Dose Or Dose Rate Measurement Patents (Class 250/370.07)
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Publication number: 20100006764Abstract: A dynamic radiation monitor having a detector coupled to a computer to determine at any given location, the amount of time a person has before a pre-selected maximum permissible radiation exposure is received. The device dynamically calculates and outputs the user's permissible stay time for a given area based on a personalized maximum permissible dose, and adjusts in real time the output based on elapsed time and changing exposure rate. The device also provides the user audio and visual feedback such as varying background colors for different stay time ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: Jerrold T. Bushberg
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Publication number: 20090321650Abstract: A radiation detection blanket for use in surveying a broad or irregular area of interest for radiation emissions. Small radiation detectors are affixed to the fabric and distributed relative to its surface area. The detector materials may be of the OSL, TLD, or ERD variety, or may be a combination of OSL, TLD and ERD. Detector materials having varying thicknesses of high Z coatings may be clustered together in the blanket fabric to yield a gamma radiation spectrum. Use of a converter material on the detector material allows the blanket to detect neutron radiation. The blanket includes specialized transmission means for allowing the detector materials to be read individually, by passing the reader along a surface or along an edge of the blanket. A composite radiation measurement is obtained upon reading the individual detectors, allowing determination of the radiation distribution within the object being surveyed by the blanket.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Steven P. Kadner, Markku J. Koskelo, Robert Craig Yoder
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Patent number: 7615753Abstract: A device for measuring exposure to radiations including at least a component for detecting photons including at least a component for detecting photons or particles associated with at least one circuit for acquiring and counting detection events. The response curve of the number of counted events versus the number of photons or particles sensed by each detection component is a monotonous increasing curve.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Patrick Audebert, Jean-Pierre Rostaing
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Patent number: 7608831Abstract: A radioactivity dose calibrator system measures the quantity of radioactive material contained in a sample-vial or syringe without removing the vial or syringe from its primary radiation shield. The system comprises a first radiation detector, a second radiation detector, a transportable, shielded radioactive material sample-holder, a signal-processing circuit and a video display.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventors: James F Lamb, Lewis Carroll
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Publication number: 20090250618Abstract: A dosimeter comprising an ionizing radiation detector array is used to generally encompass a three dimensional geometric shape such as that employed as a phantom in radiation dosimetry measurements. The ionizing radiation detector array may include passive or active detectors. The active detectors in the array may comprise diodes, ionization chambers, luminescent sensors or amorphous silicon. The three dimensional geometric shape may comprise a shape defined by a closed directrix, wherein each of a plurality of detectors within the ionizing detector array is within an envelope defined by a generatrix of the directrix. The closed directrix may be an open or closed cylinder, or a structure having a cross section described by a polygon. The plurality of detectors may only be positioned on or at least proximate the envelope.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Sun Nuclear Corp.Inventor: William E. Simon
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Publication number: 20090250602Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Robert D. Black, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Steven R. Widener, Phillip M. Lehman
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Publication number: 20090252292Abstract: A method of determining a patient dose during or prior to therapy from an external radiation beam includes determining a dose distribution from a patient plan as delivered in a QA phantom at each appropriate beam angle and comparing the dose distribution determined from measurements or calculations to a corresponding treatment planning system (TPS) dose modeled distribution in the QA phantom and providing a correction distribution when applied to the TPS dose modeled distribution results in the dose distribution determined. The correction distribution may optionally be interpolated to non-measured points for each beam angle and geometrically projected toward the source of radiation through a volume that equals a dose volume of the TPS for a patient beam for each beam angle. The correction distribution is applied to the TPS patient dose volume for each beam angle for providing a corrected dose distribution in the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: SUN NUCEAR, CORP.Inventors: William E. Simon, Benjamin E. Nelms
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Publication number: 20090236510Abstract: A radiation dosimetry apparatus and method use a scintillating optical fiber array for detecting dose levels. The scintillating optical fiber detectors generate optical energy in response to a predetermined type of radiation, and are coupled to collection optical fibers that transmit the optical energy to a photo-detector for conversion to an electrical signal. The detectors may be embedded in one or more modular, water-equivalent phantom slabs. A repeatable connector couples the collection fibers to the photo-detector, maintaining the fiber ends in a predetermined spatial relationship. The detector fibers may be distributed as desired in a three-dimensional detection space, and may be oriented with their longitudinal axes at different orientations relative to a transmission axis of an incident radiation beam. A calibration method uses two measurements in two spectral windows, one with irradiation of the scintillator at a known dose and one with only irradiation of the collection fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVALInventors: Frederic Lacroix, Luc Beaulieu, Sam Beddar, Mathieu Guillot, Luc Gingras, Louis Archambault
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Patent number: 7582875Abstract: A monolithic active pixel dosimeter, provided with at least a sensing cell, having at least a junction sensing element. The junction sensing element includes a sensing region, having a first type of conductivity, and a charge collecting region, contiguous to the sensing region and having a second type of conductivity. The sensing cell further includes an ohmic region at least partially overlapping and extending laterally outside the charge collecting region, and an annular insulating region, abutting the ohmic region, so as to form an insulating junction surrounding both the ohmic region and the charge collection region.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignees: Universitaet Karlsruhe., Akademia Gomiczo-Hutnicza, Université Louis Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Electron Technology, Fondazione per Adroterapia Oncologica - Tera, Universite' de Geneve, Instytut Fizyki Jadrowej Im H NiewodniczanskiegoInventors: Massimo Caccia, Leopoldo Conte, Mario Alemi, Chiara Cappellini, Antonello Luigi Airoldi, Carla Bianchi, Raffaele Novario, Wim De Boer, Eugene Grigoriev, Halina Niemiec, Wojciech Kucewicz, Francesco Cannillo, Gilles Clauss, Claude Colledani, Grzegorz Deptuch, Wojciech Dulinski, Piotr Grabiec, Jacek Marczewski, Krzysztof Domanski, Bohdan Jaroszewicz, Krzysztof Kucharski, Laura Badano, Omella Ferrando, Georg Popowski, Agnieszka Zalewska, Adam Czermak
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Publication number: 20090212226Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Publication number: 20090200476Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosimetry device for verification of quality of a radiation beam in standard and conformal radiation therapy, and for IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) applications. The device includes an active area comprising individual radiation detectors. The active area comprises a limited number of lines of radiation detectors, and a number of extra radiation detectors dedicated to the energy measurement of electrons or photons. It also comprises a build-up plate with energy degraders. The energy degraders are located upstream from the extra radiation detectors in the path of the radiation beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Caterina Brusasco, Flavio Marchetto
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Publication number: 20090189082Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an implantable apparatus comprising a solid state electronic circuit and a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect an exposure of the solid state electronic circuit to ionizing radiation, and generate an indication of a non-single-event-upset (non-SEU) effect to the solid state electronic circuit from the exposure to ionizing radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, William J. Linder, Scott R. Stubbs, Keith R. Maile
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Patent number: 7557353Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning disposable single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power chords or lead wires.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Black, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Steven R. Widener, Phillip M. Lehman
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Patent number: 7554090Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dose-guided radiotherapy for a patient (P) having an identified radiotherapy target utilizes a radiation detecting array (R) of radiation-sensitive dosimeters for the real-time remote measurement of radiotherapy at the radiation detecting array (R). The radiation detecting array is positioned within the patient's (P) body along the treatment path before or after the identified radiotherapy target or the device may be positioned beyond the patient (P) to measure transit dose. A radiation source (A) for emitting radiation for radiotherapy along a treatment path through the patient (P) to the identified radiotherapy target is utilized. The method includes generating a predicted dose pattern of radiation at the placed radiation detecting array (R). The predicted dose pattern assumes an on-target radiation source (A) emitting the radiotherapy beam along the treatment path through the patient (P) to the identified radiotherapy target.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, The United States of America as represent by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: C. Norman Coleman, Robert Miller, Rosemary Altemus, Holly Ning, Alan Lee Huston, Brian L. Justus, Paul Falkenstein
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Publication number: 20090146068Abstract: A personal X-ray dosimeter system, comprising a portable detector (100) and a reader device (114). The portable detector (100) comprises an array (104) of programmed non-volatile memory elements (102) and a scintillator element (106) for converting a portion of X-radiation incident thereon to UV radiation. As a result of exposure to X-radiation (112) not converted to UV radiation, some of the memory elements (102) will have the charge on their floating gates, thereby causing a corresponding shift in threshold voltage (VT). After some exposure time, the reader device (114) reads from the detector (100) data representative of the number of VT shifted memory elements (102), and determines therefrom using predetermined calibration curves, the radiation dose (122) to which the user has been exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventor: Prabhat Agarwal
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Publication number: 20090140154Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration dosimeter (2) and a method for determining the daily vibrational loading of persons who are exposed to mechanical oscillations at their place of work due to the operation of a work means and in particular of a manually operated electronic tool (4, 6). What is provided is that the dosimeter (2) comprises a determination device (12, 18) for determining the effective daily operating duration of the work means (4, 6), a computer device (22) for calculating a daily work time until a specified trigger value or exposition limit value of the vibrational loading is reached from a work-means-typical vibration value and the trigger value or exposition limit value, and a comparison device (24) for comparing the determined effective daily operating duration of the work means with the calculated daily work time until the specified trigger value is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Markus Roth, Andreas Strasser
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Patent number: 7538329Abstract: The presently claimed and disclosed inventions relate, in general, to methods of radiation dosimetry and imaging using scintillation luminescence. More particularly, materials having a scintillation luminescence response to radiation that varies with total radiation dose received can be used for dosimetry monitoring, including, but not limited to nanoparticles for in vivo, real-time dosimetry. Energy-transfer nanocomposite materials as well as methods of making and using such materials in various applications including, but not limited to, in vivo radiation dosimetry and imaging, are disclosed. More particularly, the presently claimed and disclosed inventions relate to nanoparticle scintillation luminescence particles encapsulated in hosts of the general formula BaFX and BaFX:Eu2+ where X=Cl, Br and I.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.Inventors: Wei Chen, Shaopeng Wang, Sarah Westcott, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20090127468Abstract: A method of spectrometric photon dosimetry for integrally and nuclide-specifically determining a gamma dose rate for X-ray and gamma radiation. The method includes measuring a spectrum in at least one energy group or at least one interval group. The pulse height distribution is with a spectrometer and a pulse height analyzer. The number of channels of the spectrometer is such that a map of the pulse height distribution at a requisite resolution over an energy can be made. The measured pulse height distribution is converted into a photon spectrum using a deconvolution procedure that uses response functions having the same energy resolution as the pulse height distribution. The dose spectrum is calculated using dose conversion factors that are energy-dependent and related to the mean energy of a respective corresponding energy interval. The integral dose or dose rate is determined by summing the dose spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Georg Fehrenbacher
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Publication number: 20090127469Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning disposable single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power chords or lead wires.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Steven R. Widener, John Carroll
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Publication number: 20090121144Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Sicel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
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Patent number: 7504636Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus for use in noisy environments in which radiation detection and external noise generate interaction event pulses. A first interaction pulse initiates a following time interval during which the effect of received interaction event pulses is minimized. For example, the interaction event pulses produced by noise are not counted if they occur during the time interval.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: XRF CorporationInventor: Larry K. Baxter
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METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MEASURING THE DOSE, DOSE RATE OR COMPOSITION OF RADIATION
