Patents Examined by Andrew Israel
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Patent number: 6403965Abstract: An X-ray image detector system includes: a plurality of scanning lines; a plurality of signal lines formed so as to intersect the scanning lines; and a plurality of pixel parts, each of which is formed at a corresponding one of the intersections between the scanning lines and the signal lines so as to form an array; each of said pixel parts having an X-ray-to-charge converting part for converting an incident X-ray to an electric charge, a pixel electrode for receiving the electric charge from the X-ray-to-charge converting part, and a switching element which is operated on the basis of a signal of a corresponding one of the scanning lines, one end of the switching element being connected to the pixel electrode, and the other end of the switching element being connected to a corresponding one of the signal lines, wherein the X-ray-to-charge converting part includes at least a first X-ray-to-charge converting film, and a second X-ray-to-charge converting film having a lower resistivity than that of the first X-Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Mitsushi Ikeda, Masaki Atsuta, Akira Kinno, Kouhei Suzuki
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Patent number: 6392248Abstract: A color radiography system comprises a color light emission sheet having a phosphor layer that contains a phosphor emitting in a plurality of colors to radiation and emits light under irradiation of radiation transmitted through a subject to be inspected, and a color film or a color camera that detects the light emissions of the plurality of colors into the respective colors. In the phosphor layer, a phosphor is used that has a primary emission component corresponding to one emission color in a visible light region and at least one secondary emission component, the secondary emission component having an emission color different from that of the primary emission component and a ratio of light emission to radiation of the same intensity being different from that of the primary emission component. According to the present color radiography system, image information of a plurality of colors having different sensitivity characteristics can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takeshi Takahara, Akihisa Saito, Eiji Oyaizu, Koichi Nittoh, Toshiyuki Tamura
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Patent number: 6388260Abstract: Crystals of lithium tetraborate or alpha-barium borate had been found to be neutron detecting materials. The crystals are prepared using known crystal growing techniques, wherein the process does not include the common practice of using a fluxing agent, such as sodium oxide or sodium fluoride, to reduce the melting temperature of the crystalline compound. Crystals prepared by this method can be sliced into thin single or polycrystalline wafers, or ground to a powder and prepared as a sintered compact or a print paste, and then configured with appropriate electronic hardware, in order to function as neutron detectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: F. Patrick Doty, Ilya Zwieback, Warren Ruderman
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Patent number: 6380540Abstract: A gamma camera (70), comprising: at least one emission detector (72), which receives radiation emitted from the body of a subject (26) and generates signals responsive thereto; a radiation source (74), which directs radiation toward the body; at least one transmission detector (76), having a long dimension, which receives radiation transmitted through the body (26) from the radiation source (74) and generates signals responsive thereto, wherein the transmission detector (76) translates in a direction generally perpendicular to the long dimension.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Israel, Ltd.Inventors: Dov Maor, Alex Silberklang, Aharon Peretz, Alex Natanzon
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Patent number: 6380542Abstract: A radiation image detecting system includes a solid radiation detector made up of a plurality of solid radiation detecting elements which are two-dimensionally arranged and convert radiations bearing thereon image information to an image signal. An A/D convertor converts the image signal as output from the solid radiation detector to a digital image signal. The digital image signal is analyzed and a characteristic of standardization processing which is to be carried out on the digital image signal is determined. A standardization processing circuit carries out standardization processing on the digital image signal according to the characteristic of standardization processing determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., LtdInventor: Kazuo Shimura
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Patent number: 6380547Abstract: A process for marking an article in a manner which is optically invisible and difficult to detect. The process is carried out by selecting a laser luminophore which fluoresces in a predetermined portion of the spectrum when exposed to an excitation light of predetermined wavelength and applying the laser luminophore to the article in an amount which is optically invisible when the article is exposed to electromagnetic radiation but which is sufficient for machine detection when the article is exposed to an excitation light of predetermined wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventors: Manuel E. Gonzalez, Roy Goeller, Jacobo Archuleta, Dale Spall
