Patents Examined by Don K. Wong
  • Patent number: 11830112
    Abstract: A method for rapid reconstruction of a woven composite material microstructure based on topological features is provided. First, geometric modeling is performed according to the topological features of fiber bundles and matrix in a woven composite structure, then the topological features are identified on the basis of a ?-computed tomography (CT) sequence image, the change laws of the features are extracted, and finally, a geometric model is reconstructed to complete the modeling of a microstructure. Compared with the structure modeling method based on weaving process parameters, the consistency between the reconstructed model and a real woven structure is improved, facilitating the improvement of the accuracy of the subsequent calculation of the mechanical properties of the material; and compared with the method for structure reconstruction directly on the basis of a ?CT image, a tedious point cloud data process is simplified and calculation costs are greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignees: SHAOXING RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY, SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aijun Li, Dan Zhang, Jingchao Yuan, Meihua Shi
  • Patent number: 11820468
    Abstract: A remote survey system includes an unmanned surface vehicle that includes a body, a propulsion system coupled to the body to provide mobility to the unmanned surface vehicle to traverse a surface of a waterbody, and a thickness detection assembly mounted to a hull of the body and including one or more thickness detection cameras. A central computer system is located at a command center and in wireless communication with the unmanned surface vehicle via a communication module. The one or more thickness detection cameras are positioned to obtain one or more images or videos of an air-oil-water interface on the surface of the waterbody, and a thickness of a released substance present on the surface of the waterbody is determined based on the one or more images or videos of the air-oil-water interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nedwed, Douglas A. Mitchell, Timothy A. Thornton
  • Patent number: 11806174
    Abstract: An imaging system and methods including a gantry defining a bore and an imaging axis extending through the bore, and at least one support member that supports the gantry such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, where the gantry is displaceable with respect to the at least one support member in a generally vertical direction. The imaging system may be configured to obtain a vertical imaging scan (e.g., a helical x-ray CT scan), of a patient in a weight-bearing position. The gantry may be rotatable between a first position, in which the gantry is supported such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, and a second position, such that the imaging axis has a generally horizontal orientation. The gantry may be displaceable in a horizontal direction and the system may perform a horizontal scan of a patient or object positioned within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Mobius Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Russell Stanton, Michael Connor, Michael Allen, Paul Sebring, Robert Coughlin Powell
  • Patent number: 11806177
    Abstract: Various noncollimated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technologies are described herein. An example device includes an array of detectors configured to detect a flux of first photons transmitted from a field of view (FOV) over time. The device also includes an attenuator disposed between the array of detectors and the FOV. The attenuator is configured to move over time and to attenuate second photons emitted from the source. In various implementations, the attenuator is not a collimator. Based on the fluxes of the first photons detected by the detectors, and the position of the attenuator over time, an imaging system may be configured to generate an image of the FOV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Larry A. Pierce, II, Robert S. Miyaoka
  • Patent number: 11801018
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry and a compression system coupled to the gantry and rotatable relative to the gantry. The compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an x-ray receptor disposed below the support platform. An x-ray tube head is coupled to the gantry and includes an x-ray source and a light source. The x-ray tube head is independently rotatable relative to the gantry and the compression system. The light source is configured to generate at least a first light type and a different second light type directed towards the support platform. The second light type being mapped to an x-ray field of the x-ray source, and the generated second light type is based on a tilt angle of the x-ray tube head relative to the support platform and a compression force of the compression paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Hunsdon
  • Patent number: 11786195
    Abstract: A detector assembly for a CT system includes a first support structure having a first plurality of mini-module support surfaces, each of the first plurality of mini-module support surfaces being tangent to a hypothetical sphere that is formed having a center of the hypothetical sphere positioned at a focal spot of the CT system, the first plurality of mini-module support surfaces at a first distance from the center of the hypothetical sphere, and a second support structure positioned next to the first support structure and having a second plurality of mini-module surfaces, the second support structure being angled in an X-Y plane with respect to the first support structure such that the second plurality of mini-module surfaces are tangent to the hypothetical sphere and at the first distance from the center of the hypothetical sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Minfound Medical Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
