Patents by Inventor Robert C. Williams

Robert C. Williams 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: 12530779
    Abstract: A method for segmenting images is provided including tessellating an image obtained from one of an image database and an imaging system into a plurality of sectors; classifying each of the plurality of sectors by applying one or more pre-defined labels to each of the plurality of sectors, wherein the pre-defined labels indicate at least one of an image quality metric (IQM) and a metric of structure; assigning each of the plurality of classified sectors an Image Quality Classification (IQC); identifying anchor sectors among the plurality of classified sectors, applying filtering and edge detection to identify target boundaries; applying contouring across contiguous sectors and using the assigned IQC as a guide to complete segmentation of an edge between any two identified anchor sectors; and smoothing across segmented regions to increase parametric second-order continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: Translational Imaging Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Micaela R. Mendlow, Robert C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20250278516
    Abstract: An automated computer implemented method is provided to receive images and metadata from an acquisition device; parse the received metadata into data entities based on a standardized ontology; automatically write a data acquisition record into an acquisition side database that includes protected information; format the received images into a standardized image format, the image format including a set of information necessary to visualize and quantify the image; store the formatted images on a recording medium; populate a storage record into a storage side database that is free of protected information; and link information on the acquisition side database and the storage side database using a unique code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2025
    Publication date: September 4, 2025
    Inventors: Alexander E. Salmon, Eric L. Buckland, Robert C. Williams, Andrew J. Witchger, JR.
  • Patent number: 12299166
    Abstract: An application programming interface (API) resident on a computer is provided that, upon receiving a message that a data set associated with an encounter experienced by a subject is available, causes a processor to read a structured file associated with the data set, the structured file having a set of records assigned to a subset of pre-defined fields and a location of one or more unstructured objects, the pre-defined fields being organized according to an ontology having at least records related to the subject, the encounter and the data set; and populate at least first and second independent and distinct relational databases using endpoints of the API. The first relational database excludes records associated with the subject and the encounter and the second relational database includes records associated with the subject and the encounter. The second relational database includes multiple tables that can be accessed by invoking the API.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Translational Imaging Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Witchger, Jr., Robert C. Williams, Alexander E. Salmon, Maureen E. Tuffnell, Taylor M. Szeto, Tammy B. Carrea, Eric L. Buckland
  • Publication number: 20240346807
    Abstract: A system for training and deployment of automated image segmentation algorithms is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: BHAVNA ANTONY, ERIC L. BUCKLAND, ALEXANDER E. SALMON, ROBERT C. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20240331844
    Abstract: Integrated systems for collecting, storing, and distribution of images acquired of subjects in a research or clinical environment are provided. The system includes an image and data repository including a plurality of images originating from one or more image-generating devices, data associated with the images, and data associated with imaged subjects; and a workflow management module in direct communication with the image and data repository and with the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices that store the images of the imaged subjects, the workflow management module being configured to transport the images directly from the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices to the image and data repository and to manage the collation and distribution of images, data associated with the raw images and the data associated with the imaged subjects in the image and data repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Joseph Carroll, Robert C. Williams, Andrew J. Witchger, JR.
