Patents by Inventor Dirk Schaefer

Dirk Schaefer 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: 20100295846
    Abstract: A method for four dimensional reconstruction of regions exhibiting multiple phases of periodic motion includes the operation of building one or more 3-D reconstructions using a set of 2-D projections. The method further includes the operation of deriving one or more 3-D model segments from each of the one or more 3-D reconstructions, wherein a plurality of 3-D model segments are formed thereby, and wherein each of the one or more 3-D model segments is derived from a single one of the one or more 3-D model segments. The plurality of derived 3-D model segments forms a 4-D reconstruction of the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass
  • Publication number: 20100232672
    Abstract: A system (900) and method for automatic projection-based removing of high-contrast artificial objects from a medical image is provided. The method comprises performing a low-pass filtering (1100) to the two-dimensional image (100, 500, 1000) using a filter width range (1110) corresponding to structures of a line-shaped artificial object to generate a low-pass filtered intensity image and performing an evaluation of the Hessian matrix of each pixels of the low-pass filtered intensity image for locating and enhancing the structure of the line-shaped artificial object to generate a multi-scale filtered intensity image, wherein predefined scaling widths are used in order to avoid the locating and enhancing of larger structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Jandt, Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass
  • Publication number: 20100201786
    Abstract: A reconstruction method for an image of an object under examination is provided, wherein the method comprises, receiving a first projection data set representing three-dimensional information about said object under examination and reconstructing at least one three-dimensional image out of the first projection data set. Further, a second projection data set representing two-dimensional information about the object under examination is received, wherein the second data set was recorded under a first direction and wherein a two-dimensional image out of the second projection data set is generated. Furthermore, a volume rendered projection is reconstructed out of the at least one three-dimensional image using the first direction as the reconstruction direction of the volume rendered projection and the two-dimensional image and the volume rendered projection are overlaid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass
  • Publication number: 20100189337
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for acquiring 3-dimensional images of coronary vessels (11), particularly of coronary veins, is proposed. 2-dimensional X-ray images (13) are acquired within a same phase of a cardiac motion. Then, a 3-dimensional centerline model (15) is generated based on these 2-dimensional images. From 2-dimensional projections of the centerline model into respective projection planes, the local diameters (w) of the vessels in the projection plane can be derived. Having the diameters, a 3-dimensional hull model of the vessel system can be generated and, optionally, 4-dimensional information about the vessel movement can be derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Jandt, Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 7723936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlled braking of an electrically powered lifting action in the event of a failure, such that at least one of the nominal values for “rotational direction” and/or “operating speed” and/or “door position” and/or “motor capacity” and/or “motor current” is ascertained and compared with an actual value, and such that a motorized braking process or motorized stopping process is triggered by a departure of the actual value from the nominal value that lies outside a predetermined range. In addition the invention relates to a device for applying said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Feig Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20100074485
    Abstract: For the reconstruction of the coronary arteries from rotational coronary angiography data, a crucial point is the selection of the optimal cardiac phase for data reconstruction. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automatic approach for deriving optimal reconstruction windows is provided by fully automatically selecting the optimal cardiac phase on the basis of a delayed acquisition protocol where at least one heart phase needs to be acquired in a static projection geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Babak Movassaghi, Michael Grass, Dirk Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7659339
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignees: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH, LANXESS Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Nasreddine, Sharon X. Guo, Dirk Schaefer, Christopher M. Ong
  • Publication number: 20100014726
    Abstract: In three-dimensional rotational x-ray coronary imaging problems may arise when estimating the motion of small vessels. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided which is adapted for performing a hierarchical motion estimation by global affine transformation for every heart phase, followed by vessel branch selective affine and non-affine transformations. This may provide for an improved image quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Schaefer, Andreas Engler, Babak Movassaghi, Volker Rasche, Michael Grass
  • Publication number: 20090238412
    Abstract: The analysis of a stenosis of a coronary vessel in three dimensions requires a motion compensated reconstruction. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus for local motion compensated reconstruction data set is provided, wherein the local motion compensated reconstruction vectors relating to a start point and an end point of the stenosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Dirk Schaefer, Babak Movassaghi
  • Publication number: 20090161815
    Abstract: In three-dimensional computed tomography or three-dimensional rotational X-ray imaging, the acquisition of different spectral measurement data requires subsequent acquisition runs. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided in which different spectral measurement data are acquired immediately one after another during the same acquisition run by performing a focal spot switching during data acquisition. This may reduce motion artefacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Dye Jensen, Dirk Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20090154787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reconstruction device and a corresponding method for reconstructing a 3D image of an object (7) from projection data of said object (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Bertram, Til Aach, Georg Hans Rose, Dirk Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20090141935
