Patents Examined by Hoon Song
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Patent number: 9968313Abstract: A fluoroscopic system is disclosed with capability of differential exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier. The x-ray beam solid angle is limited by a collimator that is relatively near to the focal point of the x-ray tube, to occupy an area smaller then the input area of the image intensifier. Means to deflect the electron beam of the x-ray tube in two dimensions are constructed with the x-ray tube to provide scanning capability of the complete input area with full control on the motion function. The collimator may also be moved to control beam size and/or position at the image intensifier.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: CONTROL RAD SYSTEMS INCInventor: Haim Zvi Melman
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Patent number: 9971047Abstract: Provided is a photon-counting type X-ray CT apparatus according to embodiments including a detector, a first collecting unit, a second collecting unit, and an image reconstruction unit. The detector detects an X-ray and outputs a signal. The first collecting unit collects count data of photons of the X-ray for every energy band with a predetermined time width by using the signal output from the detector. The second collecting unit corrects integration data obtained by integrating the signal with the predetermined time width by using the signal output from the detector. The image reconstruction unit corrects the count data by using the integration data. The image reconstruction unit generates a reconstructed image by performing a reconstructing process on the corrected count data.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Emi Tamura, Yasuo Saito
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Patent number: 9968318Abstract: An estimating apparatus according to an embodiment includes specifying circuitry, deriving circuitry, and display control circuitry. The specifying circuitry specifies a region of a subject irradiated with X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube of an X-ray CT apparatus on a human body model schematically representing the subject. The deriving circuitry assumes the human body model to be at a position where the subject is arranged in radiography performed by the X-ray CT apparatus and derives an exposure dose of the X-rays on a surface of the region specified by the specifying circuitry on the human body model based on irradiation conditions in the radiography. The display control circuitry displays, on a display, information in which the exposure dose derived by the deriving circuitry is associated with the region on the human body model specified by the specifying circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Tadaharu Kobayashi, Manabu Tanaka, Teruomi Gunji
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Patent number: 9968320Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object, a supporting mechanism supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a display displays an X-ray image concerning the object based on an output from the X-ray detector, position specifying circuitry specifies a position of the face of a user who is visually recognizing the display, and moving circuitry moves the supporting mechanism to an imaging position corresponding to the specified position of the face of the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Ryuji Zaiki
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Patent number: 9968308Abstract: A mammographic CT apparatus includes: a gantry, including a front face plate in which an insertion opening is formed for inserting a breast into an accommodation portion a radiation tube and sensing device disposed within the gantry; a driving unit configured to rotate the radiation tube and the sensing device around a rotation axis set in the normal direction of the accommodation portion, at the same angular speed and in the same direction; a collimator disposed between the accommodation portion and the radiation tube, and configured to rotate around the rotation axis integrally with the radiation tube and sensing device; and an annular shield disposed between the rotational path of the collimator and the rotational path of the radiation tube, having an annular gap corresponding to the rotational path of the collimator, wherein an edge of the collimator or sensing device is fit into the gap.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junya Kawase, Takeo Tsukamoto, Nobuhiro Ito
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Patent number: 9962131Abstract: An X-ray generator generating an X-ray cone beam and a two-dimensional X-ray detector detecting the X-ray cone beam are supported by a support arm while facing each other, and the X-ray generator and the two-dimensional X-ray detector are turned with an object interposed therebetween. A filter constitution body is disposed between the two-dimensional X-ray detector and the object. Filters having X-ray beam energy distribution conversion characteristics different from each other are arrayed in the filter constitution body. In X-ray photography, a filter constitution body moving mechanism is moved in a direction along a detection surface of the two-dimensional X-ray detector such that the filter constitution body traverses the X-ray cone beam in turning the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Hideki Yoshikawa, Tomoyuki Sadakane, Yoshito Sugihara
