Patents Represented by Attorney Eleanor V. Goodall
  • Patent number: 5975748
    Abstract: A computer-controlled servo lung simulator including a mechanical piston which simulates the mechanical properties of the human lung, chest wall and diaphragm. The computer control implemented in the invention includes methods for controlling the servo lung simulator to provide the simulation and control signals for the mechanical piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: IHC Health Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. East, IV, Jeffrey D. Anderson, Ernest B. Page
  • Patent number: 5954598
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for improving hand-eye coordination in a baseball player to improve swing and targeting of the ball. The invention includes a device for presenting a fixed target to the ballplayer which corresponds to the location of the incoming ball at the time that it should be struck by the bat, as well as a method for training the player with the use of this device. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the target is held in a fixed position with respect to the upper lead arm of the player, by means of a mechanical linkage. The target position is selected by having the player extend his arms as if swinging to hit a ball and placing the marker at the position of the "sweet-spot" of the bat. The player uses the device to practice positioning his body so that the pitched ball consistently hits the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Edgewise, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5911119
    Abstract: A method and system for multiple access telephone communications is described. The system utilizes one or more base units connected to subscriber lines, and multiple extension units in communication with each base unit via building power lines. Secure multiple access coding is used to prevent eavesdropping and interference. Extension units may employ cordless telephone technology. Caller ID information transmitted with incoming telephone signals may be transmitted to extension units via building power lines and displayed on the extension handset or cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Phonex Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Bartholomew, Scott R. Bullock, John M. Knab
  • Patent number: 5852785
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for conducting secure power line carrier communications in full duplex over the power lines of a building. Power line carrier current telephone extension systems utilize 1) a single BASE unit per central office line (for interfacing line carrier signals with the central office line) and 2) one or more EXTENSION units, one for each extension phone set (for interfacing said line carrier signals with said extension phone sets).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: David B. Bartholomew, A. Ray Ivie, Alma K. Schurig
  • Patent number: 5778226
    Abstract: Description tables can be linked to a kernel to form a device driver. The description tables can be device description tables and adapter description tables. The kernel is operating system dependent. The description tables are operating system independent and can be linked to other kernels for other operating systems. A library of kernels for different operating systems can share a common set of kernel requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip M. Adams, Larry W. Holmstrom, Steve A. Jacob, Steven H. Powell, Robert F. Condie, Martin L. Culley
  • Patent number: 5732150
    Abstract: A method and system for segmenting images of samples stained with two, three, or more stains accurately and reliably into multiple single-color images which represent the mass density of the stain at each position in the sample. The system includes a computer-controlled microscope and CCD camera, and at least one computer which includes data storage media for storing image data and which runs software for controlling image acquisition and analysis. To analyze tissue stained with N stains, images must be obtained at N different wavelengths, from multiply stained and singly stained samples. Relative stain mass densities are calculated with the use of the ratio of absorptivities measured at different wavelengths. The theoretical and practical basis for implementing the method with two, three, or more stains is presented. A method for selecting the wavelengths which provide optimal image accuracy and resolution is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: IHC Health Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruixia Zhou, Elizabeth H. Hammond, Dennis L. Parker
  • Patent number: 5728943
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting and preventing Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in buried pipelines or other structures is presented. The basic principle of the invention is to use a plurality of test coupons which are placed in the same environment as a pipeline or other structure of interest as indicators of the development of SCC in the structure of interest. Loading and temperature of the test coupons are controlled. The test coupons are given a range of different Cathodic Protection (CP) levels, with the range of CP levels selected so as to encompass the CP level at which SCC would be expected to occur. The occurrence of cracking in a test coupon indicates levels of CP which will sustain SCC. SCC is prevented in the structure by application of a level of CP which did not sustain SCC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Northwest Pipeline Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie G. Colter, Jr., David C. Katz, Frank E. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5726896
    Abstract: An iterative spline interpolation method for a numerically-controlled machine tool device is disclosed. The non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve inputted to the numerically-controlled machine tool is interpolated with a constant step size providing the ability to maintain a controlled velocity to within a specified tolerance. In addition, the distance left to travel on the curve is obtained by a unique spline node-based approximation method providing accurate acceleration and deceleration control. The rational spline interpolation method provides significant reduction in the amount of data required to produce smoothly machined pieces while providing accurate machining of conic sections not possible by previous spline interpolation methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ji Jia, Elaine Cohen, Samuel H. Drake, Russell D. Fish
  • Patent number: 5673703
    Abstract: An apparatus for automated testing of vibrotactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiment of the invention comprises a component to apply indentations and vibrations to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibrotactile stimuli. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general purpose computer functions to control the operation of the system and to record and store the patient's responses. Indentations and vibrations are produced by off-axis rotational movement of a stimulation probe. A frequency modulated signal generated by the computer is used to control the motor which drives the stimulation probe. The embodiment of the present invention is able to reliably repeat each test so that the tests are reproducible and are carried out in an objective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ztech, L.C.
