Patents by Inventor David Ellis Barker

David Ellis Barker 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: 11109825
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm. The C-arm has the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The X-ray imaging system also includes a motorized system configured to rotate the C-arm about three different rotational axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 10517553
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm. The C-arm has the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The X-ray imaging system also includes a motorized system configured to rotate the C-arm about three different rotational axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 10485499
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an integrated arm of an imaging device. In one example, an imaging system may comprise: a base unit; a C-arm coupled to the base unit and including an x-ray source and detector positioned on opposite ends of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm; and a display monitor attached to the C-arm via an integrated arm, wherein the display monitor is movable between a first position on a first side of the C-arm, to a second position on a second side of the C-arm by traveling over a top of an upper half of the C-shaped portion. In this way, the integrated arm may provide a simplified means of orienting the display monitor while promoting better performance of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, Mingtao Liu, Cong Peng, Samuel Lee Alder
  • Publication number: 20190328343
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm. The C-arm has the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The X-ray imaging system also includes a motorized system configured to rotate the C-arm about three different rotational axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 10442246
    Abstract: A device configured to couple to a wheel assembly of a mobile device is provided. The device includes a first side portion configured to couple to a first lateral side of the wheel assembly. The device also includes a second side portion configured to couple to a second lateral side of the wheel assembly opposite the first lateral side, wherein the first and second side portions are compliant mechanisms configured to both move a movable obstacle out of a path of the mobile device and to retract in response to a force exerted on the first and second side portions by a fixed obstacle disposed along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, Brettany Rupert, Melissa Elvia Barraza, Andrew A. May, Cameron Barrett Pluim, Cameron Michael Thevenin, Michael LeNeave
  • Publication number: 20180296174
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an integrated arm of an imaging device. In one example, an imaging system may comprise: a base unit; a C-arm coupled to the base unit and including an x-ray source and detector positioned on opposite ends of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm; and a display monitor attached to the C-arm via an integrated arm, wherein the display monitor is movable between a first position on a first side of the C-arm, to a second position on a second side of the C-arm by traveling over a top of an upper half of the C-shaped portion. In this way, the integrated arm may provide a simplified means of orienting the display monitor while promoting better performance of the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, Mingtao Liu, Cong Peng, Samuel Lee Alder
  • Publication number: 20180279980
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm. The C-arm has the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The X-ray imaging system also includes a motorized system configured to rotate the C-arm about three different rotational axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20180281718
    Abstract: A device configured to couple to a wheel assembly of a mobile device is provided. The device includes a first side portion configured to couple to a first lateral side of the wheel assembly. The device also includes a second side portion configured to couple to a second lateral side of the wheel assembly opposite the first lateral side, wherein the first and second side portions are compliant mechanisms configured to both move a movable obstacle out of a path of the mobile device and to retract in response to a force exerted on the first and second side portions by a fixed obstacle disposed along the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, Brettany Rupert, Melissa Elvia Barraza, Andrew A. May, Cameron Barrett Pluim, Cameron Michael Thevenin, Michael LeNeave
  • Patent number: 9063238
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided. The detector includes a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The detector also includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light imager that is configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer. The CMOS light imager includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface. The scintillator layer contacts the first surface of the CMOS light imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, David Ellis Barker
  • Patent number: 9025730
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20150103973
    Abstract: An x-ray system with multiple dynamic range selections. The system including an x-ray source and a detector, wherein the detector includes a scintillator and a pixel. The pixel includes a photodiode and first and second capacitors connectable to the photodiode. The pixel is configured to be switched between a first state where only the first capacitor is connected to the photodiode and a second state where both capacitors are connected to the photodiode. The x-ray source directs x-rays to the detector and a region of interest positioned between the source and detector, the scintillator converts the x-rays to light, and the pixel photodiode converts the light to an electrical charge. The charge is stored in the first capacitor when the pixel is in the first state and in the first and second capacitors when the pixel is in the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Jonathan Edvard Snyder, Richard Larry Anderton, David Ellis Barker, Brian James Grekowicz
  • Publication number: 20150071412
    Abstract: C-arm retention locks allowing users to secure and unsecure C-arm positioning devices of an X-ray machine, systems containing such locks, and methods of using such locks are described. The C-arm retention lock comprises a latch bail and a latching assembly. The latching assembly comprises a latch base having an ear and a generally flat engagement surface at an end of the latch base proximate the ear, a latch having an arm, the latch being pivotally connected to the latch base so the latch is rotatable between closed and open positions, and a tensioning device engaging the latch and latch base such that the tensioning device pulls the latch toward either of the closed or open positions. The latching assembly or latch bail is configured to be connected to a C-arm and the latching assembly retains the latch bail between the ear and the arm when the latch is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, David Ellis Barker, Krishnanand Prabhu Bailur, Allen Michael Collins
  • Publication number: 20150055760
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 8899834
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140042328
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided. The detector includes a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The detector also includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light imager that is configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer. The CMOS light imager includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface. The scintillator layer contacts the first surface of the CMOS light imager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, David Ellis Barker
  • Publication number: 20130279663
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 7677799
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for coordinating a radiological imaging subsystem with a component including: a first communication device located on the radiological imaging subsystem; and a second communication device located on the component, wherein the first and second communication devices are capable of communicating to indicate a positional relationship between the radiological imaging subsystem and the component. In an embodiment, the component includes an imaging table. In an embodiment, at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system is determinable based at least in part on the communicating to indicate a positional relationship. In an embodiment, the at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system includes at least one range of motion of a gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vernon Thomas Jensen, Francois Emmanuel Falco, David Ellis Barker
  • Patent number: D699352
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, Samuel Lee Alder, David Ellis Barker, Jan David Bruening
  • Patent number: D699353
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, Samuel Lee Adler, David Ellis Barker, Jan David Bruening
  • Patent number: D745164
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, Samuel Lee Alder, David Ellis Barker, Jan David Bruening