Patents Assigned to General Electric Co.
  • Patent number: 7583791
    Abstract: An X-ray tube target assembly and method of manufacturing same is provided. The X-ray tube target assembly comprises an injection molded target disk. The injection molded target disk includes an injection molded hub member and an injection molded outer member. The injection molded outer member comprises a plurality of injection molded outer member segments that are removably attached together and removably attached to the hub member to form the injection molded target disk. A target track is formed on an outer surface on one side of an outer periphery of the injection molded outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Scott Hebert, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ethan James Westcot
  • Patent number: 7576542
    Abstract: A coil assembly and a magnetic resonance imaging system employing same are disclosed. The coil assembly includes a main gradient coil assembly having a first section positioned at a first end of the MRI system distal to a patient support system and a second section positioned at a second end of the MRI system proximate to the patient support system. A first RF shield is disposed around at least a portion of the first section of the main gradient coil assembly. A second RF shield is disposed around at least a portion of the second section of the main gradient coil assembly. An aperture extends between the first section and the second section of the main gradient coil assembly and a conduit extends across the aperture. The conduit includes a first end coupled to the first RF shield and a second end coupled to the second RF shield. A hydraulic or electrical connection is disposed within and extends through the conduit. The conduit may also be an antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Yuri Lvovsky
  • Patent number: 7576481
    Abstract: A method of producing a cathode for use in an x-ray tube assembly is provided including machining an emission aperture into a cup emission surface portion of a cup structure. The cup structure is comprised of a cup base portion opposite the cup emissions surface portion. Electro-discharge machining is used to form an electro-discharge machining slot into the cup structure to provide access to the interior of the cup structure. Electro-discharge machining is used to form a transverse coil chamber within the interior by way of the electro-discharge machining slot such that the transverse coil chamber is formed between the cup base portion and the cup emissions surface portion while retaining an essentially contiguous emissions surface perimeter surrounding the emission aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Sergio Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 7571750
    Abstract: A tool for transferring controlled amounts of fluid into and from a fluid flow circuit is disclosed herein. The tool includes a substantially closed tube having a first end, a second end, and a chamber therein; an elongate plunger having a fore end extending inside the chamber and toward the second end of the tube, an aft end extending outside the chamber and from the first end of the tube, a piston-like structure on the fore end, and a manipulable structure on the aft end; a fluid inlet duct mounted on the tube; a first coupler mounted on the fluid inlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; a fluid outlet duct mounted on the second end of the tube; a second coupler mounted on the fluid outlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; and a fluid transfer duct mounted on the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Hinhsomchay Gnao Phouybanhdyt, Edward Emaci
  • Patent number: 7558374
    Abstract: A system and method for generating X-rays comprising a waveguide having a cavity extending therethrough, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the second sidewall having an opening extending therethrough forming or including a target therein. An electron emitter coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall for emitting electrons into the cavity, microwaves coupled into the cavity generating an electric field for accelerating the electrons through the cavity and toward the target in the opening of the second sidewall for generating X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Sergio Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 7558367
    Abstract: A method for determining breast laterality includes interpreting laterality of a breast using at least one patient parameter obtained from orientation of a patient with reference to an axis. Some of the patient parameters include patient position, patient head orientation and patient's weight distribution. The patient parameters are identified with reference to the center of the breast being imaged. A system for performing this method for determining breast laterality is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: On Ali Tinwala, Mehul Satishkumar Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20090142195
    Abstract: A turbine includes a turbine wheel having a plurality of buckets, each of the buckets including a bucket airfoil, a bucket dovetail to connect the bucket to a turbine wheel and a shank shape to connect the airfoil to the bucket dovetail, the shank having an uncoated nominal profile including a concave, pressure side, substantially in accordance with Cartesian values of X, Y and Z? set forth in Table I wherein the Z? values are non-dimensional values in a range from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z? values by shank height in inches, and a convex, suction side, substantially in accordance with Cartesian values of X, Y and Z? set forth in Table II wherein the Z? values are non-dimensional values in a range from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z? values by the shank height in inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Brittingham, Linda Jean Farral, Chistopher Paul Keener, Holly Renae Davis
  • Publication number: 20090136347
    Abstract: A turbine bucket including a bucket airfoil having a hollow tip shroud, the hollow tip shroud having a hollow core having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I, in inches, wherein the shape of the core is defined by the cloud of points listed which are distributed around each surface of the shroud, and the complete hollow portion of the tip shroud could be constructed by defining smooth sheet surfaces through the listed points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Brittingham, Linda Jean Farral, James Zhang, Charles Malinowski
  • Patent number: 7505867
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of deriving probability of a medical condition is provided. The method comprises obtaining a first medical data corresponding to a first medical subject from at least one medical information system, obtaining a second medical data corresponding to the first medical subject from an electronic data system, selecting at least one second medical subject with a second medical data substantially same as the second medical data of the first medical subject, obtaining medical condition data for the second medical subject, wherein the medical condition data includes data corresponding to a medical condition, correlating the first medical data with the medical condition data and deriving probability of the medical condition in the first medical subject based upon the first medical data and the medical condition data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Aavishkar Bharara, Joji George, Ramkumar Saptharishi
  • Patent number: 7505565
    Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Tiearney, Jr., Brian D. Lounsberry