    Abstract: Cardiac CT imaging using gated reconstruction is currently limited in its temporal and spatial resolution. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided in which an identification of a high contrast object is performed. This high contrast object is then followed through the phases, resulting in a motion vector field of the high contrast object, on the basis of which a motion compensated reconstruction is then performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Dirk Schaefer, Udo Van Stevendaal
  • Patent number: 7466125
    Abstract: A position transmitter for determining a position of a rotating shaft, has an AMR sensor unit or a GMR sensor unit which, for determining the position, has only one magnet disposed on a shaft to be monitored, whereby the position transmitter can be used as a single-turn and a multi-turn unit. Furthermore, a method for determining a position of a rotating shaft with the position transmitter is also provided. In accordance with the method, signals are produced using a diametrically magnetized magnet in a sensor unit, so that sine and cosine signals are obtained as output signals of the AMR sensor unit, the sine and cosine signals are digitalized, and these signals are processed by a microcontroller, with regard to the detection and evaluation of the angle of rotation, for detecting, filtering, and evaluating the number of revolutions, for detection of the direction of rotation or for data transmission of the angle of rotation and the number of revolutions to an overriding control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Feig Electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Frieder Heinze, Dirk Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20080218510
    Abstract: A method for generating or reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images corresponding to a structure of interest (60) including: acquiring a plurality of image projections corresponding to a structure of interest (60); applying a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapting the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), yielding an adapted shape model. A system for generation and reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images. The system (10) includes: an imaging system (12) configured to provide projection data corresponding to a structure of interest (60); and a controller (50) in operable communication with the imaging system (50). The controller (50) is configured to: receive the projection data, (64); apply a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapt the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), thereby yielding an adapted shape model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Volker Rasche, Dirk Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080205722
    Abstract: A method for computer-aided four-dimensional (4D) modeling of an anatomical object comprises acquiring a set of three-dimensional (3D) models representing a plurality of static states of the object throughout a cycle. A 4D correspondency estimation is performed on the set of 3D models to determine which points of the 3D models most likely correspond to each other, wherein the 4D correspondency estimation includes one or more of (i) defining a reference phase, (ii) performing vessel-oriented correspondency estimation, and (iii) post-processing of 4D motion data. The method further comprises automatic 3D modeling with a front propagation algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass, Uwe Jandt
  • Publication number: 20080036409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlled braking of an electrically powered lifting action in the event of a failure, such that at least one of the nominal values for “rotational direction” and/or “operating speed” and/or “door position” and/or “motor capacity” and/or “motor current” is ascertained and compared with an actual value, and such that a motorized braking process or motorized stopping process is triggered by a departure of the actual value from the nominal value that lies outside a predetermined range. In addition the invention relates to a device for applying said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Dirk Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20070208136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Victor Nasreddine, Sharon Guo, Dirk Schaefer, Christopher Ong
  • Publication number: 20070049699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of optionally hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers having lower molecular weights, lower Mooney viscosities and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. The present invention also relates to optionally hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers having lower molecular weights, lower Mooney viscosities and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: LANXESS Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Nasreddine, Sharon Guo, Dirk Schaefer, Christopher Ong
  • Patent number: 6868788
    Abstract: A method of and installation for supplying suction/compressed air and drying air to a printing machine, whereby the vacuum pumps and compressors which are necessary for supplying the suction air/compressed air are disposed together in a room with a separate air supply, wherein to homogenize if required condition air without extra costs the cooling air for the vacuum pumps or compressors is conducted substantially in a circuit, and the heated exhaust air of the vacuum pumps and the heated cooling air of the vacuum pumps and compressors are cooled in a heat exchanger and used for heating separate drying air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: Gebr. Becker GmbH & Co., ELTOSCH Torsten Schmidt GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Heinrich Henning, Bernhard Radermacher, Walter Winkelströter, Dirk Schäfer, Michael Werth, Wolfgang Mohr
  • Patent number: 6375881
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of fiber-reinforced plastic molding includes (1) shortening the fibers to a length of less than 30 mm; (2) introducing the fibers and the plastics present in the solid state, separately from one another, into a mixing chamber of a die press, wherein the plastic is in particulate form; (3) thoroughly mixing the plastic and fibers to give a solids mixture; (4) transporting the solids mixture through die orifices of the die press; (5) heating the solids mixture in the zone before or in the orifices of the die; (6) enclosing at least part or partly embedding the fibers by the plastic during or after the heating of the solids mixture; and (7) comminuting the granulated material for subsequent molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Ralph Greiner, Dirk Schaefer