Invisible Radiation Responsive Nonelectric Signalling Patents (Class 250/472.1)
  • Patent number: 7914734
    Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Singulex, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Livingston
  • Patent number: 7915598
    Abstract: An electromagnetic signal measuring device includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is capable of producing a sound by absorbing an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal measuring device is able to determine the intensity and polarization of the electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Lin Xiao, Zhuo Chen, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20110049368
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes material for absorbing incident radiation, and for providing a response to heating caused by the absorption of photons from the incident radiation. The radiation detector may include multiple pixels, each with one or more layers of absorbing material. The absorbing material may include black (microstructured) silicon, which has the advantage of being a good absorber of radiation in the short wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths (as well as ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and visible light wavelengths). The radiation detector may include multiple pixels, each separately responding to radiation incident on that pixel, and each including black silicon (as well as possibly other absorptive materials). The pixels of the detector may each have cantilevered attachment to a frame of the detector, with differences in coefficient of thermal expansion of materials of the pixels causing deflection of parts of the pixels due to heating from absorption of radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Casey T. Streuber, Kent P. Pflibsen
  • Patent number: 7893409
    Abstract: A photoluminescence mapping system and method for use in fabricating solar cells that eliminates the need for complex and expensive light sources, filters and high sensitivity cameras. Generally, the method includes: (i) irradiating a surface of the substrate with radiation having a predetermined energy for a first predetermined period of time to photogenerate carriers therein; (ii) stopping the irradiation; (iii) exposing the surface of the substrate to a camera for a second predetermined period of time; and (iv) capturing with the camera a photoluminescence (PL) signal emitted from the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Cousins
  • Patent number: 7829179
    Abstract: A photoluminescent sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoluminescent sheet has a phosphor, absorbs some light, of at least one wavelength, of light emitted from a light source, emits particular light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the emitted light and allows the remaining of the light emitted from the light source to penetrates the photoluminescent sheet, whereas the photoluminescent sheet comprises at least a surface comprising a wet preventing layer for minimizing a contracting area between the photoluminescent sheet and another sheet. According to at least one embodiment, wet is not generated on a screen even though the photoluminescent sheet is connected to other sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong-Yong Sohn, Young-Wook Ko
  • Patent number: 7795599
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for detecting and/or measuring radioactivity comprising sensor means (5, 6), radiation detector means (4) and signal processing means (10, 11), the sensor means being adapted to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of a medium between the radiation detector means and a source of radioactivity, the arrangement being such that, in use, the signal processing means is configured to compensate for varying degrees of interference from unwanted isotopes by taking into account information received from the sensor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Laboratory Impex Systems Limited
    Inventors: Martin John Oliver, Matthew Charles Shire-Jones
  • Publication number: 20100139555
    Abstract: Apparatus for vapour phase growing of crystals having a single multi-zone heater arranged to heat a heated zone to give a predetermined temperature profile along the length of the heated zone. A generally U-shaped tube having a first limb, a second limb, and a linkage connecting the first and second limbs is located on the heated zone. The first limb contains a source material. The second limb supports a seed such that the source material and seed are spaced longitudinally within the heated zone to provide a predetermined temperature differential between the source and seed. The crystal is grown on the seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DURHAM SCIENTIFIC CRYSTALS LTD
    Inventors: Arnab Basu, Ben Cantwell, Max Robinson
  • Patent number: 7714300
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a solid-state charged-particle detector. The detector includes a PIN diode and a conductive coating on the front-side of the PIN diode, wherein the front-side receives incident charged particles to be detected. In addition, the detector includes a metal layer on the backside of the PIN diode and electrical connections to the metal layer and to the conductive coating. Other embodiment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. McCord, Tom G. Miller, David L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100097273
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an antenna. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate treated with a plasma treatment, providing a nanoparticle ink comprising nanoparticles, painting the nanoparticle ink on the substrate to form an antenna member in which the nanoparticles are connected, determining a feed point of the antenna member, and attaching an feeding port onto the substrate at the feed point to establish a contact between the feeding port and the antenna member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Alexandru S. Biris, Hussain Al-Rizzo, Taha Elwi, Daniel Rucker
  • Publication number: 20100019159
