Patents Represented by Attorney Fletcher Yoder

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  • Networked series of sensors having distributed measurement and control for use in a hazardous environment
    Patent number: 7486495
    Abstract: The invention is a networked system of devices positioned in a hazardous environment to monitor or control process conditions. The devices include sensors such as pressure measurement elements and controls such as variable voltage outputs. The sensors detect process conditions and the controls manipulate process conditions, and they are monitored and controlled by slave devices having, generally a microprocessor and having associated memory to receive and record the sensor/control data. The network includes master devices; each master device may be associated with one or more slaved devices and associated sensors, where the master device communicates to its associated slave devices through a digital communication bus. The master device can automatically detect its associated slave devices and detect the communication and data characteristics of the slave devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Diederichs, Thomas Michael Madden, Jerry Yee
  • Optically aligned pulse oximetry sensor and technique for using the same
    Patent number: 7486979
    Abstract: A physiological sensor is provided that includes an emitter and detector disposed on a frame such that the emitter and detector define an optical axis. The frame includes one or more pair of flexible elements disposed generally symmetric relative to the optical axis. In one embodiment, the emitter and detector remain aligned when moved relative to one another along the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: George L. Matlock
  • Nickel bonding cap over copper metalized bondpads
    Patent number: 7485565
    Abstract: A method for forming a nickel cap layer over copper metalized bond pad is disclosed in which the phosphorous content of the nickel cap, and particularly the surface of the nickel cap, may be controlled. The phosphorous content of the surface of the nickel cap is suitably determined such that oxidation is inhibited. The resulting nickel cap may be wire-bonded directly, without the deposition of a gold cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery N. Gleason, Joseph T. Lindgren
  • Techniques for implementing accurate operating current values stored in a database
    Patent number: 7483315
    Abstract: Memory modules and methods for fabricating and implementing memory modules wherein unique operating current values corresponding to specific memory devices on the memory modules are accessed from a database such that the operating current values may be implemented to improve system performance. Memory modules comprising a number of volatile memory devices may be fabricated. Operating current values corresponding to the specific memory devices on the memory module may be stored in a database and accessed during fabrication or during implementation of the memory modules in a system. System performance may be optimized by implementing the unique operating current values corresponding to the specific memory devices on the memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Janzen, Scott Schaefer, Todd D. Farrell
  • Medical sensor and technique for using the same
    Patent number: 7483731
    Abstract: A sensor may be adapted to provide output to indicate when the sensor experiences abnormal forces or pressure. The forces may be outside forces, or the forces may be generated by patient motion. A sensor system as provided may also be adapted to correct for such forces when calculating measurements related to a physiological characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Carine Hoarau, Li Li
  • Acrylate/methacrylate adhesives initiated by chlorosulfonated polymer
    Patent number: 7479528
    Abstract: An adhesive formulation including an acrylate monomer and/or a methacrylate monomer, a chlorosulfonated polymer resin, and a reducing agent. The adhesive also includes a cycloheteroatom zirconate or a cycloheteroatom titannate, which is utilized as a cure profile regulator. Further, the adhesive includes toughening-agent copolymers having a very low Tg to increase impact strength of the cured adhesives at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaobin Wang, Daniel K. Doe, Patricia M. Savory, Gary R. Hovan
  • Memory modules having accurate operating parameters stored thereon and methods for fabricating and implementing such devices
    Patent number: 7480792
    Abstract: Memory modules having accurate operating parameters stored thereon and methods for fabricating and implementing such devices to improve system performance. Memory modules comprising a number of volatile memory devices may be fabricated. Operating parameters for specific memory devices on the memory module or a specific lot in which the memory devices are fabricated may be stored on a non-volatile memory device on the memory module. A system may be configured in accordance with the operating parameters stored on the non-volatile memory device such that corresponding thresholds are not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Janzen, Scott Schaefer, Todd D. Farrell
  • Wireless integrated condition monitoring system
    Patent number: 7479876
    Abstract: A wireless dynamic operating condition system is described that includes one or more wireless monitors located at a monitoring point in an instrumented machine system. The wireless monitors may be configured as a modular base with modular power supplies that can be attached to the base. The base may include integrated sensors or additional sensors may be tethered to the base. The resulting modular system allows for points to be monitored on the machine system for dynamic operating conditions that are difficult to access or are less critical than wired monitoring points. Calculations may be carried out based upon the sensed data either within the monitoring modules themselves or within specific modules that are so equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick F. Carle, David J. Bibelhausen, Frederick Michael Discenzo
  • Medical sensor and technique for using the same
    Patent number: 7477924
    Abstract: A medical sensor may be adapted to be affixed to a patient's skin. A sensor for pulse oximetry or other spectrophotometric uses is provided with a gripping region that contacts the patient's skin and provides gripping strength to reduce movement of the sensor. Also provided herein is a method of contacting a sensor to a patient's skin and method of manufacturing a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Chin
  • Method and system for extracting information about the cardiac cycle from CT projection data
    Patent number: 7477771
    Abstract: A method for extracting information of a cardiac cycle from projection data is presented. The method provides for acquiring one or more sets of computed tomography (CT) projection data. Further, the method includes analyzing the one or sets of CT projection data to obtain a center of cardiac mass. Also, the method provides for estimating raw motion data representative of the motion of the center of cardiac mass from the one or more sets of CT projection data. In addition, the method includes processing the center of mass through time to extract a motion signal from the raw projection data. Also, the method provides for extracting the periodicity information from the motion signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Genral Electric Company
