Patents Examined by David J Makiya
  • Patent number: 11883217
    Abstract: A portable medical imaging system and method, of which the system includes a movable station having a movable C-arm, an imaging signal transmitter attached to the movable C-arm, and an imaging sensor positioned generally opposite to the imaging signal transmitter and attached to the movable c-arm. The imaging sensor is configured to rotate relative to a point approximately on a center axis of the movable C-arm independently of the imaging signal transmitter, so as to change an angle of incidence for a signal transmitted from the imaging signal transmitter to the imaging sensor, and provide a field-of-view that is larger than the field-of-view of the imaging sensor at a single position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Robert Stevens, Hisham Salem, Yuan Cheng, David Cleary
  • Patent number: 11471117
    Abstract: Multiposition collimation devices and x-ray imaging systems, which include the multiposition collimation devices, are provided. The multiposition collimation device includes a collimator housing and a collimator plate constructed to at least partially block the passage of x-rays. The collimator plate is movable relative to the collimator housing to a first position, corresponding to a first x-ray detector size, and a second position, corresponding to a second x-ray detector size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Dentsply Sirona Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Abramovich, Aaron Bratslavsky, Charles Smith, Stan Mandelkern, Liang Hwang
  • Patent number: 10849580
    Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Robert Stevens, Hisham Salem, Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 10842453
    Abstract: The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and is operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm is slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor are attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. In one embodiment, the imaging signal transmitter and imaging sensor are offset from a center axis of the medical imaging system such that the portable medical imaging system is operable to capture an enlarged field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Robert Stevens, Hisham Salem, Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 10816437
    Abstract: A contactless and/or non-invasive system and method of determining the rotational state and/or speed of a rotor for an X-ray tube including a liquid metal bearing includes a vibration sensor that is affixed to the exterior of the x-ray tube and is utilized to detect the vibrations generated by the spinning of the rotor and liquid metal bearing assembly within the x-ray tube. The x-ray tube has signature vibration signal based on the construction and rotor speed of the x-ray tube. The system and method of the invention used to detect the rotor state/speed includes a sensor to pick up the vibration from the x-ray tube and perform signal processing, and a software algorithm stored within the device or on an operably connected device or system that can analyze the vibration data from the sensor to indicate whether the anode in the x-ray tube is spinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shivaprasad Nagesh, Ganesh Chandan Gangadharan
  • Patent number: 10804064
    Abstract: Technology is described for a magnetic lift device for an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode assembly includes an anode, a bearing assembly, a ferromagnetic shaft, and a lift electromagnet. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by a cathode. The bearing assembly is configured to stabilize the anode during a rotation of the anode. The ferromagnetic shaft is coupled to the anode and has an axis of rotation that is substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the ferromagnetic shaft in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James E. Burke, Marina Samuels, Santosh Ramachandran, V. Ward Coon, Christopher J. Lewis, Christopher D. Ginzton, Gregory C. Andrews, Patrick K. Lewis, Jacob Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10801977
    Abstract: A radiation analyzing apparatus includes a radiation irradiation unit configured to irradiate an object with a first radiation, a radiation detection unit configured to detect a second radiation generated from the object irradiated with the first radiation, a radiation converging unit configured to disposed between the object and the radiation detection unit and to converge the second radiation on the radiation detection unit, a position changing unit configured to vary a relative positional relationship between the radiation converging unit and the radiation detection unit, and a driving unit configured to change the positional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Nagata, Satoshi Nakayama, Keiichi Tanaka, Kazuo Chinone
  • Patent number: 10792516
    Abstract: A beam irradiation target verification apparatus includes an X-ray switching emission process unit that causes a vertical X-ray emitting unit to emit at least two types of X-rays using an energy-level switching unit, a vertical X-ray detection unit that detects an X-ray emitted from the vertical X-ray emitting unit, a pre-therapy verification image generation process unit, a reference image acquisition unit that acquires a reference image obtained at a therapy planning stage, a comparison process unit. The pre-therapy verification image generation process unit to generate pre-therapy verification images based on detection information of at least two types of X-rays obtained by the vertical X-ray detection unit. The comparison process unit makes comparisons between the pre-therapy verification images and the reference image, and the result output unit outputs a comparison result obtained by the comparison process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR QUANTUM AND RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Taku Inaniwa, Takuji Furukawa, Koji Noda
  • Patent number: 10779789
    Abstract: A beam hardening correction method, a related calibration method for tomographic image data and a related apparatus. The tomographic image data includes attenuation data (f) and phase gradient data (g) and/or small angle scattering data (h). A correction value is computed from the attenuation data (f) by applying a function (q) to the attenuation data (f). The correction value is combined (S445) with the phase gradient data (g) or with the small angle scattering data (h).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Bernhard Johannes Brendel
  • Patent number: 10779386
    Abstract: A guide device for at least one line, such as an electric line of a C-arm, has a rotatable first cylinder with a first cylindrical surface and a static second cylinder, adjoining the first cylinder in the axial direction and having a second cylindrical surface. A first guide element for guiding the line on the first and/or the second cylindrical surface, is disposed coaxially with respect to the first and the second cylinder and it is movable relative to the first and the second cylinder. The line can be wound up on the first and/or the second cylindrical surface or can be unwound therefrom depending on the movement of the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Limmer, Zsolt Pavel, Norbert Scherer, Friedrich Schirmer
  • Patent number: 10765396
