Patents Issued in April 8, 2014
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Patent number: 8693606Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for code acquisition. The present invention performs variable delay correlation to obtain the peak correlation result which is immune to carrier frequency offset and Doppler. The present invention makes use of a mapping parameter which is immune to sampling frequency offset. In particular, the present invention is applicable to the DTMB standard.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedInventors: Qiang Li, Sheng Chen
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Patent number: 8693607Abstract: The present invention discloses a digital self-timed timer for measuring the passage of time; a digital self-timed pulse generator for generating both continuous and finite pulse sequences; and a digital self-timed data receiver for recovering data from an asynchronous, two-wire bit-channel. Being self-timed, a disclosed self-timed timer measures time as a function of logic delays incurred while executing a sequence of internal state transitions. A pulse generator supports both a triggered pulse mode and continuous clock generation; pulse widths and pulse intervals are programmable. A data receiver may recover a data bit from each received two-bit code word and outputs recovered data and an associated write strobe for each recovered datum.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Richard L. Schober
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Patent number: 8693608Abstract: An endpoint or other communication device of a communication system includes a clock recovery loop having a phase error estimator. The communication device is operative as a slave device relative to another communication device that is operative as a master device. The clock recovery loop is configured to control a slave clock of the slave device responsive to a phase error estimate generated by the phase error estimator so as to synchronize the slave clock with a master clock of the master device. The phase error estimator comprises a plurality of filters each configured to generate a different estimate of master clock phase using at least a subset of a plurality of packets received from the master device, and control logic for adaptively selecting at least a particular one of the plurality of filters for use in generating the phase error estimate to be processed in the clock recovery loop.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Ilija Hadzic, Dennis R. Morgan
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Patent number: 8693609Abstract: Highly radioactive material is permanently disposed of by first forming a borehole by a metal fusion drilling method with a metal lining from a casting continuously formed from a metal melt and then depositing the highly radioactive material for final storage in a lower area of the lined borehole. This lining is melted locally immediately above this lower area after deposition of the material to separate the lower area holding the material from the rest of the lining and permit this lower area and the material held therein to migrate automatically downward toward the center of the earth. To promote this downward migration, the wall thickness of the metallic lining of the lower borehole region has a wall thickness that increases from the top downward and on the lower area is formed with a downwardly directed conical tip.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Werner Foppe
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Patent number: 8693610Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for managing operations in a nuclear power plant generates an electronic request for a permit to perform work in the plant, performs a risk assessment using a rules engine to determine a level of fire risk posed by the work, automatically determines one or more compensatory measures to provide protection against the level of fire risk posed by work, generates a risk score based the probabilistic assessment, and generates electronic authorization for the permit based on the risk score.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Gregory J. Hess, Vernon J. Patton
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Patent number: 8693611Abstract: A liquid-metal cooled fast reactor core having a nuclear fuel assembly constituted of nuclear fuel rods with varying cladding thicknesses in reactor core regions, in which: the nuclear fuel assembly (1) of a liquid-metal cooled fast reactor includes nuclear fuel assemblies (1a, 1b and 1c) in inner, middle and outer reactor core regions, respectively, and is installed in a hexagonal duct (3) with nuclear fuel materials (2-2a, 2-2b and 2-2c) surrounded by respective claddings (2-1a, 2-1b and 2-1c), and the claddings (2-1a, 2-1b and 2-1c) of a nuclear fuel rod (2a) in the inner reactor core region, a nuclear fuel rod (2b) in the middle reactor core region and a nuclear fuel rod (2c) in the outer reactor core region are formed at different thicknesses. The reactor core can flatten power distribution using a single-enrichment nuclear fuel in the liquid-metal cooled fast reactor.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ser Gi Hong, Yeong-Il Kim, Sang Ji Kim, Do-Hee Hahn
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Patent number: 8693612Abstract: A spacer grid for nuclear fuel rods includes a plurality of unit spacer grids stacked one on top of another. Each unit spacer grid includes a plurality of unit spacer grid straps disposed at regular intervals in a row, and a plurality of fixing grid straps connected to respective opposite ends of the unit spacer grid straps so as to fix the unit spacer grid straps. Each unit spacer grid strap has convexities alternating with each other on opposite sides thereof at regular intervals, and at least one of the convexities has a diameter greater than the others. The unit spacer grids are rotated in one direction by a 90 or 180 degree angle when being stacked.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research InstituteInventors: Young Ho Lee, Kang Hee Lee, Jae Yong Kim, Kyung Ho Yoon, Hyung Kyu Kim, Chang Hwan Shin, Dong Seok Oh, Wang Ki In, Tae Hyun Chun, Kun Woo Song