Publication number: 20090057562Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the dose, the dose rate and/or the composition of radiation is disclosed. In the method, a detector means is exposed to a radiation environment, the detector means comprising an array of radiation sensing detector elements. The detector means is switched in a sensitive state for the duration of a sensitive time period, and during said sensitive time period, an interaction pattern generated by individual radiation quanta interacting with one or more of the detector elements is recorded. The duration of the sensitive time period can be precisely adapted to the intensity of the radiation that has to be recorded. The interaction pattern is analyzed to distinguish individual radiation quanta received during the sensitive time period, and a radiation category is assigned to each of the distinguished radiation quanta based on its corresponding interaction pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicants: CERN-European Organization for Nuclear Research, Czech Technical University of PragueInventors: Erik Henricus M. HEIJNE, Stanislav Pospisil -
Publication number: 20090050814Abstract: A radiation sensor and a method for making the radiation sensor are described. An ionizing radiation sensitive area is formed in a radiation insensitive or hardened die. When the sensitive area is impacted by ionizing radiation, properties of the sensitive area change. For example, the changed property may be charge density, threshold voltage, leakage current, and/or resistance. Circuitry for measuring these property changes is located in a radiation hardened area of the die. As a result, a radiation sensor may be fabricated on a single die.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: James D. Seefeldt, Jeffrey J. Kriz
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Patent number: 7495224Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning disposable single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power chords or lead wires.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Widener, John Carroll
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Patent number: 7491942Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
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Patent number: 7465937Abstract: A dosimeter for detecting high-energy neutron radiation having a neutron converter and a detection element is proposed which is characterized by the neutron converter comprising metal atoms which convert the energy of the neutrons into protons, alpha particles and other charged nuclei in a suitable energy range so that they are detectable.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung mbHInventor: Georg Fehrenbacher
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Patent number: 7456405Abstract: A radiation measuring instrument implements an energy ratio technique that utilizes a ratio between a measured radiation count rate and a detected radiation dose rate to determine if an alarm should be signalled to an operator of the device of this invention. The radiation measuring instrument uses an “inorganic” scintillation or radiation detection material, such as a Thallium doped sodium iodide (NaI(TI)) material, which operates in relatively compact or small sizes to detect radiation. The radiation measuring instrument also uses a ratio of two measured parameters to detect gamma radiation from artificial (hidden) radioactive material where the parameters include (i.) a total number of counted or detected gamma particles and (ii.) a measured, detected, or otherwise derived gamma dose rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Inventors: Michael Iwatschenko-Borho, Norbert Trost, Ralf Pijahn
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Publication number: 20080272305Abstract: In a radiation detector, a response is approximated as a primary delay system, and when a time constant T indicating the characteristic of the response is known, a final response value N0 is forecasted from dose rates or counting rates N1 and N2 of two points in the initial or middle stage of response. When the time constant T is unknown, the final response value N0 is forecasted from dose rates or counting rates N1, N2, and N3 of three points in the initial or middle stage of response. Simultaneously, a time constant is obtained and the soundness of the radiation detector is also evaluated. Thereby, a dose rate in an existence field of radiation or a counting rate in an existence field of radioactive materials is quickly and accurately forecasted, whereby the measurement time is shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicants: National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Amano & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Shirakawa, Hiro Amano
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Publication number: 20080128629Abstract: A method, device and system for monitoring ionizing radiation. The method including: collecting an ionizing radiation induced charge collected by the depletion region of a diode formed in a silicon layer below an oxide layer buried below a surface of a silicon substrate; and coupling a cathode of the diode to a precharged node of a clocked logic circuit such that the ionizing radiation induced charge collected by a depletion region of the diode will discharge the precharged node and change an output state of the clocked logic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Wagdi William Abadeer, Ethan Harrison Cannon, Dennis Thomas Cox, William Robert Tonti
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Publication number: 20080121807Abstract: A radiation detector of the ?E-E type is proposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Giuseppina Valvo, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Stefano Agosteo, Alberto Fazzi
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Patent number: 7378954Abstract: A safety indicator monitors environment conditions detrimental to humans e.g., hazardous gases, air pollutants, low oxygen, radiation levels of EMF or RF and microwave, temperature, humidity and air pressure retaining a three month history to upload to a PC via infra red data interface or phone link. Contaminants are analyzed and compared to stored profiles to determine its classification and notify user of an adversity by stored voice messages from, via alarm tones and associated flashing LED, via vibrator for silent operation or via LCD. Environmental radiation sources are monitored and auto-scaled. Instantaneous radiation exposure level and exposure duration data are stored for later readout as a detector and dosimeter. Scans for EMF allow detection with auto scaling of radiation levels and exposure durations are stored for subsequent readout. Electronic bugs can be found with a high sensitivity EMF range setting.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Barry Myron Wendt
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Patent number: 7375339Abstract: A method, device and system for monitoring ionizing radiation. The method including: collecting an ionizing radiation induced charge collected by the depletion region of a diode formed in a silicon layer below an oxide layer buried below a surface of a silicon substrate; and coupling a cathode of the diode to a precharged node of a clocked logic circuit such that the ionizing radiation induced charge collected by a depletion region of the diode will discharge the precharged node and change an output state of the clocked logic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wagdi William Abadeer, Ethan Harrison Cannon, Dennis Thomas Cox, William Robert Tonti
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Patent number: 7372942Abstract: A dosimeter is provided on or adjacent to a circuit board deployed in a radiation environment. The dosimeter may be read or output a value or values indicating radiation dosage over a period of time. The radiation dosage associated with the circuit board may be used for determining disposition of the circuit board, such as whether to reuse the circuit board as a spare part or otherwise dispose of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Douglas William Raymond, Carlos E. Medina
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Publication number: 20080061245Abstract: A dosimetry device for charged particle radiation that can be exclusive of cables and connectors between substrates is provided. A plurality of first electrodes are formed on one surface of a printed circuit board, a second electrode substrate having a second electrode opposing each of the plurality of first electrodes through an ionized space is provided, and a signal processing circuit is provided on the other surface opposing the surface of the printed circuit board. The signal processing circuit includes at least one amplifying circuit, a plurality of integrating capacitors corresponding to the amplifying circuit for integrating charge at each corresponding one of the first electrodes, and at least one selector switch that switchably connects each of the integrating capacitors to the amplifying circuit. The printed circuit board may be a multi-layer printed circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Yuichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7342231Abstract: Pulse shape analysis determines if two radiations are in coincidence. A transducer is provided that, when it absorbs the first radiation produces an output pulse that is characterized by a shorter time constant and whose area is nominally proportional to the energy of the absorbed first radiation and, when it absorbs the second radiation produces an output pulse that is characterized by a longer time constant and whose area is nominally proportional to the energy of the absorbed second radiation. When radiation is absorbed, the output pulse is detected and two integrals are formed, the first over a time period representative of the first time constant and the second over a time period representative of the second time constant. The values of the two integrals are examined to determine whether the first radiation, the second radiation, or both were absorbed in the transducer, the latter condition defining a coincident event.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventors: William K. Warburton, Hui Tan, Wolfgang Hennig
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Publication number: 20080001094Abstract: An array-based C-MOS sensor device is provided with a facility for on the basis of non-destructive cell readout generating a radiation dose-sensing signal. In particular, the facility is arranged for accessing a subset of multiple distributed C-MOS cells across the array and feeding by such accessed cells an algorithmic means for therein generating an overall feedback dose control signalization and/or an overall trigger signalization.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Alouisius Wilhelmus Marinus Korthout, Willem Johan De Haan, Adrianus Johannes Mierop
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Patent number: 7265358Abstract: A device intended to reduce the risks of overexposure to harmful solar radiation. The device includes a detection arrangement, including at least one sensor sensitive to solar radiation, in particular UV. In addition, an arrangement is linked to the detection arrangement to generate a signal representing the quantity of radiation received by the detection means. An attachment arrangement is provided to attach the device to the head of a subject, such that the sensor(s) is (are) oriented in a substantially perpendicular manner to the vertical plane of the subject when the latter is active in the sun. The device is preferably configured in the form of a cap, with the detection arrangement arranged on a first visor intended to be positioned over the back of the individual's neck. The cap also preferably includes a second visor located opposite the first.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Michel Fontaine
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Patent number: 7254214Abstract: An X-ray imaging device is equipped with a solid state detector, for recording image information by being irradiated with X-rays that bear image information and for outputting image signals that represent the recorded image information, and an X-ray dosage detector for detecting the dosage of irradiated X-rays. The X-ray dosage detector is provided between an X-ray source and the solid state detector, thereby enabling accurate measurement of the X-ray dosage, without being influenced by the solid state detector. In addition, the X-ray dosage detector is equipped with a photoconductive layer. Therefore, the X-ray dosage detector can be made thinner than conventional X-ray dosage detectors, which are constituted by a fluorescent plate, a light collecting field, a light transmitting plate, and a light shielding plate. Accordingly, decreases in resolution of images detected by the solid state detector can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Takashi Shoji
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Patent number: 7238949Abstract: The invention relates to a conductor crossover for a semiconductor detector, particularly for a drift detector for conducting X-ray spectroscopy. The conductor crossover comprises at least two doped semiconductor electrodes (2), which are placed inside a semiconductor substrate (1), at least one connecting conductor (M), which is guided over the semiconductor electrodes (2), and a first insulating layer (Ox). An intermediate electrode (L) is situated between the connecting conductor (M) and the first insulation layer (Ox). Said intermediate electrode overlaps the area of the semiconductor substrate (1) between the semiconductor electrodes (2) and is electrically insulated from the connecting conductor (M) by at least one additional insulation layer (I). The invention also relates to a drift detector equipped with a conductor crossover of this type and to a detector arrangement for conducting X-ray spectroscopy.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften E.V.Inventors: Lothar Struder, Gerhard Lutz, Rainer Richter
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Patent number: 7231018Abstract: According to a radiation imaging apparatus, any separate AEC sensor need not be prepared. Additionally, the apparatus main body can be made compact. To accomplish this, the radiation imaging apparatus has a first optical conversion element that converts incident radiation into an electrical signal, and generates image information on the basis of the electrical signal output from the first optical conversion element. Below a portion that is aligned to the gap between the first optical conversion elements, a plurality of second optical conversion elements which detect the incident amount of the radiation from the gap are formed. Exposure control for the radiation or control of the optical conversion elements is executed on the basis of the detection result by the second optical conversion element.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiko Morii, Masakazu Morishita, Osamu Tsujii, Minoru Watanabe, Takamasa Ishii
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Patent number: 7227152Abstract: A device to measure a radiation dose, in particular an x-ray radiation dose, which absorbs radiation and provides an absorption-conditional output signal representing a measurement for the dose, has at least one absorption structure disposed on a foil-like carrier, made from thin-film layers disposed on top of one another that form at least one thin-film diode structure that supplies the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christoph Brabec, Martin Hoheisel
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Patent number: 7223979Abstract: An improved radiation dosimeter device in an improved radiation dosimeter system provides a DC analog output voltage that is proportional to the total ionizing dose accumulated as a function of time at the location of the dosimeter in a host spacecraft, so as to operate in a system bus voltage range common to spacecraft systems with the output being compatible with conventional spacecraft analog inputs, while the total dose is measured precisely by continually monitoring the energy deposited in a silicon test mass accumulating charge including charge contribution prior to radiation threshold detection for improved measurement of the total accumulated charge with the dosimeters being daisy-chained and distributed about the spacecraft for providing a spacecraft dose profile about the spacecraft using the improved radiation dosimeter system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: William R. Crain, Jr., Dan J. Mabry, John Bernard Blake, Norman Katz
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Patent number: 7217930Abstract: A dose detector includes a semiconductor radiation detector; a dose counter; and a check counter. The dose detector detects that the semiconductor radiation detector is outputting white noise even in a radiation shielded area and judges that the semiconductor radiation detector is working in a normal manner when dose count data from the dose counter is smaller than predetermined dose boundary data and check count data from the check counter is greater than predetermined lower limit checking data. The dose detector and a dosimeter provided with the dose detector are simple in structure and capable of checking a status of the semiconductor radiation detector safely.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Fuji Electric Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironobu Kobayashi, Kei Aoyama
