With Radiant Energy Source Patents (Class 250/393)
  • Patent number: 8680477
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection of a subject body including one or more elements comprises irradiating the subject body with a neutron ray along an axis line passing through a reference point; synchronously detecting gamma rays from directions inclined at equal angles to the axis line at a plurality of measurement points disposed to have equivalent intervals radially from the axis line, respectively; measuring the detected gamma rays in a plurality of energy ranges; determining whether measured values in the respective energy ranges are beyond thresholds; determining energy ranges where all the measured values are beyond the thresholds; analyzing a type of an element from the determined energy ranges; and detecting a location of the analyzed type of the element in the subject body on the basis of the reference point, the respective measurement points, a relative position relative to a surface of the subject body, and the directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nose, Hajime Kuwabara, Tetsuya Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140077094
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Christopher T. Mullens, Ching Yu John Tam, Brian Q. Huppi
  • Publication number: 20140070110
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an atom probe measuring apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray. The apparatus further includes an optical system configured to irradiate a sample with the X-ray. The apparatus further includes a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the sample. The apparatus further includes a detector configured to detect ions evaporated from the sample by irradiating the sample with the X-ray with applying the voltage to the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Katsuyuki KITAMOTO, Haruko AKUTSU
  • Publication number: 20140061495
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor array configured to output a signal in accordance with irradiated radiation, a driving unit configured to output a signal from the sensor array by driving the sensor array, a detecting unit configured to detect irradiated radiation, a control unit configured to control the driving unit to perform first readout to read out a signal corresponding to charge accumulated in the sensor array from the sensor array and perform second readout to further read out a signal from the sensor array at least in a case where the first readout has started during irradiation of radiation, and a processing unit configured to correct the signal obtained by the first readout based on the signal obtained by the second readout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yagi, Toshio Kameshima, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara, Hideyuki Okada
  • Publication number: 20140061492
    Abstract: To provide a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging system that can detect radiation with high accuracy, the radiation imaging apparatus includes: a detection unit in which conversion elements that convert radiation into an electric signal are arranged in a matrix shape; a radiation detection unit configured to detect an irradiation state of radiation; a drive circuit configured to drive the detection unit in accordance with the irradiation state detected by the radiation detection unit; and a radiographing kind setting unit configured to set a radiographing kind, wherein the radiation detection unit changes a radiation detection capability in accordance with the radiographing kind set by the radiographing kind setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Sho Sato, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Hideyuki Okada, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20140061491
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor array in which a plurality of sensors configured to output signals corresponding to irradiated radiation, a detection unit configured to detect radiation, a driving unit configured to drive the sensor array, so as to initialize the plurality of sensors for each row repeatedly at least until the detection unit detects irradiation of radiation and to read out signals from the plurality of sensors for each row sequentially, and a processing unit configured to process signals from the sensor array, so as to correct a signal from the sensor on a row, of the plurality of sensors, which has been initialized during the irradiation of radiation, based on a timing of the initialization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Iwashita, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Eriko Sugawara, Hideyuki Okada
  • Publication number: 20140061493
    Abstract: The invention is related to an apparatus and method for charged hadron therapy verification by detecting and/or quantifying prompt gammas produced when irradiating a target (6) with a charged hadron beam. The apparatus comprises a collimator (1) provided with a slit-shaped portion (2) configured to be arranged perpendicularly to the beam line and facing the target, a detection means (3,4) suitable for detecting said prompt gammas and a calculation and representation means. In the apparatus and method of the invention, the slit is configured to allow the passage of prompt gammas emitted from a range of depths in said target (6), said depths being measured in the direction of the charged hadron beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Damien Prieels, Frédéric Stichelbaut, Julien Smeets, Alain Dubus, Jean-Claude Dehaes
  • Publication number: 20140061494
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus including: a detector that includes a detection section in which pixels having a conversion element that converts radiation to an electric charge are arranged in a matrix shape, a drive circuit configured to drive the detection section, and a read circuit configured to output an electric signal that corresponds to the electric charge as image data; a radiation detection unit configured to detect a radiation irradiation state using two detection units that are adjacently arranged in the detection section; and a control unit configured to control operations of the drive circuit and the read circuit in accordance with a detection result obtained by the radiation detection unit, wherein a detection capability by one of the detection units is set to a lower capability than a detection capability at by the other of the detection units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Sho Sato, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Hideyuki Okada, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8664618
    Abstract: A spherical rotational radiation therapy apparatus (SRRTA) with single spherical rotation center (SRC) is proposed. Referencing a combined X-Y-Z Cartesian and (r-?-?-?) polar coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LinaTech LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Yao
  • Patent number: 8653471
    Abstract: A detector array (110) of an imaging system (100) includes a radiation sensitive detector (114, 116) that detects radiation and generates a signal indicative thereof. A current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (202) converts the signal to a pulse train having a frequency indicative of the signal for an integration period. Circuitry (120) generates a first moment and at least one higher order moment based on the pulse train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N. V.