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Patent number: 8693613Abstract: A system for inspecting nuclear fuel pellets is provided. The inspection system is configured to use X-ray radiation at one or more energies to probe nuclear fuel pellets disposed within a nuclear fuel rod for nuclear fuel pellet defects. In some implementations of the inspection system, a nuclear fuel rod manufacturing facility may be able to integrate the inspection system for fully or partially automated inspection of all fuel rods produced within the facility.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Clifford Bueno, Patrick Kenneth Hogan, Mark John Osterlitz, William Robert Ross
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Patent number: 8693614Abstract: A counter/timer circuit and method of generating timed output signals using the counter/timer circuit, uses multiple counters that are configurable to operate as one or more counters. The counters are controlled by control signals from a control logic circuitry of the counter/timer circuit, where at least some of the control signals are dependent on event signals generated by an event generation module of the counter/timer circuit. The generated event signals are based on at least one of: an input signal, an output signal, and a counter match, qualified by a state value associated with the counters.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Craig A. MacKenna, Neil E. Birns
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Patent number: 8693615Abstract: Methods and structures that implement an event counter in a RAM are provided. A method includes providing a count-RAM, a carry-RAM, and a pre-counter corresponding to an event source. A column in the count-RAM and a column in the carry-RAM represent a value of a value of the event counter. The method further includes storing a count of the event counter received via the pre-counter in the count-RAM and the carry-RAM in a transposed, bit-serial format, such that location zero of the count-RAM and the carry-RAM counts the least significant bit (LSB) of the event counter.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Narasimha R. Adiga, Peter H. Hochschild, Ashutosh Misra
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Patent number: 8693616Abstract: An IC that performs integer and fractional divisions is disclosed. The IC comprises a plurality of shift registers that forms a shift register ring. Consecutive shift registers are coupled to each other through a multiplexer. The IC also includes a multiplexer controller that determines the shift registers to be activated within the shift register ring. The multiplexer controller determines the activation based upon a divisional factor. The IC also includes a pattern controller that generates the control signal to program the shift register.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Altera CorporationInventors: Chuan Thim Khoŕ, Teng Chow Ooi
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Patent number: 8693617Abstract: An object is to provide a pulse signal output circuit capable of operating stably and a shift register including the pulse signal output circuit. A pulse signal output circuit according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention includes first to tenth transistors. The ratio W/L of the channel width W to the channel length L of the first transistor and W/L of the third transistor are each larger than W/L of the sixth transistor. W/L of the fifth transistor is larger than W/L of the sixth transistor. W/L of the fifth transistor is equal to W/L of the seventh transistor. W/L of the third transistor is larger than W/L of the fourth transistor. With such a structure, a pulse signal output circuit capable of operating stably and a shift register including the pulse signal output circuit can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiko Amano, Kouhei Toyotaka, Hiroyuki Miyake, Aya Miyazaki, Hideaki Shishido, Koji Kusunoki
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Patent number: 8693618Abstract: A scanner device for computed tomography imaging of an object, includes a measurement device including a source device arranged for irradiating the object with at least one beam and a detector device arranged for detecting radiation transmitted through the object, wherein the source device has a fixed position relative the detector device, and a carrier device accommodating the object in a position between the source device and the detector device, wherein the measurement device and the carrier device are capable of a scanning movement relative to each other, and the measurement device and the carrier device have a fixed spatial orientation during the scanning movement. Furthermore, a scanning method for computed tomography imaging of an object is described.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)Inventors: Oleg Tischenko, Matthias Klaften, Christoph Hoeschen, Martin Hrabe de Angelis
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Patent number: 8693619Abstract: The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which includes a support construction (1) which is arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting x-ray imaging means (21, 22), which x-ray imaging means (21, 22) are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2) and movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2), which ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means (21, 22) includes an examination opening (4), whereto the object to be imaged can be positioned for imaging. According to the invention, at least one display (11) is arranged to the apparatus. The display is arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera (12), which at least one video camera (12) is arranged in connection with said ring-shaped structure (2) and as aimed, or so that it can be aimed inside said examination opening (4).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Planmed OyInventors: Tapio Laukkanen, Sami Tohka