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Patent number: 6376838Abstract: A method of measuring characteristics of a geologic formation, using the time, energy and spatial spectra of gamma rays induced by an accelerator, which allows (i) the measurement of the photoelectric absorption (Pe) factor of the formation using a gamma-ray spectrum detected from gamma rays induced in the formation, (ii) the calculation of a neutron porosity of the formation using the gamma-ray spectrum, and (iii) the determination of a bulk density of the formation using the spectroscopic measurements. The Pe factor may be inferred by directly mapping the spectroscopic measurements. The porosity may be calculated by relating the gamma-ray spectrum to a hydrogen content of the formation. The density may be determined by computing a gamma diffusion length of the formation based on the gamma-ray spectrum. In addition to these measurements, the resistivity of the formation and its spontaneous potential may also be measured using an electromagnetic induction system.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Computalog USA, Inc.Inventor: Richard Charles Odom
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Patent number: 6373058Abstract: A method of camouflaging an object emitting infrared radiation by absorbing radiation or by altering its emissive pattern reduces its viewability by an infrared detector. An infrared radiation absorbing and/or altering layer containing microcapsules (10) is positioned proximate the infrared radiation source. The radiation is absorbed by means of a phase change material or plastic crystals. Concentrations and/or phase change materials are varied to enhance camouflage.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Richard A. McKinney, Yvonne G. Bryant, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 6373066Abstract: A thermal neutron detector comprises an inorganic scintillation crystal, an inner sleeve on said scintillation crystal and including boron-10, and an outer lead sleeve on said inner sleeve for shielding gamma rays from the inner layer. The boron-10 may be carried in a resiliently compressible silicone cast on the crystal to form a sleeve which functions to mechanically support the crystal inside a detector casing. The resiliently compressible, thermal neutron absorbing layer may also be used in other applications as a thermal neutron shield.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics, Inc.Inventor: David G. Penn
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Patent number: 6373059Abstract: A PET scanner is disclosed which includes a gantry, a plurality of sets of detectors supported by the gantry, and a plurality of septa that are supported by the gantry and are constructed of material which blocks photons. The detectors in each set are disposed in a plane and positioned around a central axis that intersects the plane, and the plurality of sets of detectors are spaced along the central axis. The septa are spaced along the central axis to separate groups of two or more detector sets and block external photons from reaching the detectors. The PET scanner further includes a processor means for receiving signals produced by the detectors and indicating annihilation events occurring within a central region around the central axis, and for reconstructing an image from indicated annihilation events.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Charles W. Stearns, James G. Colsher
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Patent number: 6369387Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a gas analyzer is presented that focuses light beams through gas cells without reflecting the light beams off the walls of the cells. By eliminating wall reflections, dirt or debris on the walls of the cells will not result in inaccurate gas concentration measurements. In another preferred embodiment, a gas analyzer is disclosed having removable gas cells, which allows a user to easily clean the cells instead of returning a contaminated gas analyzer to service personnel for cleaning. In yet another preferred embodiment, a gas analyzer has a purged gas flow channel between source and detector sections of the analyzer to remove contaminants that can result in inaccurate gas concentration measurements. In an additional preferred embodiment, a gas analyzer is disclosed which has a heat exchanger to equilibrate the temperature of incoming air to the temperature of the analyzer's gas cells, thereby avoiding temperature-based errors in gas concentration measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.Inventor: Robert D. Eckles
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Patent number: 6365901Abstract: The apparatus and method provide techniques for monitoring the position on alpha contamination in or on items or locations. The technique is particularly applicable to pipes, conduits and other locations to which access is difficult. The technique uses indirect monitoring of alpha emissions by detecting ions generated by the alpha emissions. The medium containing the ions is moved in a controlled manner frog in proximity with the item or location to the detecting unit and the signals achieved over time are used to generate alpha source position information.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignees: British Nuclear Fuels PLC, The Regents of the University of California, TheInventors: Christopher Henry Orr, Craig Janson Luff, Thomas Dockray, Duncan Whittemore Macarthur, John Alan Bounds
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Patent number: 6362479Abstract: A scintillation detector which includes a plurality of discrete scintillators composed of one or more scintillator materials. The discrete scintillators interact with incident radiation to produce a quantifiable number of photons with characteristic emission wavelength and decay time. A light guide is operatively associated with the scintillation crystals and may be either active or non-active and segmented or non-segmented depending upon the embodiment of the design. Photodetectors are provided to sense and quantify the scintillation light emissions. The process and system embodying various features of the present invention can be utilized in various applications such as SPECT, PET imaging and simultaneous PET systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: CTI PET Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Andreaco, Charles W. Williams, Ronald Nutt, Michael E. Casey
