Patents by Inventor John D. Watson
John D. Watson 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: 20160166235Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high frequency ultrasound (VHFU) imaging systems. An OCT probe and reference arm are mounted along with an ultrasound probe on a carriage capable of rotational, linear, and/or arcuate motion. The probe carriage may be immersed in water or other suitable medium. The OCT and VHFU probes move about the cornea surface such that the probe axes are substantially perpendicular relative to the cornea surface throughout a scan. The probes are able to be scanned in an arcuate path across the entire cornea surface. The method and apparatus disclosed are also directed towards providing a positioning mechanism and scan head comprising an arcuate guide track wherein only an OCT probe is mounted on the probe carriage. This embodiment allows the OCT probe beam to remain substantially perpendicular to the cornea and lens surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 9320427Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high frequency ultrasound (VHFU) imaging systems. An OCT probe and reference arm are mounted along with an ultrasound probe on a carriage capable of rotational, linear, and/or arcuate motion. The probe carriage may be immersed in water or other suitable medium. The OCT and VHFU probes move about the cornea surface such that the probe axes are substantially perpendicular relative to the cornea surface throughout a scan. The probes are able to be scanned in an arcuate path across the entire cornea surface. The method and apparatus disclosed are also directed towards providing a positioning mechanism and scan head comprising an arcuate guide track wherein only an OCT probe is mounted on the probe carriage. This embodiment allows the OCT probe beam to remain substantially perpendicular to the cornea and lens surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 9284178Abstract: A method and system(s) are disclosed for integrating a new fuel into an operating transportation system in a continuous, seamless manner, such as diesel fuel being gradually replaced by compressed natural gas (“CNG”) in long haul trucks. Integration can be implemented using two enabling technologies. The first is an engine system capable of operating seamlessly on two or more fuels without regard to the ignition characteristics of the fuels. The second is a communications and computing system for implementing a fueling strategy that optimizes fuel consumption, guides the selection of fuel based upon location, cost and emissions and allows the transition from one fuel to another to appear substantially seamless to the truck driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: RHT Railhaul TechnologiesInventors: Frank Wegner Donnelly, David William Dewis, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 9149254Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating accurate and precise ultrasonic images of biological materials or animate objects, such as the cornea and lens of the eye, and, in particular, to an ultrasonic scanning apparatus that can position its virtual center of curvature such that its ultrasonic transducer will emit pulses that reflect substantially perpendicularly from a curved specular surface of interest within the eye. This invention can allow real time imaging of a lens as it accommodates and can better enable researchers and ophthalmic surgeons to develop, fit, implant and diagnose performance of artificial lenses including accommodative lenses.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.Inventor: John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20150238166Abstract: A disposable eye piece system, including the eye piece and other disposable components, for a precision ultrasonic scanning apparatus is disclosed. The eye piece includes a fill port, a vent port and a drain port molded into the base of the eye piece. An RF Identification chip may be molded into the plastic base of the eye piece or, alternately into the conformable face seal of the eye piece. The components of a disposable eye piece system form an integrated disposable package that can be assembled, packaged, transported and used while maintaining the eye piece and saline solution in a sterile condition. The protective shipping container 1) protects the eye piece from damage, human contact and exposure to ambient air during shipping and storage and 2) allows the scanning physician or technician to attach the eye piece to the scanning machine without compromising the sterile condition of the eye piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Gary B. Heath, Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 9039623Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an ultrasound transducer whose holding device moves along a guide track while the transducer on the end of the holding device oscillates about a known position during ultrasound transmission and receiving. In this embodiment, most refractive eye components including zonules and their connection points can be imaged.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: George J. Eilers, John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20140249422Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various aspects of imaging systems, including permeable and impermeable barriers separating liquid compartments, one of which contains the object to be imaged and the other an ultrasonic transducer, a fluidic bearing between a transducer carriage and guide supporting the carriage, a linear motor for the carriage, and a location sensing device for the carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: George J. Eilers, Heather Hoops, David Mabe, Ben Terry, J. David Stienmier, Wes Weber, John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20140193761Abstract: A method and system of temperature control of heavy hydrocarbons in a consist of rail cars is disclosed wherein waste heat from one or more of the locomotives propelling the train is utilized to heat the heavy hydrocarbons in a consist or ambient air is used to cool the heavy hydrocarbon cargo. The train is typically comprised of tanker cars that can be filled with raw heavy hydrocarbon, not dilbit thus allowing about 20% to about 30% additional heavy hydrocarbon to be transported in each tanker car. The system can keep the heavy hydrocarbon at a first, lower temperature en route and increase temperature to a second higher temperature as the train nears its terminus so that the tanker cars can be quickly emptied of their contents at the receiving terminal without the need to heat the tanker cars at the unloading terminal. The method disclosed herein for heating tanker cars in transit is to utilize waste heat from the locomotive diesel or gas turbine engines which is otherwise exhausted to the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Frank Wegner Donnelly, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 8758252Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various aspects of imaging systems, including permeable and impermeable barriers separating liquid compartments, one of which contains the object to be imaged