Patents by Inventor Nicholas Ryan Konkle

Nicholas Ryan 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).

  • Patent number: 8680475
    Abstract: Portable digital X-ray detectors are provided. One X-ray detector includes an outer assembly and a detector assembly disposed within the outer assembly. The detector assembly includes an imager having a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. The detector assembly also includes electronic circuitry mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, an elastomeric assembly is disposed between the imager and the electronic circuitry, and the elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Publication number: 20140042331
    Abstract: Portable digital X-ray detectors are provided. One X-ray detector includes an outer assembly and a detector assembly disposed within the outer assembly. The detector assembly includes an imager having a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. The detector assembly also includes electronic circuitry mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, an elastomeric assembly is disposed between the imager and the electronic circuitry, and the elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Patent number: 8563938
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector assembly is provided that includes a digital detector array and a support panel secured to the detector array, wherein at least one side of the support panel includes a recess exposing an edge region of the detector array. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector assembly. The method includes securing a rear side of a detector array to a front side of a support panel that includes a recess in at least one side of the support panel, wherein the recess of the support panel exposes an edge region of the detector array; and processing the exposed edge region of the detector array. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for assembly and servicing of a digital X-ray detector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary Vernon McBroom
  • Publication number: 20130256543
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector includes a plurality of pixel regions. Each pixel region includes one or more photodiodes. The plurality of pixel regions form a detector panel having at least one corner truncated with respect to a rectangle to form a rounded shape or greater than four-sided polygon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Richard Granfors, John Robert Lamberty, German Guillermo Vera, Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Habib Vafi
  • Publication number: 20130168564
    Abstract: A portable radiation detector is described having an elastomeric enclosure that provides some degree of mechanical shock resistance. In one embodiment, the enclosure encloses some or all of the electronic components of the detector and provides protection against drops and other mechanical shock for the enclosed components. One or more support or stiffening structures may also be provided to protect against impacts, to distribute static loads, and/or to impart a shape to the detector when handled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Christopher Jay Morse
  • Publication number: 20130134319
    Abstract: A portable radiation detector is described having various shock isolation features. In one embodiment, shock isolation may be provided by providing a non-rigid mounting for a support layer within the portable detector to an enclosure of the portable detector. In other embodiments, an elastomeric strip is provided about all or part of an edge of the enclosure. In other embodiments, a removable elastomeric cover is provided for the portable detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Habib Vafi, Christopher Jay Morse, Kevin Edward Kinsey
  • Publication number: 20130134930
    Abstract: A charging station for a portable X-ray detector is described. In one embodiment, the charging station includes one or more biasing members that act to guide and align a portable detector when inserted into the charging station. In certain embodiments, a physical, pin-type connector for connecting to an inserted portable detector is present, while in other embodiments no pin-type connector is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Habib Vafi
  • Patent number: 8399847
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable X-ray detector assembly is provided comprising a detector array and a housing for the detector array. The housing is provided as a multi-layer structure in which at least one layer improves or increases the structural integrity of other layers of the housing. In certain embodiments, the structural integrity layer also acts to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference that might otherwise affect the detector or other electronics in the vicinity of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Habib Vafi
  • Publication number: 20130034213
    Abstract: A digital X-ray detector includes a shock monitoring system configured to monitor for an occurrence of a shock event via at least one shock sensor. The detector also includes a processor configured to receive information related to the shock event from the shock monitoring system and to report the shock event to an X-ray system communicatively coupled to the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Chuande Liu, Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Tan Liu, Roy Allan Schley
  • Patent number: 8324585
    Abstract: A digital detector of a digital imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, a digital detector includes a detector array disposed in a housing and configured to generate image data based on received radiation. The digital detector may also include a battery configured to be disposed within a receptacle of the housing and to supply operating power to the detector array. In one embodiment, the battery or the detector may provide for wireless data communication. In certain embodiments, a tethered plug configured to be disposed within the receptacle may be provided. In one such embodiment, the tether may be rotatable relative to the plug. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary V. McBroom, Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Patent number: 8269182
