Patents Represented by Attorney Craig A. Brinks, Hofer, Gilson & Lione Summerfield
  • Patent number: 5928151
    Abstract: An ultrasound method and system are provided for producing three dimensional images. During an imaging session, a transducer, in response to a transmit beamformer, transmits ultrasonic energy at a first frequency band into a subject. The subject may be kept free of added ultrasound contrast agent throughout the entire imaging session. A receive beamformer receives ultrasonic echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasonic energy. Information signals associated with a second frequency band, such as a harmonic frequency band, are obtained from the echo information. A three-dimensional reconstruction is formed or a volume quantity is calculated in response to the information signals. The transmission of ultrasonic energy may also include energy focused along an elongated high power region or a line focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Hossack, Samuel H. Maslak
  • Patent number: 5924991
    Abstract: An ultrasound method and system are provided for producing three dimensional images. During an imaging session, a transducer, in response to a transmit beamformer, transmits ultrasonic energy at a first frequency band into a subject. The subject may be kept free of added ultrasound contrast agent throughout the entire imaging session. A receive beamformer receives ultrasonic echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasonic energy. Information signals associated with a second frequency band, such as a harmonic frequency band, are obtained from the echo information. A three-dimensional reconstruction is formed or a volume quantity is calculated in response to the information signals. The transmission of ultrasonic energy may also include energy focused along an elongated high power region or a line focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Hossack, Samuel H. Maslak
  • Patent number: 5913823
    Abstract: An improvement to the method for harmonic imaging including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency is provided. For the improvement, the transmitting step includes the step of transmitting a uni-polar waveform or a waveform characterized by an amplitude change rate of 8 or fewer times pre carrier cycle, said waveform comprising an envelope shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from the respective maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Hedberg, Stuart L. Carp, Stirling S. Dodd, Samual H. Maslak, Bhaskar S. Ramamurthy, Daniel E. Need, John A. Hossack
  • Patent number: 5868676
    Abstract: A method for interactively detecting a maximum velocity from acquired echo signals in an ultrasound system is provided. A processor with maximum velocity code is provided. The code has a variable. A user input provides a value for the variable while the ultrasound system is in a maximum velocity mode. The ultrasound system is operated in a maximum velocity mode. The echo signals are processed to determine said maximum velocity, and the processing is adjusted while remaining in said maximum velocity mode. During CINE playback, delimeters are generated for adjusting the time period of parameter calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence S. McCabe, Donald R. Langdon, Joanne Otsuki, David R. Buscaglia, Samuel H. King
  • Patent number: 5862748
    Abstract: A compactor comprises a body having a connector side and a compacting side. A lip extends from the compacting side. The lip forms and at least partially surrounds a cavity on the compacting side. Finally, a connector is provided on the connector side. A handle connects to the connector, and the cavity has a v-shape surface structure. The user grasps the handle and repeatedly lowers the compactor to compact the debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Lowell F. Witter
  • Patent number: 5857408
    Abstract: A compactor is provided and comprises a body having a connector side and a compacting side. A lip extends from the compacting side. The lip forms and at least partially surrounds a cavity on the compacting side. Finally, a connector is provided on the connector side. A handle connects to the connector, and the cavity has a v-shape surface structure. The user grasps the handle and repeatedly lowers the compactor to compact the debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Lowell F. Witter
  • Patent number: 5855358
    Abstract: A framework removal tool is provided. The tool comprises a first side of a stake contact element including first and second notches with first and second dimensions, respectively. A lever arm connects to the stake contact element. One of the first or second notches is selected based on a dimension of a stake. The selected notch is placed adjacent the stake. The lever arm is rotated to remove the stake. In another embodiment, a second tool for removing stakes is provided. The tool includes a bar with a nail removal notch on a first end, and a stake contact element connected to the bar near the first end. The stake contact element includes at least a first stake notch on a first side. A rounded extension rigidly connects to the bar near the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Lowell F. Witter
  • Patent number: 5833614
    Abstract: An improvement to the method for harmonic imaging including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency is provided. The transmitting step includes the step of transmitting a waveform comprising at least a sequence of at least a first and second pulse characterized by first and second pulse durations, respectively, where the second pulse duration is different than the first duration. This arrangement can reduce harmonic energy in the waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: Stirling S. Dodd, Stuart L. Carp, David M. Hedberg, Samual H. Maslak, Bhaskar S. Ramamurthy, Daniel E. Need
  • Patent number: 5556116
    Abstract: Adjustable riding toys are provided in both bicycle and tricycle forms. The bicycle and tricycle each have the same front end with only differing back ends. Each back end connects to the front end. One back end has two wheels, while the other back end has one wheel. Methods of manufacturing and distributing the embodiments of the bicycle and tricycle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Sloss, Barry J. Davignon, Duane J. Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 5553878
    Abstract: Adjustable riding toys are provided in both bicycle and tricycle forms. The tricycle and bicycle have at least one wave ride wheel allowing a rider to change between a smooth ride and an up and down ride. Both rear wheels on the tricycle are provided with synchronized wave ride wheels which create a side to side wobble of the riding toy. Methods of adjusting the bicycle and tricycle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Davignon, Duane J. Niemeyer, Christopher W. Sloss
  • Patent number: 5553879
    Abstract: Adjustable riding toys are provided in both bicycle and tricycle forms. The bicycle and tricycle each have an adjustable height axle connection. Multiple axle apertures are provided on mounting arms for adjustably receiving an axle. Methods of adjusting the bicycle and tricycle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Duane J. Niemeyer, Barry J. Davignon, Christopher W. Sloss
  • Patent number: D375109
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: William M. Hartman
  • Patent number: D375748
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: William M. Hartman
  • Patent number: D377773
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Sloss
  • Patent number: D381323
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: William M. Hartman