Patents Examined by Jurie Yun
  • Patent number: 11143603
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray CT method and in particular a registration-based dark-field tensor tomography method for testing a sample (60) by means of X-rays, with which method a sample (60) is consecutively scanned by means of X-rays in at least two fixed orientations differing from one another while rotating about a fixed rotation axis, in every orientation of the sample (60) on the basis of dark-field signals a plurality of scatter data sets is recorded, and the scatter data sets for different orientations are matched to one another by registration and combined into a common scatter data set reflecting a possible angular dependence of the scatter present due to the sample (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN
    Inventors: Florian Schaff, Franz Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 11123030
    Abstract: An apparatus has an upright gantry. A tube arm assembly and a compression arm assembly are rotatably coupled to the gantry. The tube arm assembly independently rotates relative to the compression arm assembly. A controller disposed on the gantry is operably connected to at least one of the tube arm assembly and the compression arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Suzuko Hisata, Mallory Anne Berko, Jonathan Paul Girgenti, Timothy Wells
  • Patent number: 11119058
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for generating X-ray backscatter images of a target by employing a flexible, deformable and flexible X-ray backscatter detector comprising a scintillating material layer comprising a scintillating jet print ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 11116467
    Abstract: A method for recording image data of a moving, (e.g., cyclically moving), region of interest of a patient by a medical imaging system with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, wherein a robotic device with a kinematic chain of moving components has a tactile connection with the patient, and wherein, the tactile connection is maintained at least for a prespecified period. The method includes acquiring measured values by sensors of the robotic device, evaluating the measured values and forwarding to the medical imaging system, wherein the evaluated measured values include information on the movement and/or position of the region of interest, and irradiation of the region of interest by the radiation source and recording of image data of the irradiated region of interest by the X-ray detector, and wherein the evaluated measured values are used to actuate the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fischer, Philip Mewes, Gunter Müller
  • Patent number: 11112509
    Abstract: A multi-functional and multi-modality radiation detector (10) is provided. The radiation detector (10) comprises at least two detector units (12a, 12b) having photosensitive pixels (14) and at least one scintillation device (20) optically coupled to the photosensitive pixels (14). The detector units (12a, 12b) are arranged next to each other on a substrate foil (24). Therein, the scintillation devices (20) of the detector units (12a, 12b) are spaced apart from each other, such that the radiation detector (10) is bendable. This allows the radiation detector (10) to be used in many different geometrical configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Wilhelmus Maria Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11096638
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detector, comprising: a pixel comprising a first subpixel and a second subpixel, wherein the first subpixel is configured to generate a first electrical signal upon exposure to radiation, and wherein the second subpixel is configured to generate a second electrical signal upon exposure to the radiation; wherein the detector is configured to determine a number of particles of the radiation incident on the first subpixel over a first period of time, based on the first electrical signal; wherein the detector is configured to determine an intensity of the radiation by integrating the second electrical signal over a second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN XPECTVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peiyan Cao, Yurun Liu
  • Patent number: 11090016
    Abstract: To improve breast mammography imagery via use of a digital “slot scanning” imaging system that accommodates the changing thickness of the breast from the chest wall to the nipple by scanning the breast from the chest outward to the nipple or vice versa instead of the side-to-side methodology and using Automatic Exposure Control or AEC parameters optimized for the changing thickness and composition of the breast at each scan location and an improved breast compression device, wherein uniform breast compression mechanism includes a first breast plate and a second breast plate, wherein at least one of said first breast plate and said second breast plates includes an angle adjustment or tilt to account for the high variability in breast sizes and configurations while maintaining optimal immobilization with excellent patient comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Shabbir Bambot
  • Patent number: 11079287
    Abstract: A method and system for determining temperature are provided. The method comprises using an x-ray source to irradiate a sample of a material with x-rays. Photon fluorescence produced by the sample in response to the x-ray irradiation is detected by a number of photon detectors. Based on the detected fluorescence a temperature of the sample is determined according to a predetermined relationship between photon fluorescence and temperature for the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kathryn N. Gabet Hoffmeister, Enrico C. Quintana, Walter Gill, Steven F. Son, Eric R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 11079343
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for reconstructing X-ray spectra includes an integrating detector and a measurement mask, including at least one physical filter, positioned between the integrating detector and an X-ray source spectrum. The integrating detector receives a masked X-ray spectrum after the source spectrum has been filtered in accordance with the measurement mask. As a result of the measurement mask containing one or more physical filters being combined, a measurement mask having energy band-pass regions can be generated, to cover the source spectrum. Measured data, based on the masked X-ray spectrum and characteristics of the measurement mask, is collected from the integrating detector. The X-ray imaging system reconstructs an X-ray spectrum and generates the reconstructed X-ray spectrum based on applying a predetermined algorithm, such as total variation minimization reconstruction, to the measured data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventor: Robert E. Klueg
  • Patent number: 11052265
    Abstract: Improved radiation therapy with field-in-field multi-leaf collimator, utilizing leaf sequencing Field-in-Field's (FIF) to accurately reproduce the input fluence map or original optimized dose distribution. The number of apertures used is constrained to a user-specified value all the way down to as few as 2 apertures which significantly magnifies the effect of poorly formed apertures. The disclosed invention further includes producing fluence maps with a homogenous dose throughout the treated volume utilizing leaf-sequencing Field-in-Field that reproduces more precise input fluence maps to yield optimized dose distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Troy Long, Alan Nelson
  • Patent number: 11051784