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Patent number: 7208743Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument which uses an individual semi-conductive detector with special coverings as an essential sensor, and a method whereby the amplitude information of the signals from said semi-conductive detector are used to determine a person's dose in mixed neutron/photon-fields. Said instrument is highly sensitive and has a low energy dependency. It is possible for the dose to be read directly, and to emit a warning if the dose limit is exceeded. The inventive method enables a compact person's dose meter, which is immune to interference, to be produced with low power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit, dieses wiederum vertreten durch den Präsidenten der Physikalisch-Technischen BundesanstaltInventors: Marlies Luszik-Bhadra, Wilfried Wendt
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Patent number: 7203278Abstract: A radiation exposure recording device and radiography method are disclosed, where the radiation exposure recording device includes a radiation exposure recording medium, a housing that at least partly surrounds the radiation exposure recording medium, and a first detector that detects a radiation exposure. An output signal produced in response to the detecting of the radiation exposure can be provided, and the detection of and output of a signal in response to the radiation exposure is entirely automatic and independent of any manual processing of the radiation exposure recording device. Further, the radiography method includes providing a first radiation exposure recording medium, providing a first radiation exposure detector, and sensing an exposure of radiation at the first radiation exposure detector. Also disclosed is a circuit that can be retrofitted to existing radiography cassettes for detecting when the cassettes are exposed to radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Gary J. Wendt, Walter W. Peppler
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Patent number: 7197404Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Richard Andrew Holland
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Patent number: 7157715Abstract: An improved radiation dosimeter device in an improved radiation dosimeter system provides a DC analog output voltage that is proportional to the total ionizing dose accumulated as a function of time at the location of the dosimeter in a host spacecraft, so as to operate in a system bus voltage range common to spacecraft systems with the output being compatible with conventional spacecraft analog inputs, while the total dose is measured precisely by continually monitoring the energy deposited in a silicon test mass accumulating charge including charge contribution prior to radiation threshold detection for improved measurement of the total accumulated charge with the dosimeters being daisy-chained and distributed about the spacecraft for providing a spacecraft dose profile about the spacecraft using the improved radiation dosimeter system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: William R. Crain, Jr., Dan J. Mabry, John Bernard Blake, Norman Katz
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Patent number: 7115872Abstract: A radiation detector for dirty bomb and lost radioactive source detection applications is enclosed in a small pager-style housing made of impact resistant ABS plastic and epoxy binder composite which is relatively transparent to alpha, beta, gamma, fast neutron, and x-ray radiation, while also being optically opaque and providing a protective enclosure for the radiation detector components disposed inside the housing. The detector combines indirect radiation detection using a scintillator and photodiode and direct radiation detection by placing the photodiode and a high gain amplifier in the path of radiation. Semiconductors in these components generate an electrical signal from high energy radiation, whereby an alarm indicates the presence of the radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: John William Bordynuik
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Patent number: 7075090Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus and method allows an operator to select between moving-picture imaging and still-picture imaging modes using the same apparatus so to provide radiological imaging having a picture quality equal to that of conventional radiological film imaging techniques but with a smaller, lighter and more compact equipment configuration. The apparatus employs photoelectric converters arranged in a two-dimensional matrix array for converting radiation into electrical signals, a read-out circuit for reading the signal output from the photoelectric converters, variable gain amplifiers upstream of an analog multiplexer and a buffer amplifier downstream of the multiplexer for outputting serially converted signals. The method involves setting the moving-picture mode gain Gf so as to be greater than the still-picture mode gain Gs, in order to obtain sharper images without exposing the subject to unnecessarily high levels of radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tadao Endo
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Patent number: 7053377Abstract: A dosimetry system having a solid-state dosimeter with one or more solid-state detectors for detecting radiation and an electrometer module with a circuit adapted to receive electrical impulses from the solid-state detectors, convert the impulses into a count and provide such count to a computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Capintec, Inc.Inventor: Kevin J. Russell