  • Patent number: 7499825
    Abstract: Various methods related to encoding and retrieving physiological data, such as digital ECG data, via a set of binary data are provided. In one embodiment, the set of binary data may be generated from the physiological data and printed on a printout of the physiological data or some other suitable medium. In another embodiment, the set of binary data may be scanned or otherwise acquired, and decoded to reconstruct all or a portion of the original set of physiological data. Additional methods and articles of manufacture are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mark Robert Kohls, Bonnie Briny LeSourd
  • Patent number: 7489131
    Abstract: A system for cooling a gradient coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a gradient coil having a first surface comprising a plurality of conductors and a plurality of inter-turn channels. Each inter-turn channel is located between turns of the plurality of conductors. The system also includes a seal layer applied to the first surface of the gradient coil to seal the inter-turn channels. The inter-turn channels are configured to transport a cooling fluid. Alternatively, at least one cooling tube may be located in the inter-turn channels of the gradient coil in order to transport a cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Yuri Lvovsky
  • Patent number: 7470109
    Abstract: Partitions have an airfoil coupled at opposite ends to inner and outer side walls. The side walls each mount radially extending male dovetails. The inner web and outer ring of a diaphragm include complementary shaped dovetail grooves. The male dovetails have reduced diameter portions while the female grooves similarly have corresponding reduced diameter groove portions. The male dovetails are inserted into the female dovetail grooves in an aft direction with stops of the reduced male and female dovetails preventing further movement aft. Seal welds are applied to prevent forward movement of the partitions relative to the web and outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Andrew John Tomko, John Francis Nolan
  • Patent number: 7471202
    Abstract: Described herein are one or more implementations for reducing the effects of distortion caused by the distorters in medical image-capture components used in medical electromagnetic tracking system. Examples of a medical image-capture component include an X-ray image detector used in fluoroscopic image-guided medical procedures and a surgical microscope. With one or more implementations described herein, the electromagnetic receiver unit (or transmitter unit) is conformably attached to the medical image-capture component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
  • Patent number: 7467655
    Abstract: A core for use in casting a gas turbine bucket includes a solid, curved upper body portion and a pair of co-planar legs extending downwardly from the solid, curved upper body portions. The pair of legs are separated by an elongated open slot extending from a lower end of the core upwardly more than half a height dimension of the core, into the upper body portion. A pair of axially aligned pegs project in axially opposite directions from opposite sides of the solid, curved upper body portion, perpendicular to and above the elongated slot but spaced from an upper edge of the solid, curved upper body portion. The pair of pegs lie substantially in a plane containing the co-planar legs, and in a radial direction, the pegs are closer to the elongated slot than to the upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Beddard, Kenneth L. Parks
  • Patent number: 7434996
    Abstract: A C-arm system is disclosed herein. The C-arm system includes a support assembly, and a C-extension connected to the support assembly. The C-extension is selectively rotatable relative to the support assembly in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The C-arm system also includes a C-gantry connected to the C-extension. The C-gantry is adapted to retain an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The C-gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-extension in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The C-extension is operable to extend the range of C-gantry rotation in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. A corresponding method for operating a C-arm system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Zonghua Wang, Arvidas Bronislavovich Cheryauka
  • Patent number: 7367291
    Abstract: In a railroad locomotive for operation in low ambient temperature conditions with the locomotive having an engine which includes a cooling system using a coolant liquid, a coolant liquid containment system is provided and includes a containment tank, an inlet port in fluid flow communication with an outlet from the engine cooling system and with the interior of the containment tank, an inlet valve for controlling the flow of coolant liquid through the inlet port, an outlet inlet port in fluid flow communication with the interior of the tank for discharge of the coolant liquid from the containment tank, an outlet valve for controlling the flow of coolant liquid from the containment tank, a sensor for monitoring a parameter indicative of the temperature of coolant liquid in the engine cooling system and generating a signal indicative of the temperature of the coolant liquid and a control device for receiving information indicative of the temperature of the coolant liquid and in communication with the inlet valv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Marsh, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7359486
    Abstract: A structure for collecting scattered electrons within a substantially evacuated vessel containing both an electron-emitting cathode and an electron-attracting anode is disclosed herein. The electron-collecting structure includes a two-sided first plate, a two-sided second plate, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The first plate is both electrically conductive and thermally emissive and is mountable within the vessel so that its first side at least partially faces the anode. The second plate is also thermally emissive and has a first side that is substantially conterminous with the second side of the first plate. Furthermore, the second plate additionally has an internal conduit for conveying a heat-absorbing fluid within. Both the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the conduit in the second plate. During operation, the structure is able to attract scattered electrons and transfer thermal energy attributable to the electrons away from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Madhusudhana T. Subraya, Michael Scott Hebert, Gregory Alan Steinlage
  • Patent number: 7355586
    Abstract: The present invention is method for simultaneously associating different functionalities with different mouse buttons. The method of the present invention also provides an enhanced toolbar (60) that displays the mouse key (84, 85, 86) associated with a particular tool (63) and permits the user to change the tool designation of a mouse key (84, 85, 86) by dragging and dropping the tool identifier (61, 62) on another tool (63) in the toolbar (60), or in another toolbar (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Satish Prabhakaran
  • Patent number: 7321653
    Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a center hub element affixed to a drive shaft and an outer disc including a plurality of tab extensions removably engaging the periphery of the center hub element. A target element is mounted on an upper outer disc surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ron K. Hockersmith, Michael Scott Hebert