Patents by Inventor James A. LeBlanc

James A. LeBlanc 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: 20050082484
    Abstract: Scintillator materials based on certain types of halide-lanthanide matrix materials are described. In one embodiment, the matrix material contains a mixture of lanthanide halides, i.e., a solid solution of at least two of the halides, such as lanthanum chloride and lanthanum bromide. In another embodiment, the matrix material is based on lanthanum iodide alone, which must be substantially free of lanthanum oxyiodide. The scintillator materials, which can be in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form, also include an activator for the matrix material, e.g., cerium. Radiation detectors that use the scintillators are also described, as are related methods for detecting high-energy radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Alok Srivastava, Steven Duclos, Qun Deng, James Leblanc, Tie Gao, Jian Wang, Lucas Clarke
  • Publication number: 20050073122
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle having a body, a power plant and a drivetrain for transmitting drive to said wheel assembly, generally consisting of a wheel including rim and hub portions; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within the rim portion of the wheels, coaxially therewith; first support means having a steering axis, mounted on the outer race of the bearing connectable to the body; second support means mounted to the inner race of the bearing and rigidly secured to the hub portion of the wheel; and an axle operatively connected at an inner end thereof to a portion of the drivetrain and an outer end extending into the inner race of the bearing and connected by means of a single universal joint to one of the second support means and the hub portion of the vehicle; wherein the steering axis intersects the center of the single universal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: James LeBlanc, James LeBlanc, Paul Bentley
  • Publication number: 20050031075
    Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the identity of an object within an enclosed article. The system includes an acquisition subsystem utilizing a stationary radiation source and detector, a reconstruction subsystem, a computer-aided detection (CAD) subsystem, and a 2D/3D visualization subsystem. The detector may be an energy discriminating detector. The acquisition subsystem communicates view data to the reconstruction subsystem, which reconstructs it into image data and communicates it to the CAD subsystem. The CAD subsystem analyzes the image data to ascertain whether it contains any area of interest. Any such area of interest data is sent to the reconstruction subsystem for further reconstruction, using more rigorous algorithms and further analyzed by the CAD subsystem. Other information, such as risk variables or trace chemical detection information may be communicated to the CAD subsystem to be included in its analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Forrest Hopkins, Peter Edic, Samit Basu, Bruno De Man, James Leblanc, Xiaoye Wu, Deborah Walter, William Ross, Colin Wilson, Ricardo Avila, Robert Kaucic
  • Publication number: 20050029462
    Abstract: A conversion device for use in an imaging system is provided. The conversion device includes a first perforated plate portion forming a plurality of collimator channels separated by a plurality of thin collimator walls. A second perforated plate portion forming a plurality of scintillator channels separated by a plurality of thin scintillator walls is attached to the first perforated plate portion. A reflective coating is applied to the inside scintillator surface of the plurality of thin scintillator walls. A scintillator material is filled into the plurality of scintillator channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Lyons, Martin Lee, Venkat Venkataramani, Clifford Bueno, James LeBlanc, James Vartuli, Charies Greskovich, Stephen Bancheri
  • Publication number: 20050023473
    Abstract: A technique is provided for manufacturing a multi-anode photomultiplier tube for use in positron emission tomography (PET) detectors. One or more optical properties within an entrance window of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube are altered at a focal spot via a laser. The focal spot is translated relative to the entrance window for creating a three-dimensional pattern within the entrance window. This three-dimensional pattern having the one or more optical properties altered is adapted to control the spreading of optical photons within the entrance window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: Kent Burr, James LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6848827
    Abstract: The present technique provides for the spectral calibration of the detector elements of a CT detector using one or more offset calibration phantoms. The offset phantoms provide greater coverage of the detector elements as well as spectral response data associated with penetration lengths ranging in length from a minimum chord of the phantom to the diameter of the phantom. The spectral response as a function of penetration length can be obtained for each detector element by comparing the fitting of each projection view to the corresponding measured projection view over all view angles. The fitting information may then be employed to derive the coefficients of the spectral response curve for each detector element, which may in turn be employed to provide rapid correction of the spectral response for each element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc, Deborah J. Walter
  • Publication number: 20050002484
    Abstract: The present technique provides for the estimation and correction of bone induced spectral (BIS) artifacts. Spectral matching is employed to approximate the incident X-ray spectrum attenuated by bone and water with an X-ray spectrum attenuated by water alone. A table can be built to express the amount in apparent projection value shift for objects containing bone and water compared with water-like object when their corresponding normalized spectra match. The BIS error may thereby be determined from existing spectral error data obtained from spectral calibration. A corresponding correction factor may be determined from the shift value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20040255781
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20040228451
    Abstract: The present technique provides for the spectral calibration of the detector elements of a CT detector using one or more offset calibration phantoms. The offset phantoms provide greater coverage of the detector elements as well as spectral response data associated with penetration lengths ranging in length from a minimum chord of the phantom to the diameter of the phantom. The spectral response as a function of penetration length can be obtained for each detector element by comparing the fitting of each projection view to the corresponding measured projection view over all view angles. The fitting information may then be employed to derive the coefficients of the spectral response curve for each detector element, which may in turn be employed to provide rapid correction of the spectral response for each element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc, Deborah J. Walter
  • Publication number: 20040184574
    Abstract: The present technique provides for the generation of density maps using one or more basis material decomposition tables or functions. The basis material decomposition tables or functions are generated by simulating the system response to various lengths of basis materials using component characteristics of the CT system as well as the attenuation coefficient for the desired basis material. Measured projection data may be processed using the basis material decomposition tables or functions to provide a set of density line-integral projections that may be reconstructed to form a density map or image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc, Armin Pfoh
  • Patent number: 6748563
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing path delays in a high-speed boundary scan implementation overcomes limitations imposed by pipelined high-speed clocking architectures used in integrated circuits. A special phase hold circuit provides a mechanism for clocking circuits undergoing dynamic tests, permitting the dynamic test to produce proper results when the integrated circuit under test is clocked with a high-speed distributed clock. The functional logic clock enable is pipelined to synchronize the functional mode clock with the test mode clock when the tester mode is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Johnny James LeBlanc, Timothy Skergan
  • Patent number: 6740142
    Abstract: The filter structures commonly known as a bag house or a filter bag or an air filter with a bag construction can be made by preparing the bag assembly, either in a tubular or a bi-fold construction by placing a layer of fine fiber on the upstream surface of the filter media structure. The filter assembly includes a filter cabinet with an interior component. The filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes a frame or support for the filter media. The frame or support holds the filter bags such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. The intake air enters the cabinet, passes through the filter assembly and exits the cabinet. The air must pass first into the fine fiber layer, the filter media and then the exterior of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Buettner, James A. Leblanc, Mark A. Gogins, Thomas M. Weik
  • Patent number: 6665828
    Abstract: A method and system for testing an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a plurality of logic units and a plurality of level sensitive scan design latches (LSSD) chains (scan chains) where the partitioning of the scan chains is different than the partitioning of the logic units. Scan blocks, each scan block comprising multiplexers, a pseudo random pattern generator (PRPG), a partitioned multiple input shift register (MISR), functional logic and control function logic are distributively placed around and close to scan inputs and scan outputs of the IC in otherwise unused area too small for larger functional logic blocks. The MISR, which contains many loaded latches and other logic, would normally be the largest element of the scan block has been partitioned into a sub-set of a full MISR to minimize the size of an individual scan block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi Kumar Arimilli, Roger Ned Bailey, Johnny James Leblanc, Timothy M. Skergan
  • Publication number: 20030154863
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end potion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6533845
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20020073849
    Abstract: The filter structures commonly known as a bag house or a filter bag or an air filter with a bag construction can be made by preparing the bag assembly, either in a tubular or a bi-fold construction by placing a layer of fine fiber on the upstream surface of the filter media structure. The filter assembly includes a filter cabinet with an interior component. The filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes a frame or support for the filter media. The frame or support holds the filter bags such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. The intake air enters the cabinet, passes through the filter assembly and exits the cabinet. The air must pass first into the fine fiber layer, the filter media and then the exterior of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Buettner, James A. Leblanc, Mark A. Gogins, Thomas M. Weik
  • Publication number: 20020073850
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. Leblanc
  • Patent number: 6389577
    Abstract: A method and implementing system is provided in which input signal specifications, element internal delays and output loads, for each element in a circuit design, are utilized in an iterative processing engine to objectively determine and provide a timing rule database for a circuit being designed. A schematic database netlist is run through a test model converter program to provide a test model database at a gate level for the test model design circuit. These data are processed by a designer through a workstation GUI and the result is applied to an I/O design testing function. The results of the I/O design testing function include a listing of patterns of input combinations which are needed to get listed outputs. The GUI prepares a sequence of stimuli to test the circuit with a timing simulator. Based on the output response of the timing simulator, delay relationships under various input and output load conditions are compiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Visweswara Rao Kodali, Johnny James LeBlanc, Kevin William McCauley, Salim Ahmed Shah
  • Patent number: 6348085
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a first filter element having opposite first and second ends; an axial length between the first and second ends; and a plurality of flutes. Each of the flutes has a first end portion adjacent to the first filter element first end, and a second end portion adjacent to the first filter element second end. Selected ones of the flutes are open at the first end portion and closed at the second end portion; and selected ones of the flutes are closed at the first end portion and open at the second end portion. A sleeve member secured to and circumscribing the first filter element. The sleeve member is oriented relative the first filter element to extend at least 30% of the axial length of the first filter element. A seal member pressure flange at least partially circumscribes the sleeve member. The filter arrangement is particularly useful for gas turbine systems. Methods for operating and servicing filter arrangements preferably utilize constructions herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6240536
    Abstract: A latch circuit (10) includes a feedback path which is isolated from a circuit critical path (12). A scan input component (22) is coupled to the feedback path for providing scan test data to the latch circuit (10). A scan output component (23) may also be coupled to the feedback path for providing a separate scan out signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald George Mikan, Jr., Johnny James LeBlanc