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging system are described. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises: a rail assembly, a strut assembly, an X-ray imaging assembly mounted on the strut assembly, and a power supply apparatus mounted on the strut assembly to supply power to the X-ray imaging assembly to generate X-rays for X-ray imaging. The X-ray imaging system comprises the above-mentioned X-ray imaging apparatus and a plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses. The X-ray imaging apparatus can operate in a wide range to meet different X-ray imaging requirements, and the X-ray imaging system can complete X-ray imaging on a large number of patients in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Pengfei Du, Shaobo Gu, Jianqiang Yang
  • Patent number: 10758196
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection unit that acquires a radiation image, a decision unit that decides whether or not the radiation image meets a decision criterion of success or failure of imaging, and a storage unit that associates and stores the radiation image and a result of the decision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Asato Kosuge, Taro Hiroike, Hideki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 10739492
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for evaluating an image quality of an image produced by an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Matthew Aderholdt, Joseph Regensbuger, Lucinda Flaherty, Joseph Cochran
  • Patent number: 10736591
    Abstract: A control device includes a unit that specifies, among a plurality of pieces of image data generated by detection means in accordance with a detection result of radiated rays that have passed through a subject, the amount of change in a relative position of the subject with respect to the detection means during a period from a generation timing of immediately preceding image data, which is generated immediately before target image data, to a generation timing of the target image data, a unit that sets the amount of radiated rays with which irradiation means performs irradiation in accordance with the amount of change, a unit that determines a composition ratio in accordance with the amount of change, and a unit that reduces noise of the target image data by combining, in accordance with the composition ratio, image data generated before the target image data with the target image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihito Machida
  • Patent number: 10739281
    Abstract: A tomography scanner includes at least one first emission source (GX1), one first matrix detector (D1), and a computer (C) arranged to produce an initial tomography of an object (E) based on radiographs arising from the first matrix detector, taken from various angles. The tomography scanner further includes a second emission source (GX2) and a second matrix detector (D2) arranged so that, when the object is subjected to a loading that is known at a given instant in time, the computer determines the changes in the object subjected to said loading based only on the information from the first radiograph of the object under loading arising from the first matrix detector, from the second radiograph of the object under loading arising from the second matrix detector and the initial tomograph, the first radiograph and the second radiograph being taken simultaneously at the same given instant in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE DE CACHAN
    Inventors: François Hild, Hugo Leclerc, Stéphane Roux
  • Patent number: 10716526
    Abstract: An X-ray system, in particular a computed tomography system, for acquiring projection data of an examination subject includes one or more X-ray radiation sources, at least one of the one or more X-ray radiation sources including at least one prefilter, the one or more X-ray radiation sources being configured to generate X-ray radiation including at least two X-ray radiation spectra, the at least one prefilter being configured to at least one of spatially distribute or temporally modify the X-ray radiation, and a one or more photon-counting detectors configured to detect the X-ray radiation passing through the examination subject in an energy-resolved manner according to at least two detection thresholds, and generate projection data based on the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Steffen Kappler, Bernhard Krauss, Bernhard Schmidt, Friederike Schoeck, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Patent number: 10709396
    Abstract: A filter set of a CT scanning device and control method thereof are provided. An example of the CT scanning device includes a gantry, an X-ray generator, a filter set, a detector, and a drive motor. The filter set includes a disc, a filter disposed on the disc and having a substantially annular groove structure, and a drive shaft connected to the disc. A body thickness of the annular groove structure varies in a circumferential direction and a radial direction. A shaft axis of the drive shaft is parallel to a radiation direction of X-ray. As the drive shaft is driven by the drive motor, the disc rotates around the shaft axis, such that a region of the filter is aligned with the radiation direction of the X-ray, and a body thickness of the region corresponds to a respective X-ray attenuation for an examination region of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Beijing Neusoft Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shanshan Lou, Hongbo Wang
  • Patent number: 10714300
    Abstract: A stationary anode for an X-ray generator, in particular of an X-ray imaging device or an X-ray therapy or spectroscopy device, includes a main anode body and an internal cooling duct, running in the axial direction, for conveying a cooling fluid to a heat exchange surface of the main anode body. A nozzle, disposed at the end of the cooling duct, is inventively positioned with respect to the heat exchange surface via stop elements such that, between the heat exchange surface and the nozzle, a gap is formed which extends over an angular range of 360° about the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Heinke, Michael Langguth
  • Patent number: 10702228
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette has an inclined surface which is formed between a side surface and a rear surface thereof and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. An antenna opening through which a radio wave is transmitted is formed on the inclined surface. Since the antenna opening is formed on the inclined surface, the antenna opening is not blocked by a rear plate of a holder of an upright radiographic stand or a supine radiographic stand, and the antenna opening is not blocked by a side panel of an outer grid. Both in the case where the electronic cassette is set to the holder and in the case where the outer grid is attached to the electronic cassette, it is possible to perform stable wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Bettouyashiki, Makoto Kitada, Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 10692684
    Abstract: A circuit assembly includes plural voltage control modules configured to be operably coupled in series to a connection and configured to control voltage delivered to an X-ray electrode. Each voltage module includes an on/off circuit portion, a balancing circuit portion, and a tuning circuit portion. The on/off circuit portion is configured to provide a voltage for activating or deactivating the X-ray electrode. The balancing circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the on/off circuit portion, and includes a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel. The tuning circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the balancing circuit portion and the on/off circuit portion, and is configured to adjust a voltage provided to the X-ray electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Antonio Caiafa, Philippe Ernest, Dominique Poincloux