Patents Represented by Attorney Fletcher Yoder
  • Patent number: 7667234
    Abstract: A memory array having decreased cell sizes and having transistors with increased channel widths. More specifically, pillars are formed in a substrate such that sidewalls are exposed. The sidewalls of the pillars and the top surface of the pillars are covered with a gate oxide and a polysilicon layer to form a channel through the pillars. The current path through the channel is approximately equal to twice the height of the pillar plus the width of the pillar. The pillars are patterned to form non-linear active area lines having angled segments. The polysilicon layer is patterned to form word lines that intersect the active area lines at the angled segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Hongmei Wang, Chandra Mouli, Luan Tran
  • Patent number: 7664222
    Abstract: A portable tomosynthesis imaging system is disclosed that includes a portable X-ray source assembly and a portable detector assembly. The source assembly may be coupled to a portable power supply and controller such that multiple projection X-ray images may be obtained at a site that is not accessible by conventional tomosynthesis imaging systems. Image data may be transmitted from the detector by wired or wireless communication. Tomosynthesis image reconstruction may be performed locally at the portable system or remotely by the transmission of raw or filtered image data from the portable system. The portable system is particularly well-suited to field deployment, such as at accident scenes, scenes of natural or other disasters, or in confined clinical settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Kadri Nizar Jabri, Renuka Uppaluri, John Michael Sabol, Gopal Biligeri Avinash
  • Patent number: 7663901
    Abstract: Memory modules and methods for fabricating and implementing memory modules wherein unique device parameters corresponding to specific memory devices on the memory modules are accessed from a database such that the device parameters may be implemented to improve system performance. The device parameters may include sizes, speeds, operating voltages, or timing parameters of the memory modules. Memory modules comprising a number of volatile memory devices may be fabricated. Device parameters 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 device parameters corresponding to the specific memory devices on the memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Janzen, Scott Schaeffer, Todd D. Farrell
  • Patent number: 7663074
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a collet to align and/or axially secure a liner within the gooseneck of a welding torch and to extend the useful life of the torch components are provided. A method and apparatus for securing torch components including said collet and including tapered locking engagement connections are also provided. A position of the liner with respect to a retaining head or a diffuser can be established and maintained, in spite of bending, swiveling, and other general movement of the torch, while still allowing flow of a shield gas past the collet. The welding torch components, including a gas diffuser, can be secured to the torch or other torch components via tapered locking engagements. The invention is useful for both manual and robotic torch systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff G. Wells
  • Patent number: 7660568
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating a channel estimate using a non-pilot signal. More specifically, there is provided a receiver comprising a device configured to receive a transmitted signal having a pilot portion and non-pilot portion and a channel estimator configured to calculate a channel estimate based on the non-pilot portion of the transmitted signal and to send the channel estimate to the device. A method for implementing the improvement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Naresh Sharma, Alexei Ashikhmin
  • Patent number: 7659211
    Abstract: The present technique relates to a method and apparatus to provide a dielectric etch stop layer that prevents shorts for a buried digit layer as an interconnect. In a memory device, such as DRAM or SRAM, various layers are deposited to form structures, such as PMOS gates, NMOS gates, memory cells, P+ active areas, and N+ active areas. These structures are fabricated through the use of multiple masking processes, which may cause shorts when a buried digit layer is deposited if the masking processes are misaligned. Accordingly, a dielectric etch stop layer, such as aluminum oxide Al2O3 or silicon carbide SiC, may be utilized in the array to prevent shorts between the wordlines, active areas, and the buried digit layer when the contacts are misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Montgomery Manning
  • Patent number: 7658652
    Abstract: A device and method for reducing crosstalk between wires is provided. The method includes spatially separating first and second sets of wires. A device is disposed relative to the first and second sets of wires to maintain the spatial separation. The method also comprises coupling pins to the first and second sets of wires. Additionally, the method includes covering the device with a connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Ken Sawatari, Paul D. Mannheimer, Bradford B. Chew
  • Patent number: 7660321
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for prioritizing session initiation protocol (“SIP”) messages. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method of prioritizing SIP messages in a network, the method comprising receiving SIP messages in a first order from one or more other servers of the network, wherein each of the received SIP messages comprises one or more priority indicators, scheduling the received SIP messages into a second order based on one or more of the priority indicators, and processing the scheduled SIP messages in the second order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mauricio Cortes, Nachi K. Nithi, Anwar I. Walid
  • Patent number: 7657163
    Abstract: A fluid warming device for warming medical fluids, such as intravenously administered blood or saline solutions, is provided. The fluid warming device includes a conduit at least partially formed from a material with positive temperature coefficient properties. A supply of blood or other fluids may pass through the device and be heated to temperatures appropriate for administration to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Paul W Martens
