Patents by Inventor James LeBlanc
James 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).
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Publication number: 20070092066Abstract: A bowtie filter is constructed to have a fluidic envelope filled with attenuating fluid and a displacement insert that can present various x-ray attenuation profiles during a scan. The insert is designed to displace the attenuating fluid to achieve a denied attenuating or filtering profile. The insert can be rotated, twisted, moved, and otherwise contorted within the fluidic envelope as needed during the course of a scan. As the angle, position and shape of the zombie is changed, the x-ray profile of the filter changes. The insert may have a default shape when at rest, but can have its shape changed when external forces are placed thereon. As x-ray filtering needs change during the course of the scan, the insert can be compressed, stretched, and/or contorted to achieve additional filtering profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2005Publication date: April 26, 2007Inventors: J. Tkaczyk, Deborah Walter, Xiaoye Wu, Brian Bales, James Leblanc, Yanfeng Du
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Patent number: 7193208Abstract: An array of position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes is provided in which output signal contacts from corners of each photodiode are grouped in common for readout. Each photodiode may be provided on a single wafer or chip, with photodiodes being separated by a trench or a groove. Corners of each photodiode include contacts for reading out signals resulting from gamma rays incident events in an adjacent scintillator. Grouping of the contacts into common output channels reduces the number of output channels, while still permitting localization of gamma ray incident events in the scintillator crystals. The photodiode array may be positioned adjacent to one face of a scintillator, with a photomultiplier tube to be positioned adjacent to another. The detector arrangement may be used for positron emission tomography imaging and similar techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kent Burr, Adrian Ivan, James Leblanc
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Publication number: 20070058130Abstract: A goggle lens comprises a first surface (210) and a second surface (220) separated by a thickness (230, 240) of the goggle lens. The goggle lens is made up of a central region (121), a first lateral region (122) on a first side of the central region, and a second lateral region (123) on an opposite side of the central region. The first surface of the goggle lens is a portion of a first ellipse (211) and the second surface of the goggle lens is a portion of a second ellipse (221). The goggle lens complies with at least one of a MIL-PRF-31013 standard, a EA-L-1381B standard, and a FNS/PD 86-20 standard, all of which define particular specifications for impact resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2005Publication date: March 15, 2007Applicant: Fosta-Tek Optics, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Babineau, James LeBlanc, Aaron Cyr, Donald Salafia
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Publication number: 20070003006Abstract: A computed tomography detector module is presented. The detector module includes a substrate having a topside and a bottom side. Additionally, the detector module includes a plurality of detector layers disposed on the top side of the substrate in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the substrate, where each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material configured to absorb radiation, and where each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a first side and a second side. Further, the detector module includes a plurality of pixelated anode contacts is disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers. Also, the detector module includes a common cathode contact is disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: John Tkaczyk, James Leblanc, Wen Li, Deborah Walter, Yanfeng Du
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Publication number: 20060289777Abstract: In accordance with an implementation of the present technique, a detector is disclosed. The detector includes a photodetector array and a substrate layer. The photodetector array includes a plurality of photodiodes and a structure of trenches or diffusions grids that electrically isolate each photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes. The plurality of photodiodes and the structure of trenches or deep diffusions grids are disposed on a first surface of the photodetector array and a second surface opposite the first surface is bonded to a substrate layer. The substrate layer is typically made of the same semiconductor material as the photodetector array but heavily doped and conductive to provide cathode contact to the photodetector array in addition to mechanical support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2005Publication date: December 28, 2006Inventors: Wen Li, George Possin, Gregory Zeman, James Leblanc, Jonathan Short, Rogerio Rodrigues
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Publication number: 20060237251Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering knuckle mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering knuckle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: October 26, 2006Inventors: James LeBlanc Sr, Paul Bentley
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Publication number: 20060208443Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a body supported on at least two sets of steerable wheels, generally consisting of a steering shaft provided with a wheel, supported on such body; a torque transmitting main shaft supported longitudinally on the body; means operatively interconnecting the steering shaft and the main shaft for transmitting rotary motion of the steering shaft to rotary motion of the main shaft; a first transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of one of the sets of steerable wheels; means operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the first transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaft to linear motion of the first transversely displaceable means; second transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of the other of the sets of steerable wheels; and means operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the second transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaType: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: James LeBlanc, James LeBlanc, Paul Bentley
