Patents by Inventor Michael R. Figueira

Michael R. Figueira 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: 9687170
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an imaging assembly located in a scan room and a controller coupled to the imaging assembly and located in a separate control room. A display is coupled to the controller and located in the scan room. The display is configured to display at least one graphical user interface relating to the set up of a patient and a scan for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. An input device is also located in the scan room and is coupled to the display and the controller. The input device is configured to receive data regarding the set up of a patient and a scan for the MRI exam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sheila S. Washburn, David B. Ferguson, Michael R. Figueira, Thisath C. Kularatna, Donna M. Callan
  • Publication number: 20090234218
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an imaging assembly located in a scan room and a controller coupled to the imaging assembly and located in a separate control room. A display is coupled to the controller and located in the scan room. The display is configured to display at least one graphical user interface relating to the set up of a patient and a scan for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. An input device is also located in the scan room and is coupled to the display and the controller. The input device is configured to receive data regarding the set up of a patient and a scan for the MRI exam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sheila S. Washburn, David B. Ferguson, Michael R. Figueira, Thisath C. Kularatna, Donna M. Callan
  • Publication number: 20080027306
    Abstract: A method for initiating a diagnostic imaging scan for a diagnostic imaging system includes detecting an event. The event may be an event that indicates that the operator of the diagnostic imaging system is at a predetermined location. In response to the event, the diagnostic imaging scan is automatically started. Alternatively, the event may initiate a predetermined time period. Then, upon expiration of the predetermined time period, the diagnostic imaging scan is automatically started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sheila S Washburn, Michael R Figueira
  • Patent number: 6122539
    Abstract: An MRI system operates in a realtime mode to produce images rapidly for a physician performing a medical procedure. The location of the medical instrument used in the procedure is monitored by a locator system which produces an icon on the images to show where the instrument is positioned. Reference phantoms are used by the physician to confirm that the system is properly calibrated to accurately display the instrument location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Figueira, Erik Penner, Robert G. Keen
  • Patent number: 5810729
    Abstract: MRI images are acquired as the patient moves a joint through a range of motion. The angle of joined limbs is measured during the scan, and the measured angles are attached to corresponding images for display therewith. In one embodiment the angles are measured using interleaved navigator acquisitions from which limb orientation can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company Medical Systems
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hushek, Michael R. Figueira, Elizabeth A. Kuhn, Carl S. Winalski