Patents by Inventor P. Walker

P. Walker 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).

  • Mesoporous catalysts of magnetic nanoparticles and free-radical-producing enzymes, and methods of use
    Patent number: 9597672
    Abstract: A composition comprising mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles and free-radical producing enzyme (i.e., enzyme-bound mesoporous aggregates), wherein the mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles have mesopores in which the free-radical-producing enzyme is embedded. Methods for synthesizing the enzyme-bound mesoporous aggregates are also described. Processes that use said enzyme-bound mesoporous aggregates for depolymerizing lignin, removing aromatic contaminants from water, and polymerizing monomers polymerizable by a free-radical reaction are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Stephane C. Corgie, Patarawan Kahawong, Emmanuel P. Giannelis, Larry P. Walker
  • TOUCH-FREE CATHETER USER INTERFACE CONTROLLER
    Publication number: 20170065356
    Abstract: A command interpreter is in communication with a wireless controller. The command interpreter is configured to identify a reference location of the wireless controller, identify a second location of the wireless controller, and determine, based on the reference location and the second location, a sequence of instrument commands configured to adjust positioning of the instrument device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kamini Balaji, Sean P. Walker, Serena H. Wong, June Park, Richard Henderson
  • Slider control of catheters and wires
    Patent number: 9532840
    Abstract: One exemplary user interface for a medical robotics system may include a control panel and one or more sliders that may be slidably carried by the control panel to actuate one or more motors for moving a surgical instrument of the medical robotics system. The sliders may be configured to actuate the motors to move the surgical instrument along a respective one of a plurality of degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Serena H. Wong, Sean P. Walker, June Park, Richard Henderson
  • Efficient Decontamination of Personnel and Objects
    Publication number: 20160354812
    Abstract: A method for efficiently decontaminating surfaces is provided comprising applying an indicator to a surface wherein the indicator provides an observable or machine readable response when a contamination is present on the surface, wherein the response is located relative to a location of the contamination; and decontaminating the location of the contamination, and optionally rechecking the location of the initial contamination post decontamination to ensure that the surface is free of contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Sovesky, Jason Robosky, Jeremy P. Walker, Markus Erbeldinger
  • Smart, self-decontaminating polymer and method for inhibiting the growth of a bacteria and fungus
    Patent number: 9452237
    Abstract: A smart antimicrobial material and dressing to inhibit microbial growth is provided. Endogenous chemicals, such as metabolites produced from bacteria are utilized as chemical substrates and converted by enzymes to produce a disinfecting compound that will in turn inhibit the targeted microorganism. The material shall remain passive until such time as it encounters a microbe which expresses and/or secretes specific metabolites or markers. The enzyme or enzymes embedded in the smart material converts the metabolite into a disinfecting compound, which in turn either kills the microorganism or prevents it from multiplying on the surface of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna M. Leech, Jeremy P. Walker, Scott Donahue, Jermaine D. Johnson, Jessica J. Sinclair
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RADIO FREQUENCY SWITCHING
    Publication number: 20160248400
    Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus and methods for radio frequency (RF) switching. In certain configurations, an RF switching circuit includes two or more FETs electrically connected in series between an input terminal and an output terminal, with the two or more FETs in the series connected via one or more intermediate nodes. The RF switching circuit receives a first switch control signal that can be used to control the DC bias voltages of the gates of the two or more FETs, and a second switch control signal that can be used to control the DC bias voltages of the one or more intermediate nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Walker
  • REDUCING INCREMENTAL MEASUREMENT SENSOR ERROR
    Publication number: 20160202053
    Abstract: For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member, such as a catheter, using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed, which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Sean P. Walker, Serena H. Wong, June Park, Neal A. Tanner
  • Method and apparatus for gapping
    Patent number: 9369135
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating gapped signals comprising a Delta Sigma Modulator (DSM) configured to generate gapping control signals used to control gap removal rates of an associated gapping unit. The DSM is configured to generate a gapping control signal based on a value of an overflow resulted from performing adding a first number with a remainder of a stored value modulo a second number. The gap removal rates as well as the gap removal resolutions can be adjusted by selecting appropriate values of the first number, the stored value, and the second number. The gapping resolution can be a portion of a pulse. The first number and the second number may be derived from an intended frequency ratio between a gapped signal and a corresponding input signal. The gapping unit may comprise a gapping circuit or a multi-modulus divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventors: Yehuda Azenkot, Michael Grosner, Timothy P. Walker
