Patents by Inventor Dominique Poincloux
Dominique Poincloux 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).
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Publication number: 20230320686Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing a quality of computed tomography (CT) images generated by a CT system by altering a shape of a focal spot of an X-ray emitter of the CT system. In one embodiment, a method comprises controlling the CT system to focus a beam of electrons generated by a cathode of the CT system at a plurality of focal spots on a surface of an target of the CT system; generating a composite focal spot from the plurality of focal spots; and obtaining projection data of the CT system with the composite focal spot. For example, two focal spots may be combined to generate the composite focal spot. By combining focal spots to generate composite focal spots, a quality of a resulting view produced by the CT system may be increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Thibault, Michael J. Utschig, Ryan J. Lemminger, Sergio Lemaitre, Dominique Poincloux, Uwe Wiedmann
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Patent number: 10952308Abstract: A system for protecting a transformer is provided. The system includes an inductor electrically disposed between the transformer and a load powered by the transformer, and a resistor electrically disposed in parallel with the inductor between the transformer and the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yannick Louvrier, Christophe Robert, Dominique Poincloux, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Philippe Ernest
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Patent number: 10813204Abstract: A system for grid control of an electromagnetic ray tube is provided. The system includes a power source, a rectifier, and a grid conductor. The power source is disposed apart from the electromagnetic ray tube and operative to generate an AC current. The rectifier is integrated into the electromagnetic ray tube and electrically coupled to a grid electrode of the electromagnetic ray tube. The grid conductor electrically couples the power source to the rectifier. The rectifier is operative to convert the AC current to a DC current that powers the grid electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Philippe Ernest, Stephane Gautrais, Etienne Clemot, Nicolas Levilly, Dominique Poincloux, Antonio Caiafa
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Patent number: 10692684Abstract: A circuit assembly includes plural voltage control modules configured to be operably coupled in series to a connection and configured to control voltage delivered to an X-ray electrode. Each voltage module includes an on/off circuit portion, a balancing circuit portion, and a tuning circuit portion. The on/off circuit portion is configured to provide a voltage for activating or deactivating the X-ray electrode. The balancing circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the on/off circuit portion, and includes a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel. The tuning circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the balancing circuit portion and the on/off circuit portion, and is configured to adjust a voltage provided to the X-ray electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Philippe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux
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Patent number: 10637461Abstract: A gate drive circuit device includes positive and negative pulse circuit portions each including a pulse diode and a pulse assembly connected in parallel with each other. The pulse assemblies each include another pulse diode and a resistor-capacitor assembly connected in series. The resistor-capacitor assembly includes a pulse resistor and a pulse capacitor connected in parallel. Each pulse circuit portion is connected with a different switch. Each pulse circuit portion is a passive device that is configured to activate a different switch responsive to receiving one or more voltage pulses from a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: General Elelctric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Dominique Poincloux, Marcos Garcia Arregui
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Publication number: 20200068692Abstract: A system for grid control of an electromagnetic ray tube is provided. The system includes a power source, a rectifier, and a grid conductor. The power source is disposed apart from the electromagnetic ray tube and operative to generate an AC current. The rectifier is integrated into the electromagnetic ray tube and electrically coupled to a grid electrode of the electromagnetic ray tube. The grid conductor electrically couples the power source to the rectifier. The rectifier is operative to convert the AC current to a DC current that powers the grid electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: PHILIPPE ERNEST, STEPHANE GAUTRAIS, ETIENNE CLEMOT, NICOLAS LEVILLY, DOMINIQUE POINCLOUX, ANTONIO CAIAFA
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Publication number: 20190181857Abstract: A gate drive circuit device includes positive and negative pulse circuit portions each including a pulse diode and a pulse assembly connected in parallel with each other. The pulse assemblies each include another pulse diode and a resistor-capacitor assembly connected in series. The resistor-capacitor assembly includes a pulse resistor and a pulse capacitor connected in parallel. Each pulse circuit portion is connected with a different switch. Each pulse circuit portion is a passive device that is configured to activate a different switch responsive to receiving one or more voltage pulses from a power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Antonio Caiafa, Dominique Poincloux, Marcos Garcia Arregui
