Patents by Inventor Brian J. Graves

Brian J. Graves 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).

  • Patent number: 6249563
    Abstract: X-ray detector apparatus is provided for use in a CT imaging system having a rotatable gantry. The apparatus comprises a selected number of X-ray detector cells and two curved rails, which hold the detector cells in an array comprising an arcuate configuration and mount them onto the gantry for rotation therewith. Conduit segments are distributed along the rails, each conduit segment being proximate to a corresponding group of X-ray detector cells, and a quantity of selected working fluid and a porous wick structure is sealably enclosed in each conduit segment. The fluid is disposed to move along a conduit segment in gaseous form by means of convection, and to move in the opposing direction through the wick structure, in liquid form, by means of capillary action Heat is thereby transferred along a conduit segment to maintain a substantially isothermal condition among the detector cells proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Snyder, Carey S. Rogers, Brian J. Graves
  • Patent number: 6206565
    Abstract: In a radiographic apparatus having an x-ray tube, a method is provided for continuously conditioning the dielectric fluid in the x-ray tube during operation, thereby extending the service life of the x-ray tube. This is achieved by mounting a filter inside a filter housing, and mounting a replaceable gas reduction cartridge around the filter. The replaceable gas cartridge is filled with a material having a high affinity for the dielectric fluid. When the dielectric fluid enters at the filter outside diameter, the fluid moves radially inward so that the dielectric fluid flows over the high affinity material surfaces. The dielectric fluid then alloys with the high affinity material, thereby continuously conditioning the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles B. Kendall, Brian J. Graves, Hinhsomchay Phouybanhdyt
  • Patent number: 5689543
    Abstract: A method of balancing X-ray anodes wherein the anode rotor is dynamically balanced separately from the anode target, the anode target is then attached to the anode rotor to provide the assembled anode, and the assembled anode is then dynamically balanced. This sequential balancing method has the advantage that it results in an anode which remains balanced during operation at speeds up to and exceeding the anode's critical speeds, even though the dynamic balancing steps may be performed at speeds substantially below the anode's critical speeds. This is also convenient because at such low balancing speeds, the dynamic balancing steps can be performed in air rather than vacuum without concern for oxidation and spalling of the rotor bearings, excessive vibration, and potential safety concerns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Graves, Thomas G. Ebben, Douglas J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4614122
    Abstract: The saddle of a fluid flow detector is held in sealing relation to a conduit through an adapter. The adapter has an aperture that mates with an aperture in the conduit through which the actuator of the detector extends. The adapter is fabricated of a suitable plastic. In another embodiment, a bracket holds the saddle in a sealing relation to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Graves