  • Apparatus and methods for switch-coupled oscillators
    Patent number: 9362893
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for switch-coupled oscillators are disclosed. In certain implementations, an oscillator system includes a primary oscillator, one or more auxiliary oscillators, one or more switching circuits, and an oscillator control circuit. The oscillator control circuit can be used to control the one or more switching circuits to selectively couple the primary oscillator to all or a portion of the one or more auxiliary oscillators. The oscillator control circuit can also disable any auxiliary oscillators that are decoupled from the primary oscillator to reduce power consumption. By selecting a number of auxiliary oscillators to couple to the primary oscillator, the oscillator system can have a configurable phase noise versus power consumption profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Walker, Robert J. Broughton, Edmund J. Balboni
  • Reducing incremental measurement sensor error
    Patent number: 9289578
    Abstract: For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member, such as a catheter, using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed, which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Walker, Serena H. Wong, June Park, Neal A. Tanner
  • Frequency synthesis with gapper and multi-modulus divider
    Patent number: 9281825
    Abstract: Systems and methods for frequency synthesis using a gapper and a multi-modulus divider. A frequency synthesizer may comprise a gapper, a multi-modulus divider and a Phase Locked Loop (PLL). When a frequency of an output signal is intended to be greater than a corresponding input signal, a factor can be borrowed by the gapper from the divider to generate a rational divide ratio G that is greater 1 in order for the gapper to be capable of performing the division by G. The PLL is capable of multiplying a gapped signal output from the first integer divider and attenuating jitter from the gapped signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventors: Yehuda Azenkot, Michael Grosner, Timothy P. Walker
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR ROTARY VANE ACTUATORS
    Publication number: 20160032758
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for implementing hydraulic actuators. Devices may include a housing having an internal surface defining an internal cavity that may have a substantially circular cross sectional curvature. The devices may include a rotor that includes a first slot having a substantially circular curvature. The devices may include a first vane disk partially disposed within the first slot of the rotor, where the first vane disk has a substantially circular external geometry. The first vane disk may be mechanically coupled to the rotor via the first slot, and the first vane disk may be configured to form a first seal with the internal surface of the housing. The devices may include a first separator device that may be configured to form a second seal with the internal surface of the housing and a third seal with an external surface of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charuhas M. Soman, Steven P. Walker, Michael K. Klein, John A. Standley
  • LEAD-ACID BATTERY SEPARATORS WITH ULTRA LOW RESISTIVITY AND SUSTAINED WETTABILITY
    Publication number: 20160028060
    Abstract: A lead-acid battery separator with ultralow resistivity results from high porosity, controlled pore (10) size distribution, and an ionic surfactant (14) with a long alkyl side chain (18) that is anchored to the polymer matrix (12) of a silica-filled polyethylene separator. The surfactant cannot be easily removed or washed away and thereby imparts sustained wettability to the separator. Controlling the number of, and volume occupied by, the pores (i.e., porosity) and pore size distribution of the separator contributes to a reduction in electrical (ionic) resistivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Richard W. Pekala, Chi Thuong-Le La, Cory S. Rogers, Jeffry M. Frenzel, Robert Waterhouse, David P. Walker
  • USER INTERFACE FOR MEDICAL ROBOTICS SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150375399
    Abstract: An exemplary illustration of a user interface for a medical robotics system may include multiple light sources configured to illuminate a gesture within a field of view. The user interface may further include multiple cameras, which have a field of view and are configured to generate a detection signal in response to detecting the gesture within the field of view. The user interface can also have a controller configured to generate a command signal based on the detection signal. The command signal may be configured to actuate an instrument driver, a display device, a C-arm configured or any combination thereof to perform a function mapped to the gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Joanne Chiu, Sean P. Walker, June Park, Kamini Balaji
