Patents by Inventor Keith Williams

Keith Williams 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: 20260144973
    Abstract: Ultrasound systems, ultrasound scanners, and methods for determining port health using ultrasound are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a display device configured to display a user interface for the ultrasound system and a wearable ultrasound scanner configured to be attached to a patient over a port that is placed inside the patient, where the port is configured to supply fluid to the patient or retrieve additional fluid from the patient. The ultrasound system also includes a processor system configured to generate, based on reflections of ultrasound received by the wearable ultrasound scanner, a health status of the port, and cause the user interface to display the health status of the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2024
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Inventors: Craig Chamberlain, Jimin Zhang, Katsuya Yamamoto, Marnie Hamp, Keith Williams, Thomas Endres, Richard Kelly
  • Publication number: 20260090790
    Abstract: Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Inventors: Jimin Zhang, Wei Li, Ken Best, Keith Williams, Thomas Endres
  • Publication number: 20260090791
    Abstract: Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Inventors: Jimin Zhang, Wei Li, Ken Best, Keith Williams, Thomas Endres
  • Patent number: 12551185
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20240389971
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20240360400
    Abstract: A microwell array specifically designed for culturing organoids is provided along with a system to enable automated imaging, identification, and isolation of individual organoids. The microwells of the microarray include a releasable cellraft that enables the automated release and transfer of selected organoids present on the cellrafts to a separate collection plate. Organoids grown on the microarray can be reliably tracked, imaged, and phenotypically analyzed by the instrument system in brightfield and fluorescence as they grow over time, then released and transferred fully intact for use in downstream applications. The use of the system is demonstrated using mouse hepatic and pancreatic organoids for single-organoid imaging, clonal organoid generation, parent organoid subcloning, and single-organoid RNA extraction for downstream gene expression or transcriptomic analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Rachel Allysa STERN, Jessica Kessler HARTMAN, Steven Charles GEBHART, Caleb Macrae FLEMING, Brandon THOMPSON, Keith WILLIAMS, Robert W. MCCLELLAN
  • Publication number: 20240335215
    Abstract: A wearable ultrasound device and method for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the wearable ultrasound device includes an ultrasound transducer configured to transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected ultrasound based on the ultrasound signals and a fastener configured to secure the wearable ultrasound device proximate to a procedure site. The wearable ultrasound device can also include a processor configured to generate, based on the reflected ultrasound, patient data and a display device implemented to display a visual representation of the patient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Saeed Aliakbari, Andrew Lundberg, Craig Chamberlain, Keith Williams, Thomas Endres
  • Publication number: 20240320992
    Abstract: A microwell array specifically designed for culturing organoids is provided along with a system to enable automated imaging, identification, and isolation of individual organoids. The microwells of the microarray include a releasable cellraft that enables the automated release and transfer of selected organoids present on the cellrafts to a separate collection plate. Organoids grown on the microarray can be reliably tracked, imaged, and phenotypically analyzed by the instrument system in brightfield and fluorescence as they grow over time, then released and transferred fully intact for use in downstream applications. The use of the system is demonstrated using mouse hepatic and pancreatic organoids for single-organoid imaging, clonal organoid generation, parent organoid subcloning, and single-organoid RNA extraction for downstream gene expression or transcriptomic analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Rachel Allysa STERN, Jessica Kessler HARTMAN, Steven Charles GEBHART, Caleb Macrae FLEMING, Brandon THOMPSON, Keith WILLIAMS, Robert W. MCCLELLAN
  • Patent number: 12089986
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20240225602
    Abstract: Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Jimin Zhang, Wei (Grace) Li, Ken Best, Keith Williams, Thomas Endres
  • Patent number: 11998397
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for a thermally conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction in an ultrasound transducer assembly. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly comprises: a transducer layer configured to emit ultrasound energy; one or more matching layers overlaying the transducer layer; a thermally conductive layer overlaying the one or more matching layers; and a lens overlaying the thermally conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Li, Keith Williams
  • Publication number: 20230346336
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Patent number: 11730443
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20230181167
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for a thermally conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction in an ultrasound transducer assembly. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly comprises: a transducer layer configured to emit ultrasound energy; one or more matching layers overlaying the transducer layer; a thermally conductive layer overlaying the one or more matching layers; and a lens overlaying the thermally conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Wei Li, Keith Williams
  • Patent number: 11583259
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for a thermally conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction in an ultrasound transducer assembly. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly comprises: a transducer layer configured to emit ultrasound energy; one or more matching layers overlaying the transducer layer; a thermally conductive layer overlaying the one or more matching layers; and a lens overlaying the thermally conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Li, Keith Williams
  • Patent number: 11571186
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to identify the type of tissue being imaged and to confirm that one or more system settings and/or the energy of ultrasound imaging signals delivered is set appropriately for such tissue. In one embodiment, an image obtained with the ultrasound imaging system is analyzed to determine if the tissue is ophthalmic (eye) tissue. If so, the system parameter settings and/or the transmit power of the signals produced by the ultrasound system are adjusted or maintained at a level that is appropriate for imaging such tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Gina Kelly, Andrew Lundberg, Keith Williams, Lee D. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 10896235
    Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to a computer device connecting a physical printed document to relevant contextual digital content through a visual capture of one or more sequential ordering systems in the printed document. When the computer device detects when a screen icon is aligned with a printed icon on the printed document, the computer device analyzes visual input from its scanning device to identify both the document and the page/section number being scanned and subsequently delivers relevant, contextual digital content to provide an extended experience of the printed document through supplemental textual, visual, and/or audio content presented on the computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Farrell, Keith Williams
  • Publication number: 20210000452
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to identify the type of tissue being imaged and to confirm that one or more system settings and/or the energy of ultrasound imaging signals delivered is set appropriately for such tissue. In one embodiment, an image obtained with the ultrasound imaging system is analyzed to determine if the tissue is ophthalmic (eye) tissue. If so, the system parameter settings and/or the transmit power of the signals produced by the ultrasound system are adjusted or maintained at a level that is appropriate for imaging such tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Gina Kelly, Andrew Lundberg, Keith Williams, Lee D. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20200390416
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Wendy Swan, Keith Williams, Andrew Lundberg
  • Patent number: 10716545
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to identify the type of tissue being imaged and to confirm that one or more system settings and/or the energy of ultrasound imaging signals delivered is set appropriately for such tissue. In one embodiment, an image obtained with the ultrasound imaging system is analyzed to determine if the tissue is ophthalmic (eye) tissue. If so, the system parameter settings and/or the transmit power of the signals produced by the ultrasound system are adjusted or maintained at a level that is appropriate for imaging such tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Gina Kelly, Andrew Lundberg, Keith Williams, Lee D. Dunbar