  • Patent number: 12080404
    Abstract: Integrated systems for collecting, storing, and distribution of images acquired of subjects in a research or clinical environment are provided. The system includes an image and data repository including a plurality of images originating from one or more image-generating devices, data associated with the images, and data associated with imaged subjects; and a workflow management module in direct communication with the image and data repository and with the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices that store the images of the imaged subjects, the workflow management module being configured to transport the images directly from the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices to the image and data repository and to manage the collation and distribution of images, data associated with the raw images and the data associated with the imaged subjects in the image and data repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Translational Imaging Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Joseph Carroll, Robert C. Williams, Andrew J. Witchger, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230351605
    Abstract: A method for segmenting images is provided including tessellating an image obtained from one of an image database and an imaging system into a plurality of sectors; classifying each of the plurality of sectors by applying one or more pre-defined labels to each of the plurality of sectors, wherein the pre-defined labels indicate at least one of an image quality metric (IQM) and a metric of structure; assigning each of the plurality of classified sectors an Image Quality Classification (IQC); identifying anchor sectors among the plurality of classified sectors, applying filtering and edge detection to identify target boundaries; applying contouring across contiguous sectors and using the assigned IQC as a guide to complete segmentation of an edge between any two identified anchor sectors; and smoothing across segmented regions to increase parametric second-order continuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Micaela R. Mendlow, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 11704809
    Abstract: A method for segmenting images is provided including tessellating an image obtained from one of an image database and an imaging system into a plurality of sectors; classifying each of the plurality of sectors by applying one or more pre-defined labels to each of the plurality of sectors, wherein the pre-defined labels indicate at least one of an image quality metric (IQM) and a metric of structure; assigning each of the plurality of classified sectors an Image Quality Classification (IQC); identifying anchor sectors among the plurality of classified sectors, applying filtering and edge detection to identify target boundaries; applying contouring across contiguous sectors and using the assigned IQC as a guide to complete segmentation of an edge between any two identified anchor sectors; and smoothing across segmented regions to increase parametric second-order continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Translational Imaging Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Micaela R. Mendlow, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 11668040
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a rotating drum that receives laundry to be treated. A motor rotates a drive shaft about a vertical axis and engages the rotating drum at a base. A coupler is disposed within an upper portion of the base and that rests upon the drive shaft to transfer rotational forces from the drive shaft to the drum. A lower portion of the base engages an outer surface of the shaft to resist moment forces that are exerted against the drive shaft in an off-axis direction relative to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Fugal, Bradley D. Morrow, Joseph C. O'Connor, Prabhath KV, Jason S. Sabel, Christine L. Strain, Meredith A. Wagner, Robert C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20230023922
    Abstract: An application programming interface (API) resident on a computer is provided that, upon receiving a message that a data set associated with an encounter experienced by a subject is available, causes a processor to read a structured file associated with the data set, the structured file having a set of records assigned to a subset of pre-defined fields and a location of one or more unstructured objects, the pre-defined fields being organized according to an ontology having at least records related to the subject, the encounter and the data set; and populate at least first and second independent and distinct relational databases using endpoints of the API. The first relational database excludes records associated with the subject and the encounter and the second relational database includes records associated with the subject and the encounter. The second relational database includes multiple tables that can be accessed by invoking the API.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew J. Witchger, JR., Robert C. Williams, Alexander E. Salmon, Maureen E. Tuffnell, Taylor M. Szeto, Tammy B. Carrea, Eric L. Buckland
  • Publication number: 20220148710
    Abstract: Integrated systems for collecting, storing, and distribution of images acquired of subjects in a research or clinical environment are provided. The system includes an image and data repository including a plurality of images originating from one or more image-generating devices, data associated with the images, and data associated with imaged subjects; and a workflow management module in direct communication with the image and data repository and with the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices that store the images of the imaged subjects, the workflow management module being configured to transport the images directly from the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices to the image and data repository and to manage the collation and distribution of images, data associated with the raw images and the data associated with the imaged subjects in the image and data repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Joseph Carroll, Robert C. Williams, Andrew J. Witchger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210209758