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Patent number: 9945714Abstract: A method of determining the mass of an object by scanning the object in a radiographic inspection system, specifically in an X-ray scanner with the capability to take scan images at a plural number J of energy leves, has three modes or parts, namely: an initial learning mode, a normal operating mode, and a learning improvement mode. An inintial learning mode in which refernce object are scanned and their actual masses weighed and stored as reference values. A normal operating mode wherein smaple objects with unknown mass m are scanned and analyzed for compatibility with the reference values, and if found incompatible, the method switches to the learning improvement mode. A learning improvement mode in which the actual mass of the sample object found incompatible is determined by weighing and updates the stored reference values.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventor: Norbert Hartwig
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Patent number: 9943707Abstract: Tracking a target structure contained within a target volume using an x-ray tomosynthesis imaging detector is described.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: ACCURAY INCORPORATEDInventors: Calvin R. Maurer, Jr., Mu Young Lee, Gopinath Kuduvalli, Petr Jordan, Prashant Chopra
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Patent number: 9936931Abstract: In image data obtained, the radius and the ulna, and interosseous soft tissue between two bones are identified. A midpoint (Ygk) of the length of the interosseous soft tissue in a Y axis direction in (Xk) coordinates is determined. This midpoint is determined in multiple coordinates, and an approximate straight line of these midpoints is determined and set as a reference line. The foot of the perpendicular from the ulna styloid process to the reference line is set as a reference position. A region of interest is set in a position at a predetermined distance from the reference position along the reference line.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryutaro Adachi, Yasuo Nakamura, Naoto Kato
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Patent number: 9937360Abstract: Systems for generating a proton beam include an electromagnetic radiation beam (e.g., a laser) that is directed onto an ion-generating target by optics to form the proton beam. At least one processor is configured to control the source of the electromagnetic radiation and the optics to alter the energy, polarization, spatial profile, and/or the temporal profile of the electromagnetic radiation beam, and to adjust the flux and/or energy of the proton beam. In some instances the system may adjust the proton beam energy while holding the proton beam flux substantially constant, or alternatively adjust the proton beam flux while holding the proton beam energy substantially constant. In other instances the system may adjust the proton beam energy while varying the proton beam flux, and/or adjust the proton beam flux while varying the proton beam energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: HIL Applied Medical, Ltd.Inventors: Evgeny Papeer, Assaf Shaham, Shmuel Eisenmann, Yair Ferber, Ynon Hefets, Omer Shavit, Boaz Weinfeld, Sagi Brink-Danan
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Patent number: 9936568Abstract: An X-ray generator is capable of reducing invalid exposure caused due to wave tails, which do not contribute to the quality of an X-ray image, by preventing the wave tails from being supplied to an X-ray tube. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes the X-ray generator and a method of reducing the invalid exposure is implemented using the X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, and a high-voltage generator to supply a voltage having a pulse waveform to the X-ray tube. The high-voltage generator includes a high-voltage tank to generate a high voltage, a switch connected to an output terminal of the high-voltage tank and turned on or off, and a resistor located outside the high-voltage tank to receive a wave tail voltage having the pulse waveform and to consume power generated due to wave tails.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Takahashi, Keun Su Chang
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Patent number: 9931088Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a selected acquisition field of view of a medical tomography apparatus in the region of a patient table of the tomography apparatus with the aid of an illumination device including at least one light source. In this regard, the illumination device includes at least one setting device for revealing and/or masking boundary areas of a field of illumination of the illumination device which are revealed or masked as a function of the selected acquisition field of view. An illumination device is also disclosed for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Michael Grasruck, Bernhard Krauss, Martin Sedlmair
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Patent number: 9934930Abstract: An x-ray target, a method of using the x-ray target, and a computer program product with instructions for carrying out a method of using the x-ray target. The x-ray target includes a substrate made from a soft x-ray producing material and a high aspect ratio structure made from a hard x-ray producing material. The hard x-ray producing material is embedded in the substrate, formed on the substrate, cantilevered out from the edge of the substrate, or any combination thereof. The high aspect ratio structure comprises a plurality of high aspect ratio structures arranged in one or more grids or arrays, and the high aspect ratio structures in one of the one or more grids or arrays are arranged to form a Hadamard matrix structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: N. William Parker, Mark W. Utlaut, Laurens Franz Taemsz Kwakman, Thomas G. Miller
