Patents by Inventor Richard K. Grant

Richard K. Grant 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).

  • Publication number: 20110135054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing image data for a region are described. A radiation source and multiple one-dimensional linear or two-dimensional planar area detector arrays located on opposed sides of a region angled generally along a circle centered at the radiation source are used to generate scan data for the region from a plurality of diverging radiation beams, i.e., a fan beam or cone beam. Individual pixels on the discreet detector arrays from the scan data for the region are reprojected onto a new single virtual detector array along a continuous equiangular arc or cylinder or equilinear line or plane prior to filtering and backprojecting to reconstruct the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7905659
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a rotatably fixed generally O-shaped gantry ring, which is connected on one end of the ring to support structure, such as a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, in a cantilevered fashion. The circular gantry housing remains rotatably fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry around the object being imaged either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The ring can be connected rigidly to the support, or can be connected to the support via a ring positioning unit that is able to translate or tilt the gantry relative to the support on one or more axes. Multiple other embodiments exist in which the gantry housing is connected on one end only to the floor, wall, or ceiling. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional multi-planar x-ray imaging and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7903779
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing image data for a region are described. A radiation source and multiple one-dimensional linear or two-dimensional planar area detector arrays located on opposed sides of a region angled generally along a circle centered at the radiation source are used to generate scan data for the region from a plurality of diverging radiation beams, i.e., a fan beam or cone beam. Individual pixels on the discreet detector arrays from the scan data for the region are reprojected onto a new single virtual detector array along a continuous equiangular arc or cylinder or equilinear line or plane prior to filtering and backprojecting to reconstruct the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100142671
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 7661881
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a source that projects a beam of radiation in a first trajectory; a detector located a distance from the source and positioned to receive the beam of radiation in the first trajectory; an imaging area between the source and the detector, the radiation beam from the source passing through a portion of the imaging area before it is received at the detector; a detector positioner that translates the detector to a second position in a first direction that is substantially normal to the first trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the second position. The radiation source can be an x-ray cone-beam source, and the detector can be a two-dimensional flat-panel detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 7490982
    Abstract: A robotically controlled five degree-of-freedom x-ray gantry positioning apparatus, which is connected to a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, is being disclosed. The positioning system can be attached to a cantilevered o-shaped or c-shaped gantry. The positioning system can precisely translate the attached gantry in the three orthogonal axes X-Y-Z and orient the gantry about the X-axis and Y-axis while keeping the center of the gantry fixed, (see FIG. 1). The positioning apparatus provides both iso-centric and non iso-centric “Tilt” and “Wag” rotations of the gantry around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The iso-centric “Wag” rotation is a multi-axis combination of two translations and one rotation. Additionally, a field of view larger than that provided by the detector is provided in pure AP (anterior/posterior) and lateral detector positions through additional combinations of multi-axis coordinated motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080212743
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a rotatably fixed generally O-shaped gantry ring, which is connected on one end of the ring to support structure, such as a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, in a cantilevered fashion. The circular gantry housing remains rotatably fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry around the object being imaged either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The ring can be connected rigidly to the support, or can be connected to the support via a ring positioning unit that is able to translate or tilt the gantry relative to the support on one or more axes. Multiple other embodiments exist in which the gantry housing is connected on one end only to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7338207
    Abstract: A robotically controlled five degree-of-freedom x-ray gantry positioning apparatus, which is connected to a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, is being disclosed. The positioning system can be attached to a cantilevered o-shaped or c-shaped gantry. The positioning system can precisely translate the attached gantry in the three orthogonal axes X-Y-Z and orient the gantry about the X-axis and Y-axis while keeping the center of the gantry fixed, (see FIG. 1). The positioning apparatus provides both iso-centric and non iso-centric “Tilt” and “Wag” rotations of the gantry around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The iso-centric “Wag” rotation is a multi-axis combination of two translations and one rotation. Additionally, a field of view larger than that provided by the detector is provided in pure AP (anterior/posterior) and lateral detector positions through additional combinations of multi-axis coordinated motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7188998
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining two-dimensional images of an object, such as a patient, in multiple projection planes. In one aspect, the invention advantageously permits quasi-simultaneous image acquisition from multiple projection planes using a single radiation source. An imaging apparatus comprises a gantry having a central opening for positioning an object to be imaged, a source of radiation that is rotatable around the interior of the gantry ring and which is adapted to project radiation onto said object from a plurality of different projection angles; and a detector system adapted to detect the radiation at each projection angle to acquire object images from multiple projection planes in a quasi-simultaneous manner. The gantry can be a substantially “O-shaped” ring, with the source rotatable 360 degrees around the interior of the ring. The source can be an x-ray source, and the imaging apparatus can be used for medical x-ray imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 7108421
