14986results about "Electric/magnetic detection" patented technology

A method is presented for determining optimal or preferred configuration settings for wireless or wired network equipment in order to obtain a desirable level of network performance. A site-specific network model is used with adaptive processing to perform efficient design and on-going management of network performance. The invention iteratively determines overall network performance and cost, and further iterates equipment settings, locations and orientations. Real time control is between a site-specific Computer Aided Design (CAD) software application and the physical components of the network allows the invention to display, store, and iteratively adapt any network to constantly varying traffic and interference conditions. Alarms provide rapid adaptation of network parameters, and alerts and preprogrammed network shutdown actions may be taken autonomously. A wireless post-it note device and network allows massive data such as book contents or hard drive memory to be accessed within a room by a wide bandwidth reader device, and this can further be interconnected to the internet or Ethernet backbone in order to provide worldwide access and remote retrieval to wireless post-it devices.

A system and method for remote asset management is described which can provide the basis for a diverse product group including an improved remote location monitoring system, a means for communicating with and for monitoring the status and or location of a plurality of diverse assets, as well as the means for communicating with said assets for the purpose of modifying the operational status of one or more of said assets according to one or more stored data parameters such as location, use, battery power, and such like. The remote asset management system comprises a wireless module, which is associated with at least one of the plurality of asset and which is interfaced with the operating system of said assert and or with an electromechanical control means, which may control one or more features of the operation of said assets. A supporting network-based, or internet-based service platform, controls and manages the status of each of the plurality of assets, either automatically, or in response to received messages from fixed or wireless communication devices, and which is capable of selectively communicating data to said assets for changing the operational status of said assets according to pre-programmed conditions.

A method and apparatus for determining the position and orientation of a remote object relative to a reference coordinate frame includes a plurality of field-generating elements for generating electromagnetic fields, a drive for applying, to the generating elements, signals that generate a plurality of electromagnetic fields that are distinguishable from one another, a remote sensor having one or more field-sensing elements for sensing the fields generated and a processor for processing the outputs of the sensing element(s) into remote object position and orientation relative to the generating element reference coordinate frame. The position and orientation solution is based on the exact formulation of the magnetic field coupling as opposed to approximations used elsewhere. The system can be used for locating the end of a catheter or endoscope, digitizing objects for computer databases, virtual reality and motion tracking. The methods presented here can also be applied to other magnetic tracking technologies as a final "polishing" stage to improve the accuracy of their P&O solution.

<heading lvl="0">Abstract of Disclosure< / heading> A system and method for accurately locating and tracking the position of a target, such as a tumor or the like, within a body. In one embodiment, the system is a target locating and monitoring system usable with a radiation delivery source that delivers selected doses of radiation to a target in a body. The system includes one or more excitable markers positionable in or near the target, an external excitation source that remotely excites the markers to produce an identifiable signal, and a plurality of sensors spaced apart in a known geometry relative to each other. A computer is coupled to the sensors and configured to use the marker measurements to identify a target isocenter within the target. The computer compares the position of the target isocenter with the location of the machine isocenter. The computer also controls movement of the patient and a patient support device so the target isocenter is co-incident with the machine isocenter before and during radiation therapy.

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.

A system and method is provided for the inductive transfer of electric power between a substantially flat primary surface and a multitude of secondary devices in such a way that the power transfer is localized to the vicinities of individual device coils. The contact free power transfer does not require precise physical alignment between the primary surface and the secondary device and can allow the secondary device or devices to be placed anywhere and in arbitrary orientation with respect to the primary surface. Such power transfer is realized without the need of complex high frequency power switching network to turn the individual primary coils on or off and is completely scalable to almost arbitrary size. The local anti-resonance architecture of the primary device will block primary current from flowing when no secondary device or devices are in proximity to the local RF power network. The presence of a tuned secondary device detunes the local anti-resonance on the primary surface; thereby enable the RF power to be transferred from the local primary coils to the secondary device. The uniformity of the inductive coupling between the active primary surface and the secondary devices is improved with a novel multi-pole driving technique which produces an apparent traveling wave pattern across the primary surface.

A frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system includes a power supply base unit consisting of a first microprocessor, a power circuit, a power switch driver circuit, a first resonant circuit, a first coil, a detection module and a power input interface, and a wireless power supply and charge receiver unit consisting of a secondary coil, a second resonant circuit, a rectifier filter circuit, a detection and protection module, a second microprocessor, a temperature sensor, a charging module and a power output interface and adapted for receiving electrical power from the power supply base unit wirelessly for charging an external electronic device. The detection and protection module of the wireless power supply and charge receiver unit detects the supply of the electrical power, and the second microprocessor sends a feedback signal to the power supply base unit through the signal generator circuit and the second resonant circuit subject to the detection of the detection and protection module for enabling the power supply base unit to control the power switch driver circuit to regulate its output power automatically, thereby minimizing power transmission loss and the load of the internal components of the wireless power supply and charge receiver unit.

