Patents by Inventor Ben A. Arnold

Ben A. Arnold has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230272928
    Abstract: A ventilation system return register is mountable in a room from with air will flow through the return register. It includes a housing that defines an internal volume through which air can flow, a transition collar configured to attach to the ventilation system duct, an electrical junction box configured to receive an electrical connection and a disinfecting light source electrically connected to the electrical junction box and configured to emit a radiation in a range that destroys microbial contaminants A reflective surface faces the disinfecting light and defines a disinfecting pathway through which air passes when the ventilation system is operating while it prevents the disinfecting light from shining into the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Oy Halton Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrey V. LIVCHAK, Gregory A. LYONS, Ben ARNOLD, Jimmy SANDUSKY, Philip J. MEREDITH
  • Patent number: 8649843
    Abstract: A method automatically scores calcium in the aorta and other arteries of the body using calcium plaque definitions that include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2D and 3D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The images are optionally calibrated with external phantoms or internal reference tissue. Aortic calcium is identified automatically without manual marking. Potential false plaques from bone are automatically excluded. A 3D coordinate system provides the specific coordinates of the detected plaques, which are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Patent number: 8649577
    Abstract: A method uses a computer and software to measure bone density and structure of the proximal femur of the hip from a volumetric set of images containing pixels representing x-ray attenuation of the subject which are acquired with three-dimensional X-ray imaging devices. The method automatically locates anatomical markers of the hip without operator interaction, automatically positions regions of interest (ROIs) for measurement, automatically determines bone density measures of the ROIs, and automatically reports the results for individual subjects. Bone density measurements of ROIs include the integral bone of the total hip and neck as well as trabecular bone. The method automatically identifies a three-dimensional region-of-interest (ROI) volume which includes the hip, determines a three-dimensional coordinate system referenced to the anatomy of the subject, analyzes the ROI volume to identify voxels in the volume which satisfy defined criteria, and determines a measure of bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Image Analysis, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Ping Xiang
  • Patent number: 8605979
    Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Patent number: 8517608
    Abstract: A system and method enable calibration of CT scanners without using water phantoms. Tissue densities are expressed in either the Hounsfield Scale units (HU) referenced back to water or the proposed Gram Scale units (GU) with voxel intensities expressed in true density units. The fully automatic software-only method requires no interactions with the images. Routine calibration of CT scanners with water phantoms can be eliminated. The method further provides accurate calibrations that are patient, scanner, and scan specific and are repeatable over long time durations. The calibrations are based on the uniquely defined intensity of voxels with equal contributions of two tissues types. This calibration point is immune to the many variables found in ROI histogram measurements of mean, mode, SD or other measures of voxel intensities. The disclosed CT scanner system provides consistent CT image voxel intensities of the various tissues across a great variety of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8186880
    Abstract: Calibration and reference samples with reduced cross-sectional areas encased within imaging tables or couch pads have low attenuation properties and provide patient comfort. The samples are stable and provide reproducible images without artifacts. The torso-length samples avoid positioning errors and misalignment. Sample density or mass calibration materials include calcium compounds representative of bone and calcifications, iodine compounds for contrast angiography, gadolinium compounds for MRI, and fat and tissue equivalent materials. Density corrections for variable patient scatter and imperfect image reconstructions improve quantitative measurement. Automated computer methods detect the samples and record readings on all images over the extent of the scans without operator interaction. Spatial references function as location references and enable spatial correction of device imperfections such as point spread function (PSF) or motion for improved images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8139836
    Abstract: A method automatically segments the heart and abdominal aorta from volumetric images without the need to inject iodine contrast media into the subject. The method automatically quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the cardiovascular system. Plaque definitions include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria, which are used to automatically identify the plaques. The locations and outlines of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review and reporting the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20110229002
    Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Ben A. Arnold
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Patent number: 7970196
    Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Patent number: 7558611
    Abstract: An automated method measures coronary calcium in a living subject using x-ray computed tomography (CT). The method acquires at least one CT image containing voxels representing x-ray attenuation of the subject which may or may not be calibrated. The method of analysis may or may not require operator interactions and includes analyzing the images in a computer to identify the boundaries of the heart. The method further includes identifying the approximate location of at least one coronary artery without operator interaction. The method further includes placing a region-of-interest (ROI) surrounding the artery location automatically. The method further includes analyzing the ROI to identify voxels above a threshold value. The method further includes determining the calcium content in mass units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Image Analysis, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20090136107
    Abstract: A method automatically segments the heart and abdominal aorta from volumetric images without the need to inject iodine contrast media into the subject. The method automatically quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the cardiovascular system. Plaque definitions include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria, which are used to automatically identify the plaques. The locations and outlines of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review and reporting the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: IMAGE ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20080279435
    Abstract: A method automatically scores calcium in the aorta and other arteries of the body using calcium plaque definitions that include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2D and 3D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The images are optionally calibrated with external phantoms or internal reference tissue. Aortic calcium is identified automatically without manual marking. Potential false plaques from bone are automatically excluded. A 3D coordinate system provides the specific coordinates of the detected plaques, which are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: IMAGE ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20080273652
    Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: IMAGE ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Patent number: 7424142
    Abstract: Methods to calibrate and display medical images with pixel values with known properties of one or more reference materials provide images which allow more accurate quantification of certain tissue properties. The images provide advantages in medical diagnosis by being standardized and independent of imaging devices or imaging techniques. The images are automatically displayed and/or filmed in optimum windows and levels. The images are calibrated with a variety of reference materials and displayed in a variety of measurement units. For example, CT images are displayed with pixel values in units of grams per cubic centimeter calibrated to a known reference which relate to but are quantitatively different from the customary Hounsfield scale based on water as the reference material. A novel more quantitative CT image display scale provides advantages in diagnosis, image recording and standardization. References with known magnetic properties imaged with MRI provide calibration and display standardization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20080050002
    Abstract: Methods to calibrate and display medical images with pixel values with known properties of one or more reference materials provide images which allow more accurate quantification of certain tissue properties. The images provide advantages in medical diagnosis by being standardized and independent of imaging devices or imaging techniques. The images are automatically displayed and/or filmed in optimum windows and levels. The images are calibrated with a variety of reference materials and displayed in a variety of measurement units. For example, CT images are displayed with pixel values in units of grams per cubic centimeter calibrated to a known reference which relate to but are quantitatively different from the customary Hounsfield scale based on water as the reference material. A novel more quantitative CT image display scale provides advantages in diagnosis, image recording and standardization. References with known magnetic properties imaged with MRI provide calibration and display standardization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Arnold
  • Patent number: 7292721
    Abstract: A hybrid calibration method uses a calibration phantom (exterior reference) scanned simultaneously with the patient, and one or more known tissues of the subject (interior reference) to create a hybrid calibration reference that improves the measurement of tissue densities throughout the body. In addition, the calibration method is used to quantitatively define boundaries of tissue and organs for more accurate measurements of lengths, areas and volumes. Another aspect of the invention uses the calibrated images to quantitatively preset absolute window/levels for filming and image display, which provides standardized viewing for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20060088198
    Abstract: A hybrid calibration method uses a calibration phantom (exterior reference) scanned simultaneously with the patient, and one or more known tissues of the subject (interior reference) to create a hybrid calibration reference that improves the measurement of tissue densities throughout the body. In addition, the calibration method is used to quantitatively define boundaries of tissue and organs for more accurate measurements of lengths, areas and volumes. Another aspect of the invention uses the calibrated images to quantitatively preset absolute window/levels for filming and image display, which provides standardized viewing for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ben Arnold
  • Patent number: 6990222
    Abstract: A hybrid calibration method uses an calibration phantom (exterior reference) scanned simultaneously with the patient, and one or more known tissues of the subject (interior reference) to create a hybrid calibration reference that improves the measurement of tissue densities throughout the body. In addition, the calibration method is used to quantitatively define boundaries of tissue and organs for more accurate measurements of lengths, areas and volumes. Another aspect of the invention uses the calibrated images to quantitatively preset absolute window/levels for filming and image display, which provides standardized viewing for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20030176780
    Abstract: An automated method measures coronary calcium in a living subject using x-ray computed tomography (CT). The method acquires at least one CT image containing voxels representing x-ray attenuation of the subject which may or may not be calibrated. The method of analysis may or may not require operator interactions and includes analyzing the images in a computer to identify the boundaries of the heart. The method further includes identifying the approximate location of at least one coronary artery without operator interaction. The method further includes placing a region-of-interest (ROI) surrounding the artery location automatically. The method further includes analyzing the ROI to identify voxels above a threshold value. The method further includes determining the calcium content in mass units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20030095695
    Abstract: A hybrid calibration method uses an calibration phantom (exterior reference) scanned simultaneously with the patient, and one or more known tissues of the subject (interior reference) to create a hybrid calibration reference that improves the measurement of tissue densities throughout the body. In addition, the calibration method is used to quantitatively define boundaries of tissue and organs for more accurate measurements of lengths, areas and volumes. Another aspect of the invention uses the calibrated images to quantitatively preset absolute window/levels for filming and image display, which provides standardized viewing for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold