Patents Examined by Courtney Thomas
  • Device and method for the nondestructive testing of tires by tomography
    Patent number: 9702833
    Abstract: A device for testing a tyre (2) for representing tomographical images of sections of a casing of the tyre includes a source (11) of ionizing radiation arranged outside the tyre (2) and a detector (12) for receiving the radiation. The detector (12) is situated opposite the source (11) with respect to at least one section of the casing. The axis (X-X) of the tyre runs parallel to a sectional plane (P) passing through the focus (F) of the source (11) and the detector (12). The tyre and the source-detector assembly are moved with rotational motion relative to one another about an axis of rotation (Z-Z) perpendicular to the sectional plane (P), according to a predetermined angular excursion range. The detector (12) is disposed in a central internal zone (20) of the tyre (2) during the testing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: CyXplus
    Inventors: Agnès Decroux, Fabrice Ficalora, Olivier Roubaud, Olivier Francois
  • Method and apparatus for fabrication and tuning of grating-based differential phase contrast imaging system
    Patent number: 9700267
    Abstract: A method for assembling a phase contrast x-ray imaging system includes fabricating a phase grating and an absorption grating according to a preselected pitch of the gratings. The actual obtained pitches are measured and a source grating is then fabricated according to a desired design point of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavlo Baturin, Mark E. Shafer
  • System and method for thermal management of a CT detector
    Patent number: 9700273
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for thermal management in a CT device comprises first and second thermal management zones, each comprising an x-ray detector, at least one variable speed fan proximate to the x-ray detector, an air temperature sensor positioned to measure an air temperature of the intake air to the variable speed fan, a rail heater in thermal contact with the x-ray detector, a rail temperature sensor in thermal contact with the rail heater to measure a rail temperature, and a controller that controls the variable speed fan as a function of at least the air temperature and the rail heater as a function of the rail temperature to maintain a temperature of the x-ray detector within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph James Lacey, Ashutosh Joshi, Venkatarao Ryali, Sanketh Bhat
  • XRF analyzer activation switch
    Patent number: 9689816
    Abstract: The invention includes various electronic devices for avoiding or minimizing XRF analyzer user fatigue. In one embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger sensor for activating an XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger tap switch for activating the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a microphone for activating the XRF analysis by receipt of a verbal command. Additional benefits of some embodiments include improving XRF analysis safety and avoiding XRF analyzer theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris
  • X-ray apparatus
    Patent number: 9693438
    Abstract: X-ray apparatus, with a collimator arrangement (12a, 18, 28a) positioned between the focus point (12b) and the detector (28b), mechanics (43) for enabling motion of the collimator arrangement, the detector and the x-ray source along a scan trajectory (30) in a x-z plane (83) and also along curved scan trajectory (45), which partly extents along a y-axis (35) perpendicular to the x-z plane. By using this invention better tissue coverage of objects with curved edges can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Dominik Benjamin Kutra, Thomas Buelow, Gerhard Martens, Hanns-Ingo Maack, Kirsten Regina Meetz
  • Sample holder for X-ray analysis and jig for sample installation
    Patent number: 9683951
    Abstract: A sample holder for X-ray analysis is provided with: a first annular member; a second annular member configured to be inserted and fitted into the first annular member in a state where a first film is sandwiched between the first annular member and the second annular member while the first film is being stretched to cover a lower opening portion of the second annular member; and a third annular member configured to be inserted and fitted into the second annular member in a state where a second film is sandwiched between the second annular member and the third annular member while the second film is being stretched to cover a lower opening portion of the third annular member. The first film and the second film are configured to hold a sample for X-ray analysis by sandwiching the sample between the first film and the second film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventor: Toshitada Takeuchi
  • XRF analyzer communication
    Patent number: 9683953
    Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis system 10 can include an XRF analyzer 20 which can communicate wirelessly with other devices. The system 10 can also include remote-processor software configured to be loaded onto a handheld electronic device 23 and/or remote-computer software configured to be loaded onto a remote-computer 28. The XRF analyzer 20 can include a microphone 18 and/or an output device 31 to allow a user 19 to communicate conveniently with the XRF analyzer 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris, Bill Hansen
