Patents by Inventor James Hamill

James Hamill 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: 12013450
    Abstract: A method for generating transmission information in a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (PET) scanner having a patient tunnel and a plurality of PET detector rings. The PET scanner uses continuous bed motion to move a patient bed and patient through the patient tunnel. The patient receives a positron-emitting radioisotope dose prior to undergoing a PET scan. The method includes storing a positron-emitting radioisotope in a radiation shielded container. The method also includes moving the radioisotope into a stationary vessel located adjacent to the PET detectors and within a field of view of the PET scanner at substantially the same time that the patient receives the radioisotope dose to form a stationary transmission source wherein transmission information is generated while the bed undergoes continuous bed motion. Further, the method includes withdrawing the radioisotope from the vessel when the PET scan is complete and storing the radioisotope in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hamill, Mohammadreza Teimoorisichani, Charles Russell Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20230341489
    Abstract: A method for generating transmission information in a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (PET) scanner having a patient tunnel and a plurality of PET detector rings. The PET scanner uses continuous bed motion to move a patient bed and patient through the patient tunnel. The patient receives a positron-emitting radioisotope dose prior to undergoing a PET scan. The method includes storing a positron-emitting radioisotope in a radiation shielded container. The method also includes moving the radioisotope into a stationary vessel located adjacent to the PET detectors and within a field of view of the PET scanner at substantially the same time that the patient receives the radioisotope dose to form a stationary transmission source wherein transmission information is generated while the bed undergoes continuous bed motion. Further, the method includes withdrawing the radioisotope from the vessel when the PET scan is complete and storing the radioisotope in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: James Hamill, Mohammadreza Teimoorisichani, Charles Russell Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11768300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of obtaining transmission scan data in a PET scanner by incorporating one or more stationary gamma-ray sources that provide forward scattered gamma-photons that can be used as transmission imaging radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20230003909
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of obtaining transmission scan data in a PET scanner by incorporating one or more stationary gamma-ray sources that provide forward scattered gamma-photons that can be used as transmission imaging radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Patent number: 11324472
    Abstract: A method of estimating energy-based scatter content in PET list-mode data is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20210059629
    Abstract: A method of estimating energy-based scatter content in PET list-mode data is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20110028340
    Abstract: The invention comprises a two-step process for analysis of polynucleotides by chain extension of multiple polynucleotide primers attached to solid supports by first performing PCR of the samples in the presence of multiple oligonucleotides in solution, the oligonucleotides of both sets being similar or identical. This produces immobilized single-strand polynucleotides containing genetic sequence data derived from sample molecules. In a second step, support-bound polynucleotides are interrogated by hybridization with a single labeled oligonucleotide probe or by second-strand synthesis with a primer-dependent polymerase using an oligonucleotide primer and nucleotide monomers, in which either or both of the primer and nucleotide monomers are labeled. Incorporation of label demonstrates the presence of two separate defined-sequence primers within the sample polynucleotide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Point-2-Point Genomics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan James Hamill
  • Patent number: 7771975
    Abstract: The invention comprises a two-step process for analysis of polynucleotides by chain extension of multiple polynucleotide primers attached to solid supports by first performing PCR of the samples in the presence of multiple oligonucleotides in solution, the oligonucleotides of both sets being similar or identical. This produces immobilized single-strand polynucleotides containing genetic sequence data derived from sample molecules. In a second step, support-bound polynucleotides are interrogated by hybridization with a single labeled oligonucleotide probe or by second-strand synthesis with a primer-dependent polymerase using an oligonucleotide primer and nucleotide monomers, in which either or both of the primer and nucleotide monomers are labeled. Incorporation of label demonstrates the presence of two separate defined-sequence primers within the sample polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Point-2-Point Genomics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20070232903
    Abstract: A method for combined computed tomography (CT) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging uses respiration-gated CT imaging in which the optimal criteria for CT scan gating are determined after the PET scan has been performed. After acquisition of first CT scan image data and PET scan image data with strain gauge levels being recorded, optimal gating criteria are calculated based on the strain gauge levels, and a second CT scan is then performed with triggering in accordance with the optimal gating criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20070230762
    Abstract: A method for performing accurate iterative reconstruction of three dimensional image data sets based on Approximate Discrete Radon Transformation (ADRT) using two dimensional linograms for each of a plurality of defined planes tilted from the (x, y, 0) plane by a tilt angle and orientation angle. Image data is arranged with respect to the defined tilted planes ADRT and its inverse are implemented to provide exactly matched forward and backward projectors suitable for the Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (ML-EM) reconstruction in PET. An EM reconstruction algorithm is accomplished by initializing an estimation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20070214408