A wireless energy transfer system includes a foreign object debris detection system. The system includes at least one wireless energy transfer source configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field. The foreign object debris may be detected by at least one field gradiometer positioned in the oscillating magnetic field. The voltage of the at least one field gradiometer may be measured using readout circuitry and a feedback loop based on the readings from the gradiometers may be used to control the parameters of the wireless energy source.

RF / MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W / kg and / or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W / kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with at least one end adapted for threaded connection to an adjacent tool string component. The end comprises at least one shoulder adapted to abut an adjacent shoulder of an adjacent end of the adjacent tool string component. An annular magnetic coupler is disposed within an annular recess formed in the at least one shoulder, and the magnetic coupler comprises a coil in electrical communication with an electrical conductor that is in electrical communication with an electronic device secured to the tubular body. The coil comprises a plurality of windings of wire strands that are electrically isolated from one another and which are disposed in an annular trough of magnetic material secured within the annular recess.

Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques are disclosed that provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. The markup language is used to describe a virtual camera view of a geographic feature. A compressed file format holds multiple files utilized to display a geographic feature in a single file.

Disclosed are compositions, systems and methods for treating a subject's body, body part, tissue, body fluid cells, pathogens, or other undesirable matter involving the administration of a targeted thermotherapy that comprises a bioprobe (energy susceptive materials that are attached to a target-specific ligand). Such targeted therapy methods can be combined with at least one other therapy technique. Other therapies include hyperthermia, direct antibody therapy, radiation, chemo- or pharmaceutical therapy, photodynamic therapy, surgical or interventional therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, and medical imaging, such as MRI, PET, SPECT, and bioimpedance. The disclosed therapies may be useful in the treatment of a variety of indications, including but not limited to, cancer of any type, such as bone marrow, lung, vascular, neuro, colon, ovarian, breast and prostate cancer, epitheleoid sarcomas, AIDS, adverse angiogenesis, restenosis, amyloidosis, tuberculosis, cardiovascular plaque, vascular plaque, obesity, malaria, and illnesses due to viruses, such as HIV.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided methods for generating an isotropic or near-isotropic three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images. In accordance with the present invention the method includes, obtaining a first image of a body part in a first plane, wherein the first image generates a first image data volume; obtaining a second image of the body part in a second plane, wherein the second image generates a second image data volume; and combining the first and second image data volumes to form a resultant image data volume, wherein the resultant image data volume is isotropic or near-isotropic.

A roof-mounted passenger position sensor array of capacitive coupling passenger position sensors, to determine position and motion of a passenger by analysis of distances of the passenger to the various sensors of the array and analysis of the changes of distances with time.

A measurement and communication system for use with a tubular string, comprises a tubular string having a plurality of self-powered, autonomous telemetry stations disposed at predetermined locations along the tubular string. Each autonomous telemetry station is adapted to receive at least one first signal and transmit at least one second signal related to the at least one first signal. Power is extracted from potential energy sources proximate each autonomous telemetry station. A method of communicating information along a tubular string comprises, disposing an autonomous telemetry station at predetermined locations along the tubular string. A preferred transmission path is autonomously determined at each of the autonomous telemetry stations. Information is transmitted along the tubular string according to the autonomously determined preferred path.

The invention relates to an MR imaging method for representing and determining the position of a medical device inserted in an examination object, and to a medical device used in the method. In accordance with the invention, the device (11) comprises at least one passive oscillating circuit with an inductor (2a, 2b) and a capacitor (3a, 3b). The resonance frequency of this circuit substantially corresponds to the resonance frequency of the injected high-frequency radiation from the MR system. In this way, in a locally limited area situated inside or around the device, a modified signal answer is generated which is represented with spatial resolution.

Athletic activity may be tracked and monitored while providing encouragement and maintaining an individual's interest in continuing to perform athletic activity. For example, a themed workout plan may be implemented to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. The theme may include geographic locations, food items, technology, sports and the like and may include multiple categories or groupings of goals. For example, the categories may correspond to geographic locations. In each category, multiple goals may be defined. The goals may further be represented by real-world objects such as buildings, food items, technology products, sports equipment and the like. A user may progress through each category by completing each of the goals within that category. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress in the same workout plan.

This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for monitoring a conduit, a wellbore or a reservoir associated with hydrocarbon production or transportation and / or carbon dioxide sequestration. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for using an optical fiber as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor the conduit, wellbore or reservoir. In certain aspects, the distributed interferometric monitoring provides

A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current. The induction choke is located about an electrically choked portion of the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure, such that the induction choke is adapted to route time-varying current within the piping structure between the electrical connection location for the first communication device and the electrical connection location for the second communication device, and such that the first communication device can communicate with the second communication device via the piping structure. A preferred application of the present invention is a well for producing petroleum products (e.g., oil, natural gas), comprising a communication system as described above.