    Inventors: Roland Proksa, Christoph Herrmann, Walter Ruetten
  • Publication number: 20140042309
    Abstract: By using a scintillation surveymeter with good calibration performance evaluation for a secondary standard radiation field, and a working standard part obtaining an ambient dose equivalent rate, in cooperation with a portable irradiator, and an irradiator lifter, a laser range finder and a laser locator of a relevant radiation source, in-situ calibration is capable of being performed on fixed, or large-scale, or continuous monitoring type radiation monitors to be calibrated stationed in nuclear power plants, nuclear medical departments, and other nuclear facility operating institutions. Moreover, a time-efficient and effective in-situ calibration method is further provided, which can be performed based upon a standard calibration field that is achieved using a portable 137Cs radiation source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: CHIN-HSIEN YEH, MING-CHEN YUAN
  • Patent number: 8647273
    Abstract: Systems and methods for weight and performance management are described. More particularly, an embodiment relates to a system and method of employing a non-invasive, real-time, continuous blood glucose monitoring device to measure glucose levels in a subject. The determined levels are subsequently used to manage the subject's caloric intake and utilization multiple times during the course of a day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: RF Science & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Harra, Jacquelyn Fuzell, Timothy Daniel Casey
  • Patent number: 8647272
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasively scanning and analyzing one or more characteristics of a sample utilizing electromagnetic radiation are described. More particularly, the systems and methods utilize an electromagnetic radiation source connected to a transmitter and an analyzer connected to a receiver. A sample to be analyzed is placed between the transmitter and receiver in a variety of different manners and a frequency sweep of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the sample to create a series of spectral data sets that are used to create one or more composite spectrograms, which are then analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the sample. A magnetic field can alternatively be applied around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance some characteristic analysis applications. Samples include inert and living items, and the characteristics include a wide variety of different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: RF Science & Technology Inc
    Inventors: David James Harra, Peter F. Mastin, Mark Norman Iverson, Rick Eugene Sanner, Martin Albert Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20140034838
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20140027650
    Abstract: A radiation detector for detecting irradiated radiation that includes: a converting layer for converting radiation irradiated from a radiation source capable of irradiating radiation from two imaging directions, which are different from each other, into electric charges; and a plurality of pixel electrodes for collecting the converted charges. In the radiation detector, when at least one of the two imaging directions forms a specified angle ? with respect to the direction that is orthogonal to the detector plane of the radiation detector, the thickness d of the converting layer and the sizes p of the pixel electrodes satisfy the condition: d·tan ?<k·p (k is a constant of 1 or less).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Toshitaka AGANO, Yasuko YAHIRO, Takao KUWABARA, Yasunori OHTA
  • Publication number: 20140020603
    Abstract: The present application provides a method for analyzing a raw material for manufacturing of gypsum products, analyzing a plurality of gypsum products, and the gypsum products produced therefrom. Desirably, the analyzing of the raw material is conducted using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: William E. Barger, Carmine Perri
  • Patent number: 8633450
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining MTF and DQE of an ionizing radiation imaging system/detector is provided, comprising a box having aligned windows transparent to an ionizing radiation beam. When the box is placed in front of the detector, the beam passes through the box. The apparatus further comprises: a KERMA module for measuring incident free-air KERMA; a backscatter baffle for preventing backscatter of the beam from the detector into the KERMA module; a scatter baffle for preventing scatter of the beam into the KERMA module, and to reduce backscatter from the backscatter baffle; at least one MTF module for enabling acquisition of at least one edge image. Each module and the at least one backscatter baffle are independently moveable in and out of the beam, such that open, dark and edge images may be independently acquired, and KERMA module measurements may be performed independent of image acquisition, to determine DQE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: DQE Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20140014848
    Abstract: An inspection device for inspecting a surface of an inspection object using a beam includes a beam generator capable of generating one of either charge particles or an electromagnetic wave as a beam, a primary optical system capable of guiding and irradiating the beam to the inspection object supported within a working chamber, a secondary optical system capable of including a first movable numerical aperture and a first detector which detects secondary charge particles generated from the inspection object, the secondary charge particles passing through the first movable numerical aperture, an image processing system capable of forming an image based on the secondary charge particles detected by the first detector; and a second detector arranged between the first movable numerical aperture and the first detector and which detects a location and shape at a cross over location of the secondary charge particles generated from the inspection object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Hatakeyama, Shoji Yoshikawa, Takeshi Murakami, Kenji Watanabe, Yoshihiko Naito, Yasushi Toma, Tsutomu Karimata, Takehide Hayashi, Kiwamu Tsukamoto, Tatsuya Kohama, Noboru Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140014845
