Patents Represented by Attorney Fletcher Yoder

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  • Adjustable patient lateral support
    Patent number: 6966695
    Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Boomgaarden, Douglas P. Dietz
  • System and method for time-domain multiplexed communication in ultrasound applications
    Patent number: 6967975
    Abstract: A time-domain communication system in an ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic array with ultrasonic array outputs and a time-domain multiplexer with an input connected to each of the ultrasonic array outputs and also having a multiplexer output. The time-domain multiplexer continually cycles through each of the ultrasonic array outputs at a predetermined frequency connecting each of the ultrasonic array outputs to the multiplexer output for a predetermined amount of time. An ultrasonic data processing unit is provided and includes a de-multiplexer connected to the multiplexer output. The de-multiplexer has de-multiplexer outputs and continually cycles through each of the de-multiplexer outputs at the predetermined frequency connecting each of the de-multiplexer outputs to the multiplexer output for the predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Van Stalen, Vikram Bidare Krishnamurthy, John Anderson Fergus Ross
  • CT dose reduction filter with a computationally efficient implementation
    Patent number: 6963670
    Abstract: A technique for reducing noise in pixel images includes modifying initial image data to prevent subsequent image data loss, shrinking the modified image, processing the shrunken image with known segmentation-based filtering techniques which identify and differentially processing structures within the image. After processing, the shrunken image is enlarged to the dimensions of the initial data and subsequently processed to correct intensity irregularities and to preserve CT numbers. The resulting technique is versatile and provides greatly improved computational efficiency while maintaining image quality, allowing for dose reduction during imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gopal B. Avinash, Thomas Toth
  • Optimizing storage and retrieval of monitoring data
    Patent number: 6964040
    Abstract: Optimizing storage and retrieval of monitoring data. In one aspect of this disclosure, there is a system, method and computer readable medium that stores instructions for instructing a computer system, to optimize storage and retrieval of data. In this embodiment, a transfer manager component acquires the data from an archive and assigns predetermined storage values to specified parameters that form the data structure of the acquired data. A database stores the data acquired by the transfer manager component in accordance with the predetermined storage values. A middle tier component extracts the data in the database and interpolates the data in accordance with the predetermined storage values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark David Osborn
  • Method for making a fastener
    Patent number: 6956181
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a method for making a threaded fastener. The method includes that act of forming a die-making tool having surface features that correspond to the desired crest and flank profiles of a thread of the threaded fastener. The exemplary method also includes that act of forming a roll threading die via electric discharge machining of a die blank with the formed die-making tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth LeVey, Stephen Dohm
  • High-capacity optical read/write pick-up mechanism and associated methods
    Patent number: 6956796
    Abstract: High-capacity pick-up mechanisms operable for selectively reading data from and/or writing data to one or more surfaces of one or more optical storage media are disclosed. These mechanisms comprise a first pivotable structure, a second pivotable structure, a first reflective element, a second reflective element, a light source, and a light receiving device. The light source and the light receiving device are remotely located from the reflective elements via the pivotable structures, and only the reflective elements and a portion of the pivotable structure are positioned adjacent the surface of an optical storage medium. High-capacity optical read/write devices and systems comprising these high-capacity pick-up mechanisms are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kelvin Ma, Glenn Forman
  • Methods for improving contrast based dynamic range management
    Patent number: 6956977
    Abstract: A method for compressing an intensity dynamic range of an input image to a reduced intensity dynamic range of an image display device includes defining a plurality of units of the input image, determining a local mean estimate of an intensity of each of the plurality of units of the input image, generating a contrast modification processing value for each local mean estimate, and generating an output intensity value, for each local mean estimate, by using only the generated contrast modification processing value and an input intensity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Allen Langan, Jean Lienard
  • Method and apparatus for selecting a reconstruction projection set
    Patent number: 6956926
    Abstract: A technique is provided for improving consistency between slabs in a reconstructed CT image. Candidate sectors associated with an image slab are determined. If the sectors contain sufficient information to reconstruct the image slab, the sector which minimizes inconsistency with projection data for adjacent image slabs is selected for reconstruction. If the sectors do not contain sufficient information to reconstruct the slab, sectors are merged together until a merge group contains sufficient information. The merge group which minimizes inconsistency with projection data for adjacent image slabs is selected for image reconstruction. The selected sectors or merge groups are then reconstructed with the resulting image slabs comprising a reconstructed image with improved consistency between image slabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Erdogan Cesmeli, Peter Michael Edic, Maria Iatrou
  • Alarm and indication system for an on-site induction heating system
    Patent number: 6956189
    Abstract: An induction heating system having a fluid cooling unit, a power source, an induction heating device, a controller, and an alarm system to place the system in a safe condition when an improper operating condition is detected. The induction heating system may have a flow switch to detect fluid flow through the system. The system may operate to secure power to the induction heating device when cooling flow is inadequate. Alternatively, the system may increase fluid flow to provide adequate cooling flow. The controller may have a visual indicator of inadequate flow or an improper power source operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Verhagen
  • Process and apparatus for separating diluent from polymer solids
    Patent number: 6953553
    Abstract: Polymer solids are maintained in an intermediate pressure zone for a desired polymer solids residence time and then transferred to a purge zone or other lower pressure zone. An increase in the polymer solids residence time in the intermediate pressure zone allows more diluent to flash or separate, thereby avoiding or reducing the need for a low pressure flash zone. A fluff chamber may be disposed between the intermediate pressure zone and a lower pressure zone. A transporter tank may be used to transport polymer solids after the intermediate pressure zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas A. Reid, Scott E. Kufeld, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser