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Publication number: 20060197022Abstract: A method for identifying localized optical emission is disclosed. The method involves identifying a region, which corresponds to a plurality of scintillator units of a scintillator, on a position sensitive photodetector that is impacted by one or more photons. The method further involves identifying a readout channel of a pixellated photodetector array that corresponds to a pixel associated with a scintillator unit impacted by the one or more photons. The method, further involves, identifying the scintillator unit based on the region and the readout channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Kent Burr, James LeBlanc, Adrian Ivan, Donald Castleberry
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Publication number: 20060197025Abstract: A method for localizing optical emission is disclosed. The method involves identifying a first readout channel of a first pixellated photodetector array based on an impact of a first photon on the first pixellated photodetector array. The first photon is emitted by a scintillator unit of a scintillator array and the first readout channel corresponds to a column of one or more pixels of the first pixellated photodetector array. The method also involves identifying a second readout channel of a second pixellated photodetector array based on an impact of a second photon on the second pixellated photodetector array. The second photon is emitted by the scintillator unit and the second readout channel corresponds to a row of one or more pixels of the second pixellated photodetector array. The method further involves identifying the scintillator unit based on the first readout channel and the second readout channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Kent Burr, James LeBlanc, Adrian Ivan, Donald Castleberry
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Systems and methods for improving position resolution of charge-sharing position sensitive detectors
Publication number: 20060131508Abstract: An imaging system configured to provide improved position resolution is disclosed. The imaging system includes detector acquisition circuitry that is configured to acquire a plurality of rise-times and a plurality of amplitudes from a detector assembly that includes an array of one or more detector elements. The imaging system also includes position determining circuitry that is configured to determine a plurality of respective impact positions on each of the detector elements. The plurality of impact positions is based on at least the plurality of rise-times and the plurality of the amplitudes acquired by the detector acquisition circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: June 22, 2006Inventors: Kent Burr, Adrian Ivan, James LeBlanc -
Publication number: 20060123990Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: June 15, 2006Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Tokar, James Leblanc
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Publication number: 20060118349Abstract: A vehicle consisting generally of a set of wheel assemblies, a body mounted on such wheel assemblies, a steering system mounted on such body and operatively connected to at least one of the wheel assemblies, a module removably mounted on the body including a support structure and a power plant mounted on the support structure and means for transmitting drive from the power plant to at least one of the wheel assemblies when the module is mounted on the vehicle, including means for disconnecting the power plant from the drive transmitting means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2004Publication date: June 8, 2006Inventors: James LeBlanc Sr, James LeBlanc Jr, David Jackson
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Publication number: 20060056581Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation. The detector also includes variable pixel pitch and a flexible binning of pixels to further enhance count rate performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2004Publication date: March 16, 2006Inventors: David Hoffman, James LeBlanc, John Tkaczyk, Robert Senzig, Yanfeng Du
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Patent number: 6994744Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20060023832Abstract: Various configurations for scatter reduction and control are provided for CT imaging. These configurations include an imaging system having a stationary detector extending generally around a portion of an imaging volume and a distributed X-ray source placed proximal to the stationary detector for radiating an X-ray beam toward the stationary detector. A scatter control system is further provided that is configured to adaptively operate in cooperation with the stationary detector and the distributed X-ray source to focally align collimator septa contained therein to the X-ray beam at a given focal point and to provide X-ray beam scatter control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2004Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventors: Peter Edic, Bruno Bernard De Man, Mark Vermilyea, Christopher Unger, John Tkaczyk, James LeBlanc, Samit Basu, William Ross, Jonathan Short, Scott Zelakiewicz
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Patent number: 6960245Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Tokar, James A. LeBlanc
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Patent number: 6904118Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc, Armin Pfoh
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Patent number: 6904120Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoye Wu, James LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20050110235Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering plate mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion universally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion universally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: James LeBlanc, James LeBlanc, Paul Bentley, Michael Budgery
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Publication number: 20050110262Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a body supported on at least two sets of steerable wheels, generally consisting of a steering shaft provided with a wheel, supported on such body; a torque transmitting main shaft supported longitudinally on the body; means operatively interconnecting the steering shaft and the main shaft for transmitting rotary motion of the steering shaft to rotary motion of the main shaft; a first transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of one of the sets of steerable wheels; a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the first transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaft to linear motion of the first transversely displaceable means; second transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of the other of the sets of steerable wheels; and a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the second transversely displaceable means for traType: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: James LeBlanc, James LeBlanc, Paul Bentley