Patents by Inventor James E. Clayton

James E. Clayton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9308395
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 3 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20160078971
    Abstract: Accelerator based systems are disclosed for the generation of isotopes, such as molybdenum-98 (“99Mo”) and metastable technetium-99 (“99mTc”) from molybdenum-98 (“98Mo”). Multilayer targets are disclosed for use in the system and other systems to generate 99mTc and 98Mo, and other isotopes. In one example a multilayer target comprises a first, inner target of 98Mo surrounded, at least in part, by a separate, second outer layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first target layer of molybdenum-100 is surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first inner target comprises a Bremsstrahlung target material surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of molybdenum-100, surrounded, at least in part, by a third target layer of 98Mo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9196388
    Abstract: An accelerator based systems are disclosed for the generation of isotopes, such as molybdenum-98 (“99Mo”) and metastable technetium-99 (“99mTc”) from molybdenum-98 (“98Mo”). Multilayer targets are disclosed for use in the system and other systems to generate 99mTc and 98Mo, and other isotopes. In one example a multilayer target comprises a first, inner target of 98Mo surrounded, at least in part, by a separate, second outer layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first target layer of molybdenum-100 is surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first inner target comprises a Bremsstrahlung target material surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of molybdenum-100, surrounded, at least in part, by a third target layer of 98Mo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9103925
    Abstract: In one example, a method of examining a container is disclosed comprising detecting a potential threat within contents of a container using radiation scanning and disabling the potential threat with radiation. In another example, a method of examining a container is disclosed comprising scanning at least a portion of the container with a first radiation beam, detecting radiation interacting with contents of the container, identifying a potential threat contained based, at least in part, on the detected radiation, and disabling the potential threat with a dose of radiation from a second radiation beam. The potential threat may be a nuclear, chemical, and/or biological weapon, for example. Chemical and/or biological detectors may also be provided. The threat and/or electronics associated with the threat, may be disabled. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Johnson, James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9086496
    Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning objects comprising scanning a portion of an object by a first radiation beam having a first value of a beam characteristic, such as the dose, and detecting the first radiation beam after interaction with the object by a first detector. It is determined whether to change the first value to a second value based, at least in part, on the detected first radiation beam. That portion of the object is then scanned by a second radiation beam having the first value or the second value based on the determination. The second radiation is detected after interacting with the object by a second detector. The second detector may have a second resolution greater than a first resolution of the first detector. The first and second radiation beams may be formed by first and second slots angled with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shedlock, Timothy R. Fox, Josh Star-Lack, Richard E. Colbeth, Gary Virshup, James E. Clayton, David T. Nisius
  • Publication number: 20150179290
    Abstract: An accelerator based systems are disclosed for the generation of isotopes, such as molybdenum-98 (“99Mo”) and metastable technetium-99 (“99mTc”) from molybdenum-98 (“98Mo”). Multilayer targets are disclosed for use in the system and other systems to generate 99mTc and 98Mo, and other isotopes. In one example a multilayer target comprises a first, inner target of 98Mo surrounded, at least in part, by a separate, second outer layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first target layer of molybdenum-100 is surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first inner target comprises a Bremsstrahlung target material surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of molybdenum-100, surrounded, at least in part, by a third target layer of 98Mo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20150177779
    Abstract: An electrical interconnection system comprises a bifurcated, multilayer flex circuit having electrode pads on the inner surfaces of the bifurcation. Electronic components are mounted on one or both sides of the flex circuit by conventional means. When the bifurcation is spread apart, the electrode pads are alignable with respective contacts on a printed circuit board. After bonding the pads to the contacts by soldering, conductive adhesive, or other means, a secure electrical connection is maintained while still allowing the flex circuit to bend somewhat from side to side, creating additional design options not available with rigidly mounted components and modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Publication number: 20150139386
    Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning objects comprising scanning a portion of an object by a first radiation beam having a first value of a beam characteristic, such as the dose, and detecting the first radiation beam after interaction with the object by a first detector. It is determined whether to change the first value to a second value based, at least in part, on the detected first radiation beam. That portion of the object is then scanned by a second radiation beam having the first value or the second value based on the determination. The second radiation is detected after interacting with the object by a second detector. The second detector may have a second resolution greater than a first resolution of the first detector. The first and second radiation beams may be formed by first and second slots angled with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh STAR-LACK, Timothy R. Fox, Daniel Shedlock, Richard E. Colbeth, Gary Virshup, James E. Clayton, David T. Nisius
  • Patent number: 9030134
    Abstract: Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Vanan Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton, George Merdinian
