Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Duffy

Thomas M. Duffy 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).

  • Publication number: 20240108306
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting a first set of ultrasound waves to determine whether there is fluid flow at a target area. The first set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a first pulse repetition frequency. The method also includes determining whether there is fluid flow in a second area based on the first set of ultrasound waves. The second area is between the target area and an ultrasound probe. The method further includes transmitting a second set of ultrasound waves to detect fluid flow at the target area in response to determining that there is fluid flow in the second area between the target area and the ultrasound probe. The second set of ultrasound waves are directed towards the target area. The second set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a second pulse repetition frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 11890132
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting a first set of ultrasound waves to determine whether there is fluid flow at a target area. The first set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a first pulse repetition frequency. The method also includes determining whether there is fluid flow in a second area based on the first set of ultrasound waves. The second area is between the target area and an ultrasound probe. The method further includes transmitting a second set of ultrasound waves to detect fluid flow at the target area in response to determining that there is fluid flow in the second area between the target area and the ultrasound probe. The second set of ultrasound waves are directed towards the target area. The second set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a second pulse repetition frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 11382601
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor to associate an ultrasound image with one or more pictographs that correspond to the image. A processor provides ultrasound image data to one or more trained neural networks that classify the image data. The processor is programmed to select one or more pictographs that correspond to the classified image data for presentation to the operator. In some embodiments, the processor is programmed to use a neural network to determine if an ultrasound image captured during an examination corresponds to one or more required views for a particular type of examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy, Robert W. Steins
  • Publication number: 20210267568
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting a first set of ultrasound waves to determine whether there is fluid flow at a target area. The first set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a first pulse repetition frequency. The method also includes determining whether there is fluid flow in a second area based on the first set of ultrasound waves. The second area is between the target area and an ultrasound probe. The method further includes transmitting a second set of ultrasound waves to detect fluid flow at the target area in response to determining that there is fluid flow in the second area between the target area and the ultrasound probe. The second set of ultrasound waves are directed towards the target area. The second set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a second pulse repetition frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20190269384
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor to associate an ultrasound image with one or more pictographs that correspond to the image. A processor provides ultrasound image data to one or more trained neural networks that classify the image data. The processor is programmed to select one or more pictographs that correspond to the classified image data for presentation to the operator. In some embodiments, the processor is programmed to use a neural network to determine if an ultrasound image captured during an examination corresponds to one or more required views for a particular type of examination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy, Robert W. Steins
  • Patent number: 10226236
    Abstract: Adjustment of operation of an ultrasound imaging system may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics represented in ultrasound return signals from two or more sample volumes. Adjustment may include adjusting a principal sample volume location or selecting a new principal sample volume. For example, a location of a principal sample volume may be adjusted or new principal sample volume selected so as to remain focused on an identified region of interest or to maintain the principal sample volume relative to some structure or reference. The principal sample volume may be maintained in the center or along a centerline of an artery or other structure, as the transducer array is moved along the artery or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9848851
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method employs hardware and/or software to monitor values indicative of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation for each channel as a function of depth. Any of a number of actions may be performed based on the monitored values. For example, analog amplification or TGC may be adjusted to enhance the use of a dynamic range of ADCs while reducing or eliminating ADC saturation. A TGC profile may be adjusted. An alert may be provided. A power consumption may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew K. Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20170014106
    Abstract: Adjustment of operation of an ultrasound imaging system may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics represented in ultrasound return signals from two or more sample volumes. Adjustment may include adjusting a principal sample volume location or selecting a new principal sample volume. For example, a location of a principal sample volume may be adjusted or new principal sample volume selected so as to remain focused on an identified region of interest or to maintain the principal sample volume relative to some structure or reference. The principal sample volume may be maintained in the center or along a centerline of an artery or other structure, as the transducer array is moved along the artery or structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9451933
    Abstract: Adjustment of operation of an ultrasound imaging system may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics represented in ultrasound return signals from two or more sample volumes. Adjustment may include adjusting a principal sample volume location or selecting a new principal sample volume. For example, a location of a principal sample volume may be adjusted or new principal sample volume selected so as to remain focused on an identified region of interest or to maintain the principal sample volume relative to some structure or reference. The principal sample volume may be maintained in the center or along a centerline of an artery or other structure, as the transducer array is moved along the artery or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9151832
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20140107486
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method employs hardware and/or software to monitor values indicative of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation for each channel as a function of depth. Any of a number of actions may be performed based on the monitored values. For example, analog amplification or TGC may be adjusted to enhance the use of a dynamic range of ADCs while reducing or eliminating ADC saturation. A TGC profile may be adjusted. An alert may be provided. A power consumption may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew K. Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 8568319
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method employs hardware and/or software to monitor values indicative of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation for each channel as a function of depth. Any of a number of actions may be performed based on the monitored values. For example, analog amplification or TGC may be adjusted to enhance the use of a dynamic range of ADCs while reducing or eliminating ADC saturation. A TGC profile may be adjusted. An alert may be provided. A power consumption may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20130231565
    Abstract: Adjustment of operation of an ultrasound imaging system may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics represented in ultrasound return signals from two or more sample volumes. Adjustment may include adjusting a principal sample volume location or selecting a new principal sample volume. For example, a location of a principal sample volume may be adjusted or new principal sample volume selected so as to remain focused on an identified region of interest or to maintain the principal sample volume relative to some structure or reference. The principal sample volume may be maintained in the center or along a centerline of an artery or other structure, as the transducer array is moved along the artery or structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 8439840
    Abstract: Adjustment of operation of an ultrasound imaging system may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics represented in ultrasound return signals from two or more sample volumes. Adjustment may include adjusting a principal sample volume location or selecting a new principal sample volume. For example, a location of a principal sample volume may be adjusted or new principal sample volume selected so as to remain focused on an identified region of interest or to maintain the principal sample volume relative to some structure or reference. The principal sample volume may be maintained in the center or along a centerline of an artery or other structure, as the transducer array is moved along the artery or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20120195161
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
  • Patent number: 8066642
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
  • Patent number: 6622003
    Abstract: A method for developing an electronic course may include describing an illustrative scenario that presents a problem for a student of an electronically deliverable course. At least one possible role assignment for a corresponding student of the course may be defined based on the illustrative scenario. A task may be provided for the student based on the role assignment and the scenario. A guidance system may be established which is accessible to the students over the electronic communications network. The guidance system provides guidance for solving the task or problem associated with the scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: UNext.com LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth Denious, Thomas M. Duffy, Craig W. Friedman, Richard Earle Osgood, John D. White