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).
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Publication number: 20240108306Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 11890132Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 11382601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy, Robert W. Steins
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Publication number: 20210267568Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Publication number: 20190269384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy, Robert W. Steins
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Patent number: 10226236Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 9848851Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew K. Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
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Publication number: 20170014106Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 9451933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 9151832Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
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Publication number: 20140107486Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew K. Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 8568319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
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Publication number: 20130231565Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Patent number: 8439840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Duffy
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Publication number: 20120195161Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
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Patent number: 8066642Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
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Patent number: 6622003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: UNext.com LLCInventors: Elizabeth Denious, Thomas M. Duffy, Craig W. Friedman, Richard Earle Osgood, John D. White