  • Luminaire for light extraction from a flat light source
    Patent number: 6952079
    Abstract: A shaped light extraction luminaire to gather light from an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Specifically, an inverted and truncated pyramid structure having a recessed area configured to receive an OLED is provided. The luminaire is structured to increase the light emission of the OLED by capturing light emissions that would typically be lost by absorption within the OLED. The luminaire includes angled sides having a reflective material disposed thereon. The luminaire increases the light output of the OLED such that it may be implemented in area lighting applications. Further, an array comprising a plurality of recessed areas and a plurality of angled sides for each of the recessed areas may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph John Shiang, Marc Schaepkens, Larry Gene Turner
  • Electron emitter including carbon nanotubes and its application in gas discharge devices
    Patent number: 6949877
    Abstract: An electron emitter includes a coating layer of a mixture of carbon nanotubes and alkaline-earth metal oxides on an electrically conducting structure. The preferred carbon nanotubes are those having a diameter less than about 200 nm. A substantial portion of electron emission is liberated from the carbon nanotubes, thus lessening the requirement on the alkaline-earth oxides. Such an electron emitter is advantageously used in gas discharge devices to increase the energy efficiency thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiao-Dong Sun, Feng Jin, Anant Achyut Setlur
  • Internal package heat dissipator
    Patent number: 6949824
    Abstract: A technique is provided for dissipating heat from an integrated circuit within a package. A thermally conductive strip may be installed between an integrated circuit and a substrate before packaging. The package is formed from molded epoxy formed around the integrated circuit and substrate with a portion of the thermally conductive strip extending beyond the confines of the package. Heat is conducted from the integrated circuit through the thermally conductive strip to the environment surrounding the package. A thermally conductive strip may be installed within a package by an adhesive or other mechanically means. A thermally conductive strip may be comprised of a metallic foil or other thermally conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Casey L. Prindiville
  • Method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical mechanical planarization system
    Patent number: 6949011
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) system. Specifically, a fluid spray bar is coupled to a frame assembly which may be mounted on a CMP system. The fluid spray bar will move along the frame assembly. As the fluid spray bar traverses the length of the frame assembly, a cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the web in order to clean the web between planarization cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Moore, Dinesh Chopra
  • Data amplifier having reduced data lines and/or higher data rates
    Patent number: 6950898
    Abstract: A data amplifier configured to allow for fewer data lines and/or increased processing speeds. Specifically, multiple helper flip-flops are used to prefetch data in a data amplifier. The helper flip-flops are configured to latch one or two of the data bits from a 4-bit prefetch in an alternating periodic fashion, thereby necessitating fewer data lines. Alternatively, the number of data lines can be maintained and faster bus processing speeds may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Merritt, Donald M. Morgan
  • Method and system for monitoring plasma using optical emission spectroscopy
    Patent number: 6950178
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for monitoring the optical emissions associated with a plasma used in integrated circuit fabrication. The optical emissions are processed by an optical spectrometer to obtain a spectrum. The spectrum is analyzed to determine the presence of particular disassociated species which are indicative of the presence of a suitable plasma and which are desired for a deposition, etching, or cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Kevin T. Hamer
  • Method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical mechanical planarization system
    Patent number: 6945855
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) system. Specifically, a fluid spray bar is coupled to a frame assembly which may be mounted on a CMP system. The fluid spray bar will move along the frame assembly. As the fluid spray bar traverses the length of the frame assembly, a cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the web in order to clean the web between planarization cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Moore, Dinesh Chopra
  • Rotating notched transmission x-ray for multiple focal spots
    Patent number: 6947522
    Abstract: An x-ray source with an x-ray source target are provided. The x-ray source includes an electron source. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray transmission window. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray source target located between the electron source and the window, wherein the target is arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to generate x-rays in the x-ray source target, and a rotational mechanism adapted to rotate the x-ray source target. A method of producing x-rays and an x-ray target are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Colin Wilson, Mark Vermilyea, James E. Simpson
  • Molton hydride fuel cell
    Patent number: 6946215
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprises at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell comprises an anode and a cathode held in a spaced apart relationship by at least one spacer element comprising an electrically insulating material. A proximal end of the spacer element is in contact with the cathode, and a distal end is in contact with the anode. An electrolyte is disposed between, and in contact with the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte comprises a molten salt having a hydride ion conductance number greater than about 0.95 at a fuel cell operating temperature. A fuel gas inlet, adjacent to the cathode, is provided for delivering a fuel gas to the electrolyte. An oxidizing gas inlet, adjacent to the anode, is provided for delivering an oxidizing gas to the electrolyte. An exhaust port is in fluid communication with the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Prodyot Roy, Samir Armando Salamah, Douglas Noss Rodgers
  • Method and apparatus for detecting weak physiological signals
    Patent number: 6942621
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring a weak physiological signal in the presence of stronger signals. The method and apparatus utilize motion sensing devices placed on or about the patient to obtain a motion data set from each motion sensing device describing the aggregate detected motion. The data sets are synchronized and then used to solve a set of simultaneous equations which allows for the separation of the various motion components which may include such components of interest as fetal heart motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gopal B. Avinash, Cherik Bulkes