  • Patent number: 11786198
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for medical imaging are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for imaging an anatomic region includes receiving, from a detector carried by an imaging arm of an x-ray imaging apparatus, a plurality of images of the anatomic region. The images can be obtained during manual rotation of the imaging arm. The imaging arm can be stabilized by a shim structure during the manual rotation. The method can also include receiving, from at least one sensor coupled to the imaging arm, pose data of the imaging arm during the manual rotation. The method can further include generating, based on the images and the pose data, a 3D representation of the anatomic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Pulmera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan I. Hartley, Rene Vargas-Voracek, Ke Li
  • Patent number: 11781962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a characterization method of closed pores and connectivity of coal measure composite reservoirs, including collecting samples of coal seams and shales reservoirs, carrying out low-field NMR experiments and NMR freeze-thaw experiments on plunger samples and crushed samples with different particle sizes to obtain cumulative pore volume distribution and differential pore size distribution of the crushed samples, comparing crushed samples with plunger samples for optimal crushed particle sizes, and preliminarily determining a distribution range of closed pores; carrying out SAXS experiments on crushed samples to obtain size distribution and volume of total pores of 1-100 nanometers; calculating pore volume of total pores and closed pore volume in composite reservoirs by low-field NMR experiments results; carrying out non-steady overburden permeability experiments and variable factors on plunger samples of coal seams, shales and tight sandstone to characterize the connectivity under influence of pores
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: China University of Mining and Technology
    Inventors: Yang Wang, Jie Xiang, Shangbin Chen, Tong Zhang, Qingshun Cao
  • Patent number: 11771393
    Abstract: An imaging control apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor is capable of sending, to a console, a command indicating permission of radiation emission. The console controls a radiation emitting apparatus that emits radiation. The hardware processor is also capable of outputting a first control signal to a radiographic imaging apparatus that generates a radiograph based on the first control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Komiya, Koutarou Kanamori
  • Patent number: 11759158
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for controlling an imaging device. The system may include an imaging device, a voice processing device, and a terminal. The imaging device may be configured to image a subject. The voice processing device may be configured to receive a first voice signal from or transmit a second voice signal to the subject when the subject is positioned within the imaging device. The terminal may be configured to receive a third voice signal from or transmit a fourth voice signal to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia Yang, Yongqin Xiao
  • Patent number: 11763424
    Abstract: A method for image stitching is provided. The method may include obtaining a reference image of a first portion of a subject and a target image of a second portion of the subject, and determining at least one pair of feature points based on a preliminary registration accuracy. The first and second portions may at least partially overlap with each other. Each pair may include a reference feature point in the reference image and a target feature point in the target image that matches the reference feature point. For each pair, the method may further include determining an updated pair of feature points based on a superior registration accuracy higher than the preliminary registration accuracy and a neighboring region of the target feature point of the pair. The method may further include generating a stitched image based on the at least one updated pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Xu, Shurui Zhao, Yang Hu, Yecheng Han, Wanli Teng
  • Patent number: 11751824
    Abstract: While performing a tomosynthesis procedure, the breast of a patient is compressed between two compression elements to create an imaging condition. Foam is secured to the rigid substrate of a one of the compression elements. The patient's chest wall is aligned with the leading edge surface of the foam. The inner side of the breast is disposed proximate the lateral edge surface of the foam and the outer side of the breast is disposed proximate the outer lateral edge surface of the foam. A mid-plane is disposed between the inner and outer lateral edge surfaces of the foam. An interface connects a leading edge surface of the foam and compressive surfaces. A portion of the leading edge surface which is aligned with the mid-plane is incompletely compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Defreitas, Alan Rego, Richard Gladwin Edwards, Zhenxue Jing, Jay A. Stein, Diane Conlin, Timothy N. Wells
  • Patent number: 11751827
    Abstract: This document relates to determining the configuration of a medical imaging system, in particular a configuration which defines a desired viewing direction of the medical imaging system onto a patient. First, a fluoroscopic image of at least a part of a patient is captured using the medical imaging system and the target central beam is set in the fluoroscopic image. Then a target line in space is determined which, when projected into the fluoroscopic image, coincides with the set target central beam. Then the configuration of the medical imaging system is determined such that the central beam of the medical imaging system coincides with the target line in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Michael Bertram, Florian Glatz, Georg Christian
  • Patent number: 11749489
    Abstract: A system, comprising: a vacuum enclosure; an anode support structure penetrating the vacuum enclosure and including a plurality of first cooling passages; and an anode disposed within the vacuum enclosure, coupled to and supported by the anode support structure, and including: a target; and a plurality of second cooling passages; wherein: each of the second cooling passages is coupled to a corresponding first cooling passage; and the anode is coupled to the anode support structure on a side of the anode different from a side of the anode including the target and different from axial ends of the anode on a major axis of the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Varex Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Dave Kirkham, Vance Scott Robinson
  • Patent number: 11737717
    Abstract: A method of imaging a breast of a patient using an imaging system includes applying, with a first component of the imaging system, a compressive force to the breast. A second component of the imaging system is positioned in a start position. The imaging system sends a first guidance signal to the patient. An imaging procedure of the breast is performed with the second component of the imaging system. Subsequent to performing the imaging procedure, a second guidance signal is sent to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Robinson, Kenneth Defreitas, Adrian Hunsdon, Rachel Chandler, Ashwini Kshirsagar, David Wolff, Alan Rego
  • Patent number: 11723343
    Abstract: A system for determining the gender and/or fertility status of avian eggs including a sampling apparatus and an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and detector. In certain embodiments, the transmitter operates in the terahertz range. The sampling apparatus can be coupled to an avian egg. The sampling apparatus includes a vacuum source, a gas collection device, and a membrane that can be positioned in the passageway coupling the vacuum source to the gas collection device. The membrane is capable of capturing volatile organic compounds. The sampling apparatus applies a vacuum from the vacuum source to the gas proximate to the avian egg and directs the gas captured from the vicinity of the egg toward the membrane. Subsequently, the membrane is positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, generating a spectrum which can be analyzed to determine whether the egg is fertile or infertile, and if fertile, whether the egg is male or female.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NOVATRANS GROUP S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Knepper, Matthew O'Hayer, Jonathan Hoopes, Eran Gabbai
  • Patent number: 11717249
    Abstract: The present apparatus, system, and method relate to reliably capturing multiple x-ray images for later combination. An exposure shield blocks a portion of the x-rays emitted from a traditional emitter and collimator. The orientation of exposure shield may then be modified to block a second portion of x-rays while ensuring appropriate overlap of the captured images without intentionally moving the emitter or collimator and without the need for a patient to wear protective garb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Steven A. Gdula
  • Patent number: 11719577
    Abstract: A compact mmW spectroscopy cell system for detecting volatile organic compounds (compounds) in a gas. The system includes a gas collection chamber, an input buffer cavity for receiving the gas from the gas collection chamber, pumping devices to pass the gas from the buffer cavity to an absorption cell and maintain pressure, and a transceiver connected to the cell. The transceiver interrogates the absorption cell filled with the gas by passing a high frequency electromagnetic signal and sweeping the signal to generate an absorption spectra which is compared to a spectroscopy database for detecting the compounds in the gas. The absorption cell, collection chambers, and pumping devices are fabricated with standard CMOS processing techniques at chip and wafer scale. The transceiver bonded to the absorption cell with chip scale integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Joseph Fruehling, Juan Alejandro Herbsommer, Argyrios Dellis
  • Patent number: 11721083
    Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray imaging system and method, and the system comprises an X-ray source, a high-voltage generator, a collimator, a digital flat-panel detector, and a host computer; a position relationship between a projection area and a subject is visually displayed through a display screen; as an image frame on the screen is directly dragged to a corresponding position of an image of the subject presented on the screen or an area of interest is drawn, the collimator automatically drives a collimating sheet to move and enables the projection area to move to an observation position required by the subject, and information about the area of interest is transmitted to the detector as an input for selecting a response area of automatic exposure control (AEC). The collimator cooperates with digital automatic exposure control (DAEC), so that a strict requirement is no longer existent for patient positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: CARERAY DIGITAL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Jianqiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11701068
    Abstract: A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patient's breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn St. Pierre, Alan Rego, Richard Gladwin Edwards, Joseph Vartolone, Timothy Wells