Patents by Inventor Thomas Dean Schaefer
Thomas Dean Schaefer 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).
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Patent number: 9494181Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Donald Robert Allen, Evan Michael Lampe
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Publication number: 20150167724Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Donald Robert Allen, Evan Michael Lampe
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Patent number: 8542801Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ethan James Westcot, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Kalyan Koppisetty
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Patent number: 8512059Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ron Kent Hockersmith, Edward Emaci
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Publication number: 20120178297Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ron Kent Hockersmith, Edward Emaci
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Publication number: 20120177186Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ethan James Westcot, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Kalyan Koppisetty
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Patent number: 7583791Abstract: An X-ray tube target assembly and method of manufacturing same is provided. The X-ray tube target assembly comprises an injection molded target disk. The injection molded target disk includes an injection molded hub member and an injection molded outer member. The injection molded outer member comprises a plurality of injection molded outer member segments that are removably attached together and removably attached to the hub member to form the injection molded target disk. A target track is formed on an outer surface on one side of an outer periphery of the injection molded outer member.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Scott Hebert, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ethan James Westcot
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Publication number: 20080260105Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a stationary base and a passage therein. The x-ray tube includes an anode frame having an anode positioned adjacent to a first end and having a neck at a second end, the neck extends into the passage, wherein the anode frame is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the passage. A hermetic seal is positioned about the neck between the neck and the stationary base.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ron Kent Hockersmith
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Patent number: 7377695Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a drive shaft and an outer shaft housing element. A primary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a primary fixed outer race and a primary dual inner race comprising a first primary inner race element and a second primary race element. A plurality of primary ball elements are positioned therebetween. A secondary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a secondary floating outer race comprising a single secondary race element. A secondary dual inner race is comprised of a first secondary inner race element and a second secondary race element. A plurality of secondary ball elements are positioned between the secondary floating outer race and the secondary dual inner race.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Liangheng Qiu, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Paul M. Ratzmann
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Publication number: 20080095316Abstract: The present application discloses an anode assembly for an x-ray device. The anode assembly includes an anode and an anode shaft mounted to the anode. The anode assembly additionally includes a plurality of ceramic bearing balls adapted to rotatably support the anode shaft. In an embodiment, a plurality of metallic bearing balls are also provided to rotatably support the anode shaft. In another embodiment, the plurality of ceramic bearing balls and the plurality of metallic bearing balls have a solid lubricant coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Liangheng Qiu, Carey Shawn Rogers, Michael J. Danyluk, Thomas Dean Schaefer