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and Declarative Web Application (DWA) for creating an abstraction layer between a web page and the complicated syntax required to access data to display on the web page. The abstraction layer is implemented with eXtensible Markup Language (XML) tags that permit a web page using simple, non-compiled custom XML tags embedded in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) formatting commands to call complex data storage and search engine queries using a simple, declaratory statement via a XML tag. Use of the simple, declaratory XML statement removes the need for any scripting or other complex code from the web page that may require compilation and/or extensive verification testing for changes to the web page code. The resulting web pages and query definitions are easier and less expensive to maintain and extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: OPTIMUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roland Straub, James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20070080295
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a greater number of lines of response (LOR) within a subset of azimuthal angles of a positron emission tomography scanner. In a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, the detectors are configured to detect a greater number of lateral LORs than the number of anterior/posterior LORs passing through a patient. The increased sensitivity to the lateral LORs compensates for the increased distance that the lateral LORs travel through the patient than the anterior/posterior LORs. In one embodiment, at least one pair of partial rings are positioned adjacent fixed detector rings. In another embodiment, panel detectors with a longer length than the other detectors are positioned to be responsive to the lateral LORs. In still another embodiment, detectors rotated with a variable angular speed, spending more time measuring lateral LORs than measuring anterior/posterior LORs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: CTI PET Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Publication number: 20060285737
    Abstract: A method for reducing image-based artifacts in combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) scans. The method includes identifying pixels in a CT image having a large HU value, identifying a region surrounding the pixels, and modifying a value of each pixel within the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: James Hamill, David Faul
  • Publication number: 20040132040
    Abstract: The invention comprises a two-step process for analysis of polynucleotides by chain extension of multiple oligonucleotide primers attached by 5′-linkages to solid supports by first performing PCR of the sample to be analysed in the presence of multiple oligonucleotides in solution, the nucleotide sequences of both sets of oligonucleotides being similar or identical. This produces immobilised single-stranded polynucleotides containing genetic sequence data derived from sample molecules. In a second step, support-bound polynucleotides are interrogated by hybridisation with a single labelled oligonucleotide probe or by second-strand synthesis with a primer-dependent polymerase using an oligonucleotide primer and nucleotide monomers, in which either or both of the primer and nucleotide monomers are labelled. Incorporation of label demonstrates the presence of two separate defined-sequence primers within the sample polynucleotide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Brendan James Hamill
  • Patent number: 5090498
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing oil base drilling mud or like contaminants from drill cuttings. A continuous phase liquid, such as, base oil or wash water, is used to wash the contaminants from the cuttings. The continuous phase liquid and the contaminants removed from the cuttings are separated for recirculation and reuse. The separation system (10) of the invention includes a wash drum (14) for agitating the contaminated cuttings and continuous phase liquid together, a drying screen (16) for separating the larger solids from the liquid phase, a first column tank (18) and a pair of centrifuges (24 and 26) for separating the smaller solids from the liquid phase, and second and third column tanks (20 and 22) for separating the continuous phase liquid from the removed contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: M-I Drilling Fluids Company
    Inventor: James Hamill
  • Patent number: 4790269
    Abstract: An improved procedure for cold start-up of closed loop boiler set and Cheng cycle system wherein the venting step, the boiler swelling problem and blowdown step of the conventional start-up are eliminated by use of an external pressure source to increase the operating pressure in the evaporator section which minimizes premature phase change and accompanying volume increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: International Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hamill, Ramarao Digumarthi, William Conlon, Dah Y. Cheng, Chung-Nan Chang
  • Patent number: 4735043
    Abstract: An improved procedure for cold start-up of closed loop boiler set and Cheng cycle system wherein the venting step, the boiler swelling problem and blowdown step of the conventional start-up are eliminated by use of an external pressure source to increase the operating pressure in the evaporator section which minimizes premature phase change and accompanying volume increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: International Power Technology
    Inventors: James Hamill, Ramarao Digumarthi, William Conlon, Dah Y. Cheng, Chun-Nan Chang
  • Patent number: 4597256
    Abstract: An improved shutdown procedure, which minimizes the potential for steam condensation in the superheater section, combustion chamber and turbines during the coast to halt of the engine maintains high temperatures until all the steam has passed through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: International Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hamill, Ramarao Digumarthi, William Conlon, Dah Y. Cheng, Chun-Nan Chang