Patents Represented by Attorney Sunstein Kann Murphy & Timbers LLP

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  • Radiotherapy and imaging methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 8218718
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for reconstructing images from data acquired during radiotherapy. The approach is based on summing the imaging data acquired while both therapeutic and imaging source are active, with that acquired when only the therapeutic source is active. Further correction of the summed data can lead to reconstructed images of excellent quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Marcel Van Herk, Jan-Jakob Sonke
  • Carrierless storage system enclosure with ejection mechanism
    Patent number: 8215727
    Abstract: A carrierless storage system enclosure includes an ejection mechanism to permit installation and removal of data storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives) without tools, carriers, and manual cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Drobo, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey S. Barrall, Julian M. Terry, Mark J. Herbert
  • Group refractive index reconstruction with broadband interferometric confocal microscopy
    Patent number: 8218152
    Abstract: A system and method for microscale measurement and imaging of the group refractive index of a sample. The method utilizes a broadband confocal high-numerical aperture microscope embedded into an interferometer and a spectrometric means, whereby spectral interferograms are analyzed to compute optical path delay of the beam traversing the sample as the sample is translated through the focus of an interrogating light beam. A determination of group refractive index may serve to disambiguate phase ambiguity in a measurement of refractive index at a specified wavelength. Spatial resolution of object characterization in three dimensions is achieved by imaging the object from multiple viewpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Daniel L. Marks, Stephen A. Boppart, Adam M. Zysk, Simon C. Schlachter
  • System and method for structured news release generation and distribution
    Patent number: 8214386
    Abstract: A method of providing a news release to a user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: providing access to the user, over a network, to data stored in a computer-readable digital storage medium; and structuring the data provided to the user over the network so that the user experiences a news release having a plurality of sections, the sections including a headline, a summary, key points, and a network address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: NewGems LLC
    Inventors: Eileen C. Shapiro, Steven J. Mintz
  • Microphone with backside cavity that impedes bubble formation
    Patent number: 8208671
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone has a backplate, a diaphragm movable relative to the backplate, and a backside cavity adjacent to the backplate or the diaphragm. The backside cavity has sidewalls with at least one rib protruding inward toward a center of the backside cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Chen, Michael Judy
  • Acoustic localization of a speaker
    Patent number: 8204248
    Abstract: A system locates a speaker in a room containing a loudspeaker and a microphone array. The loudspeaker transmits a sound that is partly reflected by a speaker. The microphone array detects the reflected sound and converts the sound into a microphone signal. A processor determines the speaker's direction relative to the microphone array, the speaker's distance from the microphone array, or both, based on the characteristics of the microphone signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Haulick, Gerhard Uwe Schmidt, Markus Buck, Tobias Wolff
  • Methods for cleaning luer connectors
    Patent number: 8197749
    Abstract: Illustrative pairs of caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. A pair of caps can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which is configured to be coupled to the other cap in an assembly. The assembly is sealed until the caps are separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the caps. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael W. Howlett, James V. Mercer
  • Power converting device with high power transformation efficiency
    Patent number: 8198882
    Abstract: A power converting device converts a DC voltage input from an external power source into an AC voltage output across an output capacitor of an output circuit, and includes a coupling circuit having series first and second windings. A rectifying diode has a grounded anode coupled to an anode of a clamp diode, and a cathode coupled to the second winding. A cathode of the clamp diode is coupled to a clamp switch and the first winding. A full-bridge circuit includes a first series connection of first and second switches, and a second series connection of third and fourth switches. The first and second series connections are coupled in parallel between the first winding and ground. The output capacitor is coupled between a first common node between the first and second switches, and a second common node between the third and fourth switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hungkuang University
    Inventors: Rou-Yong Duan, Chao-Tsung Chang
  • System for processing an acoustic input signal to provide an output signal with reduced noise
    Patent number: 8199928
    Abstract: An apparatus processes an acoustic input signal to provide an output signal with reduced noise. The apparatus weights the input signal based on a frequency-dependent weighting function. A frequency-dependent threshold function bounds the weighting function from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Uwe Schmidt, Raymond Brückner, Markus Buck, Ange Tchinda-Pockem, Mohamed Krini
  • X-ray inspection based on scatter detection
    Patent number: 8194822
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting an object with a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction. Characteristic values of the scattered radiation are compared to expected reference values to characterize the object. Additionally, penetrating radiation transmitted through the inspected object may be combined with scatter information. In certain embodiments, the inspected field of view is less than 0.1 steradians, and the detector is separate from the source of penetrating radiation and is disposed, with respect to the object, such as to subtend greater than 0.5 steradians in the field of view of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Rothschild, Jeffrey Schubert, Richard Schueller
  • Integrated circuit package with enlarged die paddle
    Patent number: 8193620
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package system having a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces has a leadframe and encapsulating material that encapsulates at least a portion of the leadframe. The leadframe and encapsulating material are part of the body. The leadframe has a die paddle for supporting a die, and a plurality of leads spaced from the die paddle. The encapsulating material thus also separates the die paddle from the plurality of leads. At least a first portion of the die paddle is exposed to the top surface, while at least a second portion of the die paddle is exposed to the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Alberghini, Oliver Kierse
  • Detection and suppression of wind noise in microphone signals
    Patent number: 8194881
    Abstract: To reliably and consistently detect desirable sounds, a system detects the presence of wind noise based on the power levels of audio signals. A first transducer detects sound originating from a first direction and a second transducer detects sound originating from a second direction. The power levels of the sound are compared. When the power level of the sound received from the second transducer is less than the power level of the sound received from the first transducer by a predetermined value, wind noise may be present. A signal processor may generate an output from one or a combination of the audio signals, based on a wind noise detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Haulick, Markus Buck, Phillip A. Hetherington, Klaus Haindl
  • System and method for camera control in a surveillance system
    Patent number: 8193909
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a camera in a surveillance system. The method and system use a mathematical rotation between a first coordinate system and a second coordinate system in order to calibrate a camera with a map of an area. In some embodiments, the calibration can be used to control the camera and/or to display a view cone on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Intergraph Technologies Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Estes, Johnny E. Frederick
  • Low complexity echo compensation system
    Patent number: 8194852
    Abstract: An echo reduction system includes a signal analysis filter that converts an input into sub-band signals. A signal down-sampling circuit down-samples the sub-band signals at a first down-sampling rate. An echo analysis filter converts a loudspeaker signal into echo sub-band signal that are further processed by an echo down-sampling circuit. The circuit down-samples the echo sub-band signals at a second down-sampling rate to generate down-sampled echo sub-band signals. An echo compensation filter folds the down-sampled echo sub-band signals with an estimated impulse response of a loudspeaker-room-input system. A second echo down-sampling circuit down-samples the folded down-sampled echo sub-band signals at a third down-sampling rate to generate estimated echo sub-band signals. The first down-sampling rate is equal to the product of the second and third down-sampling rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Buck, Tim Haulick, Martin Rössler, Gerhard Uwe Schmidt, Walter Schnug
  • Apparatus and method of simulating a somatosensory experience in space
    Patent number: 8195084
    Abstract: A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Quan Xiao
  • Process and apparatus for the production of a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, from a fiber composite material
    Patent number: 8192674
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for the production of a structure from fiber composite material, comprising a mold tool for receiving material which can be joined to provide a structure, and a vacuum system for molding and fixing the structure, wherein the vacuum system has a flexible layer, in particular a separation film or separation layer and/or a tear-off film, and a vacuum film for covering the structure. In accordance with the invention the vacuum system is free from ventilation material and/or tear-off material at least at a portion which corresponds to a portion of the structure to be covered, in which a step extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Ahrens, Heinz Bardenhagen
  • Multi-channel adaptive speech signal processing system with noise reduction
    Patent number: 8194872
    Abstract: An adaptive signal processing system eliminates noise from input signals while retaining desired signal content, such as speech. The resulting low noise output signal delivers improved clarity and intelligibility. The low noise output signal also improves the performance of subsequent signal processing systems, including speech recognition systems. An adaptive beamformer in the signal processing system consistently updates beamforming signal weights in response to changing microphone signal conditions. The adaptive weights emphasize the contribution of high energy microphone signals to the beamformed output signal. In addition, adaptive noise cancellation logic removes residual noise from the beamformed output signal based on a noise estimate derived from the microphone input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Buck, Tim Haulick, Phillip A. Hetherington, Pierre Zakarauskas
  • Method and apparatus for driving a switch
    Patent number: 8194382
    Abstract: A method of driving a switch having a movable member and a contact first applies (to the switch) a first signal having a first level, and then applies a second signal having a second level to the switch (after applying the first signal). The first level is greater than the second level. One or both of the first and second signals cause the movable member to move to electrically connect with the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Ellis, Raymond Goggin
  • Method and device for locating a sound source
    Patent number: 8194500
    Abstract: A method of locating a sound source based on sound received at an array of microphones comprises the steps of determining a correlation function of signals provided by microphones of the array and establishing a direction in which the sound source is located based on at least one eigenvector of a matrix having matrix elements which are determined based on the correlation function. The correlation function has first and second frequency components associated with a first and second frequency band, respectively. The first frequency component is determined based on signals from microphones having a first distance, and the second frequency component is determined based on signals from microphones having a second distance different from the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Wolff, Markus Buck, Gerhard Schmidt, Olga González Valbuena, Günther Wirsching
  • Providing a codebook for bandwidth extension of an acoustic signal
    Patent number: 8190429
    Abstract: A codebook spectral envelope may be used to extend the bandwidth of a bandwidth limited signal. A system includes codebooks that list codebook spectral envelopes. A codebook spectral envelope may be selected based on a characteristic of the spectral envelope of the bandwidth limited signal. Modifications of selected codebook spectral envelopes may generate a bandwidth extension signal that may be added to the bandwidth limited signal to improve the quality of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Iser, Gerhard Uwe Schmidt