    Abstract: A method and system for accurately localizing a wireless radiographic detector in a radiography system, based on a method to accurately determine distances between a set of generator arrays and sensor arrays. The generator arrays and sensor arrays are preferably orthogonally arranged magnetic field generators and sensors, that allow measurements of distances without being affected by presence of human tissue between the generator and sensor arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: AGFA NV
    Inventors: Rainer Nebosis, Roland Reuter
  • Patent number: 11045157
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for an extra-oral imaging system that includes a support base adjustable in at least one dimension and a cephalometric module coupled to the support base and configured to position a cephalometric imaging sensor about an imaging area formed with an x-ray source, where x-rays from the x-ray source impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the imaging area. A patient positioning unit is positioned operatively near the imaging area, and a retractable Frankfort plane positioning indicator and methods for using the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Yann Lecuyer, Olivier Martino
  • Patent number: 11039798
    Abstract: Among other things, a computed tomography (CT) imaging modality is provided. The imaging modality includes a radiation source that emits radiation. The imaging modality includes a detector array that detects at least a portion of the radiation. The imaging modality includes a rotating structure that rotates about an axis. The rotating structure includes a first support portion having a first shape. The rotating structure includes a second support portion having a second shape different than the first shape. The radiation source and the detector array are mounted to the second support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Williams, Andrew Alvino, Ronald E Swain, Tadas Vaisvila
  • Patent number: 11029441
    Abstract: Scanning systems may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a motivator operatively connected to the rotor. The stator, the rotor, the at least one radiation source, and the at least one radiation detector may be located within a housing. A conveyor system may extend through the housing and the rotor. A shielding system including a series of independently movable energy shields sized, shaped, and positioned to at least partially occlude a pathway along which the conveyor system extends may extend from an entrance to the housing, through the rotor, to an exit from the housing. A control system may be configured to cause the shielding system to automatically and dynamically move individual energy shields in response to advancement of one or more objects supported on the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Weed, Patrick Splinter
  • Patent number: 11026643
    Abstract: An interferometer grating support (118) of an imaging system (100) configured for grating-based x-ray imaging includes at least two elongate supports (302) separated from each other by a non-zero distance, wherein the at least two elongate supports have a first end (312) and a second end (316). The grating support further includes a first arc shaped grating (202) affixed to the first end and a second arc shaped grating (204) affixed to a second end (316). A non-transitory computer readable medium is configured with computer executable instructions which when executed by a processor of a computer cause the processor to: move a grating support, which supports G0 and G1 gratings of an interferometer and a bowtie filter, into a region between a low energy photon filter and a beam collimator, which are between a radiation source and an examination region, for a grating-based x-ray imaging scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Roland Proksa, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 11020080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of enhancing usability of a radiographic image capturing apparatus, system, control method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with a control program, for a user. A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes: an I/F unit and an imaging control unit that function as a communication unit that selectively performs communication with any one of a portable information terminal and a console which are plural control apparatuses that have different image processing capacities with respect to a radiographic image and respectively perform a control relating to capturing of the radiographic image; and an imaging control unit that functions as a selection unit that selects any one of plural imaging modes predetermined with respect to the capturing of the radiographic image according to the image processing capacity of the control apparatus that performs communication with the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasufumi Oda, Jun Enomoto, Ryo Imamura, Takashi Tajima, Takeshi Koishi, Kentaro Noma, Takeshi Kuwabara, Tetsuya Tsuji, Hiroaki Yasuda, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 11022571
    Abstract: Non-destructive inspection methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for non-destructively inspecting a bond line, including a bond line present in a composite substrate and in a adhesive material layers in a composite substrate, with the methods, systems, and apparatuses incorporating a small angle X-ray scattering array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 11006912
    Abstract: Systems and methods that directly image attenuation-based object grid, use a source grid to improve imaging of the object grid using a high-energy polychromatic source, and use a detector grid having gratings oriented substantially orthogonally to that of the object grid, can address artifacts and beam hardening effects that limit the quality and discriminatory power of high-energy x-ray imaging that includes phase contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Erin A. Miller, Richard E. Jacob, Nikhil S. Deshmukh, Cynthia L. Warner, Richard S. Wittman, Luke W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10989663
    Abstract: A device for optically exciting fluorescence is disclosed. The device comprises transparent substrate having first and second opposite faces and a multilayer stack disposed on the second face of the substrate. The multilayer stack comprises a first layer having first and second opposite faces and a first refractive index and a second layer having first and second opposite faces and a second refractive index. The first face of the first layer is disposed on the second face of the substrate. The first face of the second layer is disposed on the second face of the first layer such that the first layer is interposed between the second layer and the substrate. The substrate has a third refractive index. The first refractive index is less than the second refractive index and the third refractive index. The device comprises a light source carried by the first face of the substrate and arranged to emit light towards the first face of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: Cambridge Display Technology Limited, Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Roberts, May Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10987523
    Abstract: In certain embodiments novel sparse orthogonal collimators (SOCs) for use in radiotherapy are provided. In certain embodiments the SOCs comprise 2 layer 4 bank orthogonal collimators with 2-8 leaves in each of the 4 banks. Instead of using the limited heuristic approach to create jaw-only IMRT, a novel fluence map optimization method is provided based on wavelet decomposition and this method is used for IMRT. An algorithm to simplify the fluence maps with minimal and predictable dose quality compromise is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ke Sheng, Dan Nguyen, Dan Ruan