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a detector assembly that includes a support panel, a digital detector array with a rear side of the detector array being secured to a front side of the support panel, a backscattered X-ray and reflected light absorption layer disposed between the detector array and the support panel, a rear shock absorbing structure secured to a rear side of the support panel, and a front shock absorbing structure secured to a front side of the detector array. The digital X-ray detector further includes a shell assembly surrounding the detector assembly and secured to the rear shock absorbing structure. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary Vernon McBroom
  • Publication number: 20120119098
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable X-ray detector assembly is provided comprising a detector array and a housing for the detector array. The housing is provided as a multi-layer structure in which at least one layer improves or increases the structural integrity of other layers of the housing. In certain embodiments, the structural integrity layer also acts to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference that might otherwise affect the detector or other electronics in the vicinity of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Habib Vafi
  • Patent number: 8062040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical connection clamping are provided. The apparatus includes a connection arrangement having a top clamp section and a bottom clamp section. The connection arrangement further includes a stacked connector between the top clamp section and the bottom clamp section. The top clamp section and the bottom clamp section are configured to distribute a compression force along a plurality of points of the stacked connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Michael Richard Moritz, Thomas Michael Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20110133096
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a detector assembly that includes a support panel, a digital detector array with a rear side of the detector array being secured to a front side of the support panel, a backscattered X-ray and reflected light absorption layer disposed between the detector array and the support panel, a rear shock absorbing structure secured to a rear side of the support panel, and a front shock absorbing structure secured to a front side of the detector array. The digital X-ray detector further includes a shell assembly surrounding the detector assembly and secured to the rear shock absorbing structure. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary Vernon McBroom
  • Publication number: 20110133085
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector assembly is provided that includes a digital detector array and a support panel secured to the detector array, wherein at least one side of the support panel includes a recess exposing an edge region of the detector array. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector assembly. The method includes securing a rear side of a detector array to a front side of a support panel that includes a recess in at least one side of the support panel, wherein the recess of the support panel exposes an edge region of the detector array; and processing the exposed edge region of the detector array. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for assembly and servicing of a digital X-ray detector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary Vernon McBroom
  • Publication number: 20110059660
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical connection clamping are provided. The apparatus includes a connection arrangement having a top clamp section and a bottom clamp section. The connection arrangement further includes a stacked connector between the top clamp section and the bottom clamp section. The top clamp section and the bottom clamp section are configured to distribute a compression force along a plurality of points of the stacked connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Michael Richard Moritz, Thomas Michael Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20100284521
    Abstract: A digital detector of a digital imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, a digital detector includes a detector array disposed in a housing and configured to generate image data based on received radiation. The digital detector may also include a battery configured to be disposed within a receptacle of the housing and to supply operating power to the detector array. In one embodiment, the battery or the detector may provide for wireless data communication. In certain embodiments, a tethered plug configured to be disposed within the receptacle may be provided. In one such embodiment, the tether may be rotatable relative to the plug. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary V. McBroom, Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Publication number: 20100264572
    Abstract: A shock mount assembly includes a base member, a top member, and an isolator disposed between the base member and the top member, the isolator providing a dynamic stiffness in three different directions to limit the movement, deflection, and/or acceleration of a detector array with respect to a casing surrounding the detector array in three dimensions. A detector array including the shock mount assembly is also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Patent number: 7800065
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an electronic assembly having a panel and a circuit board, a casing surrounding the electronic assembly and at least one isolated member coupled to the casing. The apparatus further includes a shock absorbing material flexibly coupling the electronic assembly directly or indirectly to the at least one isolated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary McBroom
  • Publication number: 20100001195
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an electronic assembly having a panel and a circuit board, a casing surrounding the electronic assembly and at least one isolated member coupled to the casing. The apparatus further includes a shock absorbing material flexibly coupling the electronic assembly directly or indirectly to the at least one isolated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Gary McBroom