A system for monitoring a gas / oil well is provided with a monitoring unit, a relay unit and a host interface. A monitoring unit collects data regarding the status of the gas / oil well and wirelessly transmits that data to a relay unit. The relay unit, in turn, connects to a host interface using cellular communications and transmits the data. The monitoring unit can transmit information on demand or after an alarm condition is sensed. In either case, the monitoring unit is normally in a sleep mode. The relay unit can request information from the monitoring unit or respond to a wake up transmission sent to it from either the host interface or monitoring unit. The host interface receives data from the relay unit and then informs an end user of that data.

The invention provides apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling hydrocarbon production wells and / or injection wells from a remote location. The apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more hydrocarbon production wells or injection wells from a remote location comprises one or more surface control and data acquisition systems; one or more sensors disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; one or more downhole flow control devices disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; and one or more remote controllers disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems. Preferably, the remote controller comprises a computer having an internet access disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems through a communication device comprising an internet web site server. The method for monitoring and controlling a downhole hydrocarbon production well or an injection well comprises: transmitting data collected by a downhole sensor module to a control and data acquisition system; evaluating downhole operating conditions and optimizing downhole operating parameters utilizing an optimization software program disposed in communication with the control and data acquisition system; and transmitting signals between the control and data acquisition system system and a remote controller utilizing a satellite communication system, the remote controller comprising a computer and an internet browser control access adapted to display operating conditions and parameters and to accept instructions to change operating parameters.

In one embodiment, a device for coupling communications signals onto a medium-voltage power line includes a first connector, a second connector and one or more components. The first connector is adapted to couple to a low-voltage communications line. The second connector is adapted to couple to a surge arrester. The one or more components are operable to substantially match the impedances between the surge arrester and the low-voltage communications line.

A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation. In embodiments which are useful for catheter ablation, the combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and such embodiment may be used as an intracardiac device to both deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions, thereby greatly simplifying production of continuous linear lesions. The invention further includes embodiments useful for guiding electrophysiologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures other than ablation. Imaging of ablation lesions may be further enhanced by use of MR contrast agents. The antenna utilized in the combined electrophysiology and imaging catheter for receiving MR signals is preferably of the coaxial or “loopless” type. High-resolution images from the antenna may be combined with low-resolution images from surface coils of the MR scanner to produce a composite image. The invention further provides a system for eliminating the pickup of RF energy in which intracardiac wires are detuned by filtering so that they become very inefficient antennas. An RF filtering system is provided for suppressing the MR imaging signal while not attenuating the RF ablative current. Steering means may be provided for steering the invasive catheter under MR guidance. Other ablative methods can be used such as laser, ultrasound, and low temperatures.

This document discloses, among other things, multi-channel magnetic resonance using a TEM coil.

A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution.

A power-transmission-side control circuit causes a power transmission device to perform temporary power transmission when a switch provided in a power-transmission-side instrument has been turned ON, and performs ID authentication based on ID authentication information. The power-transmission-side control circuit detects the presence or absence of a foreign object during normal power transmission by monitoring a change in induced voltage in a primary coil, causes the power transmission device to stop temporary power transmission when the ID authentication information from the power reception device has not been received within a given period of time, causes the power transmission device to stop temporary power transmission when the ID authentication has failed, and causes the power transmission device to stop normal power transmission when removal, a metal foreign object, a takeover state, or a full-charge state has been detected after normal power transmission has started.

A system (100) for mapping an underground object (145) includes a conduit location recording device 105 and a server (115). The conduit location recording device (105) senses an underground object (145), a unique identifier being associated with the sensed underground object (145), and determines a location of the underground object (145). The conduit location recording device (105) transmits, via a communications network (125), the unique identifier and determined location to the server (115) for storage in a database.

A primary device for inductive power transfer to a secondary device is disclosed. The primary device includes a primary coil, the primary device being configured to (i) operate in a first mode during which the primary coil transfers power through inductive coupling to the secondary device, and (ii) operate in a second mode during which a foreign object is detected. The primary device further includes a primary controller configured to operate the primary coil (i) using a first frequency during the first mode, and (ii) using a second frequency during the second mode. A method to detect a foreign object which is in proximity of an inductively coupled environment of a primary device is also disclosed.

An integrated high-frequency generator system utilizing the magnetic field of the target application including a magnetic resonance magnet having an application zone and a high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) generator zone in the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance magnet; and a high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) generator disposed in the high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) generator zone and utilizing the magnet field of the magnetic resonance magnet to generate the high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) radiation. The magnetic resonance magnet may have an auxiliary magnetic field source for modifying the magnetic field profile in the high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) generator zone. The high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) generator may include an electron gun for generating an electron beam adapted to be focused by a magnetic field source having a spatially rising region, a homogenous region and a decaying region, an interaction structure for generating high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) radiation, an internal mode converter in the homogenous region for extracting the high-frequency (microwave / terahertz) radiation through a window, and a reduced collector disposed substantially in the homogenous region before the electron beam spreads in the decaying region.