Patents by Inventor Uwe Wiedmann
Uwe Wiedmann 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: 11094497Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray source includes a source target configured to generate X-rays when impacted by an electron beam. The source target includes one or more thermally conductive layers; and one or more X-ray generating layers interleaved with the thermally conductive layers, wherein at least one X-ray generating layer comprises regions of X-ray generating material separated by thermally conductive material within the respective X-ray generating layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yong Liang, Vance Scott Robinson, Uwe Wiedmann
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Publication number: 20210244373Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fabrication and use of a phase-contrast imaging detector that includes sub-pixel resolution electrodes or photodiodes spaced to correspond to a phase-contrast interference pattern. A system using such a detector may employ fewer gratings than are typically used in a phase-contrast imaging system, with certain functionality typically provided by a detector-side analyzer grating being performed by sub-pixel resolution structures (e.g., electrodes or photodiodes) of the detector. Measurements acquired using the detector may be used to determine offset, amplitude, and phase of a phase-contrast interference pattern without multiple acquisitions at different phase steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Biju Jacob, Peter Michael Edic, Brian David Yanoff
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Patent number: 10893839Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system and method, wherein the system includes an x-ray source that is operable to emit a beam of x-rays from a focal spot and move a spot position of the focal spot. The system also includes a detector assembly that is configured to detect the x-rays attenuated by the object. At least one processing unit is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory. The at least one processing unit is configured to direct the x-ray source to emit different beams of the x-rays at different energy levels and to receive data from the detector assembly that are representative of detection of the x-rays emitted at the different energy levels. The at least one processing unit is also configured to direct the x-ray source to move the focal spot such that the focal spot is at different spot positions while the different beams are emitted.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiahua Fan, Yannan Jin, Ming Yan, Uwe Wiedmann
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Publication number: 20200293565Abstract: The example embodiments are directed to a system and method which can identify a plurality of labels from free-form text included in a corpus of repair actions. The system and method can further label each repair action with a label from the determined plurality of labels. In one example, the method may include storing a plurality of repair action entries which each comprise unstructured free-form text associated with actions performed, generating a term matrix comprises a list of words extracted from the plurality of repair action entries and mapped to the plurality of repair action entries based on frequency of use within free-form text thereof, determining a plurality of labels for categorizing the actions performed via execution of a non-negative matrix factorization based on the created term matrix, and outputting information about the determined plurality of labels for display via a user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Tapan SHAH, Uwe WIEDMANN
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Patent number: 10753969Abstract: The present approach relates to generating one or both of a failure prediction indication for an X-ray tube or a remaining useful life estimate for the X-ray tube. In one implementation, a trained static tube model is used in estimating health (e.g., thickness) of the electron emitter of the X-ray tube, which in turn may be used in predicting remaining useful life of an electron emitter of the X-ray tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rui Xu, Uwe Wiedmann, Jayakrishnan Unnikrishnan
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Patent number: 10631815Abstract: The present approach relates to scatter correction of signals acquired using radiation detectors on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In certain implementations, the systems and methods disclosed herein facilitate scatter correction for signals generated using a detector having segmented detector elements, such as may be present in an energy-resolving, photon-counting CT imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xue Rui, Yannan Jin, Biju Jacob, Brian David Yanoff, Uwe Wiedmann
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Publication number: 20190374174Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system and method, wherein the system includes an x-ray source that is operable to emit a beam of x-rays from a focal spot and move a spot position of the focal spot. The system also includes a detector assembly that is configured to detect the x-rays attenuated by the object. At least one processing unit is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory. The at least one processing unit is configured to direct the x-ray source to emit different beams of the x-rays at different energy levels and to receive data from the detector assembly that are representative of detection of the x-rays emitted at the different energy levels. The at least one processing unit is also configured to direct the x-ray source to move the focal spot such that the focal spot is at different spot positions while the different beams are emitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Jiahua Fan, Yannan Jin, Ming Yan, Uwe Wiedmann
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Publication number: 20190317144Abstract: The present approach relates to generating one or both of a failure prediction indication for an X-ray tube or a remaining useful life estimate for the X-ray tube. In one implementation, a trained static tube model is used in estimating health (e.g., thickness) of the electron emitter of the X-ray tube, which in turn may be used in predicting remaining useful life of an electron emitter of the X-ray tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Rui Xu, Uwe Wiedmann, Jayakrishnan Unnikrishnan
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Publication number: 20190229672Abstract: A system may include a motor that has a rotor and a stator. The system may include one or more sensors that measure a voltage signal of a winding of the stator. The system may include a processor that executes computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to receive, from the one or more sensors, the voltage signal that includes an induced voltage signal associated with the winding of the stator, to determine a time constant associated with the induced voltage signal based on a decay pattern of the induced voltage signal, to determine a temperature of a rotor based on the time constant, and to adjust one or more operations of the motor based on the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Xu Han, Nidhishri Tapadia, Jayakrishnan Unnikrishnan, Prabhakar Neti
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Patent number: 10290460Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes an electron beam source including a cathode configured to emit an electron beam. The X-ray tube also includes an anode assembly including an anode configured to receive the electron beam and to emit X-rays when impacted by the electron beam. The X-ray tube further includes a gridding electrode disposed about a path of the electron beam between the electron beam source and the anode assembly. The gridding electrode, when powered at a specific level, is configured to grid the electron beam in synchronization with planned transitions during a dynamic focal spot mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Michael John Utschig, Uwe Wiedmann, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Sergio Lemaitre, Mark Alan Frontera, Antonio Caiafa, Jiahua Fan, Adam Budde