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Patent number: 9931521Abstract: A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: HsinLu Hsu, Ross Hannibal, Steven W. Prince, Janne Nord
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Patent number: 9934932Abstract: An imaging module includes a plurality of cathodes and respective gates, each cathode configured to generate a separate beam of electrons directed across a vacuum chamber and each gate matched to at least one respective cathode to enable and disable each separate beam of electrons from being directed across the vacuum chamber. A target anode is fixed within the vacuum chamber and arranged to receive the separate beam of electrons from each of the plurality of cathodes and, therefrom, generate a beam of x-rays. A deflection system is arranged between the plurality of cathodes and the target anode to generate a variable magnetic field to control a path followed by each of the separate beams of electrons to the target anode.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Thomas R. Mackie, Brandon J. Walker, Jonathon R. Seaton
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Patent number: 9925391Abstract: A system for facilitating creation of a patient treatment plan includes components configured to receive at least one feature associated with patient data and search a database of previously planned radiation treatments to identify one or more matching plans from the database based on the at least one feature. Parameters corresponding to the identified matching treatment plans may be used to facilitate creation of the patient treatment plan.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Siris Medical, Inc.Inventors: Colin Carpenter, Ran Davidi, Nicholas Mourlas, Todd Atwood
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Patent number: 9924872Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus capable of confirming the positional relationship of an imaging region and a field of view in a real space at the time of determining the position of the imaging region. The computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a couch that moves a top board on which a subject is placed. A gantry comprises an opening into which a top board is inserted. A light projection part is provided in the gantry. A setting part sets a field of view with respect to the subject. A controller causes light indicating the set field of view to be projected by controlling the light projection part.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Tomokazu Harada
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Patent number: 9928619Abstract: A device and a method for image reconstruction at different X-ray energies that make it possible to achieve image reconstruction with higher accuracy. A device for image reconstruction at different X-ray energies includes: an X-ray source 1 that irradiates a specimen to be imaged 2 with X-rays; an energy-dispersive detector 4 that detects a characteristic X-ray emitted from the specimen to be imaged 2; a signal processor that quantifies the peak of the characteristic X-ray detected by the detector 4; and an image reconstruction device that reconstructs an image on the basis of a signal from the signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Akira Monkawa, Shoichi Nakanishi, Shinya Abe, Mikiya Kondo, Koh Harada
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Patent number: 9924919Abstract: The invention relates to a model for use in an imaging technique based on an interaction of the model with an electromagnetic radiation. The model comprises a plurality of volume elements. The interaction intensities of two neighboring volume elements are distinguishable by an imaging technique. The model comprises first volume elements made of a supporting material, and second volume elements are made of a supporting material and a contrast material and exhibit a higher interaction intensity with the electromagnetic radiation than the first volume elements because of the presence of contrast material. The second volume elements have been generated by a printing method. The invention further relates to a method for fabricating the model by 3D printing.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventors: Paul Jahnke, Michael Scheel
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Patent number: 9918689Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes a storage circuit and processing circuitry. The storage circuit stores correction data for emergency and/or correction data for normal time. The processing circuitry outputs a command to perform imaging of a patient and acquire radiographic data, and determines whether imaging time of the patient is in a first period during which temperature of an X-ray detector is stable or in a second period during which the temperature is not stable, before the imaging of the patient. In addition, the processing circuitry corrects the radiographic data by using the correction data for emergency when the imaging time is in the second period, and corrects the radiographic data by using the correction data for normal time when the imaging time is in the first period.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Keiji Matsuda