    Abstract: An electromagnetic signal measuring device includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is capable of producing a sound by absorbing an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal measuring device is able to determine the intensity and polarization of the electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: Tsinghua University, HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Lin Xiao, Zhuo Chen, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 7652268
    Abstract: A general purpose high accuracy dosimeter reader, 80, for determination of a treatment condition, based on comparison of an image of treated dosimeter, 111, with a series of images of pre-treated dosimeter, 114, is disclosed. A dosimeter undergoes noticeable changes, such as a color change upon treatment with certain materials, such as toxic gases and processes, such as ionizing radiation and sterilization is pre-treated. The dosimeter is imaged with an imaging device, 115, such as charge-coupled device camera and images of the dosimeter or the changes, e.g., color change, are stored in an information storage device, 118. In order to determine the treatment condition, the treatment dosimeter is imaged and the image is compared with the series of pre-treated images of the dosimeter using software. The closest match of the treated dosimeter with the pre-treated and pre-imaged dosimeter would indicate the treatment conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: JP Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Gordhanbhai N. Patel
  • Publication number: 20090321663
    Abstract: Measurements are provided (101) as correspond to a floor (201) of a room. This room will typically have space thereunder of sufficient size to accommodate a least one person therein. These measurements are used (102) to provide a bladder (202) that will, when at least substantially filled with liquid, substantially fully cover the floor and provide a radiation barrier to thereby provide corresponding protection to a person in the space under that room. The bladder can have one or more openings (203) to facilitate introducing liquid into the bladder and/or to facilitate removing such liquid when desired. Pumps (608) and/or valves (603) can be utilized, if desired, to facilitate such filling and/or emptying. By one approach, one or more supplemental retrofitable supports (701) can be used in the space beneath the room to provide supplemental vertical support to thereby aid in supporting the weight of the bladder when filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Barrett H. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090302225
    Abstract: A method of detecting radiological substances on a surface comprises coating the surface with a coating containing an indicator material that produces UV emissions and monitoring the coating to detect the radiological substances. A UV viewer can be used for monitoring the coating to detect the radiological substances. The invention also provides a coating that includes an indicator material carried by the coating that provides an indication of the radiological substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Nerine J. Cherepy, Derrick T. Speaks
  • Publication number: 20090289181
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an arrangement for the measurement of absorbed dose at a given distance from a radioactive source. The arrangement comprises a detector body (1) of ionization chamber type, comprising two electrode elements (5, 6) arranged at a distance from each other and a measuring chamber (7) arranged between these, containing a medium that constitutes a volume that responds to radiation, a second chamber (12) arranged at a distance from the measuring chamber (7) comprising means for recording changes in the medium, a flow passage (13) that is arranged to pass through one of the electrode elements (5, 6) and to constitute a connection that allows the flow of fluid between the measuring chamber (7) and the second chamber (12), and where the detector body (1) comprises a through bore, an aperture (2), in which the radiation source is arranged during measurement or through which the radiation source is displaced during measurement. The invention concerns also the use of the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Göran Wickman
  • Publication number: 20090159812
    Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SINGULEX, INC
    Inventor: Richard A. Livingston
  • Patent number: 7541599
    Abstract: Dosimeters 140 are housed in dosimeter housing pockets 130 of a dosimeter fitting wear including: wear main bodies 120, 150 which cover measuring positions on at least subject bodies 100, 102, and 110, and can be detachably fitted on the subject bodies, and the dosimeter housing pockets 130 provided at positions that come to the measuring positions when the wear main bodies are fitted on the subject bodies, and then the wear main bodies are fitted on the subject bodies. Thereby, a number of dosimeters can be easily fitted on or detached from the surfaces of subject bodies without hindering medical activities, and set positions of the dosimeters can be easily reproduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiyoda Technol Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Moritake, Saburo Fujisaki, Yasuhiro Koguchi, Hiroshi Mizushima, Kiyoshi Matsuno, Takashi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20090114033
    Abstract: Provided is a stress history recording system for recording a stress history, which includes a light emitting means including a stress-stimulated luminescent material that emits light in response to a mechanical external force, and a recording means for recording a history of a photoreaction generated due to light emission from the light emitting means. This achieves a technology for recording a stress history by using the stress-stimulated luminescent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Chao-Nan Xu, Nao Terasaki, Yusuke Imai, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7528212
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprises a polycarbonate that is not aryl carboxylate end-capped, and an aryl carboxylate end-capped polycarbonate of formula: Ar1—C(O)—O-(-L-)m-O—C(O)—A1 wherein each Ar1 is independently an aryl group, -(-L-)m- is a polycarbonate linking group with m units of linking unit L, and m is at least one; wherein the aryl carboxylate end-capped polycarbonate has aryl carboxylate end groups present in the thermoplastic composition in an amount of 0.01 to 500 mmol/Kg based on the combined weights of the polycarbonate that is not aryl carboxylate end-capped, and the aryl carboxylate end-capped polycarbonate, and wherein a molded article having a thickness of 3.2±0.12 millimeters and consisting of the aryl carboxylate end-capped polycarbonate, the polycarbonate, and less than or equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventor: Brian Mullen
