Patents by Inventor Nicholas Konkle
Nicholas Konkle 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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Patent number: 11805620Abstract: A thermal management system and method for cooling a CT detector assembly of a CT imaging system. The thermal management system uses a combination of air cooling for the readout electronics of the CT detector assembly and liquid cooling for the X-ray sensors of the CT detector assembly. The hybrid air and liquid cooling systems and methods may be coupled together in the thermal management system and method to create a cooler temperature in the CT detector assembly. The CT detector assembly components may include CT detector modules, which may include X-ray sensors, readout electronics and other components.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignees: GE Precision Healthcare LLC, Prismatic Sensors ABInventors: Nicholas Konkle, Eric Aasen, Scott Slavic, Kyle Reiser, Michael Boehm, Mats Hedberg
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Patent number: 11428825Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an imaging detector array. In one example, a detector module of the array has a central slit separating a first tile from a second tile of the detector module. An integrated circuit is located along a first side of the first tile and along a first side of the second tile and flex cable coupled to the integrated circuit of the first portion extends through the central slit of the detector module.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLCInventors: Jahir Drago, Nicholas Konkle, Grant Schueneman, Faisal Saeed, James Rose
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Patent number: 11294079Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an imaging detector array. In one example, a detector module of the array has an X-ray sensor assembly coupled to an upper surface of a conductive block and at least one integrated circuit positioned in a recess of the conductive block below the X-ray sensor assembly. The detector module may further include a radiation blocker positioned between the X-ray sensor assembly and the at least one integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLCInventors: Nicholas Konkle, Daniel Lochner, Grant Schueneman, Jahir Drago
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Publication number: 20220071057Abstract: A thermal management system and method for cooling a CT detector assembly of a CT imaging system. The thermal management system uses a combination of air cooling for the readout electronics of the CT detector assembly and liquid cooling for the X-ray sensors of the CT detector assembly. The hybrid air and liquid cooling systems and methods may be coupled together in the thermal management system and method to create a cooler temperature in the CT detector assembly. The CT detector assembly components may include CT detector modules, which may include X-ray sensors, readout electronics and other components.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Nicholas Konkle, Eric Aasen, Scott Slavic, Kyle Reiser, Michael Boehm, Mats Hedberg
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Publication number: 20210190978Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an imaging detector array. In one example, a detector module of the array has a central slit separating a first tile from a second tile of the detector module. An integrated circuit is located along a first side of the first tile and along a first side of the second tile and flex cable coupled to the integrated circuit of the first portion extends through the central slit of the detector module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Jahir Drago, Nicholas Konkle, Grant Schueneman, Faisal Saeed, James Rose
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Publication number: 20210190977Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an imaging detector array. In one example, a detector module of the array has an X-ray sensor assembly coupled to an upper surface of a conductive block and at least one integrated circuit positioned in a recess of the conductive block below the X-ray sensor assembly. The detector module may further include a radiation blocker positioned between the X-ray sensor assembly and the at least one integrated circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Nicholas Konkle, Daniel Lochner, Grant Schueneman, Jahir Drago
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Patent number: 11000242Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray source, an X-ray detector array having a plurality of X-ray detecting elements configured to detect X-rays passing through an object configured to be scanned, a plurality of collimator plates positioned between the object to be scanned and the X-ray detector array, wherein one or more of the plurality of collimator plates comprises at least one bend at or in a region of a bottom end of the collimator plate, the bottom end facing the X-ray detecting elements of the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system may be a CT imaging system or other imaging system that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Katsumasa Nose, Nicholas Konkle, Mark Adamak, Jacob Biju
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Patent number: 10823858Abstract: An imager panel for an x-ray detector for obtaining x-ray images of an object is provided that includes a first portion disposed at the center of the hybrid imager panel that can produce images of a first resolution and a second portion disposed at least partially around the first portion that is capable of producing images of a second resolution. The hybrid imager panel provides a hybrid detector that can be selectively operated to obtain images of varying resolutions corresponding to the first resolution from the first portion, the second resolution from the second portion or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Liu, Nicholas Konkle, Biju Jacob, Douglas Albagli, William Hennessy, Habib Vafi
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Patent number: 10794758Abstract: A system for verifying the integrity of a radiation detector is provided. the system includes one or more data modules, one or more data lines, and a controller. The one or more data lines electronically connect one or more detector elements of the radiation detector to the one or more data modules. Each of the detector elements is operative to detect electromagnetic radiation. The controller is operative to induce a voltage in the one or more detector elements, obtain a reading from the one or more detector elements via the one or more data modules; and determine whether the integrity of the radiation detector has been compromised based at least in part on comparing the reading to a benchmark.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Douglas Albagli, Nicholas Konkle, Joseph Kulak
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Patent number: 10674992Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Konkle, Marc Schaepkens
