Patents by Inventor Robert K. Smither

Robert K. Smither 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: 7943906
    Abstract: A method and a device for high spatial resolution imaging of a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation are provided. The device comprises a plurality of arrays, with each array comprising a plurality of elements comprising a first collimator, a diffracting crystal, a second collimator, and a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Publication number: 20090225945
    Abstract: A method and a device for high spatial resolution imaging of a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation are provided. The device comprises a plurality of arrays, with each array comprising a plurality of elements comprising a first collimator, a diffracting crystal, a second collimator, and a detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 7468516
    Abstract: A method for high spatial resolution imaging of a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation is provided. High quality mechanically bent diffracting crystals of 0.1 mm radial width are used for focusing the radiation and directing the radiation to an array of detectors which is used for analyzing their addition to collect data as to the location of the source of radiation. A computer is used for converting the data to an image. The invention also provides for the use of a multi-component high resolution detector array and for narrow source and detector apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Publication number: 20080001096
    Abstract: A method for high spatial resolution imaging of a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation is provided. High quality mechanically bent diffracting crystals of 0.1 mm radial width are used for focusing the radiation and directing the radiation to an array of detectors which is used for analyzing their addition to collect data as to the location of the source of radiation. A computer is used for converting the data to an image. The invention also provides for the use of a multi-component high resolution detector array and for narrow source and detector apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 5869841
    Abstract: A device for imaging a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation is provided. Diffracting crystals are used for focussing the radiation and directing the radiation to a detector which is used for analyzing their addition to collect data as to the location of the source of radiation. A computer is used for converting the data to an image. The invention also provides for a method for imaging x-ray and gamma radiation by supplying a plurality of sources of radiation; focussing the radiation onto a detector; analyzing the focused radiation to collect data as to the type and location of the radiation; and producing an image using the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: University of Chicago
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 5737387
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a rotating anode X-ray tube. An electromagnetic motor is provided to rotate an X-ray anode with cooling passages in the anode. These cooling passages are coupled to a cooling structure located adjacent the electromagnetic motor. A liquid metal fills the passages of the cooling structure and electrical power is provided to the motor to rotate the anode and generate a rotating magnetic field which moves the liquid metal through the cooling passages and cooling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: ARCH Development Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 5209646
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction pump in which an electrically conductive liquid is made to flow by means of a force created by interaction of a permanent magnetic field and a DC current. The pump achieves high efficiency through combination of: powerful permanent magnet materials which provide a high strength field that is uniform and constant; steel tubing formed into a coil which is constructed to carry conducting liquids with minimal electrical resistance and heat; and application of a voltage to induce a DC current which continuously produces a force in the direction of the desired flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 5004319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering the focal length of a focusing element o one of a plurality of pre-determined focal lengths by changing heat transfer within selected portions of the element by controlled quantities. Control over heat transfer is accomplished by manipulating one or more of a number of variables, including: the amount of heat or cold applied to surfaces; type of fluids pumped through channels for heating and cooling; temperatures, directions of flow and rates of flow of fluids; and placement of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither
  • Patent number: 4953191
    Abstract: A high intensity x-ray source that uses a flowing stream of liquid gallium as a target with the electron beam impinging directly on the liquid metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert K. Smither, Gordon S. Knapp, Edwin M. Westbrook, George A. Forster
  • Patent number: 4429411
    Abstract: A crystal diffraction instrument or diffraction grating instrument with an improved crystalline structure or grating spacing structure having a face for receiving a beam of photons or neutrons and diffraction planar spacing or grating spacing along that face with the spacing increasing progressively along the face to provide a decreasing Bragg diffraction angle for a monochromatic radiation and thereby increasing the usable area and acceptance angle. The increased planar spacing for the diffraction crystal is provided by the use of a temperature differential across the crystalline structure, by assembling a plurality of crystalline structures with different compositions, by an individual crystalline structure with a varying composition and thereby a changing planar spacing along its face, and by combinations of these techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert K. Smither