  • Publication number: 20090101840
    Abstract: A method composition and system respond to ionizing radiation to adjust biological activity. In some approaches the ionizing radiation is X-ray or extreme ultraviolet radiation that produces luminescent responses that induce biologically active responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20090095920
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for detecting and/or measuring radioactivity comprising sensor means (5, 6), radiation detector means (4) and signal processing means (10, 11), the sensor means being adapted to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of a medium between the radiation detector means and a source of radioactivity, the arrangement being such that, in use, the signal processing means is configured to compensate for varying degrees of interference from unwanted isotopes by taking into account information received from the sensor means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Martin John Oliver, Matthew Charles Shire-Jones
  • Patent number: 7491948
    Abstract: A method of detecting and transmitting radiation detection information to a network. The method including: communicating with one or more personal radiation detection devices, each device including, a host memory, an event memory, a microprocessor, a global positioning unit and a transceiver or a transmitter; a radiation shield around the host memory and the event memory; a radiation detection memory, the radiation detection memory, responsive to alpha radiation and including two or more SRAM arrays including cross-coupled invertors coupled to wordlines through different value capacitors; a conversion device including a material able to convert neutron and/or gamma radiation into alpha radiation; and an event detection circuit configured to detect and to store data relative to detection of the alpha radiation events by the radiation detection memory; storing the data in the event memory; and retrieving, in a reading device of the network, the data stored in the event memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Gordon, Kenneth P. Rodbell, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 7482601
    Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a radiation sensitive material, and a measuring scale that is part of the radiation sensitive material. A method of measuring at least one parameter relating to an irradiated material is also described. A radiation sensitive material including a measuring scale is exposed to radiation and at least one parameter relating to one or more exposed areas of the material is measured by reference to the measuring scale on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Lewis, Carl A. Listl, Xiang Yu
  • Publication number: 20080308747
    Abstract: Personal radiation detection devices, methods of obtaining radiation exposure data, and networks of personal radiation devices. The detection devices may include passive devices and active devices. The passive detection devices may have the same form factor as credit cards or be included in common types of credit card form factor sized cards. The active devices may be incorporated into common and widely distributed host devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Gordon, Kenneth P. Rodbell, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 7465937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Gesellschaft fĂĽr Schwerionenforschung mbH
    Inventor: Georg Fehrenbacher
  • Patent number: 7405412
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a radiation detection medium by exposing arbitrary locations of a radiation detection medium to a plurality of known radiation dose levels is described. One particular aspect of the method includes the steps of automatically determining the location of each arbitrary exposed location, measuring the density of each of the arbitrary exposed locations, matching each measurement for the arbitrary exposed locations with the corresponding radiation dose level thereby generating an array of paired data values for radiation dose level and measured density and calculating a calibration based on the array of paired data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventor: David F Lewis
  • Patent number: 7361907
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method adapted to experimental conditions, for determining the function defining the actual detecting sensitivity of a solid-state detector of nuclear traces and which represents the detecting performances for each type of nucleus emitting energy alpha particles Ei, located in each position inside a sample to be analyzed, and hence precision dosimetry of the radioactive nuclei in a sample using nuclear trace solid-state detectors. The method provides an improvement of the quality of sample analyses, a significant reduction of analysis costs and an important widening of the scope of application of this type of detectors. Thus, the method will bring about the development of a new generation of detectors having a better price-quality ratio which can be found in the field of radioactive nuclei analyses in different types of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Khalid Maaouni, ASD (Advanced Scientific Developments)
    Inventor: Abdeslam El Harti
  • Publication number: 20080073567
    Abstract: There is described a radiological image capturing system, which makes it possible to obtain an accurate radiological image, irrespective of the position of the diagnosis object in the thickness direction of the subject. The system includes a radiographing apparatus that output radiological image data, based on the radial rays detected by the image detecting device, an image processing apparatus that applies a degraded image restoration processing to the radiological image data and a fixing member onto which the subject is fixed. The subject is positioned at such a position that a ratio of blurs between the first radiological image radiographed at a first position and the second radiological image radiographed at a second position, which is apart from the image detecting device by a distance farther than that of the first position, is reduced to a value to such an extent that a blur difference between them can be ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kido, Atsushi Oishi, Toshikazu Umeda
  • Patent number: 7304568
    Abstract: In a vehicle night vision system, the display unit is activated only when an illumination level below the prescribed level has persisted for more than the prescribed period of time so that the display unit would not be activated when the low illumination level lasts only for a short period of time and the night vision system would not be required. Therefore, when the vehicle passes through a short tunnel during daytime, the display unit would not be activated and the vehicle operator is prevented from being unnecessarily distracted. On the other hand, when the vehicle passes through a long tunnel or when the sun has set and the illumination level of the road ahead is low, the night vision system is activated without fail, and assists the vehicle operator's vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuko Ohkawara, legal representative, Yoshimitsu Ishida, Osamu Ohkawara, deceased
  • Publication number: 20070221865
    Abstract: A photoluminescent sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoluminescent sheet includes i) a phosphor, for absorbing some light, of at least one wavelength, of light emitted from a light source and emitting particular light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the emitted light, ii) a matrix, for having the phosphor, the remaining of the light emitted from the light source penetrating the matrix and iii) a passivation film, for being laminated to at least one surface of the matrix, whereas a roughness is formed on a surface of the passivation film to reduce a contacting area between the photoluminescent sheet and another sheet. According to one embodiment of the present invention, wet is not generated on a screen even though the photoluminescent sheet is connected to other sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Choong-Yong Sohn, Young-Wook Ko
  • Publication number: 20070221866
    Abstract: A photoluminescent sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoluminescent sheet has a phosphor, absorbs some light, of at least one wavelength, of light emitted from a light source, emits particular light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of the emitted light and allows the remaining of the light emitted from the light source to penetrates the photoluminescent sheet, whereas the photoluminescent sheet comprises at least a surface comprising a wet preventing layer for minimizing a contracting area between the photoluminescent sheet and another sheet. According to at least one embodiment, wet is not generated on a screen even though the photoluminescent sheet is connected to other sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Choong-Yong Sohn, Young-Wook Ko
  • Patent number: 7244951
    Abstract: A stimulable phosphor panel comprises a substrate having rigidity, a stimulable phosphor layer, and a transparent water vapor proof cover, which are overlaid one upon another in this order. The stimulable phosphor layer is accommodated and sealed within an enclosed region, which is enclosed between the substrate and the transparent water vapor proof cover. An expansible and contractible buffer space is formed so as to be in communication with the enclosed region. The buffer space has a volume falling within the range of 1/10 times to two times as large as the volume of the space within the enclosed region. The transparent water vapor proof cover may be constituted of a deformable film, and the buffer space may be formed by the utilization of a certain area of the transparent water vapor proof cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Tazaki
  • Patent number: 7227153
    Abstract: An ultraviolet measuring method using an ultraviolet sensitive element, comprising: measuring an ultraviolet intensity with the ultraviolet sensitive element at a sun altitude; and determining an integrated ultraviolet intensity within a specific ultraviolet wavelength range or a response index by converting the measured intensity to the integrated ultraviolet intensity within the specific ultraviolet range or the response index by using a conversion factor corresponding to the sun altitude, wherein the conversion factor is a function of at least sun altitude. An ultraviolet measuring method, using an ultraviolet sensitive element with spectral sensitivity to a specific wavelength range, comprising: measuring an ultraviolet intensity with the ultraviolet sensitive element; and correcting the measured ultraviolet intensity according to sun altitude information for an arbitrary point in time so as to predict an ultraviolet intensity at the point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yagi
  • Patent number: 7220974
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus irradiates a sample with an excitation light having different wavelengths, spectrally detects fluorescence from the sample, and includes: a comparison unit for comparing the wavelength of the excitation light with the starting wavelength of a fluorescent spectrum detection bandwidth; and a determination unit for determining an excitation light irradiation timing such that the irradiation of the excitation wavelength is stopped when the wavelength of the excitation light is longer than the starting wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hattori, Yujin Arai
  • Patent number: 7211808
    Abstract: A dosimeter and method of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation using the dosimeter comprising at least one first region containing a radiation sensitive material, and a second region containing an identification mark are described, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a first region including a radiation sensitive material capable of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation; providing a second region bearing an identification mark; exposing at least the first region to a dose of ionizing radiation; and reading the signal from the first region. The dosimeter can be used to track location and irradiation of an associated good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James H. Griggs, David J. Steklenski, Michael T. Wolf, John G. Attwood
  • Patent number: 7095034
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image carrier for the storage of X-ray information, and includes an electronic memory in which data can be stored. In order to reduce the danger of loss of data it is envisaged that the image carrier comprises a mark that represents at least a part of the data stored in the electronic memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Werner Haug, Walter Encke, Oskar Hujer
  • Patent number: 7026624
    Abstract: The invention is to prevent an interlayer cleavage between a phosphor layer and a moisture-preventing protective layer. In a radiation converting substrate constituted by forming at least a phosphor layer 12 composed of an alkali halide for converting a radiation into light and a light emission activator, and a moisture-preventing protective layer in succession on a radiation-transmitting substrate 11, the moisture-preventing protective layer is constituted of a first plasma polymerization film 13 formed from a monomer of a silane compound, and a second plasma polymerization film 14 formed from a monomer of a fluorine-containing unsaturated hydrocarbon. A radiation image pickup apparatus is formed by adhering such radiation converting substrate and a sensor substrate having a photoelectric converting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ogawa, Kengo Emoto
  • Patent number: 6979829
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for determining the amount of energy absorbed during irradiation. Such devices comprise a material that absorbs radiation in a quantifiable manner and a cooling agent to maintain the temperature of that material within a predetermined range, and may be used to determine the amount of energy absorbed during irradiation, for example during sterilization of a biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Clearant Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Calvert, David Clark, Martin J. MacPhee, Randall Kent, Anna L. McBain, Bryant O. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6921909
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an apparatus for an enhanced imaging sensor consisting of pixellated micro columnar scintillation film material for x-ray imaging comprising a scintillation substrate and a micro columnar scintillation film material in contact with the scintillation substrate. The micro columnar scintillation film material is formed from a doped scintillator material. According to the invention, the micro columnar scintillation film material is subdivided into arrays of optically independent pixels having interpixel gaps between the optically independent pixels. These optically independent pixels channel detectable light to a detector element thereby reducing optical crosstalk between the pixels providing for an X-ray converter capable of increasing efficiency without the associated loss of spatial resolution. The interpixel gaps are further filled with a dielectric and or reflective material to substantially reduce optical crosstalk and enhance light collection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek V. Nagarkar, Sameer V. Tipnis
  • Patent number: 6897453
    Abstract: A storage phosphor panel for storing image information and an X-ray cassette with such a storage phosphor panel are proposed. The storage phosphor panel contains a carrier layer and a storage phosphor layer, which is applied on the carrier layer. The storage phosphor panel furthermore has a contour for fixing the storage phosphor panel in a cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Stahl, Olaf Klabunde
  • Patent number: 6818904
    Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation sensor that indicates a predetermined cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation is disclosed. The presently preferred sensor comprises a membrane, a base, an ultraviolet degradable adhesive, and an indicating mechanism. The ultraviolet degradable adhesive adheres a portion of the membrane to the base, thereby maintaining the membrane in a biased state. The ultraviolet degradable adhesive fails when a predetermined cumulative exposure has been attained. Upon failure of the adhesive, the membrane reflexively restores itself to an unbiased state and activates the indicating mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is worn by a user to indicate when the skin of the user has been exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Minds, Inc.
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Publication number: 20040211916
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for determining the amount of energy absorbed during irradiation. Such devices comprise a material that absorbs radiation in a quantifiable manner and a cooling agent to maintain the temperature of that material within a predetermined range, and may be used to determine the amount of energy absorbed during irradiation, for example during sterilization of a biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn Calvert, David Clark, Martin J. MacPhee, Randall Kent, Anna L. McBain, Bryant O. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6806478
    Abstract: The present invention provides an authentication system and methodology in which an authenticating agent is used as a product marker to help determine the source of products. The authenticating agent includes a substance that forms free radicals upon irradiation. The spectroscopic response of the agent when in the free radical state provides a characteristic “fingerprint” associated with genuine goods, but lacking in other goods. The goods incorporating the marker may be readily identified and/or distinguished from similar goods originating from another source. Furthermore, when not in the activated state, the authenticating agent typically is not detectable, thus providing the advantage of not being readily identifiable by counterfeiters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Galen R. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6744055