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a source that projects a beam of radiation in a first trajectory; a detector located a distance from the source and positioned to receive the beam of radiation in the first trajectory; an imaging area between the source and the detector, the radiation beam from the source passing through a portion of the imaging area before it is received at the detector; a detector positioner that translates the detector to a second position in a first direction that is substantially normal to the first trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the second position. The radiation source can be an x-ray cone-beam source, and the detector can be a two-dimensional flat-panel detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 7106825
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing image data for a region are described. A radiation source and multiple one-dimensional linear or two-dimensional planar area detector arrays located on opposed sides of a region angled generally along a circle centered at the radiation source are used to generate scan data for the region from a plurality of diverging radiation beams, i.e., a fan beam or cone beam. Individual pixels on the discreet detector arrays from the scan data for the region are reprojected onto a new single virtual detector array along a continuous equiangular arc or cylinder or equilinear line or plane prior to filtering and backprojecting to reconstruct the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7001045
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a rotatably fixed generally O-shaped gantry ring, which is connected on one end of the ring to support structure, such as a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, in a cantilevered fashion. The circular gantry housing remains rotatably fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry around the object being imaged either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The ring can be connected rigidly to the support, or can be connected to the support via a ring positioning unit that is able to translate or tilt the gantry relative to the support on one or more axes. Multiple other embodiments exist in which the gantry housing is connected on one end only to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6940941
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a generally O-shaped gantry ring, which has a segment that fully or partially detaches (or “breaks”) from the ring to provide an opening through which the object to be imaged may enter interior of the ring in a radial direction. The segment can then be re-attached to enclose the object within the gantry. Once closed, the circular gantry housing remains orbitally fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry 360 degrees around the patient either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040179643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing image data for a region are described. A radiation source and multiple one-dimensional linear or two-dimensional planar area detector arrays located on opposed sides of a region angled generally along a circle centered at the radiation source are used to generate scan data for the region from a plurality of diverging radiation beams, i.e., a fan beam or cone beam. Individual pixels on the discreet detector arrays from the scan data for the region are reprojected onto a new single virtual detector array along a continuous equiangular arc or cylinder or equilinear line or plane prior to filtering and backprojecting to reconstruct the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC, Littleton, MA
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040170254
    Abstract: A robotically controlled five degree-of-freedom x-ray gantry positioning apparatus, which is connected to a mobile cart, ceiling, floor; wall, or patient table, is being disclosed. The positioning system can be attached to a cantilevered o-shaped or c-shaped gantry. The positioning system can precisely translate the attached gantry in the three orthogonal axes X-Y-Z and orient the gantry about the X-axis and Y-axis while keeping the center of the gantry fixed, (see FIG. 1). The positioning apparatus provides both iso-centric and non iso-centric “Tilt” and “Wag” rotations of the gantry around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The iso-centric “Wag” rotation is a multi-axis combination of two translations and one rotation. Additionally, a field of view larger than that provided by the detector is provided in pure AP (anterior/posterior) and lateral detector positions through additional combinations of multi-axis coordinated motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040022350
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a generally O-shaped gantry ring, which has a segment that fully or partially detaches (or “breaks”) from the ring to provide an opening through which the object to be imaged may enter interior of the ring in a radial direction. The segment can then be re-attached to enclose the object within the gantry. Once closed, the circular gantry housing remains orbitally fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry 360 degrees around the patient either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040013239
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining two-dimensional images of an object, such as a patient, in multiple projection planes. In one aspect, the invention advantageously permits quasi-simultaneous image acquisition from multiple projection planes using a single radiation source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040013225
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a source that projects a beam of radiation in a first trajectory; a detector located a distance from the source and positioned to receive the beam of radiation in the first trajectory; an imaging area between the source and the detector, the radiation beam from the source passing through a portion of the imaging area before it is received at the detector; a detector positioner that translates the detector to a second position in a first direction that is substantially normal to the first trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the second position. The radiation source can be an x-ray cone-beam source, and the detector can be a two-dimensional flat-panel detector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030235266
    Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a rotatably fixed generally O-shaped gantry ring, which is connected on one end of the ring to support structure, such as a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, in a cantilevered fashion. The circular gantry housing remains rotatably fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry around the object being imaged either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The ring can be connected rigidly to the support, or can be connected to the support via a ring positioning unit that is able to translate or tilt the gantry relative to the support on one or more axes. Multiple other embodiments exist in which the gantry housing is connected on one end only to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Breakaway Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson