Patents by Inventor Pascal T. Hofer

Pascal T. Hofer 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).

  • Couch top pitch and roll motion by linear wedge kinematic and universal pivot
    Patent number: 8966686
    Abstract: A couch top includes a top, a base, a universal joint coupling the top and the base, and actuators mounted on the base to pitch and roll the top. Feedback devices may be fitted on the rotating ends of the universal joint to provide feedback for a control loop. Each actuator has an actuated end that translates vertically to lift or lower the top. The vertical movement may be derived from a carriage riding in place on a translating inclined plane. When the actuated ends move in the same direction, they pitch the top. When the actuated ends move in the opposite directions, they roll the top. Feedback devices may be fitted on motors in the actuators to provide feedback for the control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Robert T. Wiggers, Bernhard Pultar, Daniel Seiler, Pascal T. Hofer, Reto W. Filiberti, Christof Frey
  • Couch Top Pitch and Roll Motion by Linear Wedge Kinematic and Universal Pivot
    Publication number: 20130111668
    Abstract: A couch top includes a top, a base, a universal joint coupling the top and the base, and actuators mounted on the base to pitch and roll the top. Feedback devices may be fitted on the rotating ends of the universal joint to provide feedback for a control loop. Each actuator has an actuated end that translates vertically to lift or lower the top. The vertical movement may be derived from a carriage riding in place on a translating inclined plane. When the actuated ends move in the same direction, they pitch the top. When the actuated ends move in the opposite directions, they roll the top. Feedback devices may be fitted on motors in the actuators to provide feedback for the control loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Robert T. Wiggers, Bernhard Pultar, Daniel Seiler, Pascal T. Hofer, Reto W. Filiberti, Christof Frey