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Publication number: 20190150259Abstract: A system for protecting a transformer is provided. The system includes an inductor electrically disposed between the transformer and a load powered by the transformer, and a resistor electrically disposed in parallel with the inductor between the transformer and the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: YANNICK LOUVRIER, CHRISTOPHE ROBERT, DOMINIQUE POINCLOUX, DENIS PERRILLAT-AMEDE, PHILIPPE ERNEST
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Patent number: 10262829Abstract: A circuit assembly and method use a breakover device that changes states in response to a change in electric energy in a helper circuit that supplies current from a power source to a powered system. The helper circuit includes an inductive element connected with the powered system. The breakover device is in a non-conducting state prior to a discharge event from the powered system to prevent the current from the power source from being conducted through the resistive element. The breakover device changes to a conducting state responsive to the powered system discharging current into the helper circuit. The breakover device conducts the current that is discharged from the powered system through the resistive element to reduce the electric energy in the helper circuit from the current that is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Phillipe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux, Uwe Wiedmann, Denis Perrillat-Amee
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Patent number: 10165663Abstract: An x-ray system for simultaneously or concurrently measuring currents of multiple emitters is provided. The x-ray system includes a high voltage direct current (DC) supply configured to supply tube current to the multiple emitters and plural emitter circuits. Each of these circuits includes each comprising an alternating current (AC) voltage supply, at least one of the multiple emitters operatively coupled to the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC supply, and a circuit coupling the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC voltage supply to the at least one of the multiple filaments. At least one of the emitter circuits has a current measurement device between the high voltage DC supply and the emitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Philippe Ernest, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Dominique Poincloux, Jean-Francois Larroux
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Patent number: 9930765Abstract: In an X-ray generator an X-ray tube includes an anode and a cathode and is energized with at least a first high voltage potential. A dynamic damper with a frequency dependent impedance is interposed between the X-ray tube and a source of the high voltage potential. The impedance of the dynamic damper increases with an increase in frequency associated with tube-spit. In an X-ray generator with resonant switching to provide a first kV level and a second kV level to the X-ray tube, the impedance of the dynamic damper is low at the operational frequency of the resonant switch to promote energy recovery when the resonant switch operates to provide a first kV level to the X-ray tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yannick Louvrier, Philippe Ernest, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Dominique Poincloux, Christophe Robert
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Publication number: 20170290136Abstract: An x-ray system for simultaneously or concurrently measuring currents of multiple emitters is provided. The x-ray system includes a high voltage direct current (DC) supply configured to supply tube current to the multiple emitters and plural emitter circuits. Each of these circuits includes each comprising an alternating current (AC) voltage supply, at least one of the multiple emitters operatively coupled to the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC supply, and a circuit coupling the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC voltage supply to the at least one of the multiple filaments. At least one of the emitter circuits has a current measurement device between the high voltage DC supply and the emitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Philippe Ernest, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Dominique Poincloux, Jean-Francois Larroux
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Publication number: 20170231076Abstract: In an X-ray generator an X-ray tube includes an anode and a cathode and is energized with at least a first high voltage potential. A dynamic damper with a frequency dependent impedance is interposed between the X-ray tube and a source of the high voltage potential. The impedance of the dynamic damper increases with an increase in frequency associated with tube-spit. In an X-ray generator with resonant switching to provide a first kV level and a second kV level to the X-ray tube, the impedance of the dynamic damper is low at the operational frequency of the resonant switch to promote energy recovery when the resonant switch operates to provide a first kV level to the X-ray tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yannick Louvrier, Philippe Ernest, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Dominique Poincloux, Christophe Robert
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Publication number: 20170171954Abstract: A circuit assembly includes plural voltage control modules configured to be operably coupled in series to a connection and configured to control voltage delivered to an X-ray electrode. Each voltage module includes an on/off circuit portion, a balancing circuit portion, and a tuning circuit portion. The on/off circuit portion is configured to provide a voltage for activating or deactivating the X-ray electrode. The balancing circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the on/off circuit portion, and includes a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel. The tuning circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the balancing circuit portion and the on/off circuit portion, and is configured to adjust a voltage provided to the X-ray electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: ANTONIO CAIAFA, PHILIPPE ERNEST, DOMINIQUE POINCLOUX
