Patents by Inventor Thomas Beck

Thomas Beck 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).

  • RECORDING AND EVALUATING MAGNETIC RESONANCE SIGNALS OF A FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE EXAMINATION
    Publication number: 20160259022
    Abstract: Recording and evaluating magnetic resonance signals of a functional magnetic resonance examination of a patient is provided. A region of the patient's brain is influenced during at least two time intervals. During the first time interval, the influencing takes place in accordance with a first way of stimulation and during a second time interval in accordance with a second way of stimulation, wherein the first and the second way of stimulation differ. While the at least two time intervals magnetic resonance signals are acquired from the region of the patient's brain by means of a pseudo-random stimulation sequence, the acquired magnetic resonance signals are evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Beck
  • Method and system for determining a boundary surface network
    Patent number: 9436888
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a boundary surface network of a tubular object. An ordered series of contours is first supplied on the basis of image data in a source space. A transformation function is created for at least two consecutive contours in the series, and a unit space segment object is created in the unit space on the basis of the consecutive contours. A local signed distance function is determined in the unit space. In addition, a relative positional information of a query point is determined in the source space from a surface of a segment object in the source space, the segment object being based on the consecutive contours, on the basis of the local signed distance function in the unit space and using the transformation function. Finally, the boundary surface network is created on the basis of the relative positional information that has been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Dominik Bernhardt, Jan Kretschmer
  • SEARCHING AND PLACEHOLDERS
    Publication number: 20160188626
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to file system placeholders. In aspects, placeholders may be used by a client to represent remote file system objects. The placeholders may include metadata, searchable text, and may also include none, some, or all of the content of the represented remote file system objects. Search data from the placeholders is integrated into a local search database of the client such that the client is able to satisfy queries and identify relevant local and remote file system objects even when the client is offline with respect to remote storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael John Novak, Chris Guzak, Sangeeta Ranjit, Scott David Hoogerwerf, Amnon Itamar Govrin, Marc Wautier, Kiernon Reiniger, Kyle Thomas Beck, Relja Ivanovic, Oded Yehuda Shekel, Tyler Kien Beam
  • Manufacture of coated copper pillars
    Patent number: 9331040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a copper pillar on a semiconducting substrate, the copper pillar having an underbump metallization area comprising a metal less noble than copper and optionally a solder bump on the top portion, and having a layer of a second metal selected from tin, tin alloys, silver, and silver alloys deposited onto the side walls of said copper pillar. A layer of a first metal which is more noble than copper is deposited onto the entire outer surface of the copper pillar prior to deposition of the second metal layer. The layer of a second metal then has at least a reduced number of undesired pin-holes and serves as a protection layer for the underlying copper pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Gerhard Steinberger, Andreas Walter
  • ADAPTER DEVICE FOR AN OPERATING TABLE
    Publication number: 20160076566
    Abstract: An adapter device for detachably fastening instruments and equipment to a side rail of an operating table includes a clamping device by means of which the adapter device can be clamped to the side rail of the operating table, a longitudinal profile onto which the instruments and equipment can be detachably fastened, and a joint having at least one pivot axis formed between the clamping device and the longitudinal profile so that the longitudinal profile is pivotable relative to the clamping device about the pivot axis of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Thomas Beck, Pedro Morales
  • MAGNETIC RESONANCE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROSPECTIVE MOTION CORRECTION
    Publication number: 20160077180
    Abstract: For prospective motion correction in magnetic resonance imaging, first magnetic resonance data that map a first sub-region of a region of interest are acquired. Motion correction parameters are determined based on a comparison of at least the first magnetic resonance data with reference magnetic resonance data that map the region of interest. Second magnetic resonance data that map a second sub-region of the region of interest are determined using prospective motion correction based on the motion correction parameters. A magnetic resonance image is determined based on the first magnetic resonance data and based on the second magnetic resonance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: THOMAS BECK
  • TELESCOPING RETRACTOR HOLDER
    Publication number: 20160051241
    Abstract: A telescoping retractor holder includes a length-adjustable support, the one end section of which can be supported on an operating table, and including a retractor lever, the one, distal end of which includes a retractor receptacle adapted to releasably grip a retractor, and the other, proximal end section of which can be operatively connected in a supporting manner to the other free end section of the telescoping support, preferably by way of a detachable connecting means, for the application of a lever force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Thomas Beck, Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • SURGICAL DEVICE FOR STABILIZING AND IMMOBILIZING MOVED TISSUE
