vessel, a cooling device fixably attached to the vacuum vessel operable for providing cryogenic temperatures to the superconducting magnet, a heat exchanger device in thermal contact with the liquid cryogen vessel operable for heat exchange, and a bus bar in thermal contact with the cooling device and the heat exchanger device. The cooling device may be a pulse tube cryocooler capable of providing temperatures of about 4 K. A thermal bus bar of high purity aluminum or copper is used to connect and provide a spatial separation of a pulse tube cryocooler and a remote recondenser unit, thus reducing the overall height of the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Lehmann, Roy A. Mangano, Clifford J. Ginfrida, Kathleen W. McGuinness
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Patent number: 6737569Abstract: A pick device for playing a stringed musical instrument is taught. The pick device includes a center portion, wherein the center portion is configured to be positioned about a tip of a finger or thumb of a player in a ring-like configuration. The pick device also includes a head or first end portion coupled to the center portion, wherein the head portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument, and a tail or second end portion coupled to the center portion. The pick device further includes a receiving slot disposed within the center portion, wherein the receiving slot is configured to adjustably receive the tail or second end portion. The player can rapidly transition between use of the head or first end portion and tail or second end portion when playing the instrument by repositioning the center portion about the tip of the finger or thumb.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: Charles Kees
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Patent number: 6684432Abstract: A bed mattress system including a bed mattress apparatus, a security container having an interior portion, means for accessing the interior portion of the security container, and a moveable flap operable for covering the means for accessing the interior portion of the security container. The security container is operable for holding items disposed within the interior portion of the security container.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Don E. Owens, Jr.
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Patent number: 6675127Abstract: Computerized systems and methods for managing the issues and risks associated with a project including an issue management module operable for creating, storing, and searching a plurality of issues, a risk management module operable for creating, storing, and searching a plurality of risks, a processor operable for manipulating information related to the plurality of issues and risks, and a communications network operable for communicating information related to the plurality of issues and risks to and from a plurality of remote users simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Robert LaBlanc, Mark Mitchell Kornfein, Vrinda Rajiv, Jeffrey Paul Norris, Tony Chishao Pan, Hui Gao
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Patent number: 6671631Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing a viscoelastic property of a combinatorial library of materials including a plurality of full bridge devices operable for measuring a temperature-modulated elongation property of each of a plurality of combinatorial materials, wherein each of the plurality of full bridge devices comprises a plurality of strain gauges operable for measuring a temperature-modulated elongation property of each of the plurality of combinatorial materials, and wherein each of the plurality of combinatorial materials is disposed on a surface of the plurality of full bridge devices. The systems and methods also including an algorithm disposed within a computer, the algorithm operable for equating the temperature-modulated elongation property of the combinatorial materials with a thermal property of the combinatorial materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, William Guy Morris, Ronald Eugene Shaffer
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Patent number: 6553097Abstract: An x-ray tube and x-ray system including an anode assembly having a shaft with a first end and a second end, a target connected to the first end of the shaft, and a rotor connected to the second end of the shaft. The anode assembly further having spaced-apart bearings rotatably supporting the shaft. The shaft, target, and rotor positioned relative to each other such that the center of gravity of the combination of the shaft, the target, and the rotor is positioned between the bearings. Additionally, the target and rotor may be flexibly interconnected allowing the beneficial use of gyroscopic effects.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Steve Hansen, Douglas J. Snyder, Thomas Ebben, John Warren, Paul Neitzke, Craig Higgins
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Patent number: 6544334Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a combinatorial coating library including a coating system operatively coupled to at least one of a plurality of materials suitable for forming at least one coating layer on a surface of one or more substrates. The systems and methods also including a curing system operative to apply at least one of a plurality of curing environments to each of a plurality of regions associated with the at least one coating layer, the curing system comprising a plurality of waveguides each having a first end corresponding to at least one of the plurality of regions and a second end associated with at least one curing source. The combinatorial coating library comprising a predetermined combination of at least one of the plurality of materials and at least one of the plurality of curing environments associated with each of the plurality of regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, Daniel Robert Olson, Michael Jarvath Brennan, Jay Raghunandan Akhave, Mark Anthony Licon, Ali Reza Mehrabi, Dennis Lee Saunders, Bret Ja Chisholm
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Patent number: 6496564Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device includes an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael J. Price, Mark O. Derakhshan, Wayne F. Block, Charles B. Kendall
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Patent number: 6477231Abstract: An x-ray generating device or system include an anode assembly including a target; a cathode assembly disposed at a distance from the anode assembly, the cathode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target of the anode assembly, producing x-rays and residual energy; a heat receptor, positioned between the anode assembly and a bearing assembly supporting the anode assembly, for absorbing an amount of the residual energy; and a heat exchanger, in thermal communication with the heat receptor, for carrying a cooling medium and conducting an amount of the residual energy absorbed by the heat receptor away from the heat receptor.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Snyder, Craig Higgins, John Warren, Mark Vermilyea, Thomas Ebben
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Patent number: 6430260Abstract: An anode target for use within an x-ray generating device including a target frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thermal energy transfer device. The thermal energy transfer device including a heat exchanger having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat exchanger positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the target frame; a cooling medium circulating through the heat exchanger for convectively cooling the anode target; and a thermal coupling medium disposed between the inner surface of the target frame and the outer surface of the heat exchanger, the thermal coupling medium thermally coupling the target frame with the heat exchanger while permitting relative motion between the target frame and the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Douglas J. Snyder
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Patent number: 6415946Abstract: A head ring protects the valving assembly, or regulator, flow adjuster, and content gauge, commonly attached to a pressure vessel, such as a conventional pressurized gas cylinder. The head ring includes a base securable to the dispensing end of the pressure vessel. A plurality of posts are distributed about a perimeter of the base, each of the posts extending vertically upward from about the base to beyond the valving assembly. Each of the posts has a first end and a second end. A collar is secured to a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the collar extends vertically downward from the perimeter of the base. The collar includes a radially-extending flange at each end. A first ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the first end of the posts. A second ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the second end of the posts. The first ring and the second ring are radially positioned outward of the regulator, the flow adjuster and the content gauge.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Aviation Mobility, LLCInventors: Charles C. Carlo, Stephen H. Mauldin
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Patent number: 6377659Abstract: A thermal energy transfer device for use with an x-ray generating device or x-ray system including an anode assembly having a target, a cathode assembly positioned at a distance from the anode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat, and a rotatable shaft supported by a bearing assembly. The thermal energy transfer device including a thermal gradient device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with one end of the shaft, the thermal gradient device operable for transferring heat away from that end of the shaft, and a fin structure positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the thermal gradient device, the fin structure operable for convectively cooling the thermal gradient device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Douglas J. Snyder, Eric Chabin
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Patent number: 6335512Abstract: A welding method that enables the joining of at least two dissimilar, metallic alloys to form a weld that is free of cracks is disclosed. The method incorporates a pure (99.00% minimum by weight) nickel fill-wire, integrally assembled into the joint between the two alloyed metals to be joined. The alloys joined by this method are an iron-based, low expansivity, gamma-prime strengthened superalloy (i.e., Incoloy®) and a high carbon, powder metallurgical tool steel high in refractory metal alloying agents (i.e., CPM REX 20). Welding of the joint results in the formation of a nickel rich region within the weld, thus “inoculating” the weld against cracks. The weld joint formed by the method of the present invention can be used in the fabrication of a rotating anode bearing shaft assembly for use in an x-ray generating device.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Warren, Paul Neitzke, Craig Higgins