Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Ferlic

Daniel J. Ferlic 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: 10617372
    Abstract: Special displays of medical images are generated that help a radiologist better detect nodules by exploiting the inherent human visualization abilities of detection of symmetry, asymmetry, motion and relative motion. A Region of Interest (ROI) on an x-ray (mammogram, CT-scan, MRI, or other medical image) is selected and the data within the ROI is copied such that a new display now has two or more copies of the information within the ROI. This copy may contain the same relative positions as the original image, or may be a mirror image of the original data. The ROI is moved over the medical image in search of nodules. This movement can be random, under the direct control of the radiologist, systematically moved by a computer algorithm, or some combination of the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventors: Tracy J. Stark, Daniel J. Ferlic
  • Publication number: 20170319157
    Abstract: Special displays of medical images are generated that help a radiologist better detect nodules by exploiting the inherent human visualization abilities of detection of symmetry, asymmetry, motion and relative motion. A Region of Interest (ROI) on an x-ray (mammogram, CT-scan, MRI, or other medical image) is selected and the data within the ROI is copied such that a new display now has two or more copies of the information within the ROI. This copy may contain the same relative positions as the original image, or may be a mirror image of the original data. The ROI is moved over the medical image in search of nodules. This movement can be random, under the direct control of the radiologist, systematically moved by a computer algorithm, or some combination of the above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Tracy J. Stark, Daniel J. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 9730655
    Abstract: Special displays of medical images are generated that help a radiologist better detect nodules by exploiting the inherent human visualization abilities of detection of symmetry, asymmetry, motion and relative motion. A Region of Interest (ROI) on an x-ray (mammogram, CT-scan, MRI, or other medical image) is selected and the data within the ROI is copied such that a new display now has two or more copies of the information within the ROI. This copy may contain the same relative positions as the original image, or may be a mirror image of the original data. The ROI is moved over the medical image in search of nodules. This movement can be random, under the direct control of the radiologist, systematically moved by a computer algorithm, or some combination of the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Tracy J. Stark, Daniel J. Ferlic
  • Publication number: 20140205163
    Abstract: Special displays of medical images are generated that help a radiologist better detect nodules by exploiting the inherent human visualization abilities of detection of symmetry, asymmetry, motion and relative motion. A Region of Interest (ROI) on an x-ray (mammogram, CT-scan, MRI, or other medical image) is selected and the data within the ROI is copied such that a new display now has two or more copies of the information within the ROI. This copy may contain the same relative positions as the original image, or may be a mirror image of the original data. The ROI is moved over the medical image in search of nodules. This movement can be random, under the direct control of the radiologist, systematically moved by a computer algorithm, or some combination of the above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Tracy J. Stark, Daniel J. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 6055296
    Abstract: A radiographic grid with reduced line density artifacts. The radiographic grid includes a grid housing sized to receive a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae. Each of the plurality of lamellae has a foil strip applied to its lower end portion. The foil eliminates the lamella line artifacts otherwise emanating from the lamellae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ferlic, Randolph M. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 6021175
    Abstract: An x-ray filter is used to permit higher intensity x-ray exposure to the upper thoracic spine while maintaining a normal level of x-ray exposure to the cervical spine. The resulting x-ray image allows a viewer to count the seven cervical vertebrae in order to identify the position of the first and second thoracic vertebrae. The filter is formed by a pair or mating blocks of x-ray absorbing material. The filter has a first region for absorbing x-ray radiation to decrease exposure of the cervical spine and has a second region with a V-shaped opening which allows higher x-ray transmission to the thoracic spine while reducing exposure on areas adjacent to the thoracic spine. The filter is formed by two shaped filter blocks which fit together to create the first and second regions. The edges of the filter blocks which form the V-shaped opening are beveled to create a generally trapezoidal exposure region which is aligned with the upper thoracic spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel J. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 5721761
    Abstract: A radiographic grid with reduced line density artifacts. The radiographic grid includes a grid housing sized to receive a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae. Each of the plurality of lamellae has a foil strip applied to its outer walls. The foil eliminates the lamella line artifacts otherwise emanating from the lamellae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ferlic, Randolph M. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 5357553
    Abstract: A radiographic grid includes a grid housing having first and second side walls, a first cover sheet disposed on the grid housing, and a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae disposed between the first and second side walls of the grid housing. Each of the plurality of lamellae has at least one alignment tab protruding from a lateral edge thereof for engaging the cover sheet such that each of the lamellae are maintained in alignment with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ferlic, Randolph M. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 4901335
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus with a cylindrical section, reciprocating slot grid centered on an axis through a source of x-ray radiation. The slot grid includes a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae disposed parallel to and aligned radially from the axis. Adjacent pairs of lamellae define air spaced gaps between the members of the pair. The ratio of the height of each of an adjacent pair of lamellae to the width of the respective defined gap being at least 7:1. The slot grid is set in a travel centered on the axis through the x-ray source. The x-ray source is provided with a predetermined staggered turn on and turn off circuit preventing interspace density artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ferlic, Frank T. Kotula, Kurt Amplatz
  • Patent number: 4472828
    Abstract: Filter for use in medical x-ray apparatus to permit higher intensity x-ray exposure in the heart and mediastinum area while maintaining a normal level of x-ray exposure in other areas of the body, particularly in the lung area. The filter comprises a sheet of radiation absorbing material having an opening therein, said opening corresponding to the spine and central portion of the heart. Accordingly, the upper portion of the filter exhibits a relatively narrow opening which becomes gradually wider toward the lower portion of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Ferlic