With Radiant Energy Source Patents (Class 250/363.01)
  • Patent number: 11940499
    Abstract: A method for the non-destructive detecting of ageing symptoms of a component having regularly recurring structures, includes the following steps: a) scanning the component in the region of the recurring structures in a plurality of scanning planes which extend parallel to one another to create at least one scanning image set having a plurality of two-dimensional scanning images, wherein the scanning images show a plurality of inhomogeneities; b) automatically identifying those inhomogeneities that form recurring patterns, and those inhomogeneities that do not follow a recurring pattern, using a suitable algorithm; and c) detecting ageing symptoms exclusively on the basis of those inhomogeneities which are identified in step b) and do not follow a recurring pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH &Co. KG
    Inventors: Andrey Mashkin, Daniel Hansmann, Friedhelm Pohlmann, Guido Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11879835
    Abstract: A method for detecting for a presence of a toxic element in a sample includes emitting UV light from an UV-VIS LED illuminator onto a sample as incident light. Capturing a portion of the incident light being reflected from the sample using a frinGOe interferometer and converting the reflected light to an interferogram spectrum. Collecting the interferogram spectrum using a camera. Retrieving the interferogram spectrum from the camera and transforming it to absorption wavelength spectrum using Fourier transformation via a microcontroller. Comparing and normalizing the absorption strength peak wavelength using the microcontroller. Comparing the normalized absorption strength peak wavelength spectrum with stored allowable toxic chemical absorption strength peak wavelength thresholds. Sending a message indicating that the sample is safe or not safe to use to a LCD screen and a speaker based on the comparison between the normalized absorption strength peak wavelength spectrum and the stored allowable thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kaouther Chebbi, Hesham M. Enshasy
  • Patent number: 11785175
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer transistor, a reset transistor, an amplifier transistor, a converter circuit that converts an analog voltage appearing at a vertical signal line into a digital voltage value, a first signal line that is connected to the gate of the reset transistor, a second signal line that is connected to the gate of the transfer transistor, and a drive circuit that outputs to the first signal line a reset pulse for causing the reset transistor to discharge charge in a charge accumulation portion, and outputs to the second signal line a transfer pulse for causing the transfer transistor to transfer charge generated in the photoelectric conversion element to the charge accumulation portion. The drive circuit outputs the reset pulse to the first signal line, and then outputs the transfer pulse to the second signal line successively in two or more times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Nishihara
  • Patent number: 11726194
    Abstract: The present invention is capable of determining the location(s) of waste (e.g. nuclear fuel debris, obstacles, contaminated or otherwise radioactive materials), monitoring and inspecting their surroundings, and transporting them, as well as use in repair, construction, and reactor decommissioning work in high radiation environment. Ultrasound (or sound) waves are not subject to interference from radiation. This modality is utilized in the present invention to detect and image waste and/or objects of interest. The system combines the resulting ultrasound (or sound) wave images for detecting waste and/or objects of interest with radiation information acquired by a radiation detector, to generate and adjust new composite images to display. For example, the image in the direction of strong radiation is red and the image in the direction of weak radiation is blue. Additionally, the constituent imaging apparatus may be fitted on a drone or robotic system for repair and construction work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Norihiro Nangou
  • Patent number: 11720922
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the sales of products and presence of advertising materials within a physical store are provided. According to certain aspects, a sensor component disposed within the physical store may detect light emitted by a unique product identifier (UPI) affixed to a product. A processor of the sensor component may analyze the detected light to determine the UPIs, generate a digital representation of the UPIs within a field of view, and transmit at least a portion of the digital representation to a server computer. A plurality of sensor components may track the movement and sales of various products and presence of advertising materials in the physical store, and the server computer may analyze the resulting data to improve merchandising and the sales experience for customers, among other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: SIX TWELVE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Michael Campeau
  • Patent number: 11647970
    Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a scintillator configured to emit self-radiation, storage, and processing circuitry. The storage stores first detection efficiency correction data that is generated based on an external radiation source or a simulation and first detection efficiency data per scintillator that is calculated based on radiation that is emitted from the scintillator. The processing circuitry calculates second detection efficiency data per scintillator that is calculated based on radiation that is emitted from the scintillator and generates second detection efficiency correction data based on the first detection efficiency correction data, the first detection efficiency data, and the second detection efficiency data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki Miyahara
  • Patent number: 11617625
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for properly using and locating object retention wands via the use of at least one sensor located on or in the wand body for determining when the wand is capable of properly scanning a target area. In one form, a proximity sensor is used. In another form a motion sensor is used. In still other forms, both a proximity sensor and motion sensor are used. In some forms, the wand system further includes an indicator for indicating whether the wand is within proper read range, speed and/or orientation of a target area so as to confirm proper use of the wand to locate retained objects before concluding a procedure. In other forms one or more of a user interface, scanner and network interface may also be used with the system. Further systems, methods and apparatus are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Medline Industries, LP
    Inventor: Jared Rosinski
  • Patent number: 11598889
    Abstract: A scintillator panel 10 includes a substrate 11 having a substrate main surface 11a, a substrate rear surface 11b, and a substrate side surface 11c; and a scintillator layer 12 having a scintillator rear surface 12b formed of a plurality of columnar crystals, a scintillator main surface 12a, and a scintillator side surface 12c. The substrate side surface 11c and the scintillator side surface 12c are substantially flush with each other. In the substrate 11, an angle A1 between the substrate rear surface 11b and the substrate side surface 11c is smaller than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Haruki Yamaji, Kazuhiro Shirakawa, Keisuke Goto, Hidenori Jonishi, Masashi Hatanaka, Jun Sakurai
  • Patent number: 11567224
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing nuclides and the concentration thereof in waste contained in a radioactive waste packaging container according to the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that has detector devices located above/under the waste packaging container and performs nuclide and concentration analysis on the waste in the packaging container by scanning the packaging container in the longitudinal direction thereof using a forward/backward driving device. In particular, upper/lower detector modules are equipped with multiple high-resolution gamma ray detectors to increase inspection efficiency, each module is designed to be driven up/down, and each detector in the module is designed to be driven left/right, thereby performing nuclide and concentration analysis on various types of packaging containers regardless of the size thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: NuCare, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinhun Joung, Yongkwon Kim
  • Patent number: 11562454
    Abstract: A hybrid collimated probe incorporates two detectors consisting of a scintillating crystal or semiconductor material, such as Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT). The count rate measured on the rear detector is corrected for the shielding effect of the front detector before the count rate ratio is calculated. This is done by multiplying the rear detector count rate by a factor pre-determined from the thickness and density of the front detector for a specific radionuclide energy. The count rate ratio also must be corrected for the presence of background radiation at the target site. This is done by taking a 3 second average of the count rate over tissue that does not contain a radiotracer sequestered at the site of pathology, but in adjacent tissue that is uniformly perfused by a lower level concentration of the radiotracer circulating in the blood pool background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Actis IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Gregg J. Chapman
  • Patent number: 11499914
    Abstract: A multi-channel gas sensor comprising a gas cell (101, 601), a light source (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), a first interference filter (150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650), a first detection unit (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) and a second detection unit (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630). The light source (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) is arranged to emit light radiation into the gas cell (101, 5 601). The first detection unit (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) is arranged to detect light from the light source, that has propagated through at least a part of the gas cell (101, 601), and that has been transmitted through the first interference filter (150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Senseair AB
    Inventors: Hans Martin, Henrik Rödjegård
  • Patent number: 11499816
    Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute electromagnetic energy from at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute a partially polarized signal onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine a polarization pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: ASCENTIA IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Johnson, Edward R. Dowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11486865
    Abstract: Systems are provided for a modular multi-wavelength UV-VIS detector unit, such as an absorbance detector (e.g., spectrophotometer) included in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. In one example, a detector unit includes one or more light emitters and a sliding assembly configured to slidingly move a flow cell relative to the one or more light emitters, the one or more light emitters mounted on a floating rig to facilitate alignment between the one or more light emitters and the flow cell when the sliding assembly is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Phoseon Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Christopher Freitag, Shiou-jyh Ja, Brad Scardino, Randy James
  • Patent number: 11467295
    Abstract: An instrument and software methodology to detect a radioactive source and incorporates the following: 1) two radiation detectors in a co-axial configuration, housed in a handheld probe, and 2) a gamma detection control unit executing software algorithms to limit the functional field of view to the front aspect of the probe, vary the depth and width of the field of view to provide collimation without the use of metallic shielding, and allowing the instrument to measure the distance to the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Gregg Chapman, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11452487
    Abstract: An X-ray detector module includes a plurality of evaluation circuits, coupled to at least one converter circuit, each evaluation circuit including a multiplicity of pixel electronics circuits for processing the electrical signals from the converter circuit pixel by pixel; and a number of forwarding circuits, a forwarding circuit including at least a first data input for receiving a measured data set from a first evaluation circuit and at least a second data input for receiving a measured data set from a second evaluation circuit, or for receiving at least one forwarded measured data set from a further forwarding circuit of the number of forwarding circuits. Each forwarding circuit is constructed to forward the measured data sets that are received by way of the first data input and second data input to a coupled receiving circuit over a common data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Hosemann
  • Patent number: 11415532
    Abstract: A radiation backscatter detector assembly comprising: a source array comprising source components for irradiating a shared sample location, at least two source components of the array generating radiation in different respective source energy bands; a detector array comprising detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation detection events from different respective spatial portions of the shared sample location, the detector elements each generating a pulse output in response to each radiation detection event it detects; and an energy meter for measuring the energies of the pulse outputs by different respective detector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Lionel William John Kent
  • Patent number: 11417440
    Abstract: A sensor substrate is provided with a plurality of pixels for accumulating electrical charges generated depending on light converted from radiation in a pixel region of a flexible base material. A circuit unit includes at least one of a driving substrate, a signal processing substrate, or a control substrate and is electrically connected to the sensor substrate. A fixing plate fixes the circuit unit. A conversion layer is provided on a first surface opposite to a second surface of the fixing plate on which the circuit unit is fixed, is provided in a state where the second surface opposite to the fixing plate side faces the first surface of the base material on which the pixels are provided, and converts radiation into light. A housing houses the sensor substrate, the circuit unit, the fixing plate, and the conversion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Shinichi Ushikura, Munetaka Kato
  • Patent number: 11269088
    Abstract: A radiation detector (5) is configured such that weighting of detection signals of photodetectors (52) on an end portion side of the plurality of photodetectors (52) is set to be greater than weighting of detection signals of photodetectors (52) on a central portion side of the plurality of photodetectors (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakazawa, Tomoaki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 11202021
    Abstract: A digital unit-cell included in an imaging system includes a light sensor configured to generate an electrical charge in response to receiving light, and an energy storage circuit configured to establish a first parasitic capacitance and second large capacitance to store the electrical charge. The digital unit-cell further includes a gain selection circuit and a dual-mode comparator. The gain selection circuit is configured operate in a first mode to invoke the first capacitance and a second mode to invoke the second capacitance. The dual-mode comparator is configured to operate in a first reset mode that generates a first reset signal having a first pulse duration and a second reset mode that generates a second reset signal having a second pulse duration that is a longer than the first pulse duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Ali E. Zadeh, Eric J. Beuville, Joshua J. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 11197651
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a tool that is inserted into a portion of a body of a subject that undergoes cyclic motion. The apparatus and methods include using an imaging device, acquiring a plurality of images of the tool inside the portion of the body, at respective phases of the cyclic motion. Using at least one computer processor, an extent of movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body that is due to the cyclic motion of the portion of the body is determined. In response thereto, an output is generated that is indicative of the determined extent of the movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SYNC-RX, LTD.
    Inventors: Ran Cohen, Zohar Barzelay, Eldad Klaiman, Alexander Steinberg
  • Patent number: 11109824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimodal system for obtaining senological images by means of X-ray and MBI techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: METALTRONICA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni B. Peretta, Stefano Gioia
  • Patent number: 11099248
    Abstract: A CT apparatus comprises; a sensor section outputting distance data for determining a distance between the sensor section and at least part of a subject to be examined laid on a cradle; contour-data generating means for generating contour data representing a contour of the at least part of the subject based on the distance data obtained from the sensor section; and deciding means for deciding whether or not there is a risk for said subject to come into contact with said gantry while said gantry or said table is moving based on data representing a limit of a range up to which said subject can come close to the gantry and on said contour data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Motoki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11076818
    Abstract: A method for operating the X-ray device, which includes a detector, a radiation source, or a C-arm including the detector and the radiation source, and an articulated arm and a base. Initially, a starting position of the X-ray device is specified with respect to the detector, the radiation source, or the C-arm, and the articulated arm, and an end position of the X-ray device is specified at least with respect to the detector, the radiation source, or the C-arm. A plurality of paths that may be followed by the articulated arm and the detector, the radiation source, or the C-arm on movement from the starting position into the end position are automatically determined. One path of the plurality of paths for the movement of the X-ray device is selected, and the X-ray device is moved into the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Weingarten
  • Patent number: 11013480
    Abstract: An image acquisition system includes a first imaging modality device (102) configured to acquire images from a subject from a position. A second imaging modality device (124) is configured to acquire images of the subject from a plurality of poses selected based upon the position of the first imaging modality device and in accordance with criteria to provide a best pose or poses. A planning module (115) is stored in memory and is configured to determine at least one trajectory that permits the best pose or poses of the second imaging modality device to be achieved to acquire, in cooperation with the first imaging modality device, an image or images of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandra Popovic, Haytham Elhawary
  • Patent number: 10997701
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and image to enhance the image contrast of a digital image device while simultaneously compensating for image intensity inhomogeneity, regardless of the source. The present invention corrects intensity inhomogeneities producing a more uniform image appearance. Also, the image is enhanced through increased contrast, e.g., tissue contrast in a medical image. The method makes no assumptions as to the source of the inhomogeneities, e.g., physical device characteristics or positioning of the object being imaged. In the method, the error between the histogram of the spatially-weighted original image and a specified histogram is minimized. The specified histogram may be selected to increase contrast generally or particularly for accentuation, e.g., on localized regions of interest. The weighting is preferably achieved by two-dimensional interpolation of a sparse grid of control points overlaying the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Boitano
  • Patent number: 10922894
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for presenting a computer-generated, three-dimensional visualization of anatomy. In some embodiments, the system may enable adjustments to be made to a base anatomical visualization to enable an adjusted visualization to be generated and output by the computing device. In some such embodiments, a specification of such an adjustment may include an identification of one or more anatomical features to which the adjustment corresponds and which are to be visualized with the adjustment. The visualization may correspond, for example, to a medical condition to be visualized. The medical condition may be mapped to one or more data objects of a visualization and the visualization may be adjusted based on the specification. For example, geometric information on anatomical feature may be adjusted to specify a different geometry, to indicate an impact of the medical condition on the anatomical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Biodigital, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sculli, Lauren Slomovich, Tarek Helmy Sherif, John J. Qualter, III, Aaron Oliker
  • Patent number: 10859422
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a remaining operating period of a detector unit for a radiometric, density- or fill-level measuring device. The detector unit includes a photomultiplier. In such method, the control voltage of the photomultiplier is registered over at least one predetermined time period, a time rate of change function is ascertained based on control voltage registered during the predetermined time period, and the remaining operating period until reaching a maximum control voltage is calculated by means of the time rate of change function and a current control voltage, which is present at the current operating time. The method of the present disclosure permits approximation of the remaining operating period of the detector unit and, thus, timely learning of when required maintenance measures, especially aging related replacement of the photomultiplier, must be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Damm, Mingzheng Jiang, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch
  • Patent number: 10855370
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a photoluminescent wavelength-shifting material configured to receive an input-light data signal comprising a first range of wavelengths, absorb at least a portion of the received input-light data signal, and produce an emitted-light data signal comprising a second range of wavelengths based on an upper-state lifetime of the photoluminescent wavelength-shifting material. The apparatus also includes a focusing element configured to receive at least a portion of the emitted-light data signal, concentrate the received portion of the emitted-light data signal, and produce a concentrated-light data signal. The apparatus further includes a photodetector configured to receive the concentrated-light data signal, and produce an electrical current corresponding to the concentrated-light data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Gerard Tiecke, Kevin Jerome Quirk, Thibault Michel Max Peyronel, Shih-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 10849586
    Abstract: A back illuminated sensor preferably is included as a collector component of a detector for use in intraoral and extraoral 2D and 3D dental radiography, positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The disclosed imaging method includes one or more intraoral or extraoral emitters for emitting a low-dose gamma ray or x-ray beam through a dental examination area; and one or more intraoral or extraoral detectors for receiving the beam, each detector including a back illuminated sensor. Within the detector, the beam preferably is converted into light and then focused and collected at a photocathode layer without passing through the wiring layer of the back illuminated sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Real Time Imaging Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Uzbelger Feldman
  • Patent number: 10845490
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for heat transfer and cooling in PET. The system may include a gantry including a gantry forming a detection tunnel; a detector mounted to the gantry, and positioned in a circumference of the detection tunnel; a heat transfer device thermally coupled with the detector and configured to transfer heat generated by the detector; and a cooling device thermally coupled to the heat transfer device, and configured to cool the heat transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao Yan, Wei Zhang, Huawei Jiang, Shigang Su, Miao Li, Hongjun Zhang, Weiping Liu
  • Patent number: 10816677
    Abstract: A PET detecting module may include a scintillator array configured to receive a radiation ray and generate optical signals in response to the received radiation ray. The scintillator array may have a plurality of rows of scintillators arranged in a first direction and a plurality of columns of scintillators arranged in a second direction. A first group of light guides may be arranged on a top surface of the scintillator array along the first direction. The light guide count of the first group of light guides may be less than the row count of the plurality of rows of scintillators. A second group of light guides may be arranged on a bottom surface of the scintillator array. The light guide count of the second group of light guides may be less than the column count of the plurality of columns of scintillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ze Chen
  • Patent number: 10746673
    Abstract: An inspection system may be deployed as part of a routine crew transfer diving (“CTV”) or service operation vessel (SOV) deployment to perform inspections for analyses which can be conducted while carrying out other inspection tasks. A marinized digital detector array and betatron source may be maneuvered proximate a first detector plate, which can be of a plurality of detector plates and a first exposure generated at the first detector plate which is then used to aid in generating one or more images comprising each such exposure. The images are then reconstructed to identify defects in the grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajashekar Venkatachalam, Nate Dieringer, Todd Newell
  • Patent number: 10718606
    Abstract: Method and system for defining basis functions for fitting distortions of profiles of objects in a batch, that has undergone a fabrication process, in a manner adaptable to the fabrication process to reduce the errors between profiles approximated with the use of such basis functions and actual object profiles. Process-specific individual basis functions are defined based on spatially-dense measurement of objects from training sub-set of the batch and applying learning algorithm to results of such measurement. Advantages of process-adaptable basis functions over generic basis functions for fitting distortion shapes of objects include higher accuracy of fitting either at larger or a fewer locations across the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Travis D. Bow, Henry Pang, Fardad A. Hashemi
  • Patent number: 10502846
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring a series of medical images includes acquiring imaging data, identifying double coincidence events and multiple detection (MD) coincidence events from the imaging data, and storing the double coincidence events and the MD coincidence events in a first dataset and a second dataset, respectively. The method also includes applying a normalization correction to the first dataset and/or the second dataset using normalization values based on double coincidence events and/or MD coincidence events to obtain at least one normalized dataset, and reconstructing a series of medical images of the subject from the at least one normalized dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eduardo M. Lage, Joaquin L. Herraiz, Vicente J. Parot, Shivang R. Dave
  • Patent number: 10478133
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating a nuclear medicine imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises: detecting, with a plurality of detectors, photons emitted by a calibration source comprising a radioactive line source and a fluorescence source, while pivoting one or more detectors of the plurality of detectors; and calibrating, with a processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of detectors, each detector of the plurality of detectors based on energy measurements of the detected photons. In this way, a two-point energy calibration of detectors can be performed with a single isotope, and without removing or adjusting a collimator attached to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Moshe Levy, Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yariv Grobshtein, Gil Amisar, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 10393917
    Abstract: A tool can include an X-ray tomography device to evaluate cement in a downhole environment. The X-ray tomography device includes an X-ray beam source configured to transmit an X-ray beam at a first predetermined angle. The beam angle may be set by a capillary device coupled to the X-ray beam source. An energy dispersive, multi-pixel photon detector is configured to count detected backscatter photons received at a second predetermined angle and determine an energy spectrum for the detected photons. A density map of the cement may be generated in response to the number of detected photons. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yike Hu, Weijun Guo
  • Patent number: 10379261
    Abstract: A rain gauge assembly for facilitating a rain gauge to be removably coupled to a stanchion includes a cap that is selectively positioned on a stanchion. A first container is removably coupled to the cap to capture rain for measuring rain fall. A second container is removably coupled to the cap to capture rain for measuring rain fall. A tube is selectively and fluidly coupled between the first and second containers. The tube directs the rain from the first container into the second container when the first container is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Royce Chance
  • Patent number: 10326058
    Abstract: A luminescent component includes a first element comprising a first solid polymer composition, wherein the first solid polymer composition includes first luminescent crystals, wherein the first luminescent crystals are of the perovskite structure, and are selected from compounds of formula (I): M1aM2bXc, wherein M1 represents Cs, optionally doped with up to 30 mol % of one or more other metals having coordination number 12, M2 represents Pb, optionally doped with up to 30 mol % of one or more other metals having coordination number 6, X independently represents anions selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, I, cyanide, and thiocyanate. The first luminescent crystals are of size between 3 nm and 3000 nm, and emit light of a first wavelength in response to excitation by light with a wavelength shorter than the first wavelength. An encapsulation including a polymer or an inorganic matrix encloses the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Avantama AG
    Inventors: Norman Albert Luchinger, Ines Weber, Stefan Loher, Marek Oszajca, Benjamin Hartmeier
  • Patent number: 10296604
    Abstract: A method and a device for providing reference information for a scan protocol are provided. The method includes: obtaining first basic information and a first pilot image of a patient to be scanned as index information; retrieving a second pilot image that matches the index information from a preset scan protocol database; and outputting a second pilot image, and a second reconstructed image and a second scan protocol in the preset scan protocol database which correspond to the second pilot image as reference information. If the second pilot image matches the index information, the physical condition of a scanned patient corresponding to the second pilot image is similar to that of the patient to be scanned, and the second pilot image, and the second reconstructed image and the second scan protocol in the preset scan protocol database which correspond to the second pilot image are outputted as reference information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shanshan Lou, Han Zheng
  • Patent number: 10274614
    Abstract: This invention presents a new device to produce images of the gamma field, specially designed for circumstances requiring high efficiency and fast response imaging, by applying the concept of image extraction within a given field of view, through the combination of efficient gamma radiation detectors. Each detector is located inside a shielding, with an area of the detector with no shielding to enter the incident gamma radiation detector with a plurality of angles in relation to the normal outgoing central axis to the surface of the detector through the unshielded area, where that central axis is divergent in relation to the outgoing central axes of neighboring detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Pablo Florido, Eduardo Nassif, Manuel Argüelles, Federico Fernandez Baldis
  • Patent number: 10235744
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to enhance the image contrast of a digital image device while simultaneously compensating for image intensity inhomogeneity, regardless of the source. The present invention corrects intensity inhomogeneities producing a more uniform image appearance. Also, the image is enhanced through increased contrast, e.g., tissue contrast in a medical image. The method makes no assumptions as to the source of the inhomogeneities, e.g., physical device characteristics or positioning of the object being imaged. In the method, the error between the histogram of the spatially-weighted original image and a specified histogram is minimized. The specified histogram may be selected to increase contrast generally or particularly for accentuation, e.g., on localized regions of interest. The weighting is preferably achieved by two-dimensional interpolation of a sparse grid of control points overlaying the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Boitano
  • Patent number: 10206647
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing device includes the following. A two-dimensional array of radiation detectors generate electrical charges corresponding to a dose of incident radiation. A control unit reads the electrical charges discharged from the radiation detectors in a form of image data. The control unit has radiographic modes including a still image mode for still image radiography, a moving image mode for moving image radiography, and a continuous radiographic mode for reading the image data without distinguishing between the still image radiography and the moving image radiography. The control unit selects the continuous radiographic mode to sequentially read the image data when an instruction on performing the still image radiography or the moving image radiography is not sent from an external control device or a user or when the radiographic mode is unknown due to communication failure with the external control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Akira Hiroshige, Hidetake Tezuka, Shintaro Muraoka
  • Patent number: 10209369
    Abstract: A photon detector for use in imaging, comprising a detector surface for detecting photons incident on the detector surface, the detector surface comprising at least one non-flat feature configured such that, during imaging, at least a portion of the photons are blocked from incidence upon at least a portion of the detector surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Elazar A. Bienenstock
  • Patent number: 10165179
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable mediums are provided to generate a number of targets for a panoramic image, each of the targets defining a portion of the panoramic image, monitor a position of a user device with respect to a current target, responsive to determining that the user device is properly positioned with respect to the current target, capture a first image for the current target using a camera of the user device, monitor the position of the user device with respect to a next target, responsive to determining that the user device is properly positioned with respect to the next target, capture a second image for the next target using the camera of the user device; and generate the panoramic image using the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Evan Rapoport, Scott Ettinger
  • Patent number: 10136075
    Abstract: A pixel circuit includes a voltage compensation circuit connected to a body terminal of the pixel's switching TFT to compensate for a decreasing threshold voltage drift of the TFT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Ravi K. Mruthyunjaya
  • Patent number: 10134177
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting a pose in a face image are provided. The method of adjusting a pose in a face image involves detecting two-dimensional (2D) landmarks from a 2D face image, positioning three-dimensional (3D) landmarks in a 3D face model by determining an initial pose of the 3D face model based on the 2D landmarks, updating the 3D landmarks by iteratively adjusting a pose and a shape of the 3D face model, and adjusting a pose in the 2D face image based on the updated 3D landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuetao Feng, Hao Feng, Hongwei Zhang, Lujin Gong, Changkyu Choi, Jae-Joon Han, Sungjoo Suh, Wonjun Hwang, Biao Wang
  • Patent number: 10107790
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an electric-field imaging system and method of use. In accordance with implementations of the electric-field imaging system, a fluid sample can be placed on top of a pixel-based impedance sensor. An image of the target analytes can be created immediately afterwards. From this image, computer imaging algorithms can determine attributes (e.g., size, type, morphology, volume, distribution, number, concentration, or motility, etc.) of the target analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Koo, Henry Grage
  • Patent number: 10101470
    Abstract: A detector array for an imaging system includes an array of scintillator crystals (12), wherein each crystal includes a plurality of sides and is laser etched on at least one crystal side to scatter light, and an array of photodetectors (18) optically coupled to array of scintillator crystals. The side of the crystal (12) is laser etched with a distinct pattern defined by a user using a computer aided design program. The detector (6) is part of a nuclear scanner (4) which includes a reconstruction processor (8) that reconstructs output signals from the photodetectors (18) into an image and a user interface (10) that displays the reconstructed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Steven E. Cooke, Joseph Lee Molyneux
  • Patent number: 10092777
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for real-time control of a charged particle pencil beam system during therapeutic treatment of a patient. In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to measuring an actual shape, an actual intensity distribution, and an actual location at isocenter of the charged particle pencil beam. The actual data is compared to model treatment data in real time to determine if a statistically significant variance occurs in which case the charged particle pencil beam can be stopped mid-treatment for correction and/or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Pyramid Technical Consultants Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Boisseau, William P. Nett, John S. Gordon, Sashidar Kollipara, Yuriy Kozlov
  • Patent number: 10036817
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for generating a scatter-corrected image from positron emission tomography (PET) or other radioemission imaging data (20) acquired of an object (12) in a field of view (14). A background portion (26B) of the PET imaging data is identified corresponding to a background region (14B) of the FOV that is outside of the object. An outside-FOV activity estimate (40) for at least one spatial region outside of the FOV and into which the object extends is adjusted (e.g. iterative or several randomly selected estimates) to optimize a simulated scatter distribution for the combination of the PET imaging data and the outside FOV activity estimate to match the background portion (26B) of the PET imaging data. The PET imaging data are reconstructed to generate a scatter-corrected PET image of the object in the FOV using the optimized simulated scatter distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Andriy Andreyev, Yang-Ming Zhu, Jinghan Ye, Xiyun Song