Patents by Inventor Ruth E. Shefer

Ruth E. Shefer 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: 10880978
    Abstract: The present application provides a bipolar x-ray tube module. The bipolar x-ray tube module may include a bipolar x-ray tube and at least two voltage multipliers. The voltage multipliers may be positioned such that the voltage gradient of the first voltage multiplier is substantially parallel to the second voltage multiplier in order to provide a compact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Newton Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Klinkowstein, Ruth E. Shefer
  • Publication number: 20170251545
    Abstract: The present application provides a bipolar x-ray tube module. The bipolar x-ray tube module may include a bipolar x-ray tube and at least two voltage multipliers. The voltage multipliers may be positioned such that the voltage gradient of the first voltage multiplier is substantially parallel to the second voltage multiplier in order to provide a compact configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Robert E. Klinkowstein, Ruth E. Shefer
  • Patent number: 7949099
    Abstract: An x-ray system is disclosed that includes a bipolar x-ray tube. The bipolar x-ray tube includes two insulators that are separated by an intermediate electrode in an embodiment, wherein each insulator forms a portion of an outer wall of a vacuum envelope of the bipolar x-ray tube surrounding at least a portion of a path of an electron beam within the vacuum envelope. In further embodiments, the bipolar x-ray tube includes a first electrode at a positive high voltage potential with respect to a reference potential, a second electrode at a negative high voltage potential with respect to the reference potential, and an x-ray transmissive window that is at the positive high voltage potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Newton Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Klinkowstein, Ruth E. Shefer
  • Publication number: 20090010393
    Abstract: An x-ray system is disclosed that includes a bipolar x-ray tube. The bipolar x-ray tube includes two insulators that are separated by an intermediate electrode in an embodiment, wherein each insulator forms a portion of an outer wall of a vacuum envelope of the bipolar x-ray tube surrounding at least a portion of a path of an electron beam within the vacuum envelope. In further embodiments, the bipolar x-ray tube includes a first electrode at a positive high voltage potential with respect to a reference potential, a second electrode at a negative high voltage potential with respect to the reference potential, and an x-ray transmissive window that is at the positive high voltage potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: NEWTON SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Klinkowstein, Ruth E. Shefer
  • Patent number: 7448801
    Abstract: Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: INPHO, Inc., Newton Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Oettinger, Francis M. Feda, Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein
  • Patent number: 7448802
    Abstract: Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Newton Scientific, Inc., INPHO, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Oettinger, Frank M. Feda, Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein
  • Patent number: 7177392
    Abstract: An x-ray tube emits X-rays in response to a current control signal. An X-ray detector detects the emitted X-rays and provides a detected X-ray signal indicative thereof to a control system, which provides the current control signal. The X-ray detector provides feedback stabilization of the X-ray output from a source of X-rays, such as, for example an X-ray tube. The detector produces an electrical signal proportional to the X-ray output of the X-ray tube, and that signal is used to control the electron beam current in the tube in order to stabilize the X-ray output of the tube at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Newton Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein, Earl S. Marmar
  • Patent number: 6867415
    Abstract: An interface for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an accelerator mass spectrometer which comprises a nebulizer that receives the non-gaseous sample to provide a fine spray of the sample, a converter that receives at least a portion of said fine spray and converts the desired elements to the predetermined gaseous form and a flow line that transports the predetermined gaseous form to the accelerator mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignees: Newton Scientific, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Barbara J. Hughey, Paul L. Skipper, John S. Wishnok, Ruth E. Shefer, Naomi A. Fried, John T. Mehl, Steven R. Tannenbaum
  • Publication number: 20040109536
    Abstract: An x-ray tube emits X-rays in response to a current control signal. An X-ray detector detects the emitted X-rays and provides a detected X-ray signal indicative thereof to a control system, which provides the current control signal. The X-ray detector provides feedback stabilization of the X-ray output from a source of X-rays, such as, for example an X-ray tube. The detector produces an electrical signal proportional to the X-ray output of the X-ray tube, and that signal is used to control the electron beam current in the tube in order to stabilize the X-ray output of the tube at a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein, Earl S. Marmar
  • Patent number: 6707035
    Abstract: An interface system for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an analytical instrument which comprises a substrate that receives the non-gaseous sample and a directed energy source that heats at least a portion of said substrate containing the non-gaseous sample to convert the sample to the predetermined gaseous form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignees: Newton Scientific, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Barbara J. Hughey, Paul L. Skipper, John S. Wishnok, Ruth E. Shefer, John T. Mehl, Steven R. Tannenbaum
  • Publication number: 20020066857
    Abstract: An interface system for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an analytical instrument which comprises a substrate that receives the non-gaseous sample and a directed energy source that heats at least a portion of said substrate containing the non-gaseous sample to convert the sample to the predetermined gaseous form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Barbara J. Hughey, Paul L. Skipper, John S. Wishnok, Ruth E. Shefer, John T. Mehl, Steven R. Tannenbaum
  • Publication number: 20020060288
    Abstract: An interface for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an accelerator mass spectrometer which comprises a nebulizer that receives the non-gaseous sample to provide a fine spray of the sample, a converter that receives at least a portion of said fine spray and converts the desired elements to the predetermined gaseous form and a flow line that transports the predetermined gaseous form to the accelerator mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Barbara J. Hughey, Paul L. Skipper, John S. Wishnok, Ruth E. Shefer, Naomi A. Fried, John T. Mehl, Steven R. Tannenbaum
  • Patent number: 6011825
    Abstract: Radionuclides are produced according to the present invention at commercially significant yields and at specific activities which are suitable for use in radiodiagnostic agents such as PET imaging agents and radiotherapeutic agents and/or compositions. In the method and system of the present invention, a solid target having an isotopically enriched target layer electroplated on an inert substrate is positioned in a specially designed target holder and irradiated with a charged-particle beam. The beam is preferably generated using an accelerator such as a biomedical cyclotron at energies ranging from about 5 MeV to about 25 MeV. The target is preferably directly irradiated, without an intervening attenuating foil, and with the charged particle beam impinging an area which substantially matches the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Michael J. Welch, Deborah W. McCarthy, Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein
  • Patent number: 5976066
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided an application of the .sup.10 B(n,.alpha.).sup.7 Li nuclear reaction or other neutron capture reactions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This application, called Boron Neutron Capture Synovectomy (BNCS), requires substantially altered demands on neutron beam design than for instance treatment of deep seated tumors. Considerations for neutron beam design for the treatment of arthritic joints via BNCS are provided for, and comparisons with the design requirements for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of tumors are made. In addition, exemplary moderator/reflector assemblies are provided which produce intense, high-quality neutron beams based on (p,n) accelerator-based reactions. In another embodiment there is provided the use of deuteron-based charged particle reactions to be used as sources for epithermal or thermal neutron beams for neutron capture therapies. Many d,n reactions (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Newton Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacquelyn C. Yanch, Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein
  • Patent number: 5468355
    Abstract: A target is bombarded with high energy particles to generate a radioisotope, and the radioisotope is preferably extracted by one of the following: combusting the target in oxygen, stopping the bombardment and heating the target, or heating the target by induction. Bombardment may take place through a windowless path, and the radioisotope may be used for PET. The particles used may be deuterons or protons, and .sup.13 N may be generated. .sup.11 C may also be generated from either .sup.11 B or .sup.10 B using protons or deuterons. Combustion may be performed by induction heating and may be controlled by the quantity of oxygen available or the temperature. Combustion may be primarily confined to a surface layer and the target may be reused. The beam energy may be 2.2 MeV or less. Another general aspect includes trapping the oxides of .sup.13 N in a trap. The oxides may be converted into .sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignees: Science Research Laboratory, Washington University
    Inventors: Ruth E. Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein, Barbara J. Hughey, Michael J. Welch, Carmen S. Dence