Patents by Inventor Lawrence Edward Ploetz

Lawrence Edward Ploetz 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: 6788055
    Abstract: A technique is described for programming multiple axes or channels of a system, such as an MRI system. Modular component time masks are defined including information for activity on at least one axis and a time boundary for execution of the activity. The modular components may be stored in a library, and assembled to define desired control sequences. Activity may include pulse sequences for coils in the imaging system. The modular components facilitate definition of complex multi-axis control sequences while respecting inherent physical constraints of the system. Time optimized control sequences may be developed from the modular components by reference to beginning and ending times of a series of components, or to anchor time points associated with the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Graeme Colin McKinnon, Paul Edgar Licato, Qing Tan, Lawrence Edward Ploétz
  • Publication number: 20010016782
    Abstract: A technique is described for programming multiple axes or channels of a system, such as an MRI system. Modular component time masks are defined including information for activity on at least one axis and a time boundary for execution of the activity. The modular components may be stored in a library, and assembled to define desired control sequences. Activity may include pulse sequences for coils in the imaging system. The modular components facilitate definition of complex multi-axis control sequences while respecting inherent physical constraints of the system. Time optimized control sequences may be developed from the modular components by reference to beginning and ending times of a series of components, or to anchor time points associated with the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Graeme Colin McKinnon, Paul Edgar Licato, Qing Tan, Lawrence Edward Ploetz
  • Patent number: 6249120
    Abstract: A technique is described for programming multiple axes or channels of a system, such as an MRI system. Modular component time masks are defined including information for activity on at least one axis and a time boundary for execution of the activity. The modular components may be stored in a library, and assembled to define desired control sequences. Activity may include pulse sequences for coils in the imaging system. The modular components facilitate definition of complex multi-axis control sequences while respecting inherent physical constraints of the system. Time optimized control sequences may be developed from the modular components by reference to beginning and ending times of a series of components, or to anchor time points associated with the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Graeme Colin McKinnon, Paul Edgar Licato, Qing Tan, Lawrence Edward Ploetz
  • Patent number: 5689186
    Abstract: An off-center NMR image is produced using an EPI pulse sequence. The offset along the readout gradient axis is achieved by shifting the frequency of an RF reference signal used to demodulate the received NMR echo signals. Phase errors produced by the NMR system and by the shifts in reference signal frequency are corrected in "real time" by also shifting the phase of the RF reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Kenneth Maier, Frederick Howard Epstein, Xiaohong Zhou, Lawrence Edward Ploetz, Paul E. Licato