Patents Examined by Soorena Kefayati
  • Patent number: 11536675
    Abstract: There is provided an analytical method capable of generating a high resolution spectrum of X-rays with an intended energy. The analytical method is for use in an analytical apparatus having a diffraction grating for spectrally dispersing X-rays emanating from a sample, an image sensor for detecting the spectrally dispersed X-rays, and an incident angle control mechanism for controlling the incident angle of X-rays impinging on the diffraction grating. The image sensor has a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged in the direction of energy dispersion. The analytical method starts with specifying an energy of X-rays to be acquired. The incident angle is adjusted based on the specified energy to bring the focal plane of the diffraction grating into positional coincidence with those one or ones of the photosensitive elements which detect X-rays having the specified energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanori Murano
  • Patent number: 11523784
    Abstract: Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. 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 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. In 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: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Robert Stevens, Hisham Salem, Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 11506800
    Abstract: Detector modules, detectors and medical imaging devices are provided. One of the detector modules includes: a support and a plurality of detector sub-modules arranged on the support along an extension direction in which the support extends. Each of the detector sub-modules has a first area and a second area in the extension direction. A detecting device is disposed in the first area, and a functional module is disposed in the second area. The functional module is electrically connected to the detecting device for receiving an electrical signal from the detecting device. The plurality of detector sub-modules includes a first detector sub-module and a second detector sub-module that are arranged adjacent to each other in the extension direction, and the first area of the first detector sub-module at least partially overlaps with the second area of the second detector sub-module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Neusoft Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Yu, Shuangxue Li, Yiguang Tan
  • 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: 11467107
    Abstract: The X-ray analysis apparatus contains an X-ray generation unit. The X-ray generation unit includes a target plate having a target that is irradiated with an electron beam from an electron beam source and generates X-rays, X-ray convergence optics that converges X-rays generated from the target in conjunction with a movement of the target plate, and a driving unit that changes a position of the target plate or the X-ray convergence optics relative to the electron beam source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: HORIBA, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 11460590
    Abstract: Structures operable to detect radiation are described. The structure may two screens with a phosphor layer, respective. The structure may further include a photosensor array disposed between the first screen and the second screen such that the photosensor array directly contacts the first screen or is directly attached to the first screen using an optical adhesive and directly contacts the second screen or is directly attached to the second screen using an optical adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York
    Inventors: Anthony Lubinsky, Wei Zhao, John A. Rowlands, Adrian Howansky
  • Patent number: 11448604
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a fuse between two plastic pipes without destroying the fuse is performed in the field. The method and apparatus include a source of X-ray radiation and a scanning plate that has pixels that change state when exposed to this radiation. The source of the X-ray radiation is positioned on one side of the fuse and the scanning plate is positioned on another side so that the x-ray radiation passes through the fuse. The x-ray image from the scanning plate makes visible internal voids, weak fuses, and evidence of movement after the plastic of the fitting/pipes melted and flowed together. With such, the quality of the fitting is evident without cutting or otherwise destroying the fitting and, therefore, only weak or otherwise compromised fittings need be cut and redone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: WorldWide Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Bohne
  • Patent number: 11435302
    Abstract: Disclosed are a procedure and system for live monitoring of staining quality and heavy metal diffusion during electron microscopy preparation protocols for biological samples. The disclosed approach employs x-rays via, e.g., a commercially available micro-CT device, to observe and measure the diffusion and distribution of the heavy metals during conventional biological sample staining procedures for electron microscopy. This allows one to observe and check the quality and homogeneity of the staining without damaging or destroying the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Adrian A. Wanner, David Tank, Sebastian Seung
  • Patent number: 11428650
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing overlay and edge placement errors of device structures based on x-ray diffraction measurement data are presented. Overlay error between different layers of a metrology target is estimated based on the intensity variation within each x-ray diffraction order measured at multiple, different angles of incidence and azimuth angles. The estimation of overlay involves a parameterization of the intensity modulations of common orders such that a low frequency shape modulation is described by a set of basis functions and a high frequency overlay modulation is described by an affine-circular function including a parameter indicative of overlay. In addition to overlay, a shape parameter of the metrology target is estimated based on a fitting analysis of a measurement model to the intensities of the measured diffraction orders. In some examples, the estimation of overlay and the estimation of one or more shape parameter values are performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: KLA Corporation
    Inventors: John Hench, Andrei V. Shchegrov, Michael S. Bakeman
  • Patent number: 11419572
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for tracking and correcting X-ray focus positions in a computed tomography (CT) device. The device may include an X-ray tube, a collimator, and a detector. The collimator may include an opening, wherein the collimator has a width in a first direction and a length in a second direction. The opening may have an opening width in the width direction of the collimator, and an opening at at least one end of the collimator in the second direction may have an opening width smaller than that of an opening within the middle section of the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bing Li
  • Patent number: 11402341
    Abstract: A quantitative phase analysis device for analyzing non-crystalline phases comprising at least one microprocessor configured to: acquire the powder diffraction pattern of the sample; acquire information on one non-crystalline phase and one or more crystalline phases contained in the sample; acquire a fitting function; execute whole-powder pattern fitting, acquire a fitting result; and calculate a weight ratio of the one non-crystalline phase and the one or more crystalline phases. The fitting function for each of the one or more crystalline phases is one fitting function selected from the group consisting of a first fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by whole-powder pattern decomposition, a second fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by observation or calculation, and a third fitting function that uses a profile intensity obtained by observation or calculation. The fitting function for the one non-crystalline phase is the third fitting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Toraya, Norihiro Muroyama
  • Patent number: 11389126
    Abstract: A gantry housing 20 comprises a front cover 30, a main cover 40, a rear cover 50, and a scan window 60. The scan window 60 has a PolyCarbonate (PC) sheet 61, and elastic members 62 and 63. The front cover 30 has a receiving portion 32 in which the elastic member 62 is disposed, and a reinforcing portion 33 for reducing deformation of the PC sheet 61; the rear cover 50 has a receiving portion 52 in which the elastic member 63 is disposed, and a reinforcing portion 53 for reducing deformation of the PC sheet 61.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Masayuki Imaizumi, Mitsuru Kobayashi, Kiyomi Abeshima
  • Patent number: 11375962
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes a frame; a gantry mounted on the frame; an electromagnetic linear drive coupled to the gantry for translating the gantry in a horizontal direction; a C-arm mounted on the gantry, the C-arm rotatable across at least a 90 degree angle; an X-ray source mounted to one end of C-arm; an X-ray detector array mounted to the opposite end of the C-arm. The array is formed of a plurality of array elements, each array element formed of a plurality of linear detectors. Each array element is mounted perpendicular to a radial line between a focal spot of the X-ray source and a middle of each array element, and the X-ray detector array has a focal point at the X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Linev Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir N. Linev
  • Patent number: 11375968
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for breast positioning assistance during mammography and image guided interventional procedures. In one example, a vision system is utilized to evaluate one or more of a patient position, a breast position, and breast anatomy to determine if the patient and breast are adjusted to desired positions preferred for a desired view and imaging procedure. Further, based on the evaluation, prior to acquiring x-ray images, real-time feedback may be provided to guide the user to position the breast and/or the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Laurence Vancamberg, Serge Muller, Sridharan Pradeepkumar, Muthu Revathy Authavan, Vinay N.