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Patent number: 10631801Abstract: An x-ray detector comprises: a housing, including a cover fastened on a flange of a flanged base and forming a semi-hermetic seal therebetween, the flanged base including a bottom surface and the flange surrounding a perimeter of the bottom surface; and an x-ray imager positioned on the bottom surface, the x-ray imager including a wireless transmitter, wherein the seal semi-hermetically encloses the x-ray imager in the housing, and is positioned nonadjacently to surfaces in contact with the x-ray imager. In this way, a simpler and less costly seal for a digital x-ray panel can be provide; furthermore, the seal is reusable and resealable, facilitating repair and refurbishment of the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Biju Jacob, Nicholas Konkle, Douglas Albagli, William Andrew Hennessy
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Patent number: 10506994Abstract: An enclosure for a radiographic device includes a bottom panel, a plurality of sidewalls integrally formed with the bottom panel, whereby the plurality of sidewalls and the bottom panel define a unitary body, and a top panel joined to the plurality of sidewalls and defining an internal space therebetween for housing a radiographic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Connor Douglas McColl, Kevin Lee, Nicholas Konkle, Kevin Kinsey
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Publication number: 20190235097Abstract: An imager panel for an x-ray detector for obtaining x-ray images of an object is provided that includes a first portion disposed at the center of the hybrid imager panel that can produce images of a first resolution and a second portion disposed at least partially around the first portion that is capable of producing images of a second resolution. The hybrid imager panel provides a hybrid detector that can be selectively operated to obtain images of varying resolutions corresponding to the first resolution from the first portion, the second resolution from the second portion or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: James Liu, Nicholas Konkle, Biju Jacob, Douglas Albagli, William Hennessy, Habib Vafi
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Publication number: 20190101439Abstract: A system for verifying the integrity of a radiation detector is provided. the system includes one or more data modules, one or more data lines, and a controller. The one or more data lines electronically connect one or more detector elements of the radiation detector to the one or more data modules. Each of the detector elements is operative to detect electromagnetic radiation. The controller is operative to induce a voltage in the one or more detector elements, obtain a reading from the one or more detector elements via the one or more data modules; and determine whether the integrity of the radiation detector has been compromised based at least in part on comparing the reading to a benchmark.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: DOUGLAS ALBAGLI, NICHOLAS KONKLE, JOSEPH KULAK
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Publication number: 20190099150Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Nicholas Konkle, Marc Schaepkens
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Publication number: 20190059836Abstract: An enclosure for a radiographic device includes a bottom panel, a plurality of sidewalls integrally formed with the bottom panel, whereby the plurality of sidewalls and the bottom panel define a unitary body, and a top panel joined to the plurality of sidewalls and defining an internal space therebetween for housing a radiographic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: CONNOR DOUGLAS MCCOLL, KEVIN LEE, NICHOLAS KONKLE, KEVIN KINSEY
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Patent number: 10045748Abstract: An x-ray detector for obtaining x-ray images of an object is provided that is capable of increasing the ability of the detector to withstand shock and other types of forces acting on the enclosure to prevent and/or limit damage to the internal components of the detector. The enclosure includes an internal filler/force distribution layer formed from a lightweight, rigid material such as rigid foam and/or a suitable structure, such as a honeycomb or other lattice structure. The material is formed or shaped to fill a layer or portion of the interior of the detector that is otherwise empty space defined between the various internal components of the detector. The position and shape of the force distribution layer determines the path of load distribution across or through the enclosure away from the internal components of the detector and is optimized for shock absorption and/or load distribution.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nicholas Konkle, Kevin Lee, Connor Douglas McColl, Kevin Kinsey
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Publication number: 20180132805Abstract: An x-ray detector comprises: a housing, including a cover fastened on a flange of a flanged base and forming a semi-hermetic seal therebetween, the flanged base including a bottom surface and the flange surrounding a perimeter of the bottom surface; and an x-ray imager positioned on the bottom surface, the x-ray imager including a wireless transmitter, wherein the seal semi-hermetically encloses the x-ray imager in the housing, and is positioned nonadjacently to surfaces in contact with the x-ray imager. In this way, a simpler and less costly seal for a digital x-ray panel can be provide; furthermore, the seal is reusable and resealable, facilitating repair and refurbishment of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Biju Jacob, Nicholas Konkle, Douglas Albagli, William Andrew Hennessy
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Patent number: 9871073Abstract: An x-ray detector may comprise: a moisture-impermeable substrate including a non-monolithic conductive portion integrated with a monolithic dielectric portion; a scintillator and an array of CMOS tiles positioned between the scintillator and the substrate; a cover positioned on the substrate and forming a seal therebetween that semi-hermetically encloses the scintillator and the array of CMOS tiles in a covered sealed region; and analog-to-digital electronics conductively coupled to the array of CMOS tiles and to the conductive portion, wherein the conductive portion transmits signals from the covered sealed region to beyond the seal without disrupting a semi-hermeticity of the seal. In this way, sealing of multiply-tiled CMOS image array detectors within a single x-ray detector can be more simply and reliably achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Konkle, Biju Jacob, Douglas Albagli, William Andrew Hennessy
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Publication number: 20170003401Abstract: A flexible x-ray detector and a method and system of using the same to acquire one or more x-ray images are disclosed. The flexible x-ray detector apparatus includes a curvature-fixing holder, which has a predetermined curvature. The curvature-fixing holder has a first end and a second end, which has a perimeter defining an internal slot or recess. The flexible detector is configured to be inserted into the recess of the curvature-fixing holder and follows the predetermined curvature of the recess. The flexible x-ray detector may further include a scintillator and a flexible substrate. A method of using a flexible x-ray detector apparatus as well as a system including one or more flexible x-ray detector apparatus are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Nicholas Konkle, John Sabol, Katelyn Nye, Andrea Schmitz, Aaron Couture, Kevin Kinsey