  • STABILIZATION OF BIOMOLECULES BY ATTACHMENT OF RESPONSIVE POLYMERS AND SENSORS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150376594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biomolecule conjugate having one or more functionalized biomolecules wherein the biomolecule is functionalized with one or more reactive sites, and at least one polymer capable of undergoing a polymer growth reaction, wherein the polymer is attached to at least one of the reactive sites of the functionalized biomolecule and wherein the polymer envelopes the functionalized biomolecule to form a reversible nanoparticle structure which protects the biomolecule by dynamically collapsing to preserve the biomolecule when an adverse environmental stimulus is present. A method of protecting a biomolecule from environmental conditions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Walker, David C. Wilson, Anna M. Leech, Jessica J. Sinclair
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SWITCH-COUPLED OSCILLATORS
    Publication number: 20150372664
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for switch-coupled oscillators are disclosed. In certain implementations, an oscillator system includes a primary oscillator, one or more auxiliary oscillators, one or more switching circuits, and an oscillator control circuit. The oscillator control circuit can be used to control the one or more switching circuits to selectively couple the primary oscillator to all or a portion of the one or more auxiliary oscillators. The oscillator control circuit can also disable any auxiliary oscillators that are decoupled from the primary oscillator to reduce power consumption. By selecting a number of auxiliary oscillators to couple to the primary oscillator, the oscillator system can have a configurable phase noise versus power consumption profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Walker, Robert J. Broughton, Edmund J. Balboni
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVE DRIVE SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20150297864
    Abstract: The present application is related to devices, systems, and methods for controlling active drive systems. In one embodiment, the drive system may include a first surface and a second surface for engaging an elongate member. The first and second surfaces may be attached to a drive mechanism to move the elongate member. The first surface may be slidable relative to the drive mechanism and may have a clearance between the drive mechanism and an end of the first surface during movement of the elongate member in a non-slip condition. A sensor may be associated with the first surface and may be configured to detect movement of the first surface in a slip condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Arkady Kokish, Sean P. Walker, Kamini Balaji, Francis Macnamara
  • SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR CATHETER DRIVING INSTINCTIVENESS
    Publication number: 20150265807
    Abstract: A robotic catheter system may include a flexible catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an articulating portion at the distal end. It may further include a sensor coupled with the flexible catheter at or near the distal end, a visual display for displaying an image of at least part of the flexible catheter, a processor for generating a virtual indicator displayed on the image of the flexible catheter, where the virtual indicator indicates a direction of articulation and/or an amount of articulation of the articulating portion of the catheter, and a controller coupled with the proximal end of the flexible catheter to receive a user input and articulate the articulating portion of the catheter in response to the user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: June Park, Ray D'Ambrosio, Sean P. Walker
  • High efficiency outphasing transmitter for electronically scanned arrays
    Patent number: 9137067
    Abstract: High efficiency transmitters for electronically scanned arrays (also known as electronically steered antennas or ESAs) are disclosed. The transmitters in accordance with the present disclosure utilize outphasing power amplification. In one embodiment, the outphasing transmitter includes a phase shifting device. The phase shifting device is configured for phase shifting an input signal and providing a pair of phase shifted signals for each emitting element of the EAS. The outphasing transmitter also includes an outphasing power amplifier associated with each emitting element. Each outphasing power amplifier is configured for separately amplifying the pair of shifted signals for each emitting element and combining the separately amplified signals for each emitting element for transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Chenggang Xie, Theodore J. Hoffmann, Anders P. Walker
  • MAGNETIC HIERARCHICAL CATALYSTS OF NANOPARTICLES AND ENZYMES FORMING MESOPOROUS ASSEMBLIES EMBEDDED IN MACROPOROUS SCAFFOLDS, AND THEIR USE WITH MAGNETICALLY-DRIVEN REACTORS AND IN CHEMICAL REACTIONS
    Publication number: 20150252352
    Abstract: A hierarchical catalyst composition comprising a continuous or particulate macroporous scaffold in which is incorporated mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein an enzyme is embedded in mesopores of the mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles. Methods for synthesizing the hierarchical catalyst composition are also described. Also described are processes that use the recoverable hierarchical catalyst composition for depolymerizing lignin, remediation of water contaminated with aromatic substances, polymerizing monomers by a free-radical mechanism, epoxidation of alkenes, halogenation of phenols, inhibiting growth and function of microorganisms in a solution, and carbon dioxide conversion to methanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Stephane C. Corgie, Xiaonan Duan, Emmanuel Giannelis, Daniel Aneshansley, Larry P. Walker