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Patent number: 10262829Abstract: A circuit assembly and method use a breakover device that changes states in response to a change in electric energy in a helper circuit that supplies current from a power source to a powered system. The helper circuit includes an inductive element connected with the powered system. The breakover device is in a non-conducting state prior to a discharge event from the powered system to prevent the current from the power source from being conducted through the resistive element. The breakover device changes to a conducting state responsive to the powered system discharging current into the helper circuit. The breakover device conducts the current that is discharged from the powered system through the resistive element to reduce the electric energy in the helper circuit from the current that is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Phillipe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux, Uwe Wiedmann, Denis Perrillat-Amee
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Patent number: 10213172Abstract: An imaging method includes executing a low-dose preparatory scan to an object by applying tube voltages and tube currents in an x-ray source, and generating a first image of the object corresponding to the low-dose preparatory scan. The method further includes generating image quality estimates and dose estimates view by view at least based on the first image. The method includes optimizing the tube voltages and the tube currents to generate optimal profiles for the tube voltage and the tube current. At least one of the optimal profiles for the tube voltage and the tube current is generated based on the image quality estimates and the dose estimates. The method includes executing an acquisition scan by applying the tube voltages and the tube currents based on the optimal profiles and generating a second image of the object corresponding to the acquisition scan. An imaging system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yannan Jin, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Peter Michael Edic, Paul Francis Fitzgerald, Xue Rui, Yangyang Yao, Zhye Yin, Uwe Wiedmann
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Patent number: 10165996Abstract: An imaging system includes a computed tomography (CT) acquisition unit and a processing unit. The CT acquisition unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector. The processing unit is configured to determine a voltage delivery configuration for the X-ray source based on at least one of a patient size, a clinical task, or scan parameters. The voltage delivery configuration includes at least one of a transition configuration or a voltage threshold. The transition configuration corresponds to a transition between a high voltage and a low voltage. Portions of acquired data acquired above the voltage threshold are grouped as high energy data and portions acquired below the voltage threshold are grouped as low energy data. The processing unit is also configured to implement the voltage delivery configuration on the CT acquisition unit, and to control the CT acquisition unit to perform an imaging scan using the determined voltage delivery configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Priti Madhav, Uwe Wiedmann, Eric Biehr, Jiahua Fan, Jean-Francois Larroux, Vijay Subramanian
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Patent number: 10165663Abstract: An x-ray system for simultaneously or concurrently measuring currents of multiple emitters is provided. The x-ray system includes a high voltage direct current (DC) supply configured to supply tube current to the multiple emitters and plural emitter circuits. Each of these circuits includes each comprising an alternating current (AC) voltage supply, at least one of the multiple emitters operatively coupled to the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC supply, and a circuit coupling the AC voltage supply and the high voltage DC voltage supply to the at least one of the multiple filaments. At least one of the emitter circuits has a current measurement device between the high voltage DC supply and the emitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Philippe Ernest, Denis Perrillat-Amede, Dominique Poincloux, Jean-Francois Larroux
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Publication number: 20180328863Abstract: The present approach relates to scatter correction of signals acquired using radiation detectors on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In certain implementations, the systems and methods disclosed herein facilitate scatter correction for signals generated using a detector having segmented detector elements, such as may be present in an energy-resolving, photon-counting CT imaging system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Xue Rui, Yannan Jin, Biju Jacob, Brian David Yanoff, Uwe Wiedmann
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Publication number: 20180247786Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray source includes a source target configured to generate X-rays when impacted by an electron beam. The source target includes one or more thermally conductive layers; and one or more X-ray generating layers interleaved with the thermally conductive layers, wherein at least one X-ray generating layer comprises regions of X-ray generating material separated by thermally conductive material within the respective X-ray generating layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Yong Liang, Vance Scott Robinson, Uwe Wiedmann
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Patent number: 9970889Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that fall times between high-kV to low-kV levels (during a “dual energy” or “fast-kV” energy scan) are linked to the discharge of HV (high voltage) capacitance. In an embodiment of the invention, a high voltage generator may be activated during fall transitions from first to second energy levels in order to substantially maintain a predetermined fall transition time. Accordingly, substantially equal energy distributions between high-kV and low-kV levels may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jean-Francois Larroux, Julien Bouhraoua, Aurelien Gadenne, Uwe Wiedmann, Mark Frontera
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Patent number: 9953797Abstract: A flat emitter configured for use in an X-ray tube is presented. The X-ray tube includes a first conductive section including a first terminal. Further, the X-ray tube includes a second conductive section including a second terminal. Also, the X-ray tube includes a third conductive section disposed between the first conductive section and the second conductive section, wherein the third conductive section is configured to emit electrons toward a determined focal spot, and wherein the third conductive section includes a plurality of slits subdividing the third conductive section into a winding track coupled to the first conductive section and the second conductive section, wherein at least two of the plurality of slits are interwound spirally to compose the winding track, and wherein the winding track is configured to expand and contract based on heat provided to the third conductive section.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xi Zhang, Mark Alan Frontera, Sergio Lemaitre, John Scott Price, Uwe Wiedmann
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Patent number: 9952164Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Daniel David Harrison
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Publication number: 20180068823Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes an electron beam source including a cathode configured to emit an electron beam. The X-ray tube also includes an anode assembly including an anode configured to receive the electron beam and to emit X-rays when impacted by the electron beam. The X-ray tube further includes a gridding electrode disposed about a path of the electron beam between the electron beam source and the anode assembly. The gridding electrode, when powered at a specific level, is configured to grid the electron beam in synchronization with planned transitions during a dynamic focal spot mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Michael John Utschig, Uwe Wiedmann, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Sergio Lemaitre, Mark Alan Frontera, Antonio Caiafa, Jiahua Fan, Adam Budde