    Inventors: Maria Iatrou, Jong Chul Ye, Samit Kumar Basu, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Peter Michael Edic
  • Data retention kill function
    Patent number: 7477554
    Abstract: A method for operating a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving authorized operating parameters of the memory device and comparing sensed operational parameters to the authorized operating parameters. Access to data stored within the memory device may be prevented if the operational parameters are outside the authorized operating parameters. A memory device and method of manufacturing such a device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Kinsley
  • Method and apparatus for deposited hermetic cover for digital X-ray panel
    Patent number: 7473903
    Abstract: A digital X-ray panel and method of fabricating an X-ray detector panel assembly is provided. The method includes forming a detector matrix on the detector substrate, forming a dam on the detector substrate circumscribing the detector matrix, forming a scintillator material on the detector matrix, and forming a hermetic covering on the scintillator material that at least one of extends to a surface of the dam and extends past the dam. The digital X-ray panel assembly includes a detector substrate, a detector matrix formed on said detector substrate, a dam formed on said detector substrate circumscribing the detector matrix, a scintillator material formed on the detector matrix, and a hermetic covering formed on the scintillator material that at least one of extends past the detector matrix and the dam, and extends past the detector matrix onto a surface of the dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Clement DeJule, Ching-Yeu Wei, David Francis Fobare
  • Method and apparatus for transmission and display of a compressed digitalized image
    Patent number: 7474795
    Abstract: The present technique selectively handles image data, which is decomposed into a plurality of resolution levels. In one embodiment, an image resolution suitable for display in a desired viewport is selected via an iterative process including determining whether scaling of one of the different image resolutions of the plurality of different image resolutions by a predetermined scaling threshold would result in a scaled image resolution that is less than or equal to the resolution of the desired viewport. A portion of the plurality of data sets may be selectively requested for recomposition of the image at the image resolution. Additional systems, methods, and devices for handling image data are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saad A. Sirohey, Robert D. Barnes, Joseph M. Carroll
  • Method and apparatus for non-invasive ultrasonic fetal heart rate monitoring
    Patent number: 7470232
    Abstract: A continuous, non-invasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer array patches that are adhered or attached to the mother. Each ultrasound transducer array is operated in an autonomous mode by a digital signal processor to obtain data from which fetal heart rate information can be derived. Each ultrasonic transducer array patch comprises a multiplicity of subelements that are switchably reconfigurable to form elements having different shapes, e.g., annular rings. Each subelement comprises a plurality of interconnected cMUT cells that are not switchably disconnectable. The use of cMUT patches will provide the ability to interrogate a three-dimensional space electronically (i.e. without mechanical beam steering) with ultrasound, using a transducer device that is thin and lightweight enough to stick to the patient's skin like an EKG electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ralph T. Hoctor, Kai E. Thomenius
  • Method and apparatus for decreasing layout area in a pipelined analog-to-digital converter
    Patent number: 7471227
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) device. The pipelined ADC includes a first stage and a second stage. The first and second stages are configured to share a sub-ADC and a sub-digital-to-analog converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Taehee Cho
  • Magnetic resonance imaging visualization method and system
    Patent number: 7471086
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for processing an image. Particularly the method comprises acquiring image data in frequency space (k-space) of an imaged volume and obtaining a three-dimensional (3-D) k-space volume representative of the imaged volume based on the acquired k-space data. The method further comprises selecting a two-dimensional (2-D) plane from the 3-D k-space volume and applying an inverse Fourier transform to the selected 2-D plane to obtain a real 2-D X-ray-like (or enhanced rendering) projection of the imaged volume offering insights into the 3-D data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Rakesh Mullick
  • Cross-slit collimator method and system
    Patent number: 7470907
    Abstract: Collimator assemblies that include an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein, and an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein are provided. Imaging systems that include a collimator assembly and a detector array are also provided. The collimator assembly includes an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The collimator assembly further includes an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The imaging system also includes a detector array configured to detect gamma rays emanating from a field of view that pass through one or more apertures defined by the collimator assembly. The detector array is further configured to generate one or more signals in response to the detected gamma rays. Methods of imaging a field of view using the imaging system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James William Hugg, Jorge Uribe, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • System for radiation-based reduction of particulate matter
    Patent number: 7470874
    Abstract: A particle reduction apparatus comprises a radiation absorption zone for receiving a gaseous flow carrying particulate matter. A transparent shield surrounds at least a portion of the radiation absorption zone. A radiation source for generating radiation and for directing the radiation into the radiation absorption zone to promote reduction of the particulate matter is provided, and an insulation layer at least partially surrounds the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bahram Keramati, Mark Woodmansee, Aaron Simon, Roy Primus
  • Method and system for detecting pace pulses
    Patent number: 7471977
    Abstract: The present technique provides for the detection of pace pulses in electrocardiogram data. The technique provides for processing one or more sets of electrocardiogram data via a non-linear algorithm. Furthermore, the technique provides for detecting one or more pace pulses in the one or more sets of electrocardiogram data via a non-linear detection algorithm. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also provided by the present technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Louis Zinser, Jr., Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Jeffrey Michael Ashe, Nicholas George Richard
  • Tomographic mammography method
    Patent number: 7466795
    Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Cynthia Elizabeth Landberg, Serge Louis Wilfrid Muller, Yann Delmas, Reinhold Franz Wirth, James George Morrow