  • Patent number: 9022914
    Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Paul A. Lovoi
  • Patent number: 8935099
    Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to identifying, assessing, and managing cancer growth rates and potential metastasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Partain, Mingshan Sun, Edward J. Seppi, Raisa Pavlyuchkova, Arundhuti Ganguly, Stavros Prionas, James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8902606
    Abstract: An electronic interconnect system comprises: a motherboard having electrical contacts on its upper and lower surfaces along a selected edge; an electronic module comprising a circuit board with electronic devices mounted thereon, and further comprising two opposing flexible portions that are openable outwardly from one another, the flexible portions having electrical contact pads on the opposing surfaces, so that when the flexible portions are placed on either side of the edge of the motherboard the pads align with contacts on the respective surfaces of the motherboard and make electrical contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 8899994
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect system comprises: a clamping collar having a slot for receiving a bifurcated flexible circuit; a contact strip comprising a plurality of electrical contacts aligned with respective pads on the bifurcated flexible circuit when the legs of the bifurcated area are spread apart; and, a compression latch member to engage the clamping collar and compress the pads against their respective contacts on the contact strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 8878464
    Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Paul A. Lovoi, Wim Leemans
  • Publication number: 20140321613
    Abstract: Compact, dual energy radiation scanning systems are described comprising two particle beam accelerators, each configured to accelerate charged particles to different energies, positioned parallel to a direction of movement of an object to be inspected. The accelerator may be positioned perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system, instead. Bend magnet systems bend each charged particle beam toward a respective target. Alternatively, a single dual energy accelerator capable of accelerating charged particles to at least two different energies is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the object, or perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system. A single bend magnet system is provided to bend each accelerated charged particle beam toward the same target. The particle beams may be bent through an orbit chamber. Two separate passages may be defined through at least part of the orbit chamber, one for charged particles having each energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8834182
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect system comprises: a flexible circuit having thereon a plurality of electrical contact pads; a contact strip comprising a plurality of electrical contacts aligned with respective pads on the flexible circuit; a compression member to engage the contacts with the pads; and, pierced areas on said pads to enhance the mechanical engagement between the contacts and the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 8837141
    Abstract: An electronic module comprises: a multilayer circuit board having a bifurcated area along one edge and a plurality of electronic components mounted on at least one surface; a plurality of electrode pads functionally connected to the electronic components and positioned on the inner surfaces of the bifurcated area so that when the two legs of the bifurcated area are spread apart by about 180° the electrode pads align with respective contacts on a motherboard, and are connectable thereto, so that a secure connection may be created between the circuit board and the motherboard; and, two metal, heat spreading covers lockably enclosing the circuit board, one on either side, the covers further providing mating surfaces upon which a mechanical clamping device can engage and secure the module to a motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 8817458
    Abstract: An electrical interconnection system comprises a bifurcated, multilayer flex circuit having electrode pads on the inner surfaces of the bifurcation. Electronic components are mounted on one or both sides of the flex circuit by conventional means. When the bifurcation is spread apart, the electrode pads are alignable with respective contacts on a printed circuit board. After bonding the pads to the contacts by soldering, conductive adhesive, or other means, a secure electrical connection is maintained while still allowing the flex circuit to bend somewhat from side to side, creating additional design options not available with rigidly mounted components and modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 8779398
    Abstract: Compact, dual energy radiation scanning systems are described comprising two particle beam accelerators, each configured to accelerate charged particles to different energies, positioned parallel to a direction of movement of an object to be inspected. The accelerator may be positioned perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system, instead. Bend magnet systems bend each charged particle beam toward a respective target. Alternatively, a single dual energy accelerator capable of accelerating charged particles to at least two different energies is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the object, or perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system. A single bend magnet system is provided to bend each accelerated charged particle beam toward the same target. The particle beams may be bent through an orbit chamber. Two separate passages may be defined through at least part of the orbit chamber, one for charged particles having each energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20140171725
    Abstract: A radiation system includes: a first support; a first structure rotatably coupled to the first support so that the first structure is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first support; a second structure rotatably coupled to the first structure so that the second structure is rotatable about a second axis that forms a non-zero angle relative to the first structure; and a first radiation source connected to the second structure; wherein the first structure and the second structure are parts of a capsule for accommodating at least a portion of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. ADLER, David H. WHITTUM, Steven W. PRINCE, James E. CLAYTON