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus including a detector comprising a detecting unit and a reading circuit, the detecting unit including pixels, each of which including a conversion element, the reading circuit which includes a connecting unit that is electrically connected to a signal wire transferring an electric signal and that electrically connects the signal wire to a node, and which performs a reading operation to output the electric signal from the pixel. A control unit controls an operation of the reading circuit, and a sensing unit senses the end of radiation irradiation based on an output of the reading circuit, which is acquired during the period of an accumulation operation of the detector. The control unit starts establishing the electrical connection between the signal wire and the node through the connecting unit based on the sensed irradiation end, and retains the electrical connection until the start of the reading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Sato, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Atsushi Iwashita
  • Publication number: 20140014841
    Abstract: A system for measuring the absorption spectrum of a sample is provided that includes a broadband light source that produces broadband light defined within a range of an absorptance spectrum. An interferometer modulates the intensity of the broadband light source for a range of modulation frequencies. A bi-layer cantilever probe arm is thermally connected to a sample arm having at most two layers of materials. The broadband light modulated by the interferometer is directed towards the sample and absorbed by the sample and converted into heat, which causes a temperature rise and bending of the bi-layer cantilever probe arm. A detector mechanism measures and records the deflection of the probe arm so as to obtain the absorptance spectrum of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Hsu, Jonathan Kien-Kwok Tong, Bolin Liao, Brian Burg, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 8629408
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for creating detector elements that are configured to be overlaid, such that at least a portion of gap between two detector elements is situated in a plane that is not parallel to a plane through which primary radiation travels. That is, a first detector element comprises a portion that is configured to overlap a portion of a second detector element. The detector element(s) may be direct conversion or indirect conversion detector elements. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be placed within the gap and/or along an edge of the detector element to assist in the movement of charge generated by a charge producing portion of the detector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Sorin Marcovici, Olivier Tousignant
  • Publication number: 20140008544
    Abstract: A radiation image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array having pixels each including a conversion element and a switch element, a drive circuit for controlling the switch element between a conducting state and a non-conducting state, a detection unit for outputting a detection signal varying with the intensity of irradiation of the pixel array, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a start threshold value used to detect start of irradiation based on the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is not emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit and the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara, Hideyuki Okada
  • Publication number: 20130320222
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for a detector array having an effective size that is larger than its actual size of its elements, thus reducing costs by reducing materials required. In one embodiment, one or more channels of the detector array are removed (e.g., and filled with a radiation absorbing material) to create what may be referred to as a sparse array. In another embodiment, one or more channels of a detector array comprise a detection portion and a dead space (e.g., filled with a radiation absorbing material). In yet another embodiment, one or more channels of a detector array comprise light focusing mechanisms configured to focus light from a scintillator portion of an indirect conversion detector array to a photodetector portion of the detector array, where a detection surface area of the photodetector is less than a detection surface area of the scintillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Abenaim, Steve Urchuk, Ram Naidu, Ruvin Deych
  • Publication number: 20130313437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positron tomography imaging apparatus for a multiphase flow in an oil pipeline, which apparatus utilizes positron and electron annihilation generating a pair of coincidence gamma-rays of 511 keV energy as tomography imaging means and provides an on-line tomography imaging function for metering a multiphase flow in an oil pipeline of an oil field. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sets of parallel high-precision gamma-ray detector arrays with a particular space structure arrangement, a positron radioactive source and a shield, and can acquire a phase fraction of such multiphase flow mixture as oil, gas and water under a condition of a single radioactive source by combining an image processing function. The design of a plurality of sets of high-precision detector arrays also greatly improves accuracy of a multiphase flow metering and its applicability in multiphase flows of different flow patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: LANZHOU HAIMO TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Di Li, Jige Chen
  • Publication number: 20130310756
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring the dose remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources which are disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the container. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light sources. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Whalley, James White
  • Patent number: 8575562
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, and an inspection system incorporating the apparatus, prevent exposure to radiation during inspection of tubes (e.g., boiler tubes). The embodiments can comprise a housing and a pair of translating baffles that engage the outside of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing moves relative to the translating baffles during rotation of the housing to change the orientation of the housing relative to the boiler tubes. The housing and the translating baffles maintain engagement to prevent radiation from leaking out of the housing and into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael Wuestenbecker
  • Publication number: 20130284940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device (6) for detecting photons emitted by a radiation source (2). A signal generation unit (20) generates a detection signal indicative of the energy of a detected photon while photons strike the detection device (6), and a baseline signal, which is affected by photons that previously struck the detection device (6), while photons are prevented from striking the detection device (6). A baseline shift determination unit (40) determines a baseline shift of the detection signal depending on the baseline signal. An energy determination unit (30) determines the energy of a detected photon depending on the detection signal and the determined baseline shift. Since the baseline shift of the detection signal is determined from a baseline signal that is generated while photons are prevented from striking the detection device (6), the baseline shift can be determined with higher accuracy, resulting in an improved energy determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Roger Steadman Booker, Oliver Muelhens
  • Publication number: 20130284939
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media for imaging are presented. Preliminary image data corresponding to a first FOV of a subject at a first resolution is acquired using an imaging system including one or more radiation sources and at least one hybrid detector, specifically using at least one section of the hybrid detector having the first resolution. The target ROI is identified using the preliminary image data. Further, the subject is positioned to align the target ROI along a designated axis. Additionally, parameters associated with the sources, the hybrid detector and/or an imaging system gantry are configured for acquiring target image data at a second resolution greater than the first resolution using at least one section of the hybrid detector having the second resolution. Further, one or more images corresponding to at least the target ROI are reconstructed using the target and/or the preliminary image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruno Kristiaan Bernard DeMan, James Vradenburg Miller, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • Patent number: 8569705
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for system identification operate by computing phase and amplitude using linear filters. By digitally processing the linearly filtered signals or data, the phase and amplitude based on measurements of the input and output of a system, are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: TauTheta Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, J. D. Sheldon Danielson
  • Publication number: 20130277568
    Abstract: There are proposed methods for research of internal structure and/or contents of an object, obtaining an image therefor, and/or the internal structure and/or contents, and devices for executing thereof. They allow for analyzing object properties and qualities and for remotely controlling the objects. The methods and devices are distinct due to avoiding the necessity of placing a radiation source on one side of the object, and placing a radiation receptor on the other side, which enables imaging objects having significant dimensions, and objects jointed to each other. The proposed methods allow for imaging an object that cannot be imaged by traditional imaging methods, or objects that can be damaged or destroyed by radiation. The methods allow for reduction of radiation doses for the researched object, and surrounding objects; for raising the quality of information on the object's internal structure disregarding whether the radiation source moves, or the object moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Andrei Yoryevich Sherbakov, Oleg Olegovich Tikhonenko
  • Publication number: 20130264487
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes plural pixels arranged in a matrix each including a conversion element and a switch element, plural drive wires arranged in a column direction, a drive circuit configured to sequentially supply a conduction voltage to the plural drive wires and supply a non-conduction voltage to the drive wires other than the drive wire supplied with the conduction voltage among the plural drive wires, and a sensing unit configured to sense radiation irradiation to the pixel, in which the sensing unit includes a sensing circuit configured to sense the radiation irradiation to the pixel on the basis of a current flowing through the drive wire supplied with the non-conduction voltage among the plurality of drive wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Hideyuki Okada, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8552396
    Abstract: A ground-based system that provides quasi real-time measurement and collection of snow-water equivalent (SWE) data in remote settings is provided. The disclosed invention is significantly less expensive and easier to deploy than current methods and less susceptible to terrain and snow bridging effects. Embodiments of the invention include remote data recovery solutions. Compared to current infrastructure using existing SWE technology, the disclosed invention allows more SWE sites to be installed for similar cost and effort, in a greater variety of terrain; thus, enabling data collection at improved spatial resolutions. The invention integrates a novel computational architecture with new sensor technologies. The invention's computational architecture is based on wireless sensor networks, comprised of programmable, low-cost, low-powered nodes capable of sophisticated sensor control and remote data communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Jeff Frolik, Christian Skalka
  • Publication number: 20130256551
    Abstract: A spherical rotational radiation therapy apparatus (SRRTA) with single spherical rotation center (SRC) is proposed. Referencing a combined X-Y-Z Cartesian and (r-?-?-?) polar coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan Yao