  • Method and apparatus for managing X-ray accumulation amount
    Patent number: 9681850
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes obtaining first information including X-ray accumulation amount of an object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object based on the received first information; and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imaging protocol. The first information including the X-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of the object via a short range wireless communication or from an external database based on authentication information input received from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-young Park, Se-won Kim, Yeon-ju Lee, Byung-sun Choi
  • X-ray breast tomosynthesis enhancing spatial resolution including in the thickness direction of a flattened breast
    Patent number: 9668711
    Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Method and system for quantitative imaging
    Patent number: 9668712
    Abstract: A system and method for digital x-ray imaging. The method includes emitting a first and second collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray source disposed in a first and second position, respectively. The first and second collimated x-ray beam is directed onto an identified region of interest (ROI) wherein a first and second ROI image is captured, respectively, when the x-ray source is disposed in the first and second position, respectively. The first and second ROI images are processed to extract features from each of the first and second ROI images. The extracted features are analyzed, and an indicator of a disease is generated responsive to the extracted features. The indicator can be stored, displayed, or transmitted. The first and second x-ray sources can be the same or different x-ray sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Foos, Samuel Richard, Xiaohui Wang
  • X-ray imaging device
    Patent number: 9668708
    Abstract: When an X-ray detector is removed from a storage part, a sensor senses this, and transmits to an up and down control part a signal indicating that the X-ray detector has been taken out of the storage part. Upon receipt of the signal, the up and down control part releases braking force by electro permanent magnets. In doing so, sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a fixing part, and sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a stopper plate are released. The weight of a counter weight is larger than the total value of the weights of the arm, X-ray tube, collimator, and the like, and therefore in a state where the arm is released from being fixed by the electro permanent magnets, the arm starts to move up together with the X-ray tube and the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoharu Okuno, Shinji Hamasaki
  • X-ray exposure control device, X-ray image detection apparatus, and X-ray imaging system
    Patent number: 9668331
    Abstract: An X-ray exposure control device comprises: an X-ray detection element including a plurality of pixels for dose detection each detecting a dose during X-ray radiation; a region setting unit configured to set a use pixel region including pixels for use in dose detection from the plurality of pixels for dose detection during the X-ray radiation; a signal generating unit configured to generate a stop signal for stopping the X-ray radiation from an X-ray source according to the dose detected by each of the pixels for use in the dose detection within the use pixel region set by the region setting unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the X-ray source the stop signal to stop the X-ray radiation as generated by the signal generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takahashi, Masahiko Yamada, Sadato Akahori
  • Radiolucent window, radiation detector and radiation detection apparatus
    Patent number: 9666323
    Abstract: Linear ribs are formed radially with a center at a through-hole on one face of an X-ray transmissive film (radiolucent film) in an X-ray transmissive window (radiolucent window) to be used for an X-ray detector (radiation detector). The X-ray transmissive window faces a sample. A beam for irradiation to the sample passes through the through-hole, and X-rays (radiation) are radially emitted on a line extending through the through-hole and enter the X-ray transmissive window. Since the linear ribs are formed radially with the center at the through-hole, even X-rays entering at shallow angles with respect to the X-ray transmissive window are transmitted through the X-ray transmissive window at a probability equivalent to X-rays entering at deep angles. More X-rays are transmitted through the X-ray transmissive window, and thus the X-ray detector can detect X-rays with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: HORIBA, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohashi, Yoshiaki Nakata
  • Method and device for determining the x-ray radiation attenuation caused by the object to be examined
    Patent number: 9664801
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to the use of the spectral composition of X-ray radiation in addition to the intensity thereof in order to determine the attenuation caused by an object. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention is a device, particularly a radiation monitor for an X-ray or CT system, which is suitable for performing the aforementioned procedure according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thilo Hannemann, Mario Reinwand
  • Method for recording a complete projection data set in the central layer for CT reconstruction using a C-arm X-ray apparatus with a limited rotation range
    Patent number: 9655568
    Abstract: A method for recording a scan from a series of 2D X-ray projections using a C-arm X-ray apparatus allows an analytical volume reconstruction of a disk-shaped region of interest. The C-arm X-ray apparatus has a coherent, flat focus trajectory comprising three sections on which the focus of the X-ray source is moved with recording of X-ray projection views. The X-ray source emits a cone beam in the direction of an imaging X-ray detector, such as in particular a flat panel detector FPD. In some implementations, the cone beam is configured as a fan beam with a fan angle in the plane of the focus trajectory, which contains the ROI with the virtual scan center in its center, wherein the central ray of the fan beam is located on the bisector of the fan angle, and stands vertically on the ray inlet window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ziehm Imaging GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Ritschl
  • Device and method of scintillating quantum dots for radiation imaging
    Patent number: 9651682
    Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes a radiation source and a micro structured detector comprising a material defining a surface that faces the radiation source. The material includes a plurality of discreet cavities having openings in the surface. The detector also includes a plurality of quantum dots disclosed in the cavities. The quantum dots are configured to interact with radiation from the radiation source, and to emit visible photons that indicate the presence of radiation. A digital camera and optics may be used to capture images formed by the detector in response to exposure to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    Inventors: Eric R. Burke, Stanton L. DeHaven, Phillip A. Williams
  • High speed X-ray microscope
    Patent number: 9646732
    Abstract: A high resolution x-ray microscope with a high flux x-ray source that allows high speed metrology or inspection of objects such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other IC packaging technologies. The object to be investigated is illuminated by collimated, high-flux x-rays from a movable, extended source having a designated x-ray spectrum. The system also comprises a means to control the relative positions of the x-ray source and the object; a scintillator that absorbs x-rays and emits visible photons positioned in very close proximity to (or in contact with) the object; an optical imaging system that forms a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the photons emitted by the scintillator; and a detector such as a CCD array to convert the image to electronic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SVXR, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lewis Adler, Benjamin Thomas Adler, Freddie Erich Babian
  • X-ray apparatus
    Patent number: 9640292
    Abstract: X-ray diffraction apparatus includes a flat graded multilayer 8 which may be used in a SAXS configuration for a sample 6. The apparatus may be adapted for Bragg-Brentano measurements by a collimator 16 without the need for alternate beam paths or complex arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: PANALYTICAL B.V.
    Inventors: Detlef Beckers, Stjepan Prugovecki
  • Mobile transport and shielding apparatus for removable x-ray analyzer
    Patent number: 9633753
    Abstract: A mobile transport and shielding apparatus, which holds an x-ray analyzer for transport between operating sites, and also serves as a shielded, operational station for holding the x-ray analyzer during operation thereof. The x-ray analyzer is removably insertable into the apparatus and is operable either within the mobile transport and shielding apparatus, or outside of the apparatus. The apparatus may provide means to control, power, cool, and/or charge the x-ray analyzer during operation of the analyzer; and also means to transport the analyzer (e.g., a handle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Pomerantz, John H. Burdett, Rory D. Delaney
  • Radiation image detecting device and radiation imaging system
    Patent number: 9629601
    Abstract: In a detection panel, plural pixels which receive X-ray and accumulate electric charge and plural measuring pixels which detect X-ray dose are provided on an imaging surface. The plural measuring pixels are arranged periodically with an interval. In a position facing to the imaging surface, there is a grid where X-ray absorbing sections and X-ray transmitting sections are arranged in a periodic alternating manner in a first direction. Since the arrangement period of the measuring pixels in the first direction is different from a fluctuation period of grid detection signals obtained when the grid is photographed by the detection panel, output values of the plurality of measuring pixels disperse and a fluctuation range of average values is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tajima, Takeshi Kuwabara, Yusuke Kitagawa