    Abstract: A Rn222 (radon) and Rn220 (thoron) radiation monitor that uses alpha-track detection film in multiple, separate chambers to detect radiation, wherein different diffusion barriers are used in each of the chambers to allow for signal differentiation between the chambers. The signal differentiation allows for differentiation between the levels of thoron and radon in the atmosphere tested. The radiation monitor may have three or four separate chambers, each with an electrically conductive housing and a cap with at least one opening to permit entry of ambient air. Inside each of the housings is an alpha-track detecting film, such as a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD), with a thin electrically conducting cover. In one or more of the chambers is a diffusion barrier and seal placed within the housing to generally isolate the detecting film from thoron radiation in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Naomi H. Harley, Passaporn Chittaporn
  • Patent number: 6646273
    Abstract: A radiation dosimeter is described which utilizes the conversion of iodide by impinging ultraviolet or other equal or greater energy radiation in the presence of a thiosulfate moderating agent and the subsequent complexing of the iodine producing by a suitable starch to produce a color variation which is indicative of the amount of such radiation received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sunband
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferralli
  • Patent number: 6641858
    Abstract: A method of preparing a phosphor layer coating solution of a radiation image conversion panel is provided, in which, at least a phosphor, a binder, a cross-linking agent which cross-links the binder by being heated, and a solvent are constituent components of the phosphor layer coating solution. The method includes a phosphor dispersing step in which the constituent components other than the cross-linking agent are mixed and stirred to disperse the phosphor such that a phosphor dispersion is prepared, a cooling step in which the phosphor dispersion prepared in the phosphor dispersing step is cooled, and a cross-linking agent adding step in which the cross-linking agent is added to the phosphor dispersion cooled in the cooling step and the dispersion is stirred such that the cross-linking agent is thoroughly mixed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Suzuki, Katsuhiro Kohda
  • Patent number: 6636297
    Abstract: A vacuum ultraviolet laser wavelength measuring apparatus capable of accurately measuring wavelength characteristics of a laser beam. The wavelength measuring apparatus has spectral devices for generating an optical pattern corresponding to wavelength characteristics of an incident laser beam and measuring wavelength characteristics of a laser beam in a vacuum ultraviolet region oscillating from a vacuum ultraviolet laser on the basis of the optical pattern. The apparatus has a fluorescent screen for generating a fluorescent pattern having an intensity distribution corresponding to an intensity distribution of the incident optical pattern, a pattern detector for measuring the intensity distribution of the fluorescent pattern, and arithmetic unit for calculating the wavelength characteristics of the laser beam on the basis of the measured intensity distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Gigaphoton, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Wakabayashi, Tatsuo Enami, Shinji Nagai
  • Patent number: 6583425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting ionizing radiation. Exposure of silver salt AgX to ionizing radiation results in the partial reduction of the salt to a mixture of silver salt and silver metal. The mixture is further reduced by a reducing agent, which causes the production of acid (HX) and the oxidized form of the reducing agent (R). Detection of HX indicates that the silver salt has been exposed to ionizing radiation. The oxidized form of the reducing agent (R) may also be detected. The invention also includes dosimeters employing the above method for detecting ionizing radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Warner
  • Patent number: 6580525
    Abstract: A digital image signal is read out at a predetermined picture element density by causing a light beam to repeatedly scan a recording medium bearing thereon an image in a main scanning direction at a predetermined main scanning speed while moving the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction at a predetermined sub-scanning speed, thereby two-dimensionally scanning the recording medium with the light beam, photoelectrically detecting signal light emitted from the recording medium upon exposure to the light beam to obtain an analog image signal, sampling the analog image signal at a predetermined intervals, and quantizing the sampled values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Satoshi Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20020195572
    Abstract: An electronic exposure dose meter and a radiation handling operation management system is capable of realizing real time exposure management. The radiation handling operation management system has monitoring unit receiving an exposure dose amount measured by an electronic exposure dose meter having a radiation detector, its counter circuit and a PHS transmission and reception antenna, from a plurality of transmission and reception base station installed in a radiation handling operation site through bidirectional communication with a central management section via an external management base station, and deriving position of user of the electronic exposure dose meter for collecting and displaying position and exposure dose amount of the user. The electronic exposure dose meter has a radiation detector, a counter circuit, a PHS antenna for bidirectional communication with a central management section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Tetsuya Matsui, Naoya Fukutsuka, Kouichi Ushiroda, Naoyuki Kono
  • Publication number: 20020190222
    Abstract: An ultraviolet target designator and methodology that utilizes ultraviolet radiation from a laser designator to remotely designate targets for various applications. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet laser designator is used to remotely designate a target for insects to fly to so as to collect environmental information. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet laser operates in the solar blind region to remotely designate a target. When used in conjunction with a solar blind camera, the targeting can be performed without detection by infrared or visible detection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Ralph H. Hill, James R. Keys