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Patent number: 8693620Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, acquisition unit, rotating mechanism, input unit, and control unit. The input unit repeatedly inputs trigger signals originating from a specific phase of a periodic motion of a body of a subject or a periodic motion of an organ of the subject. The trigger signals being supplied from a measuring device which measures the periodic motion. The control unit causes the X-ray tube to start generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a first trigger signal of the repeatedly input trigger signals, and causes the X-ray tube to stop generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a second trigger signal next to the first trigger signal in order to repeatedly scan the subject over substantially one period of the movement while a scan position is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Tatsuro Suzuki
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Patent number: 8693621Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a generally stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (106), rotatably supported by the generally stationary gantry (102), that rotates about a longitudinal axis around an examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a radiation source (112) that emits a radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The radiation source (112) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to translate in a direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the rotating gantry (106) while scanning a subject in the examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a detector array (120) that detects the radiation beam that traverses the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof. The detector array (120) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to move in coordination with the radiation source (112) while scanning the subject in the examination region.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N. V.Inventors: Axel Thran, Claas Bontus, Peter Forthmann, Roland Proksa, Ronald B. Sharpless, Dominic J. Heuscher, Felix Peeters, Johannes Bathazar Maria Soetens
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X-ray method and X-ray system for merging X-ray images and determining three-dimensional volume data
Patent number: 8693622Abstract: Three-dimensional image information is generated of a body part that is larger than the visual field of an X-ray machine. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are disposed at a first position such that the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can record a first projection image of at least a first section of a body part. Then the first projection image is recorded. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are next disposed at a second position such that the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can record a second projection image of at least a second section of the body part. The second section partially overlaps the first section. The first and second projection images are merged to form a projected image. A three-dimensional volume of the body part is reconstructed from the plurality of projection images.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Graumann, Anna Jerebko -
Patent number: 8693623Abstract: The present invention relates to medical radiography, in which individual images of an object are taken at different projection angles and a 3D image subsequently synthesized from this image information. The object to be imaged is arranged locked in an object positioning means and during the imaging process, the x-ray source is continuously moved with respect to location of the object. During the continuous movement of the x-ray source there are irradiation periods and non-irradiation periods and during an irradiation period, the object positioning means is moved as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source so as to follow the movement of the x-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Planmed OyInventor: Arto Virta
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Patent number: 8693624Abstract: An extra-oral digital panoramic dental x-ray imaging system for multi-layer panoramic and transverse X-ray imaging providing with an X-ray source and a digital imaging device providing real time frame mode output and autofocusing. The X-ray source and imaging device are mounted in a mechanical manipulator defining the trajectory of a predetermined image layer. The imaging device communicates with a processor that generates a frames memory from which an image reconstruction mechanism composes the final images.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Oy AJAT Ltd.Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tuomas Pantsar
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Patent number: 8693625Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adapting the shaping time and/or other pulse processing parameters of an x-ray detector (114) in accordance with the elemental composition of a sample and/or energy resolving requirements. X-rays (104) are directed from a source (102) onto a sample (110) and the radiation (108) responsively emitted from the sample (e.g., fluoresced radiation characteristic of the sample's elemental composition) and detected by an x-ray detector (114) that generates pulses representative of the energy and intensity of the incident radiation. Based upon initial analysis of elemental composition, the shaping time and/or other pulse processing parameter (s) are set to optimize count rate subject to constraints of energy resolution in a spectral region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Dugas, Lee Grodzins