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Publication number: 20170170652Abstract: A circuit assembly and method use a breakover device that changes states in response to a change in electric energy in a helper circuit that supplies current from a power source to a powered system. The helper circuit includes an inductive element connected with the powered system. The breakover device is in a non-conducting state prior to a discharge event from the powered system to prevent the current from the power source from being conducted through the resistive element. The breakover device changes to a conducting state responsive to the powered system discharging current into the helper circuit. The breakover device conducts the current that is discharged from the powered system through the resistive element to reduce the electric energy in the helper circuit from the current that is discharged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: ANTONIO CAIAFA, Phillipe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux, Uwe Wiedmann, Denis Perrillat-Amee
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Patent number: 9438120Abstract: A system includes a two-channel inverter for receiving a non-zero variable input voltage, first and second input channels each electrically coupled to the two-channel inverter, a transformer having a primary winding in electrical communication with the first and second input channels and secondary windings, and an active resonant circuit in electrical communication with the secondary windings for generating a switching output voltage at each of two different voltage levels. The active resonant circuit includes switching devices arranged in an anti-parallel configuration, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the switching devices for receiving and storing energy during a first portion of a resonance cycle and for discharging the energy during a second portion of the resonance cycle, an inductor electrically coupled in series with the capacitor and the switching devices for transferring the energy to and from the capacitor during the resonance cycle, and an output.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Philippe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux
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Patent number: 9253864Abstract: Apparatus and methods to control an electron beam of an x-ray tube are provided. One apparatus includes at least one of (i) a first switching unit having a voltage source and a pair of switches connected in series and configured to switch between open and closed positions to change an output voltage to engage or bypass the voltage source or (ii) a second switching unit connected to a voltage source and having a first pair of switches connected in series and a second pair of switches connected in series, wherein the first and second pair of switches are connected in parallel, and wherein the first and second pairs of switches are configured to switch between open and closed position to change an output voltage generated from the voltage source. The first and second switching units are connected in series and a third switching unit provided that is amplitude controllable.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Uwe Wiedmann, Philippe Ernest, Georges William Baptiste, Dominique Poincloux, Yan Jiang
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Patent number: 9153409Abstract: Issues related to maintaining the size of a focal spot on the target material of an X-ray source are addressed by linking the currents used in a magnetic focusing system employed in the X-ray source. The size of the focal spot on the target is less sensitive to current changes applied to the magnetic focusing system due to this linkage.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Antonio Caiafa, Dominique Poincloux
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Publication number: 20150264789Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling voltage switching are provided. One system includes a transformer having primary and second windings, and a plurality of switching devices, wherein at least two of the switching devices are configured to produce different voltage outputs from a voltage input generated at the transformer. The plurality of switches are electrically referenced to one or more voltages. The system also includes a drive arrangement connected to the plurality of switches and configured to receive one or more voltage control pulses through the primary windings of the transformer, wherein the drive arrangement switches one or more of the plurality of switches based on the one or more voltage control pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Dominique Poincloux, Marcos Garcia Arregui
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Publication number: 20150207415Abstract: A system includes a two-channel inverter for receiving a non-zero variable input voltage, first and second input channels each electrically coupled to the two-channel inverter, a transformer having a primary winding in electrical communication with the first and second input channels and secondary windings, and an active resonant circuit in electrical communication with the secondary windings for generating a switching output voltage at each of two different voltage levels. The active resonant circuit includes switching devices arranged in an anti-parallel configuration, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the switching devices for receiving and storing energy during a first portion of a resonance cycle and for discharging the energy during a second portion of the resonance cycle, an inductor electrically coupled in series with the capacitor and the switching devices for transferring the energy to and from the capacitor during the resonance cycle, and an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Philippe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux