With Radiant Energy Source Patents (Class 250/363.01)
  • Patent number: 7145153
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a tomographic image of part of an animal or a part of an animal including a human being or a part of a human being by using radioactive radiation is disclosed. The animal is at least partly placed into a measuring cavity having an axial axis. The measuring cavity being at least partially surrounded by a cavity wall which is provided with a plurality of pinholes, and behind the pin holes (as viewed from the measuring cavity or lumen) detection means are placed. A radioactive radiation from a radioactive isotope administered to the animal is detected in a position-related manner by the detection means and data obtained with the detection means are used for the generation of the tomographic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
    Inventor: Frederik Johannes Beekman
  • Patent number: 7094203
    Abstract: Gamma rays obtained from radioisotope administered to an examinee are detected by a gamma ray information-detecting unit so that a first tomographic image obtained therefrom is formed on a CRT. Further, a second tomographic image of the examinee detected by using an ultrasonic wave information-detecting unit juxtaposed with respect to the gamma ray information-detecting unit is formed while making the second tomographic image overlap on the first tomographic image. Thus, it is possible to obtain a tomographic image in which relative positional relationship of tissue is clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Anzai Medical Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomio Inoue, Tadashi Ito, Masao Jimbo, Takeshi Sasaki, Shuji Tsuchiya, Kenzo Eguchi, Hao Wei, Katsuroh Ohwadano, Hideki Ryuo
  • Patent number: 7085405
    Abstract: A method of reconstructing tomography images comprising: acquiring data on individual radiation events; distributing a weight of the individual radiation events along a line of flight associated with the event determined from the acquired data; and iteratively reconstructing the image based on the individually reprojected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron Levkovitz, Michael Zibulevsky, Dimitry Falikman, Gideon Berlad
  • Patent number: 7071473
    Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography system includes a base for supporting a patient and a detector assembly adjacent the field of view. The detector assembly detects photon strikes from the field of view. A photon-blocking member is disposed between the field of view and the detector and has an aperture slot that allows passage of photons aligned with the slot. A collimating assembly includes a plurality of collimating vanes formed of photon-attenuating material. A support assembly supports the collimating assembly and includes a first support member and a second support member with the collimating assembly being disposed therebetween. An adjustment assembly includes a first adjuster operable to adjust a first distance between the collimating assembly and the first support member and a second adjuster operable to adjust a second distance between the collimating assembly and the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jack E. Juni
  • Patent number: 7049598
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a stabilized scintillation detector, comprising: a light source that periodically produces a light pulse; distribution means that impinges some of the light pulse on a first photodetector and on a second photodetector; a scintillator that receives radiation and is coupled to the second photodetector; and a control unit that receives signals from the first photodetector and the second photodetector representative of the light pulse received by the first photodetector and the second photodetector and outputs, in part, a signal to the second photodetector to stabilize the second photodetector. A method of using the scintillator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Canberra Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Valentin T. Jordanov, Mat Kastner
  • Patent number: 7034305
    Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Dwight Medley, Frederick L. Glesius
  • Patent number: 7015476
    Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography system produces multiple tomographic images of the type representing a three-dimensional distribution of a photon-emitting radioisotope. The system has a base including a patient support for supporting a patient such that a portion of the patient is located in a field of view. A longitudinal axis is defined through the field of view. A detector module is adjacent the field of view and includes a photon-responsive detector. The detector is operable to detect if a photon strikes the detector. A photon-blocking member is positioned between the field of view and the detector. The blocking member has an aperture slot for passage of photons aligned with the aperture slot. A line of response is defined from the detector through the aperture. A collimating assembly includes a plurality of generally parallel collimating vanes formed of a photon attenuating material. The vanes are spaced apart so as to find a plurality of gaps, with the gaps each having a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jack E. Juni
  • Patent number: 7012257
    Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography system includes a base for supporting a patient and a detector assembly adjacent the field of view. The detector assembly detects photon strikes from the field of view. A photon-blocking member is disposed between the field of view and the detector assembly and has an aperture slot that allows passage of photons aligned with the slot. A collimating assembly includes a plurality of collimating vanes formed of photon-attenuating material and is disposed between the field of view and the detector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jack E. Juni
  • Patent number: 6998617
    Abstract: An apparatus, which may have an adjustable length, and system for detecting items, such as weapons of mass destruction, in cargo shipping containers or other types of containers. The apparatus comprises one or more detection means and can be releasably secured to a container handling means, such as a crane spreader bar, a top pick, a top handler, a transtainer and a straddle carrier, bar and/or cargo container. Data from the detection means can be transmitted to a local processing system and/or a central processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cargo Sentry, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D'Emilio, Parvez Mansuri, Rajesh P. Kaikini, Joseph Saturnia
  • Patent number: 6992295
    Abstract: A PET scanner includes a scintillator block and a plurality of photodetectors, each of which has a field of view that includes a portion of the scintillator block. An optical element is disposed between the scintillator block and the plurality of photodetectors. The optical element has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has a central region and a peripheral region separated by a first gap. The second layer has at least a first region and a second region separated by a second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: PhotoDetection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Romanov, Paul Domigan, Olof Johnson
  • Patent number: 6960771
    Abstract: A liquid scintillation counter 10 serving as an optical measurement apparatus includes: an HPD 24, a charge amplifier 26, a voltage amplifier 28, a comparator 30, a counter 32, a multi-channel analyzer 34, a display 38, and the like. The HPD 24 has a photocathode 24a and an APD 24b for outputting a signal that corresponds to the number of incident photons. The comparator 30 outputs a logic pulse signal, serving as a comparison result signal, only when the signal outputted from the HPD 24 and amplified by the charge amplifier 26 and voltage amplifier 28 is larger than a prescribed threshold value. This threshold value is set larger than an output signal that is outputted when a single photoelectron is emitted from the photocathode 24a and smaller than another output signal that is outputted when two or more photoelectrons are emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Motohiro Suyama, Yoshihiko Kawai, Tetsuya Morita, Koichiro Oba
  • Patent number: 6925887
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pressure includes a cylindrical tube having an open end and a closed end; a piston disposed in the cylindrical tube at the open end; an accelerometer attached to a side of the piston that faces the closed end of the tube, the accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of the piston after a blast event; and a pressure sensor located inside the tube for measuring pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a data processor and computer connected by wires to the accelerometer and pressure sensor for receiving signals generated by the accelerometer and pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles S. Coffey, John R. Renzi, John P. Martin, William M. Hinckley
  • Patent number: 6921909
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an apparatus for an enhanced imaging sensor consisting of pixellated micro columnar scintillation film material for x-ray imaging comprising a scintillation substrate and a micro columnar scintillation film material in contact with the scintillation substrate. The micro columnar scintillation film material is formed from a doped scintillator material. According to the invention, the micro columnar scintillation film material is subdivided into arrays of optically independent pixels having interpixel gaps between the optically independent pixels. These optically independent pixels channel detectable light to a detector element thereby reducing optical crosstalk between the pixels providing for an X-ray converter capable of increasing efficiency without the associated loss of spatial resolution. The interpixel gaps are further filled with a dielectric and or reflective material to substantially reduce optical crosstalk and enhance light collection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek V. Nagarkar, Sameer V. Tipnis
  • Patent number: 6920346
    Abstract: A pre-operative device includes at least one elongated probe (1) integrating at least one element for detecting radioactive radiation (3) emitted by tissues (4) marked by radioactive isotopes or radioactive colloids, generating a first representative electrical signal (5), at least one element (6) for emitting luminous radiation toward the tissues (4) and at least one element (7) for receiving and transmitting reflected luminous radiation (8) reflected by the tissues (4) marked by vital colorants or magnetic markers, toward at least one element (9) for converting the reflected luminous radiation (8) into a second representative electrical signal (10), electrical connection elements for conveying the first and second electrical signals (5, 10) and, at least one electronic means (11) for processing electronic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eurorad 2-6 (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Anne Kazandjian, Jacques Chambron
  • Patent number: 6904304
    Abstract: A method for making a detector array comprising a photosensor and scintillators, including placing a thermoplastically encased reflective film between scintillators of a scintillator array and optically coupling the scintillators with the photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: David M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6881760
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the solids content in a Fischer-Tropsch product to allow subsequent changes in the Fischer-Tropsch process to prevent downstream problems. The method comprises irradiating the Fischer-Tropsch product with light and measuring the light transmitted through the Fischer-Tropsch product to determine the solids content in the Fisher-Tropsch product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Smith, Richard Aviani, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 6831269
    Abstract: A lesion phantom with no inner cold encapsulation. The phantom has a plurality of lesion analogues formed without any encapsulation by a dissimilar material and formed of a matrix of solidified material. A background matrix into which at least one radionuclide is dispersed to form a background level of radioactivity. The background matrix is placed in a container. The background level of radioactivity of the background matrix is different than that of the level of radioactivity of the plurality of lesion analogues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Iso-Science Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristiana E. Zyromski
  • Patent number: 6828575
    Abstract: A system for exhibiting Cherenkov radiation is provided. The system includes a beam of charged particles. A photonic crystal structure receives said beam of charged particles. The charged particles moves in said photonic crystal structure so that Cherenkov radiation is produced at all velocities without requiring resonances in the effective material constants of said photonic crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chiyan Luo, Mihai Ibanescu, Steven G. Johnson, John D. Joannopoulos
  • Patent number: 6803580
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system comprising: first and second radiation detectors, each comprising an imaging surface facing each other and each having an extent; an radiation source, situated outside a space defined by a largest parallelepiped formed on two sides by said first and second detectors, which irradiates the second detector; and an axis about which the first and second detectors and the radiation source rotate together; wherein the field of view of the radiation source, defined by lines connecting the external source and the edges of the second detector, encompass the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Elgems Ltd.
    Inventor: Naor Wainer
  • Patent number: 6794653
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system for imaging of the breast including at least one gamma camera, having a radiation detecting surface, which detects gamma radiation and provides data signals responsive to radiation from the breast and a collimator, positioned over the reception surface. The system includes a gantry on which the radiation detector is mounted and which provides rotational movement of the radiation detection surface around the axis of the breast and a computer which receives and analyzes the data signals and constructs an image of radiation sources therefrom. The radiation detection surface of the at least one gamma camera is tilted with respect to the axis during rotation of the at least one gamma camera about the axis, such that it is partially facing the chest of a study subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Elgems Ltd.
    Inventors: Naor Wainer, Yaron Hefetz
  • Publication number: 20040178346
    Abstract: A scintillator for a radiation detector includes a substantially cylindrical scintillating element mounted in a substantially cylindrical housing; and a gamma ray source substantially enclosed within the scintillating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Williams, Jeffrey Louis Johanning
  • Publication number: 20040174950
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Raulf M. Polichar, Richard C. Schirato, Janis Baltgalvis
  • Publication number: 20040114716
    Abstract: A remote sensing device for detecting materials of varying atomic numbers and systems and methods relating thereto. A system for identifying a material includes a photon beam flux monitor for resolving a high-energy beam. A method for identifying a material includes casting an incident photon beam on the material and detecting an emerging photon beam with an array of fission-fragment detectors, a first set of scintillator paddles, and a second set of scintillator paddles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Philip L. Cole
  • Patent number: 6744029
    Abstract: Radiation image information is read from a stimulable phosphor sheet by line sensors and corrected for shading by a shading corrector. Thereafter, the radiation image information is corrected for sharpness independently in main and auxiliary directions by a sharpness corrector using spatial filters which are selected from a spatial filter memory by a spatial filter selector according to recording or reading conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6740875
    Abstract: A covert, gamma-ray “signature” is used as a “watermark” for property identification. This new watermarking technology is based on a unique steganographic or “hidden writing” digital signature, implemented in tiny quantities of gamma-ray-emitting radioisotopic material combinations, generally covertly emplaced on or within an object. This digital signature may be readily recovered at distant future times, by placing a sensitive, high energy-resolution gamma-ray detecting instrument reasonably precisely over the location of the watermark, which location may be known only to the object's owner; however, the signature is concealed from all ordinary detection means because its exceedingly low level of activity is obscured by the natural radiation background (including the gamma radiation naturally emanating from the object itself, from cosmic radiation and material surroundings, from human bodies, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Lowell L. Wood, Ronald W. Lougheed, Kenton J. Moody, Tzu-Fang Wang
  • Patent number: 6740881
    Abstract: An anisotropic imaging method and apparatus for determining the location of a radiation event. The method includes the steps of obtaining a sensor reading in response to a radiation event and applying an anisotropic transfer function to the sensor reading. The anistropic transfer function adjusts the sensor reading by using a different transfer curve depending upon whether a spatial coordinate of the detected radiation event in the X-axis direction or a spatial coordinate in the Y-axis direction is being calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA
    Inventor: Ronald E. Malmin
  • Patent number: 6718006
    Abstract: A coincidence transmission source serves to detect coincident activity from a radiation source. The coincidence transmission source includes a detector dedicated to collecting attenuation data. A collimated radiation source and a detector are positioned with respect to a tomography device such that only a selected strip of the imaging detector of the tomograph is illuminated such that events unrelated to the attenuation are eliminated. The coincidence transmission source includes a collimator in which is disposed a radiation source. Fiber optics are interconnected between a plurality of dedicated gamma radiation detectors and a plurality of photomultiplier tubes. The arrangement of fiber optics is designed such that the address of a particular gamma radiation detector is readily discernable while minimizing the number of PMT's required to process data accumulated by the gamma radiation detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: CTI Pet Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Jones, Charles Watson
  • Patent number: 6713766
    Abstract: A gamma camera is provided in which the study protocol can be modified after the study has commenced and while event data is being acquired. In such a camera, study parameters such as the duration of the study, the number of image frames acquired, or the count criterion required to produce an image may be changed dynamically as the study proceeds. Thus, a nuclear study which is seen to be leading to unsatisfactory or less than optimal results may be altered during acquisition to increase the likelihood that diagnostically useful results will be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jody L. Garrard, Horace Hines, Hugo Bertelsen, David E. Coles, Jeffrey A. Hallett
  • Patent number: 6713765
    Abstract: A portable dosimetry system measures individual seed strengths of fully loaded multi-seed holders. The system includes a 5 mm diameter scintillating fiber disposed in a groove on a rigid bed. A photomultiplier tube (PMT) is supported on the rigid bed and is coupled to an end surface of the scintillating fiber. Attachments are provided for positioning multi-seed holders adjacent the peripheral surface of the scintillating fiber, and movable shield plates are provided for inhibiting stray radiation (produced by neighboring seeds) from reaching the scintillating fiber. The system is useful for calibrating 100% of the seeds in a holder in less time than it currently takes to calibrate 10% of the seeds in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Galileo Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis R. Testardi
  • Publication number: 20040051045
    Abstract: A scintillator-camera system for determining uniformity of radiation emission from a radioactive source includes a cylindrical scintillation detector, the scintillation detector having a central hole along the long axis and having a conical mirror around the scintillator to direct light emitted from the circumference of the scintillator to a camera. A camera is arranged to view the scintillation detector so that light stimulated in the scintillator by a radioactive source inserted in the central hole is detected by the camera, the camera producing image data upon detection of light stimulated in the scintillator. The image data are adapted to be analyzed to detect non-uniformity in a radiation emission pattern from the radioactive source. The image from the thick scintillator and surrounding conical mirror provides information about both circumferential, i.e., radial, and axial emission non-uniformities in a single view of the radioactive source(s) or seed(s) within the thick scintillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas S Jones, Robert Schulte
  • Patent number: 6693291
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Sigurd Nelson, William Bert Nelson
  • Patent number: 6674082
    Abstract: The method and apparatus provide a technique for monitoring radioactive source emissions by detecting photons arising from scintillation within the environment of the area or item under monitoring, caused by the passage of emissions from the radioactive source. The technique includes options for excluding ambient light photons through suitable shielding and/or selective in detection of photons from only certain wavelengths or wavebands. The technique enables levels/types and locations of emissions sources to be determined. The technique is applicable to environmental monitoring instruments, scanning instruments and other types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLC
    Inventor: Richard Donald Gunn
  • Patent number: 6670614
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system includes a rotating gantry (16; 216) which defines a subject receiving aperture (18; 218). A rotatable source of high energy penetrating radiation (20; 220) and a corresponding two-dimensional flat panel x-ray detector (26; 226) are disposed across the subject receiving aperture (18; 218). A plurality of nuclear detector heads (40a , 40b; 240a-240c) are movably attached to the rotating gantry (16; 216) in order to detect radiation emitted by a radiopharmaceutical injected into the subject (12; 212). Each of the nuclear detector heads (40a, 40b; 240a-240c) within the system includes a variable radiation shield (42a, 42b) disposed adjacent a radiation receiving face on the detector head. The diagnostic imaging system may be operated in a fluoroscopic/radiographic mode in which an isocentric x-ray beam strikes the center of the detector surface or in a volume imaging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Leonard F. Plut, Gerhard P. Roos, Andrew J. Ivan, Jr., Frank C. Valentino
  • Patent number: 6668277
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved multi-channel analyzer designed to conveniently gather, process, and distribute spectrographic pulse data. The multi-channel analyzer may operate on a computer system having memory, a processor, and the capability to connect to a network and to receive digitized spectrographic pulses. The multi-channel analyzer may have a software module integrated with a general-purpose operating system that may receive digitized spectrographic pulses for at least 10,000 pulses per second. The multi-channel analyzer may further have a user-level software module that may receive user-specified controls dictating the operation of the multi-channel analyzer, making the multi-channel analyzer customizable by the end-user. The user-level software may further categorize and conveniently distribute spectrographic pulse data employing non-proprietary, standard communication protocols and formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Russ E. Gritzo
  • Publication number: 20030209671
    Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Dwight Medley, Frederick L. Glesius
  • Patent number: 6624425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assaying a waste container. The method includes the steps of forming a plurality of slices through a volume of the waste container, performing a relatively fast passive prescan to measure a level of radioactivity of each of the plurality of slices and identifying at least some slices of the plurality of slices having a relatively high level of radioactivity. In addition, the method includes the steps for performing a relatively fast active prescan of the drum to determine the average attenuation of the plurality of slices. The method further includes the steps of determining an passive assay time for the identified slices based upon the measured radioactivity and average attenuation and performing relatively slow passive and active CT scans of the identified slices based upon the determined passive and active CT assay time to quantify a source of the measured radioactivity by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Nisius, George P. Roberson, David C. Camp, David Entwistle
  • Patent number: 6624421
    Abstract: A radiation light transducer is provided which comprises a substratum having a water-impermeable member which transmits radiation projected from outside, and a wavelength transducing means which transduces the radiation transmitted through the substratum to light, wherein the substratum has a cavity to seal the edge face of the transducing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Takeda
  • Publication number: 20030168602
    Abstract: A portable dosimetry system measures individual seed strengths of fully loaded multi-seed holders. The system includes a 5 mm diameter scintillating fiber disposed in a groove on a rigid bed. A photomultiplier tube (PMT) is supported on the rigid bed and is coupled to an end surface of the scintillating fiber. Attachments are provided for positioning multi-seed holders adjacent the peripheral surface of the scintillating fiber, and movable shield plates are provided for inhibiting stray radiation (produced by neighboring seeds) from reaching the scintillating fiber. The system is useful for calibrating 100% of the seeds in a holder in less time than it currently takes to calibrate 10% of the seeds in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Louis R. Testardi
  • Patent number: 6590214
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated positioning of a collimator exchange assembly with a gamma camera system is described. A collimator exchange assembly is coupled to a base. During operation of the gamma camera system, the exchange assembly is positioned to the side of the gamma camera system. Prior to transferring collimators between the exchange assembly and the detector heads of the gamma camera system, the exchange assembly rotates into close proximity with the gamma camera system to allow the transfer of collimators between the exchange assembly and the gamma camera system. Once the collimators have been transferred, the exchange assembly then rotates back to the side of the gamma camera system such that the exchange assembly does not interfere with the gamma camera system during the gamma camera study.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Moataz Karmalawy
  • Patent number: 6552347
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method, a sensor and a radiographic imaging system in real time for discriminating the low energy ionizing radiation, corresponding at least partially to dispersion radiation, thereby eliminating their contribution in the sensed image, so as to increase the contrast, for relatively reduced amounts of incident radiation. In the figure is presented a radiographic system more particularly designed for radiotherapy, basically consisting of an accelerator (1) emitting a collimated beam (3) of photons and in particular of X-rays towards a patient lying down (2). The patient is positioned so as to enable the best possible localization not only of the collimated gamma or X-ray beam impact but its depth as well and the localization of the portion where the major part of the dose is to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bio-Scan S.A.
    Inventor: Zlatimir Dimcovski
  • Publication number: 20020181647
    Abstract: A scintillator pack comprises an array of scintillator pixels and an x-ray absorbing layer disposed in inter-scintillator regions between the scintillator pixels. The x-ray absorbing layer acts to absorb x-rays and protect underlying regions of the inter-scintillator regions. The x-ray absorbing layer may be formed by a number of methods including casting and melt infiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Venkat Subramaniam Venkataramani, Steven Jude Duclos
  • Publication number: 20020131547
    Abstract: To provide simpler, more efficient methods for making scintillator arrays, one embodiment of the present invention is a method for making a scintillator array. The method includes extruding a mixture of a scintillator powder and a binder into rods; laminating the extruded rods with a sinterable reflector material; and sintering the laminated rods and reflector material into a scintillator block. Scintillator array embodiments of the present invention are useful in many types of pixelated radiation detectors, such as those used in computed tomography systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Riedner, David M. Hoffman, Richard J. Ruzga, Eti Ganin
  • Patent number: 6444987
    Abstract: A gamma camera is made with two rings, each ring bearing a detector. A flap of a support of the detector can be unfolded or folded against a front face of the machine. In the folded position, the machine can be used to carry out tomography scans or standard whole-body examinations. In the unfolded position, the flap enables the performance of whole-body examinations on a bed-ridden patient who remains in his hospital bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sopha Medical Vision International
    Inventors: Jean Treillet, Christian Pare
  • Patent number: 6429430
    Abstract: A scintillator having a columnar structure adapted to convert incident radiation into visible light is formed on one surface of a substrate made of Al in a scintillator panel. All surfaces of the substrate and scintillator are covered with a first polyparaxylylene film, whereas an SiO2 film is formed on the surface of polyparaxylylene film on the scintillator side. Further, a second polyparaxylylene film is formed on the surface of SiO2 film and the surface of polyparaxylylene film on the substrate side, so that all surfaces are covered with the second polyparaxylylene film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroto Sato, Takuya Homme, Toshio Takabayashi
  • Patent number: 6429431
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus includes a carrier body, a plurality of rigid substrates each bearing at least one solid-state gamma ray sensor, the substrates being attached to the carrier body, and a computer operatively connected to the sensors for receiving signals therefrom and deriving information about location and size of a source of radioactivity in the patient. The carrier body enables disposition of different gamma ray sensors on different sides of the patient so that the sensors at least partially surround the patient. In an associated medical diagnostic method, a chemical composition containing a radioactive isotope is administered to a patient. A plurality of solid-state sensors sensitive to gamma rays generated by radioactive decay of the isotope are subsequently disposed about the patient, and signals from the sensors are conducted to a computer, which is then operated to derive information about location and size of a source of radioactivity in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 6429433
    Abstract: A continuous rotation sampling scheme for use with a nuclear medicine gamma camera facilitates collection of transmission and emission data leading to a reduced overall scan time. The gantry (16) contains a plurality of radiation detector heads (20a-20c) with planar faces and at least one adjustably mounted radiation source (30a). During transmission data collection, the gantry (16) continuously rotates about a subject receiving aperture (18) while the radiation source (30a) continuously rasters back and forth across the field of view. The detected transmission radiation (32a) is reconstructed into an attenuation volumetric image representation by a transmission reconstruction processor (64t). The transmission reconstruction processor (64t) performs a fan beam reconstruction algorithm in each of a multiplicity of planes perpendicular to an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Chi-Hua Tung
  • Patent number: 6420711
    Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object, the system comprising an x-ray source emitting x-rays, a detection system comprised of a hodoscope comprising a plurality of position sensitive and substantially parallel detector planes, a multi-channel readout system coupled to the hodoscope, a processor coupled to the multi-channel readout system, and a monitor coupled to said processor and displaying an image of said object. The object is located between said x-ray source and the hodoscope. A portion of said x-rays passing through said object passes into said hodoscope and is scattered within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Tümay O. Tümer
  • Publication number: 20020090050
    Abstract: A combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) detector mounted on a single support on the same gantry of a combined PET and CT scanner. The common detector includes an array of scintillator crystals or pixels with each pixel mated to a photodetector. The photodetector is connected to discrete event circuitry, which provides discrete event information to the combined PET and CT scanner. Also, the photodetector is connected to integrating circuitry, which provides integrated count rate information to the CT scanner when the discrete event information is not adequate. By using a common detector, the registration of the PET image with the CT image is improved, less components are mounted on the gantry, the overall size of the gantry is reduced, resulting in a shorter tunnel and less rotating mass, and CT performance is enhanced by providing means for selecting the energy level of the x-rays to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Nutt, Ronald Nutt
  • Publication number: 20020085665
    Abstract: An enhanced photosensor module is used in a computed tomography system having a DAS system for receiving data. The module includes a substrate having a photodiode array thereon optically coupled to a scintillator array, an FET chip electrically connected to the photodetector system via a flex connector and mounted on the substrate. The module also includes a flex circuit connected to the FET chip and the DAS system. The flex circuit is mounted on the substrate and positioned 90 degrees to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Bing Shen
  • Patent number: 6410919
    Abstract: A positron gun is mounted to a PET scanner to illuminate a patient with positrons during a calibration emission scan. A calibration sinogram is produced and used to reconstruct an image which locates boundaries between structures of different attenuation values. An attenuation image is produced and forward projected to provide an attenuation sinogram used to correct emission images acquired by the PET scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert J. Nickles