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Patent number: 8693626Abstract: Methods are disclosed utilizing synchrotron X-ray microscopy including x-ray fluorescence and x-ray absorption spectra to probe elemental distribution and elemental speciation within a material, and particularly a solid that may have one or more elements distributed on a solid substrate. Representative materials are relatively homogeneous in composition on the macroscale but relatively heterogeneous on the microscale. The analysis of such materials, particularly on a macroscale at which their heterogeneous nature can be observed, provides valuable insights into the relationships or correlations between localized concentrations of elements and/or their species, and concentrations of other components of the materials. Sample preparation methods, involving the use of a reinforcing agent, which are advantageously used in such methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Simon Russell Bare, Shelly D Kelly, Wharton Sinkler, Nan Greenlay
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Patent number: 8693627Abstract: In an embodiment, an X-ray detector has a transmissive fluorescence generating portion, and a reflective fluorescence generating portion. The transmissive and reflective fluorescence generating portions have at least one of an intensifying screen having a phosphor layer that contains praseodymium-activated gadolinium oxysulfide phosphor particles in which a ratio of particles having a particle diameter falling in ±30% of a center particle diameter is 45% by volume or more and their filling rate is 60% by volume or more, and an intensifying screen having a phosphor layer that contains europium-activated barium fluorochloride phosphor particles in which a ratio of particles having a particle diameter falling in ±30% of a center particle diameter is 45% by volume or more and their filling rate is 45% by volume or more.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Oyaizu, Akihisa Saito, Yoshitaka Adachi, Kazumitsu Morimoto
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Patent number: 8693628Abstract: To reduce X-ray exposure while improving image quality, an area of interest is selected in the image. The image of the selected area is updated frequently, comparable to a rate of updates used today for the whole image. The rest of the image is updated at a significantly lower rate. Since the area of interest normally is a small part of the overall area, the total exposure is reduced significantly. A fast X-ray shutter, placed near the X-ray source, blocks the radiation from areas outside the area of interest. The shutter automatically retracts when the complete image is updated. The area of interest can be selected by the user or automatically selected based on activity in the image. Since most of the exposures are taken at a reduced collimation angle, limited by the area of interest, the area of interest is imaged at reduced scatter and better quality.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Lindsay S. Machan, Daniel Gelbart
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Patent number: 8693629Abstract: A computerized method and system for determining an optimum amount of Internal Radionuclide Therapy (IRT) and External Radiation Therapy (XRT) to administer, comprising: obtaining activity image information for an imaged object from a detector; running a Monte Carlo simulation for the activity image information to obtain absorbed dose-rate image information at multiple times; adding the absorbed dose-rate image information from each time to obtain IRT total absorbed dose image information; and utilizing the IRT total dose image information to obtain total dose image information that is equivalent to XRT dose image information in terms of dose-rate, wherein the IRT dose information is converted to equivalent XRT dose information without having to generate BED dose maps.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: George Sgouros, Robert Hobbs
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Patent number: 8693630Abstract: These various embodiments access target information regarding a radiation-therapy treatment volume for a given patient as well as non-target information regarding at least one structure other than the radiation-therapy treatment volume that also comprises a part of the given patient. These embodiments then provide for accessing uncertainties information regarding spatial uncertainties as pertain to at least one of the target information and the non-target information and using that uncertainties information to characterize at least one radiation-therapy treatment plan optimization consideration with respect to a preference of usage to thereby provide preference considerations. These preference considerations are then used to influence a follow-on radiation-therapy treatment plan optimization process when developing a treatment plan for the radiation-therapy treatment volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Janne Nord, Lasse Toimela, Marko Rusanen
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Patent number: 8693631Abstract: A craser device, imaging system utilizing a craser device, and a method of imaging. The craser device includes a gain medium with excited gain medium atoms that emit x-ray and/or gamma-ray photons, a transmission medium abutting the gain medium, and a reflecting mirror comprising one or more lower refractive index layers and abutting the transmission medium. The transmission medium has a higher refractive index than the gain medium and at least one of the materials in the reflecting mirror. The x-ray and/or gamma-ray photons are confined to the transmission medium via total internal reflection and interact multiple times with the excited gain medium atoms through evanescent waves producing amplified stimulated emission leading to formation of a high intensity incoherent or coherent x-ray and/or gamma-ray beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Susanne Madeline Lee
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Patent number: 8693632Abstract: Controlling the timing of acquiring x-ray images based on target movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Accuray IncorporatedInventor: John W. Allison