    Publication number: 20160030031
    Abstract: A surgical device for stabilizing or immobilizing moved tissue or for positioning organs, especially a part of a beating heart, includes a flexible arm, especially a link arm, fixed or fixable to a base member which arm can be brought into different positions and/or attitudes and at the free end of which at least one retaining element is arranged, and comprising a tightening mechanism by which the arm can be fixed at a desired position. The tightening mechanism is tightened and/or released by means of a manually controllable external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Dominik Seyfried, Andreas Elisch, Thomas Beck, Michele Genoni, Dieter Weisshaupt, Pedro Morales
  • Searching and placeholders
    Patent number: 9218350
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to file system placeholders. In aspects, placeholders may be used by a client to represent remote file system objects. The placeholders may include metadata, searchable text, and may also include none, some, or all of the content of the represented remote file system objects. Search data from the placeholders is integrated into a local search database of the client such that the client is able to satisfy queries and identify relevant local and remote file system objects even when the client is offline with respect to remote storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Novak, Chris Guzak, Sangeeta Ranjit, Scott David Hoogerwerf, Amnon Itamar Govrin, Marc Wautier, Kiernon Reiniger, Kyle Thomas Beck, Tyler Kien Beam, Oded Yehuda Shekel, Relja Ivanovic
  • METHOD AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE APPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING MAGNETIC RESONANCE DATA WITH A PROSPECTIVE MOTION CORRECTION
    Publication number: 20150346307
    Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for performing an MR examination with prospective motion correction, multiple MR signals are acquired. For each MR signal, signal, an examination volume is established and a navigator volume is established for recording navigator signals. The examination volume and the navigator volume are not identical. At least one navigator reference signal is acquired at a time t0, and at least one navigator signal is acquired at a time t1>t0. Motion information is determined from the navigator signal and the navigator reference signal, and the recording parameters are set as a function of the motion information. At least one further magnetic resonance signal is acquired with this setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Beck
  • SURGICAL POSITIONING INSTRUMENT FOR SUPPORTING AND HOLDING ORGANS
    Publication number: 20150335323
    Abstract: A surgical positioning instrument for supporting and holding organs includes a preferably concave bearing portion and a supporting portion substantially rearward with respect to the bearing portion. Via the bearing portion an organ which is to be positioned can be received and via the supporting portion the surgical positioning instrument can be supported at an environment of the organ. Further, at least the bearing portion partly simulates a surface of the organ to be supported and is designed to be dimensionally stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Zoltan Galajda, Dominik Seyfried, Theodor Lutze, Dieter Weisshaupt, Thomas Beck, Sonja Verse, Robert Vogtherr, Andreas Elisch, Pedro Morales, Omer Dzemali, Lajos Patonay
  • ATRIUM RETRACTOR
    Publication number: 20150282795
    Abstract: The present application discloses an atrium retractor with a plate and a shaft that has a shaft sleeve, an inner rod and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is designed to generate a relative movement between the shaft sleeve and the inner rod. An articulation device that is firmly connected either to the plate or the shaft and is detachably connectable to the other from the plate or the shaft is provided in the atrium retractor. The operating mechanism is adapted to optionally lock and release the articulated connection by means of the relative movement between the shaft sleeve and the inner rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Stefanie Schabert, Pedro Morales, Thomas Beck
  • MANUFACTURE OF COATED COPPER PILLARS
    Publication number: 20150279797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a copper pillar on a semiconducting substrate, the copper pillar having an underbump metallization area comprising a metal less noble than copper and optionally a solder bump on the top portion, and having a layer of a second metal selected from tin, tin alloys, silver, and silver alloys deposited onto the side walls of said copper pillar. A layer of a first metal which is more noble than copper is deposited onto the entire outer surface of the copper pillar prior to deposition of the second metal layer. The layer of a second metal then has at least a reduced number of undesired pin-holes and serves as a protection layer for the underlying copper pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Gerhard Steinberger, Andreas Walter
  • Method and system for determining a boundary surface network
    Patent number: 9135697
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a boundary surface network of the tubular object. In an embodiment, a representation of the tubular object is initially provided on the basis of image data and local dimension information is provided for points of the representation. A subdivided division structure presentation of the tubular object with division cells is then created, which based on the local dimension information, including a different spatial extent. Finally a boundary surface network is derived on the basis of the division structure presentation. Also described are a boundary surface network determination system and a division structure determination system for performing such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Jan Kretschmer, Christian Tietjen
  • THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WITH INPUT LIQUID KEPT ABOVE 650°C
    Publication number: 20150253084
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage system has an insulated storage container filled with a particulate earth material. A heat input conduit circuit is buried in the earth material and transfers heat from an input liquid flowing in the heat input conduit circuit to the earth material. A heat output system is operative to transfer heat from the earth material in the storage container to an external heat consumer. During operation the input liquid enters the inlet port of the heat input conduit circuit at an input operating temperature and leaves the outlet port at an output operating temperature, and the output operating temperature is above about 650° C. The input liquid remains liquid at the input and output operating temperatures under atmospheric pressure. Energy is stored at a relatively high temperature compared to the prior art, and provides increased efficiency for heat consuming processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: SHEC ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Thomas Beck
  • Method and branching determination device for determining a branching point within a hollow organ
    Patent number: 9109391
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a branching point within a hollow organ in image data representing the spatial structure thereof. In at least one embodiment, the method includes setting a start point within the hollow organ; determining at least one local threshold which corresponds to the presence of a wall of the hollow organ; carrying out a region growing method using the threshold; analyzing the connectivity of a number of outer growth layers; and localizing a branching on the basis of the connectivity analysis. Moreover, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a correspondingly designed branching determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Christina Biermann
  • LIGHT WEIGHT SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
    Publication number: 20150103427
    Abstract: A solar concentrator has frame members connected together to form a framework, and a flexible sheet attached to the framework such that the flexible sheet takes a loose shape and can flex in response to shaping forces exerted thereon. The sheet has a reflective surface located between the frame members. A shaping force system is operative, when activated, to exert the shaping forces on the sheet, the shaping forces configured to draw the sheet from the loose shape into a desired shape such that solar rays striking the reflective surface are focused on a target, and a solar energy receiver is attached to the framework at a location corresponding to the target. Thin wall tubing filled with pressurized air can provide strong light frame members. When the shaping force system is deactivated, the flexible sheet reverts substantially to the loose shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: SHEC ENERGY Corporation
    Inventor: James Thomas BECK
  • DOUBLE RETRACTOR BLADES
    Publication number: 20150099939
    Abstract: The present application relates to a double blade for a surgical retractor having a base body with a substantially cylindrical mounting mandrel for mounting the double blade on a surgical retractor, and at least two blade elements that are so mounted on the base body as to be rotatable and/or displaceable through at least a certain angular range with respect to the base body. Moreover, the present application relates to a blade arrangement in which a double blade is connected to a connecting element of a further double blade, or a single blade. In this case, the at least one double blade or, optionally, the single blade is rotatable with respect to the connecting element. In addition, the application relates to a retractor with a double blade, a blade arrangement or a blade assembly comprising double blades and a blade arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Pedro Morales, Christian Huber
  • SURGICAL RETRACTOR
    Publication number: 20150018624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical retractor, particularly for the retraction of a separated sternum, with a holding device and two spreader arms, wherein the spreader arms are mounted with one end on the holding device, at a distance from each other that is adjustable in a spreading plane, and at least two retaining elements for retention of bone material, for example of the separated sternum, are arranged on each of the spreader arms. To develop this retractor for sternotomy in such a way as to permit gentler opening of the separated sternum, it is proposed that at least one of the retaining elements is mounted such that its position can be modified in the retraction direction with respect to that end of the spreader arm mounted on the holding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Peter Kleine, Dieter Weisshaupt, Pedro Morales, Robert Vogtherr, Andreas Elisch
  • MODIFIED INTERFACE AROUND A HOLE
    Publication number: 20140349065
    Abstract: A layer system including a substrate and a layer is provided. The layer system has a hole at least in the layer, and wherein at least one recess is present in a surface of the layer in a vicinity around the hole or directly adjoining a boundary line of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Amann, Thomas Beck, Bjorn Beckmann, Andreas Böttcher, Winfried Esser, Giuseppe Gaio, Rudolf Küperkoch, Eckart Schumann, Rostislav Teteruk