and the other an ultrasonic transducer, a fluidic bearing between a transducer carriage and guide supporting the carriage, a linear motor for the carriage, and a location sensing device for the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: George J. Eilers, Heather Hoops, David Mabe, Ben Terry, J. David Stienmier, Wes Weber, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 8708083Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine CorporationInventors: David William Dewis, James Kesseli, Frank Wegner Donnelly, Thomas Wolf, John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20140009741Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high frequency ultrasound (VHFU) imaging systems. An OCT probe and reference arm are mounted along with an ultrasound probe on a carriage capable of rotational, linear, and/or arcuate motion. The probe carriage may be immersed in water or other suitable medium. The OCT and VHFU probes move about the cornea surface such that the probe axes are substantially perpendicular relative to the cornea surface throughout a scan. The probes are able to be scanned in an arcuate path across the entire cornea surface. The method and apparatus disclosed are also directed towards providing a positioning mechanism and scan head comprising an arcuate guide track wherein only an OCT probe is mounted on the probe carriage. This embodiment allows the OCT probe beam to remain substantially perpendicular to the cornea and lens surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: ARCSCAN, INC.Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 8590653Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy storage system comprised of a heat block having a relatively high specific energy capacity. The heat block can be used, for example, with a regenerative braking system for gas turbine powered vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine CorporationInventors: John D. Watson, Frank Wegner Donnelly
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Publication number: 20130310692Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting and correcting unintended eye movements that may occur during an ultrasound scan by monitoring multiple position tracking sensors, examples being but not limited to ultrasound or optical position sensors. These position tracking sensors are in addition to the ultrasound imaging transducer and are in a fixed position on the scan head so as not to move during the scanning operation. These position tracking sensors can continuously monitor the distance to the cornea or other clearly defined anatomical features of the eye such as the posterior pigment layer of the iris during the movement of the scan head assembly and can provide continuous multi-dimensional correction for any unwanted motion of the eye relative to the scan head that may occur during the ultrasound scan.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
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Publication number: 20130294892Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: David William Dewis, James Kesseli, Frank Wegner Donnelly, Thomas Wolf, John D. Watson
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Patent number: 8499874Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine CorporationInventors: David William Dewis, James Kesseli, Frank Wegner Donnelly, Thomas Wolf, Timothy Upton, John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20130139519Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a multi-spool gas turbine engine with a variable area turbine nozzle and a motor/alternator device on the highest pressure turbo-compressor spool for starting the gas turbine and power extraction during engine operation. During power down of the engine, the variable area turbine nozzle may be used in conjunction with power extraction to maintain a near constant combustor outlet temperature while controlling turbine inlet temperatures on the turbines downstream of the highest pressure turbine and controlling spool speed on the highest pressure turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENGINE CORPORATIONInventors: James Kesseli, James S. Nash, John D. Watson, Thomas Wolf
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Publication number: 20130144171Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating accurate and precise ultrasonic images of biological materials or animate objects, such as the cornea and lens of the eye, and, in particular, to an ultrasonic scanning apparatus that can position its virtual center of curvature such that its ultrasonic transducer will emit pulses that reflect substantially perpendicularly from a curved specular surface of interest within the eye. This invention can allow real time imaging of a lens as it accommodates and can better enable researchers and ophthalmic surgeons to develop, fit, implant and diagnose performance of artificial lenses including accommodative lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20120324903Abstract: This disclosure relates to a highly efficient gas turbine engine architecture utilizing multiple stages of intercooling and reheat, ceramic technology, turbocharger technology and high pressure combustion. The approach includes utilizing a conventional dry low NOx combustor for the main combustor and thermal reactors for the reheat apparatuses. In a first configuration, there are three separate turbo-compressor spools and a free power turbine spool. In a second configuration, there are three separate turbo-compressor spools but no free power spool. In a third configuration, all the compressors and turbines are on a single shaft. Each of these configurations can include two stages of intercooling, two stages of reheat and a recuperator to preheat the working fluid before it enters the main combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENGINE CORPORATIONInventors: David William Dewis, James B. Kesseli, James S. Nash, John D. Watson, Thomas Wolf
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Patent number: 8317709Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating accurate and precise ultrasonic images of biological materials or animate objects, such as the cornea and lens of the eye, and, in particular, to an ultrasonic scanning apparatus that can position its virtual center of curvature such that its ultrasonic transducer will emit pulses that reflect substantially perpendicularly from a curved specular surface of interest within the eye. This invention can allow real time imaging of a lens as it accommodates and can better enable researchers and ophthalmic surgeons to develop, fit, implant and diagnose performance of accommodative lenses.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.Inventors: George J. Eilers, Wes Weber, John D. Watson
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Publication number: 20120279231Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy storage system comprised of a heat block having a relatively high specific energy capacity. The heat block can be used, for example, with a regenerative braking system for gas turbine powered vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John D. Watson, Frank Donnelly