Patents Examined by Julio M Duarte-Carvajalino
  • Patent number: 9442081
    Abstract: A method for measuring ash content in a biological material in an automated or semi-automated procedure is disclosed. The method includes the steps of scanning the biological material with electromagnetic radiation of at least two different energy levels, determining the amount of radiation transmitted through the sample of the biological material at the energy levels and estimating the moisture content in the biological material based on a relationship between the determined amount of radiation transmitted through the biological material. Thereafter, the ash content in the biological material is estimated, based on the estimated moisture content in the biological material, and average attenuation coefficients for the biological material without moisture, attenuation coefficients for a combustible part of the biological material and attenuation coefficients for ash of the biological material at the energy levels. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MANTEX AB
    Inventors: Erik Odén, Ragnar Kullenberg, Anders Ullberg, Fredrik Danielsson
  • Patent number: 9307946
    Abstract: A medical imaging device mountable on a support structure having a horizontal surface and at least one substantially vertical surface. The imaging device includes a frame and a gantry having a radiation source and a radiation detector. The gantry is rotatable with respect to the frame. The imaging device includes a first vertical adjustment element and a second vertical adjustment element. The first vertical adjustment element has a first end couplable to the horizontal surface and a second end coupled to the frame, the first end is located a first distance from the second end, and adjustable over a first range. The second vertical adjustment element has a third end coupled to the frame and a fourth end coupled to the gantry. The third end is located a second distance from the fourth end, and is adjustable over a second range, and the fourth end is rotatable with respect to the third end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: DENTAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick W. Cowdery, Frank Speranza, Carl Anthony Yacono, Tyler Betteridge
  • Patent number: 9282941
    Abstract: A method for imaging with a radiotherapy device is provided. The radiotherapy device includes a movably mounted imaging apparatus with an X-ray source and an oppositely disposed X-ray detector. The method includes preparing a first image with the imaging apparatus from a first imaging direction. The imaging apparatus is moved to a position that permits the preparation of a second image from a second imaging direction extending at an angle to the first imaging direction. The method also includes preparing the second image with the imaging apparatus from the second imaging direction, and verifying the position of an object to be irradiated using the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Grasruck, Robert Heiter
  • Patent number: 9274065
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance travelled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: RAPISCAN SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 9271693
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system or radiographic imaging system includes a radiation generating apparatus and a radiographic imaging apparatus. An ionization chamber device is external to the radiographic imaging apparatus, for detecting a dose of the radiation transmitted through an object. Dose sensors are incorporated in the radiographic imaging apparatus, for detecting a dose of the radiation transmitted through the object. An exposure control unit is disposed with the radiation generating apparatus, for shutting off application of the radiation from the radiation generating apparatus according to a detection signal from the ionization chamber device or dose sensors. The ionization chamber device is communicably coupled with the radiation generating apparatus. An operating state of the ionization chamber device and dose sensors is acquired by monitoring, so failure of simultaneous inputting of their detection signals to the exposure control unit is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 9250199
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method that can stitch transmission images detected by a two-dimensional detector at different positions of the sample are provided. An X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method include: an X-ray generating unit configured to irradiate a sample with a substantially parallel X-ray; a two-dimensional detector including a detection region; a stage where a support base is mounted is configured to move the support base in a plane along a plane of the detection region; and an imaging control unit configured to generate stitched transmission image data based on a plurality of transmission images of the sample detected by the two-dimensional detector. The imaging control unit is configured to stitch the transmission images at a plurality of mutually different positions in the sample to generate the stitched transmission image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Omote, Yoshihiko Takeda
  • Patent number: 9250334
    Abstract: An X-ray detecting device includes a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel connected with the driving circuit substrate, the X-ray detection panel being adapted to detect X-rays applied from the outside by converting the X-rays into electricity, a touch panel on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate is provided with a driving circuit. The driving circuit is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel and is adapted to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jea Eun Ryu
  • Patent number: 9241679
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filtering radio-frequency electromagnetic beams, in particular x-rays, include a fluid container containing a ferrofluid which at least partially absorbs the electromagnetic beams. A distribution of the ferrofluid within the fluid container can be varied by using an applied magnetic gradient field. An irradiation apparatus and a device for irradiating an object are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Oliver Hayden, Manfred Ruehrig, Frank Sauer, Reiner Franz Schulz, Sandro Francesco Tedde
  • Patent number: 9241446
    Abstract: Methods for detecting early stage fungal infection (and especially esca or esca-like infections) in woody plants are disclosed, using X-ray tomographic imaging. In preferred embodiments, axial X-Ray tomography is employed, with radiodense regions of the tomograms indicating the location of such infection. The methods are particularly relevant to detection of esca in grapevine and kiwi. Methods for controlling such infections using such tomographic methods and direct introduction of fungicides are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE AGRONOMIA
    Inventors: Ricardo Manuel De Seixas Boavida Ferreira, Sara Alexandra Valdas Da Silva Monteiro, Maria Helena Mendes Da Costa Ferreira Correia De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 9244028
    Abstract: A device for providing for electron excited x-ray fluorescence may include means for driving two contacting surfaces against each other in a low fluid pressure environment, such that high energy electrons strike a sample under test and provide for x-ray fluorescence of the sample. The sample under test may be in or on a sample holder, whose position with respect to the contacting surfaces is adjustable. For example, the sample holder may be positionable to be a different distances from the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Tribogenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos Camara