    Inventors: John H. Fisher, Barry L. Evans, Kenneth W. Horch
  • Patent number: 5642837
    Abstract: A dispenser unit for dispensing small packets, such as may be used to contain daily dosages of vitamins, comprising an outer holder made of a lightweight rigid material, and one or more inner cartons which are supported by the outer holder. Each inner carton is constructed of cardboard or the like and contains and dispenses packets through an opening at the lower front edge. The carton is sized so that a plurality of packets can be stacked neatly within the container and withdrawn one at a time. The inventive container/dispenser is preferably attached to a refrigerator by a strip of magnetic tape, so that it may be kept at a convenient height and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Weider Nutrition Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim G. Hayes, Mark J. Crapo
  • Patent number: 5615561
    Abstract: A method and system for liquifying natural gas using a cryogenic process is described. The method is well suited for producing high methane purity natural gas which can be used as a vehicle fuel. The invention utilizes residue gas from a cryogenic plant as a natural gas feedstock. The natural gas feedstock is condensed by heat exchange with overhead gas from the demethanizer of the cryogenic plant. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the pressure of the condensed natural gas is reduced to a level at which it can be readily stored and transported by expansion through one or more Joule-Thomson valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Williams Field Services Company
    Inventors: Mory Houshmand, Kimberly A. Kruger, Gerald W. Alves, Ricardo Ostaszewski, Noureddine Belhateche
  • Patent number: 5536172
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of photoreactive polynuclear aromatic compound in a sample is described. A sample containing an unknown amount of a photoreactive polynuclear aromatic compound is mixed with a known quantity of a polyhalogenated organic compound and exposed to light of a known wavelength for a known length of time. The quantity of the photoreaction product which results from the light exposure is measured by absorption spectroscopy. Comparison of the absorption measurement to a standard curve allows determination of the concentration of the photoreactive aromatic compound. The simplicity of the method makes it suitable for on-site testing. The method can be used to test for photoreactive compounds in various media, such as soil, aqueous samples, and oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Meredith D. Shattuck, Stephen B. Turcotte
  • Patent number: 5427955
    Abstract: A method for measuring or detecting halogenated organic compound content. For example, the method can be used to identify polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCB's"), contaminating soil or oil. The method is based on a light induced color producing reaction between a photodonor reagent and a halogenated organic compound. This reaction produces change in the optical absorption of the light exposed photodonor. Reversing the role of reagent and halogenated organic compound provides a method for identifying polyaromatic organic compounds such as pyrenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Utah State University Foundation
    Inventors: Meredith D. Shattuck, Stephen B. Turcotte
  • Patent number: 5160847
    Abstract: This invention is a dynamic multivane electron arc beam collimator having collimation vanes, means for controlling the vanes, and local controllers at the collimation site which dynamically define an electron aperture which defines the electron field of an electron beam emitted by a linear accelerator during electron arc therapy. The collimator can be attached to or detached from the head of a linear accelerator. The collimator provides for improvement in electron arc therapy dose uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: The Parvus Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis D. Leavitt, George A. Takach, Jr.