  • Patent number: 11369330
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray detector, X-ray diaphragm apparatus, and processing circuitry controlling the X-ray diaphragm apparatus to shield the X-rays from passing through a X-ray filter outside an aperture region or a partial region during a transition from first fluoroscopy employing an X-ray filter to second fluoroscopy employing diaphragm blades, generating a first and second fluoroscopic image during the first and second fluoroscopy respectively, generating a composite image during the second fluoroscopy by combining a non-ROI image of the first fluoroscopic image and a ROI image of the second fluoroscopic image, and displaying the first fluoroscopic image and the composite image on the display during the first and second fluoroscopy respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kaneko, Koutaro Matsuo, Ko Fuchigami, Hajime Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11364008
    Abstract: Image compression techniques and image handling and display methods that can be used with imaging devices, including X-ray devices, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a real-time imaging method by providing a portable x-ray imaging device containing an internal power source and an internal power supply, capturing a first x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the first x-ray image using a compression process performed by a processor located within the portable x-ray imaging device and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed first x-ray image to a display device, capturing a second x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the second x-ray image using the processor and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed second x-ray image to the display device; and then displaying the first and second x-ray images on the display device at a frame rate of more than about 8 frames per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Turner Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Decker
  • Patent number: 11360035
    Abstract: A method for measuring a fiber orientation degree includes: irradiating a sample formed of a composite material containing discontinuous carbon fibers with an X-ray to acquire an X-ray diffraction image; calculating an angle (2?)A of a peak originating from a crystal face of graphite; calculating a correction coefficient ? of a thickness of the sample; calculating an upper limit (2?)B of the peak of the crystal face of graphite; calculating a diffraction sensitivity IC(?) of the peak originating from the crystal face of graphite by correcting an integrating range with the correction coefficient ? and integrating the X-ray diffraction image with respect to a diffraction angle (2?); and calculating a fiber orientation degree Sd(?) by the method of Hermans from the diffraction sensitivity IC(?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOKAI NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SYSTEM, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., KYOWA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Yamanaka, Mariko Terada, Yukitane Kimoto, Koji Shiraki, Yuji Hotta, Daisuke Shimamoto
  • Patent number: 11353606
    Abstract: A radiation image processing apparatus includes: a group processing unit classifying a plurality of metal markers into a first group relatively far from a detector and a second group relatively close to the detector based on the area of each image of the plurality of metal markers in a captured image; a marker classification unit classifying the plurality of metal markers based on the relative positions of the plurality of metal markers to on the image plane of the captured image for each of the classified groups; and a pair processing unit selecting the metal markers of the first group and the metal markers of the second group, of which the relative positions match each other, as a pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyajima, Junya Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi Nishino
  • Patent number: 11350892
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing aliasing artifacts in images generated in an imaging system, such as a computed tomography (CT) imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a filtered signal generated by passing a primary signal through a collimator having a non-rectangular transition profile, the collimator positioned between an object and a detector of an imaging system, and generating an image based on the filtered signal received at the detector, the primary signal including radiation from a source of the imaging system attenuated by the object placed between the source and the detector. In this way, by filtering the signals at the collimator before reaching the detector, aliasing artifacts in the images may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adam Budde, Mark Adamak
  • Patent number: 11351396
    Abstract: Methods for dose or treatment planning for a radiotherapy system including a radiotherapy unit are provided. A spatial dose delivered can be changed by adjusting beam shape settings, and the delivered radiation is determined using an optimization problem that steers the delivered radiation according to objectives reflecting criteria for regions of interest including at least one of: targets to be treated during treatment of the patient, organs at risk and/or healthy tissue. The method includes determining an inner set of voxels and providing a first frame description for the inner set of voxels, where the first frame description reflects criteria for the inner set of voxels. Determining an outer set of voxels encompassing the target volume and the inner set of voxels and a frame description for the outer set of voxels is provided where each reflecting criteria for the outer set of voxels. The frame descriptions are then used in the optimization problem that steers the delivered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ELEKTA INSTRUMENT AB
    Inventors: Håkan Nordström, Stella Riad, Jens Sjölund