  • Patent number: 9239301
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a processing unit configured to processes projection data in which X-ray detection data representing a detection result of parallel beam X-rays output from an X-ray source has been converted by projection, and form an X-ray image based on the X-ray detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kikuchi, Hiromi Yoshinari, Hisakazu Shiraki
  • Patent number: 9240303
    Abstract: An x-ray tube including dual, electrically-conductive emitter tubes to support and provide electrical power to an electron emitter. A method of evacuating and sealing the x-ray tube by drawing a vacuum on the x-ray tube through an inner tube of dual emitter tubes, then pinching the inner tube to seal off the enclosure and to maintain a vacuum therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Barnum, Dustin Peterson, Eric Miller, Eric Draper, Jon Barron
  • Patent number: 9232926
    Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiographic imaging device main body; and a protective cover that is removably applied to a surface of the radiographic imaging device main body, a thickness including the radiographic imaging device main body in the state in which the protective cover is applied being at most 16 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Noguchi, Yusuke Kitagawa, Takeyasu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9232927
    Abstract: A method for collecting multi-energy CT data is provided. A method of reconstruction from multi-energy CT scan is further provided, in which data collection is performed on the first-class object at voltage values of m sampling points of the first-class voltage varied periodically, to obtain n sets of multi-energy first-class scan data {yi}; and a data collection is performed on a double-cylinder correction phantom at the voltage values of m sampling points to obtain combination coefficients, and thus obtaining corresponding combination coefficients Cifirstand Cisecondcorresponding to the case that the first-class scan data is collected in the ith projection angle at the first-class voltage; and the image vectors Xfirst and Xsecond are obtained by calculating a minimum value of the difference between the first-class scan data {yi} and the combination projection data CifirstPi*Xfirst+CisecondPi*Xsecond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shanshan Lou, Jiangwei Zhao, Lixia Tong
  • Patent number: 9230701
    Abstract: An X-ray collimator has a collimation plate, and a shielding box made of a tungsten plastic composite, the shielding box having an opening on the top and the bottom thereof respectively, and a support part for supporting the shielding box. The collimation plate is disposed on the shielding box or the support part. Compared to the use of the shielding box alone, the collimator reduces the volume of the collimator without reducing its shielding performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Shanghai Medical Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Qing Teng
  • Patent number: 9228961
    Abstract: A method for producing a structure includes the steps of etching a first substrate of an integrated member including, in sequence, the first substrate, an etching stop layer, and a seed layer, from a surface of the first substrate opposite the surface adjacent to the etching stop layer to form a hole or a plurality of gaps in the first substrate in such a manner that part of a surface of the etching stop layer is exposed, partially etching the etching stop layer from the surface of the etching stop layer exposed to expose part of a surface of the seed layer, and forming a metal member by plating using the seed layer as a seed to charge a metal into at least part of the hole or the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Teshima
  • Patent number: 9220918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device operating with X-rays, comprising: an X-ray source, from which an X-ray beam that has an intensity maximum along a central ray can be emitted, a rotation unit, with which the X-ray source can be rotated about an isocenter, wherein the central axis of the X-ray beam is oriented eccentrically to the isocenter such that, in particular upon rotation about the isocenter, the central rays emitted from different spatial directions are tangential to an imaginary circle around the isocenter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a medical device, comprising the following steps: providing an X-ray source, from which an X-ray beam that has an intensity maximum along a central ray is emitted, rotating the X-ray source about an isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Oliver Heid
  • Patent number: 9211102
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image plate template for keeping at least one image plate used in medical imaging in order with relation to an imaging object. The template comprising at least receiving means for receiving the at least one image plate and displaying means for displaying information in order to associate a patient with the at least one image plate. The template may also comprise communication means for communicating information from said image plate to an external device for displaying information in order to associate a patient with the at least one image plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Jari Taskinen, Timo Klemola, Kaapo Paulanto, Mika Anttila, Petri Hyypia, Jorma Honkala
  • Patent number: 9208986
    Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly includes an electron beam transport tube, a beam tube protection assembly, and a control module. The electron beam transport tube includes an opening configured for passage of an electron beam, and includes an inner surface bounding the opening along a length of the electron beam transport tube. The beam tube protection assembly includes a plurality of beam protection electrode segments disposed within the opening of the electron beam transport tube and configured to protect the inner surface of the electron beam transport tube from contact with the electron beam. The control module is configured to determine a direction of the electron beam responsive to information received from the beam tube protection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Carey Shawn Rogers, John Scott Price, Sergio Lemaitre, Mark Alan Frontera, Peter Andras Zavodsky
  • Patent number: 9198633
    Abstract: A computed tomography perfusion phantom includes a scanned plane configured to align with an imaging plane of a CT device. A sample rod extends through the scan plane and includes a plurality of adjacent cells. The plurality of adjacent cells are each constructed of materials having predetermined CT numbers and the plurality of adjacent cells include cell of a plurality of CT numbers. A drive motor is coupled to the sample rod and the drive motor moves the sample rod through the scan plane. A method of calibrating a CT device with the perfusion phantom includes aligning the scan plane of the perfusion phantom with an imaging plane of the CT device. The drive motor moves the sample rod through the scan plane of the perfusion phantom. A plurality of CT number measurements of the sample rod are acquired through the scanned plane of the perfusion phantom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Gammex, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Freeman, Stephen P. Dechant