  • Patent number: 7657295
    Abstract: A unitary sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmolded coating provided about the frame. The unitary sensor includes a spring, such as a flat spring or torsion spring, provided on the frame that provides a closing force for the sensor. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Coakley, George L. Matlock, William Raridan, Darius Eghbal
  • Patent number: 7656994
    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: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Bernard Erich Hermann Claus, Cynthia Elizabeth Landberg, Serge Louis Wilfrid Muller, Yann Delmas, Reinhold Franz Wirth, James George Morrow
  • Patent number: 7657294
    Abstract: A unitary sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmolded coating provided about the frame. The unitary sensor includes one or more diaphragm structures formed from thin regions of the coating material and disposed generally about at least one of the optical components. The diaphragm structure or structures allow the optical components to be separated, such as by application of an opposing force to the lateral sides of the sensor, such that the sensor may be placed on a patient. The sensor may thereby be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Darius Eghbal, Joseph Coakley, George L. Matlock, William Raridan
  • Patent number: 7657296
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion connected by a hinge. An emitter and a detector are disposed on the frame. A coating is provided over the frame, the emitter and the detector to form a unitary sensor assembly. The sensor assembly also includes a resistance-providing component disposed generally about the hinge. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. A method of manufacturing the sensor assembly is also provided as is a method of cleaning a fluid-tight sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: William Raridan, George L. Matlock, Joseph Coakley, Darius Eghbal
  • Patent number: 7657292
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and/or methods for assessing body fluid-related metrics and/or changes therein. The disclosure further provides systems, devices, and/or methods for correlating body fluid-related metrics in a particular tissue with the corresponding whole-body metric. The disclosure also provides, systems, devices, and/or methods for assessment of such metrics to facilitate diagnosis and/or therapeutic interventions related to maintaining and/or restoring body fluid balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Joseph Schmitt, Shannon Campbell, Nick Durr, Carine Hoarau, Rafeal Ostrowski, Martin Debreczeny
  • Patent number: 7647929
    Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: George Matlock, Donald L Moore
  • Patent number: 7649979
    Abstract: The effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on X-ray image data is corrected by characterizing the EMI and processing the image data to subtract the EMI effects from the image data. The X-ray image data, along with offset data, are collected in a conventional manner, affected by EMI if present, and EMI-characterizing data is immediately collected thereafter by disabling rows of a digital detector (FET off). The EMI-characterizing data, then, is not affected by the presence of image data, and can be used to characterize the amplitude and frequency of the EMI. The EMI-characterizing data is assured of being in phase with the collected image and offset data due to its collection in the same image acquisition sequence immediately following the collection of image and offset data. Artifacts due to the presence of EMI are thus eliminated from reconstructed images based upon the corrected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Tiantian Zhang, Kenneth Scott Kump, Jingyi Liang, Chuande Liu, Kadri Nizar Jabri
  • Patent number: 7650177
    Abstract: A sensor for pulse oximetry or other applications utilizing spectrophotometry may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by fixing the optical distance between an emitter and detector. A flexible sensor is provided with a stiffening member to hold the emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. Further, an annular or partially annular sensor is adapted to hold an emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. A clip-style sensor is provided with a spacer that controls the distance between the emitter and detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Carine Hoarau, Clark R. Baker, Jr., Edward Karst
  • Patent number: 7645841
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for the prevention of reactor fouls in polymerization reactors. A technique is provided for limiting polymer particle size to prevent or limit the occurrence of reactor fouls associated with large polymer particles. A technique is also provided for measuring reactor temperature at one or more local hot spots of the reactor and for controlling the polymerization reaction based upon these temperature measurements. In particular, control of the reaction may be based on the hottest temperature, such that the hottest temperature in the reactor is maintained within the reactor fouling curve. A technique is also discussed for predicting reactor fouls by using statistical analyses, such as periodogram analysis, to identify leading indicators of impending fouls. Preventative measures may be performed upon identification of such a leading indicator. In addition, the statistical analyses may be used to identify catalysts having less propensity to foul.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Shaw, John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 7647084
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a skeletal frame comprising a loop structure. The sensor assembly includes at least one physiological sensor attached to the loop structure. A coating is provided over the skeletal frame and the at least one physiological sensor to form a sensor assembly. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods of manufacturing the sensor and sensor body and of applying the sensor are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Darius Eghbal, Joseph Coakley, George L. Matlock, William Raridan
  • Patent number: D610246
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Grosskreuz