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Patent number: 6359282Abstract: A modular radiation detector includes a scintillator module containing a crystal, and an electronics module containing a light sensing device such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), and an electronics package. The scintillator module and the electronics module are releaseably mechanically coupled, for example by means of mating threaded portions on each of the modules. The crystal and the PMT are optically coupled via an optical window in the scintillator module and a removable gel pad which is pressed between the modules as they are mechanically coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventor: William D. Sekela
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Patent number: 6355931Abstract: A system for characterizing a set of properties for a moving substance are disclosed. The system includes: a first near-infrared linear array; a second near-infrared linear array; a first filter transparent to a first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the first array; a second filter blocking the first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the second array; and a computational device for characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance. The method includes the steps of: filtering out a first absorption wavelength emitted by a substance; monitoring the first absorption wavelength with a first near-infrared linear array; blocking the first wavelength from reaching a second near-infrared linear array; and characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jose E. Hernandez, Jackson C. Koo
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Patent number: 6355938Abstract: A system for scanning an imaging plate, comprising: a continuous belt drive; a first scanning head mounted to the belt drive; a second scanning head mounted to the belt drive; and a laser positioned to direct a laser beam in a beam path across the imaging plate, wherein the continuous belt drive is positioned to sequentially move each of the first and second scanning heads in a path collinear with the laser beam path when moving across the imaging plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: PhorMax CorporationInventors: Gary Cantu, Wayne Evans, Todd Lewis
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Patent number: 6353228Abstract: Conventionally, a metal which is opaque to light has been employed for the common electrode of the pixels of a photosensor. Consequently, a common electrode line has concealed the light receiving portions of photodiodes and has lowered the opening degree of these portions, thereby decreasing light outputs and degrading S/N (signal to noise) ratios. In view of this situation, a common electrode line to which one of a pair of electrodes of each of light receiving elements is connected is formed over signal lines for transferring the light signals of the light receiving elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Itabashi
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Patent number: 6353230Abstract: The apparatus and method provide techniques for effectively implementing alpha and/or beta and/or gamma monitoring of items or locations as desired. Indirect alpha monitoring by detecting ions generated by alpha emissions, in conjunction with beta and/or gamma monitoring is provided. The invention additionally provides for screening of items prior to alpha monitoring using beta and/or gamma monitoring, so as to ensure that the alpha monitoring apparatus is not contaminated by proceeding direct to alpha monitoring of a heavily contaminated item or location. The invention provides additional versatility in the emission forms which can be monitored, whilst maintaining accuracy and avoiding inadvertent contamination.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignees: British Nuclear Fuels PLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Christopher Henry Orr, Craig Janson Luff, Thomas Dockray, Duncan Whittemore Macarthur
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Patent number: 6353224Abstract: Millimeter wave imaging apparatus for use, in articular, as an indoor security system to identify objects concealed under the clothing of a person in a background scene, including means for generating a millimetric temperature contrast between the person to be imaged and the surroundings in scene. This may be a “hot” or “cold” source for producing a flux, and a relatively smaller flux respectively, of incoherent millimeter wavelength radiation. The apparatus may also include at least one partial ellipsoid reflective enclosure for reflecting millimeter wavelength radiation emitted from the “hot” and “cold” source so as to generate non-localized and uniform illumination of the person. The enclosure may have a metallic inner surface on which a dimpled pattern may be embossed to diffuse the millimeter wavelength radiation reflected from the metallic inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandInventors: Gordon N Sinclair, Alan H Lettington
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Patent number: 6344653Abstract: A laser scanning microscope produces molecular excitation in a target material by simultaneous absorption of three or more photons to thereby provide intrinsic three-dimensional resolution. Fluorophores having single photon absorption in the short (ultraviolet or visible) wavelength range are excited by a beam of strongly focused subpicosecond pulses of laser light of relatively long (red or infrared) wavelength range. The fluorophores absorb at about one third, one fourth or even smaller fraction of the laser wavelength to produce fluorescent images of living cells and other microscopic objects. The fluorescent emission from the fluorophores increases cubicly, quarticly or even higher power law with the excitation intensity so that by focusing the laser light, fluorescence as well as photobleaching are confined to the vicinity of the focal plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventors: Watt W. Webb, Chris Xu