  • Patent number: 8541756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator are disclosed. Such system and methods may interrogate an object at times with X-rays and at other times with neutrons, e.g., after suspicious material is detected based on the X-rays. A system may include a single linear accelerator for generating first and second electron beams; first and second targets; a magnet configured to control irradiation of the first and second targets by the first and second electron beams; and a controller that (a) causes the linear accelerator to generate the first electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to first target to generate X-rays; and (b) causes the linear accelerator to generate the second electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to the second target to generate neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Dennis Treas
  • Patent number: 8536537
    Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imagining device includes an object support; a handle; a radiation source configured to emit radiation from a plurality of positions about the object support, wherein the positions are located substantially in a plane; a radiation detector configured to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation source; and displacement means configured to shift the handle relative to the radiation detector and to the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aurelie Boudier, Serge Muller
  • Patent number: 8519351
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved detectors for use in SPECT cameras. The improved detectors use pinhole apertures and surfaces calculated to provide improved sensitivity and resolution. In some embodiments, the detectors have non-planar surfaces. In some embodiments, the surfaces are spherical, conical, parabolic, or other non-planar forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Joyoni Dey, Stephen J. Glick
  • Publication number: 20130206985
    Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging an object using backscattered radiation are described. The imaging system comprises both a radiation source for irradiating an object that is rotationally movable about the object, and a detector for detecting backscattered radiation from the object that can be disposed on substantially the same side of the object as the source and which can be rotationally movable about the object. The detector can be separated into multiple detector segments with each segment having a single line of sight projection through the object and so detects radiation along that line of sight. Thus, each detector segment can isolate the desired component of the backscattered radiation. By moving independently of each other about the object, the source and detector can collect multiple images of the object at different angles of rotation and generate a three dimensional reconstruction of the object. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: D. Clark Turner, Ross Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20130207807
    Abstract: A fire detector includes a sensor (4) for, in use, detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by a flame and generating an electronic signal corresponding to the detected electromagnetic radiation. The detector further includes a processing device (2) configured to select a portion of the electronic signal corresponding to a first time period and compare the selected signal portion with at least one parameter to determine an initial presence or absence of a flame, the processing device being further configured, upon determining the initial presence of the flame, to select a further portion of the electronic signal corresponding to a further time period and comparing the further selected signal portion with at least one parameter to determine a definite presence or absence of the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: James Sinclair Popper
  • Publication number: 20130200269
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for creating virtual channels in a photon emitting imaging modality. The imaging modality comprises a plurality of photon counting channels. Information yielded from two or more photon counting channels during a same or similar acquisition view may be combined to yield a virtual channel that represents a portion of the detection surface substantially equivalent to an area comprised by the two or more photon counting channels. In one example, within a same acquisition view, some virtual channels may comprise a different number of photon counting channels than other virtual channels. Also, different sets of virtual channels may be created for a same acquisition view to produce different images from a single set of data, for example, where there may be overlap between virtual channels such that the same photon counting channel is comprised in more than one virtual channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Abraham, David Rozas
  • Publication number: 20130193338
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and inspection system that is useful to inspection tubes (e.g., boiler tubes). The apparatus can comprise a housing and a pair of translating baffles that engage the outside of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing moves relative to the translating baffles during rotation of the housing to change the orientation of the housing relative to the boiler tubes. The housing and the translating baffles maintain engagement to prevent radiation from leaking out of the housing and into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael Wuestenbecker
  • Publication number: 20130187058
    Abstract: The state of an emitter can be determined by measurements of how the current changes with the extraction voltage. A field factor ? function is determined by series of relatively simple measurements of charged particles emitted at different conditions. The field factor can then be used to determine derived characteristics of the emission that, in the prior art, were difficult to determine without removing the source from the focusing column and mounting it in a specialized apparatus. The relations are determined by the source configuration and have been found to be independent of the emitter shape, and so emission character can be determined as the emitter shape changes over time, without having to determine the emitter shape and without having to redefine the relation between the field factor and the series of relatively simple measurements, and the relationships between the field factor and other emission parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventor: FEI COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130171570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drawing apparatus including a stage having a reference mark, and configured to hold a substrate and to be moved, a charged particle optical system, a first measuring device having an optical axis spaced apart from an axis of the charged particle optical system by a first distance and configured to measure a position of an alignment mark formed on the substrate, a second measuring device having an optical axis spaced apart from the axis of the charged particle optical system by a second distance and configured to measure a position of the reference mark, and a processor configured to obtain a baseline of the first measuring device based on positions of the reference mark respectively measured by the first measuring device and the second measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130168558