    Abstract: A method for segmenting images is provided including tessellating an image obtained from one of an image database and an imaging system into a plurality of sectors; classifying each of the plurality of sectors by applying one or more pre-defined labels to each of the plurality of sectors, wherein the pre-defined labels indicate at least one of an image quality metric (IQM) and a metric of structure; assigning each of the plurality of classified sectors an Image Quality Classification (IQC); identifying anchor sectors among the plurality of classified sectors, applying filtering and edge detection to identify target boundaries; applying contouring across contiguous sectors and using the assigned IQC as a guide to complete segmentation of an edge between any two identified anchor sectors; and smoothing across segmented regions to increase parametric second-order continuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Micaela R. Mendlow, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 11053624
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a tub defining an interior, a basket located within the interior and rotatably mounted within the tub and having an upper and lower basket base portion, a balance ring mounted to the upper edge of the basket peripheral wall, a clothes mover rotatably mounted within the basket, a drive system comprising a motor operably coupled to the basket and the clothes mover and configured to selectively oscillate or rotate the basket or the clothes mover and a first and second drive shaft, and a drive attachment mechanism configured to couple the basket to the second drive shaft, with the drive attachment mechanism comprising a bushing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric K. Farrington, Steven Fricke, Nicholas C. Fugal, Christine L. Strain, Philip R. Thompson, Robert C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20210193297
    Abstract: Integrated systems for collecting, storing, and distribution of images acquired of subjects in a research or clinical environment are provided. The system includes an image and data repository including a plurality of images originating from one or more image-generating devices, data associated with the images, and data associated with imaged subjects; and a workflow management module in direct communication with the image and data repository and with the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices that store the images of the imaged subjects, the workflow management module being configured to transport the images directly from the one or more image-generating devices and/or storage devices to the image and data repository and to manage the collation and distribution of images, data associated with the raw images and the data associated with the imaged subjects in the image and data repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Joseph Carroll, Robert C. Williams, Andrew J. Witchger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210079580
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a rotating drum that receives laundry to be treated. A motor rotates a drive shaft about a vertical axis and engages the rotating drum at a base. A coupler is disposed within an upper portion of the base and that rests upon the drive shaft to transfer rotational forces from the drive shaft to the drum. A lower portion of the base engages an outer surface of the shaft to resist moment forces that are exerted against the drive shaft in an off-axis direction relative to the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Fugal, Bradley D. Morrow, Joseph C. O'Connor, Prabhath KV, Jason S. Sabel, Christine L. Strain, Meredith A. Wagner, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 10907293
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a rotating drum that receives laundry to be treated. A motor rotates a drive shaft about a vertical axis and engages the rotating drum at a base. A coupler is disposed within an upper portion of the base and that rests upon the drive shaft to transfer rotational forces from the drive shaft to the drum. A lower portion of the base engages an outer surface of the shaft to resist moment forces that are exerted against the drive shaft in an off-axis direction relative to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Fugal, Bradley D. Morrow, Joseph C. O'Connor, Prabhath KV, Jason S. Sabel, Christine L. Strain, Meredith A. Wagner, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 10758399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BRACCO DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Harry Bratton, David J. Vining
  • Publication number: 20200221022
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides lighting of a product to facilitate acquiring images that can be automatically processed to generate high resolution item-only images free of quality defects and imaging artifacts. Image processing programs accurately detect an outline of an item in a set of digital images taken using the image formation system and automatically store processed images in an image library. The images in the library may be repurposed for print, sales display, transmission to a user, on-line customer support, and the like. A user display configured with an adaptable user interface facilitates user interaction with images in the library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wheeler, Steven R. Koontz, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 10616477
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides lighting of a product to facilitate acquiring images that can be automatically processed to generate high resolution item-only images free of quality defects and imaging artifacts. Image processing programs accurately detect an outline of an item in a set of digital images taken using the image formation system and automatically store processed images in an image library. The images in the library may be repurposed for print, sales display, transmission to a user, on-line customer support, and the like. A user display configured with an adaptable user interface facilitates user interaction with images in the library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: PC Connection, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wheeler, Steven R. Koontz, Robert C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20190194853
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a tub defining an interior, a basket located within the interior and rotatably mounted within the tub and having an upper and lower basket base portion, a balance ring mounted to the upper edge of the basket peripheral wall, a clothes mover rotatably mounted within the basket, a drive system comprising a motor operably coupled to the basket and the clothes mover and configured to selectively oscillate or rotate the basket or the clothes mover and a first and second drive shaft, and a drive attachment mechanism configured to couple the basket to the second drive shaft, with the drive attachment mechanism comprising a bushing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: ERIC K. FARRINGTON, STEVEN FRICKE, NICHOLAS C. FUGAL, CHRISTINE L. STRAIN, PHILIP R. THOMPSON, ROBERT C. WILLIAMS