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Patent number: 8693633Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines cumulative exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8693634Abstract: A method of generating a density enhanced model of an object is described. The method includes generating a customized a model of an object using a pre-defined set of models in combination with at least one projection image of the object, where the customized model is formed of a plurality of volume elements including density information. A density map is generated by relating a synthesized projection image of the customized model to an actual projection image of the object. Gains from the density map are back-projected into the customized model to provide a density enhanced customized model of the object. Because the density map is calculated using information from the synthesized projection image in combination with actual projection images of the structure, it has been shown to provide spatial geometry and volumetric density results comparable to those of QCT but with reduced patient exposure, equipment cost and examination time.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Hologic IncInventors: Krishna Ramamurthi, Kevin Wilson
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Patent number: 8693635Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly includes an integrated circuit, which includes an array of detector elements and a readout circuit adjacent to the array and coupled to read charge out of the detector elements. A non-metallic shield is positioned over the readout circuit so as to prevent X-rays from striking the readout circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Jordan Valley Semiconductor Ltd.Inventor: Alexander Krohmal
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Patent number: 8693636Abstract: In a method and x-ray device to determine the value of an x-ray tube voltage to generate at least one image of defined tissue to be examined, at least one provided parameter is used that establishes or describes the desired image quality; based on the dependency of the contrast of the defined tissue to be examined on the spectrum of the x-ray radiation or on the value of the tube voltage of the x-ray tube. The tube voltage is determined also based on a contrast-to-noise ratio that is constantly maintained under consideration of the aforementioned parameter such that the dose of x-ray radiation applied to the patient is optimally low upon setting the value of the tube voltage at the x-ray tube and the acquisition of at least one x-ray projection of the defined tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ute Feuerlein, Sebastian Gehrsitz, Christiane Koch, Gerd Mayer, Stefan Muehleck, Rainer Raupach
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Patent number: 8693637Abstract: An apparatus for generating X-ray may include: a plasma chamber; a magnet unit for applying a magnetic field to the plasma chamber, the magnet unit configured to allow the control of the magnitude of the minimum magnetic field in the plasma chamber without change in structure; a microwave generator for applying microwaves to the plasma chamber; a reaction gas injected into the plasma chamber for generating X-ray through electron cyclotron resonance by the magnetic field and the microwaves; a variable guide for focusing the generated X-ray; and a variable extractor for outputting the focused X-ray from the plasma chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Korea Basic Science InstituteInventors: Byoung Seob Lee, Mi Sook Won, Jang Hee Yoon, Jin Yong Park, Se Yong Choi
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Patent number: 8693638Abstract: An X-ray tube system comprising: at least one filament adapted to produce two electron beams when electrified; at least two anodes spaced from each other along a first direction that each comprises a face that receives an electron beams from the at least one filament at a focal point and produces x-ray cone beams responsive thereto, the x-ray beams being directed in a same direction perpendicular to the first direction; a collimator that collimates the cone beams such that the beams are asymmetric, with the side of each beam distal from the other beam having a smaller beam angle than the side proximal to the other beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Arineta Ltd.Inventor: Ehud Dafni
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Patent number: 8693639Abstract: A training system is disclosed. The training system includes a server. The server includes a processor, data storage, a data input/output interface, and a voice interface. The data input/output interface is configured to provide a web-based interface to a data terminal and to receive, from the data terminal and via the web-based interface, both an identifier identifying at least one voice terminal and at least one response. The voice interface is configured to transmit at least one audio test signal corresponding to at least one audio test to the at least one voice terminal. The response is a response to the at least one audio test. In one embodiment, the voice terminal and the data terminal are combined in a single device.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Riaan Rottier, Stuart Thomas, Peter Gibson
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Patent number: 8693640Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for preparing for a service disruption are provided. Information relating to an activity at a target location is received. Upon receiving information relating to at least the activity at the target location, stored data related to the activity and the target location are gathered. A probability of a service disruption at the target location based on at least the stored data related to the activity and the target location is assessed and the target location is monitored. Upon detecting a change in services associated to the target location, an alert is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Stephen Francis Triano, James Gordon Beattie, Jr.
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Patent number: 8693641Abstract: A fire control system may include a fire alarm control panel situated at a first location, the fire alarm control panel coupled to a first hardwire circuit. The fire control system may also include one or more telephone stations, wherein each telephone station of the one or more telephone stations is disposed at a different location than each other telephone stations and coupled through the first hardwire circuit to the fire alarm control panel, and one or more radio repeaters are each disposed at one or more respective locations, and wherein each radio repeater is operative to receive audio information as a radio signal and to transmit the audio information as an electrical signal through a second hardwire circuit to the central telephone.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventor: Daniel G. Farley
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Patent number: 8693642Abstract: Techniques are provided for handling of an emergency call as it affects an authentication procedure in a communication network. For example, it is assumed that, in a communication network, a first computing device comprises user equipment and a second computing device comprises an authentication function. Thus, a method comprises the following steps. A first type call indicator message is received at the second computing device from the first computing device. A decision is made to proceed with or drop an authentication procedure for the first computing device at the second computing device based on the first type call indicator message. The second computing device may enable a first type call to be placed for the first computing device. The first type call may be an emergency call.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Alec Brusilovsky, Frank Alfano
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Patent number: 8693643Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media for integrating visual voicemail within a threaded communication environment are presented herein. A method can include: displaying, via an interface, a thread of messaging content; receiving a visual voicemail; and integrating a display of the visual voicemail within the thread of messaging content. The method can further include generating sound based on a communication included in the visual voicemail, in response to receiving an input via the interface. Further, the method can include integrating the display of the visual voicemail within a multi-modal conversation thread. Furthermore, the thread of messaging can be included in an instant messaging window including SMS and/or MMS messages. Moreover, the display of the visual voicemail can be embedded within a social media based interface. The method can further include receiving a transcription of the visual voicemail; and displaying the transcription within the thread of messaging content.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Jeffrey Mikan, Cheryl Lockett, Justin McNamara, Simon Richardson, Marco Schneider
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Patent number: 8693644Abstract: A call center compliance system is used to ensure that agents adhere to call center policies and applicable regulations when handling calls. A call handler processing a call between an agent and a remote party bridges on a speech analytics component. A keyword set is used by the speech analytics component to analyze the remote party's or the agent's speech. If a keyword is detected, an event notification is provided from the speech analytics component to the call handler. A logic script executing in the call handler defines what actions are to occur in response to receiving the event notification. The call handler can provide information to the agent, record a violation, or await further event notifications. In one embodiment, detection of a first keyword in a first keyword set spoken by a remote party causes the agent's speech to be monitored using a second keyword set.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Noble Sytems CorporationInventors: Edward G. Hodges, Jr., Karl H. Koster
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Patent number: 8693645Abstract: A system and method is provided for receiving a voice message, selecting from multiple destinations, transmitting the voice message to a destination and subsequently playing back the voice message after it has been received by the destination. The system has a plurality of access devices which are coupled to each other over a network such as the Internet. These access devices may include computers, workstations, and the like. Access devices may include a voice conversion board for converting a voice message received over a network into a voice signal for playback to a telephone device.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Stage Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Taka Migimatsu
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Patent number: 8693646Abstract: A signal processing system which discriminates between voice signals and data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier. The signal processing system includes a voice exchange, a data exchange and a call discriminator. The voice exchange is capable of exchanging voice signals between a circuit switched network and a packet based network. The signal processing system also includes a data exchange capable of exchanging data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier on the circuit switched network with unmodulated data signal packets on the packet based network. The data exchange is performed by demodulating data signals from the circuit switched network for transmission on the packet based network, and re-modulating data signal packets from the packet based network for transmission on the circuit switched network. The call discriminator is used to selectively enable the voice exchange and data exchange.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Jordan James Nicol
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Patent number: 8693647Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Voxer IP LLCInventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
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Patent number: 8693648Abstract: The present disclosure comprises systems and methods for broadcasting video communications including video conferences or hosted programs by providing a capability for easily moving participants in and out of the video communications, as necessary. Video communications may be “aired” or broadcast to viewers. The present systems and methods designate at least two stages in the video communication broadcasts, including a “front” stage and a “back” stage. Users who are immediate (e.g., current) participants in the video communication broadcast are provided access to the “front” stage of the video communication broadcast. Those users who are initially “guests” (e.g., will be, but are not yet, immediate or current participants in the video communication broadcast) are provided access first to a back “stage” of the video communication broadcast. A filter imposes restrictions on the back stage to prevent any broadcast of activities that may occur in the back stage to viewers.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Lennart Mikael Drugge, Karl Erik Gustav Hållberg, Jens Fredrik Oja, Matthew John Leske
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Patent number: 8693649Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for interfacing with a phone provider in an on-demand service environment. In one embodiment, a proxy server is in communication with a phone system. The phone system provides a phone call and is operated by the phone provider. The proxy server is configured to: receive information from the phone system regarding a phone event in relation to the phone call, and output a message including the phone event information to a data network. A client machine is in communication with the proxy server over the data network and in communication with a data provider separate from the phone provider. The client machine is configured to: receive the message from the proxy server, and display the phone event information in a first part of a user interface in a web browser. A second part of the user interface can display information received from the data provider.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.Inventors: Marco Casalaina, Gautam Vasudev, Rahul Kaw, Rachel Wang, Jason A. Ellis
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Patent number: 8693650Abstract: There is a need to provide a technique of accurately detecting an identification signal representing that the partner performs facsimile communication, by using an appropriate detection filter in accordance with the operation mode in a facsimile apparatus. Based on whether the FAX/TEL mode (first mode) or the TEL answering mode (second mode) is set as the operation mode, a facsimile apparatus according to this invention determines whether a band-pass filter and band-reject filter are to be used. The facsimile apparatus detects a CNG based on the signal detection result using the determined filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Junichi Hiruma
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Patent number: 8693651Abstract: Example methods disclosed herein include parsing a request to obtain input criteria associated with the request, the request for authorizing an outdial communication service call initiated by a message center. Such example methods also include retrieving authorization rules correlating the input criteria to an authorization result for the outdial communication service call, the input criteria comprising a first input criterion having one of at least two values, a first value indicating that the outdial communication service call is for a real-time outdial service initiated in response to an indial communication service received at the message center, a second value indicating that the outdial communication service call is for a non-real-time outdial service initiated by an application server associated with the message center. Such example methods further include evaluating the authorization rules using the input criteria to determine whether the outdial communication service call is authorized.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Marco Schneider, Philip Charles Cunetto, John Edward Lemay
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Patent number: 8693652Abstract: A system and a method for processing calls. The system comprises a database including: a plurality of telephony identifiers; and for each telephony identifier, information regarding a group of persons that is associated with the telephony identifier, each person of the group of persons being reachable by placing a call to the telephony identifier, the information comprising, for each person of the group of persons, information related to processing of calls involving the person. The system also comprises a processing element having access to the database and being operative for: determining that a given call involves a particular person of the group of persons that is associated with a given one of the telephony identifiers; and processing the given call based on the information related to processing of calls involving the particular person.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: BCE Inc.Inventors: David William Clark, Eric John Wolf, Yannick Lessard, Danica Rogers, Nathan Gerald Archer, Jonathan Allan Arsenault, Luan Cao Tuong Nguyen
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Patent number: 8693653Abstract: Social websites, such as dating websites, are provided with advanced features. For example, a dynamic telephone number generator is provided that may be associated to a destination telephone number. Someone calling that dynamic telephone number may be routed to the destination number. The dynamic number may be generated as a result of receiving user input to a dating website. Additionally, a dynamic number may call a user's web browser directly such that users can utilize traditional telephone lines to talk over the internet to a website.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey David Mullen
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Patent number: 8693654Abstract: A system and method of call prioritization and, in particular, a system and method of location sensitive caller and callee based voice call prioritization are disclosed. A method includes: determining that an incoming call is designated as priority by a caller; determining that the caller is contained in a whitelist; and handling the incoming call as a priority call at a callee telephone when the incoming call is designated as priority by the caller and the caller is contained in the whitelist.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John J. Kashen, Pramodh D. Narayan, Sri Ramanathan, Matthew A. Terry, Matthew B. Trevathan
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Patent number: 8693655Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for provisioning a temporary disposable number are described. A user can be provided with a pool of available temporary disposable numbers that have a limited shelf life. The user can select one of the available temporary disposable numbers while submitting a permanent phone number associated with a communications device (e.g., mobile phone, home phone, business phone, etc.). Prior to activating the selected temporary disposable number, the temporary disposable number is linked to the permanent phone number. After activation, when an incoming call to the temporary disposable number is received, the permanent phone number is identified to be associated with the temporary disposable number being called. The incoming call is then forwarded to the communications device on which the permanent phone number is established.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: RingCentral, Inc.Inventors: Vi Dinh Chau, Naveen Gupta, Rituparna Mukherjee, Nisha K. Ahluwalia