    Abstract: An imaging control apparatus for controlling an imaging system capable of performing a plurality of imaging modes for detecting light or radiation to acquire an image includes a detection unit configured to detect that an instruction for executing a second imaging mode is generated during execution of a first imaging mode, a determination unit configured to determine a wait time according to a state of the imaging system when the instruction is received, and a control unit configured to perform control for instructing the imaging system to wait at least for the determined wait time before the transition to the second imaging mode, and control for instructing the imaging system to perform mode transition processing for switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8471228
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for irradiating a target with a beam approaching target points, involving the following steps: Measuring at least one of the parameters relating to the position of the beam and the intensity of the beam, changing the beam as a function of the at least one measured parameter, particularly as a function of a variance relating to the at least one measured parameter. The method is characterized in that the at least one measured parameter is measured at the most once per target point. Furthermore, the invention concerns a device for irradiating a target in accordance with the invention-based method and a control system for controlling such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Siemens AG, Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf E.V., Heidelberger Ionenstrahltherapie (HIT) Betriebs-Gesellschaft AM Universitatsklinikum Heidelberg mbH
    Inventors: Christoph Bert, Thomas Haberer, Eike Rietzel
  • Publication number: 20130153778
    Abstract: The present invention provides a crystalline quality evaluation apparatus (1) and a crystalline quality evaluation method for thin-film semiconductors, which are designed to evaluate crystalline quality of a sample (2) of a thin-film semiconductor (2a) by emitting excitation light and an electromagnetic wave to irradiate a measurement site of the sample (2), and detecting an intensity of a reflected electromagnetic wave from the sample (2). In the present invention, the thin-film semiconductor (2a) of the sample (2) is formed on an electrically conductive film (2b), and a dielectric (3) transparent to the excitation light is additionally disposed between the sample (2) and a waveguide (13) for emitting the electromagnetic wave therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: KOBELCO RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC., KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Naokazu Sakoda, Hiroyuki Takamatsu, Masahiro Inui, Futoshi Ojima
  • Patent number: 8466427
    Abstract: A method of generating light is disclosed. The method comprises irradiating a substance with first optical field of a first frequency and second optical field of a second frequency. The second frequency being higher than a cutoff frequency of a harmonics generation spectrum characterizing the interaction of the substance with the first optical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventors: Nimrod Moiseyev, Avner Fleischer
  • Patent number: 8461547
    Abstract: A radiation detection, localization, and identification system uses a searching algorithm to identify hypothetical solutions to Compton scatter data. Model based representations of the physical data collection yield the location of radiation sources when suppressed correlations of source location are identified in processed event data. The system's detector is an array of radiation detectors networked to act as a single detection system. This network has wide area of view and high sensitivity to radiation sources since no collimation is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Raymond P DeVito, Timothy E Doyle
  • Publication number: 20130140467
    Abstract: A radiological image-capturing device includes: a first read control section that executes a first read mode in which electric signals stored in a plurality of pixels are read out simultaneously in units of a plurality of rows; and an emission-start determining section that determines that the emission of radiation from a radiation source onto an image-capturing panel has started when the values of the electric signals read by the first read control section have become greater than an arbitrarily settable threshold. If it is determined by the emission-start determining section that the emission of said radiation has started, the first read control section terminates the reading of the electric signals, and thereby brings the image-capturing panel into an exposure state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: FUJIFILM Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130126738
    Abstract: For examining objects, in particular for inspecting persons for suspicious items, devices having a scanning system for scanning the object and having an evaluating system are known. An optical marking system is provided, which indicates the position of an item classified as suspicious on the object itself or in a mirror image of the object by means of visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SMITHS HEIMANN GMBH
    Inventor: SMITHS HEIMANN GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130126747
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation tube, a collimator and a camera. The radiation tube radiates a radiation. The collimator is attached to the radiation tube. The camera is attached to the collimator to provide an image to a user before a radiation field reaches a target organ. The radiation field is defined by the radiation passing through the collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Geun-Chang Lee, Won-Ky Kim