Scanner Patents (Class 378/146)
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Patent number: 11961694Abstract: An x-ray source includes an optical communications link to provide a galvanically isolated communication between a system controller and a gun controller. In specific examples, the link is provided through one or more fibers. In addition, the gun controller is preferably remote programmed by the system controller during startup. This addresses the problem of reprogramming a processor in a hard to access location/environment. A watchdog timer is also useful for the gun digital processor of the gun controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.Inventor: Claus Flachenecker
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Patent number: 11942232Abstract: An x-ray scanning system, and corresponding method, includes an x-ray source that produces incident x-ray radiation having end-point x-ray energy, which, in various embodiments, can be greater than about 200 keV, between about 200 keV and about 500 keV, or greater than about 500 keV. The system also includes a disk chopper wheel that can be irradiated by and attenuate the incident x-ray radiation. The disk chopper wheel further defines one or more slits configured to pass the incident x-ray radiation through the disk chopper wheel for scanning a target. In some embodiments, the high end-point x-ray energies with disk chopper wheels are facilitated by forming the incident x-ray radiation as a collimated fan beam and/or orienting the chopper wheel with a wheel plane substantially non-perpendicular to a fan beam plane, increasing effective thickness of a disk chopper wheel to attenuate incident x-rays of higher energies.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Viken Detection CorporationInventor: Peter John Rothschild
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Patent number: 11925495Abstract: Various systems are provided for an X-ray system. In one example, an X-ray system comprises an X-ray source positioned opposite to and facing a first side of a table and an X-ray detector positioned directly opposite to and facing a second side of the table, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the X-ray source is a dual-energy X-ray source configured to scan in a raster pattern. In one example, an object is positioned on the first side of the table.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: James Wear, Michael Buchholz
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Patent number: 11911199Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a medical imaging apparatus and a treatment device. The medical imaging apparatus includes: an imaging source, a beam stop array and a detector; the beam stop array is arranged between the imaging source and the detector; and the beam stop array includes a plurality of stop elements, the plurality of stop elements are distributed in rows in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis, and the number of the stop elements is less than or equal to a preset number. After image reconstruction is performed using the projection, shadow areas corresponding to each slice image are reduced, errors of the slice image are reduced, and the imaging quality is improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: OUR UNITED CORPORATIONInventors: Hao Yan, Jinsheng Li
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Patent number: 11906447Abstract: A multi-channel static CT device is provided, and the multi-channel static CT device includes: a scanning channel including a plurality of scanning sub-channels; a distributed X-ray source including a plurality of ray emission points arranged around the scanning channel; and a detector module including a plurality of detectors arranged around the scanning channel, wherein the plurality of detectors are arranged corresponding to the plurality of ray emission points.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Xiaofei Xu, Le Shen, Ming Chang, Hu Tang, Xin Jin, Yunda Sun
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Patent number: 11808912Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided for detecting object that may be hidden under clothing, ingested, inserted, or otherwise concealed on or in a person's body. An imaging assembly and mechanisms for vertically moving the imaging assembly may be configured to reduce the overall form factor of such imaging systems, while still retaining an ability to perform full/complete imaging of a subject. A calibration system assembly can be included, comprising a first calibration assembly and second calibration assembly to perform fine-grained adjustments to the positioning of the X-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: TEK84 INC.Inventor: Steven Winn Smith
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Patent number: 11796711Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 11776706Abstract: An x-ray chopper wheel assembly, and corresponding method, include a chopper wheel having a solid area configured to block x-ray radiation received at a source side of the chopper wheel from an x-ray source. The chopper wheel defines one or more openings configured to pass x-ray radiation from the source side of the chopper wheel to an output side of the chopper wheel. The assembly further includes a source-side scatter plate arranged relative to the chopper wheel with a source-side gap in a range of approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 2.0 mm between the source-side scatter plate and the source side of the chopper wheel. The assembly and method can be used to limit leakage of scattered x-rays from the assembly, such as to safe levels for operation, while being significantly lighter than existing confinement enclosures.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Viken Detection CorporationInventor: Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 11683879Abstract: A raster scanning x-ray source can be light and small, and can have high resolution. A raster-assembly can be attached directly to and can encircle an x-ray tube. The raster-assembly can adjoin or can be very close to the x-ray tube, resulting in a small and lightweight scanning x-ray source. X-rays can backscatter back into the x-ray tube instead of into a detector, thus improving resolution of the resulting image. A voltage-multiplier, which can be used with the x-ray source, can include separate voltage-multiplier-stages in a stack.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.Inventors: Rick Steck, Scott Hardy, Vincent F. Jones
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Patent number: 11681068Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus includes an x-ray source module configured to output source x-rays, a pencil-beam-forming module having input and output ports, and a module engagement interface that enables a user to select aligned and non-aligned configurations of the source and pencil-beam-forming modules. In the aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is aligned with the source module to receive source x-rays at the input port and to output a scanning pencil beam through the output port toward a target. In the non-aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is not aligned with the x-ray source module to receive the source x-rays nor to output the pencil beam, but instead enables the source x-rays to form a stationary, wide-area beam directed toward the target. Example embodiments can be handheld, can enable both backscatter imaging and high-resolution transmission imaging using the same apparatus, and can be employed in finding and disarming explosive devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Viken Detection CorporationInventor: Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 11666293Abstract: Extended field-of-view imaging is enabled by combined imaging with a kilovolt (“kV”) x-ray source and a megavolt (“MV”) x-ray source, in which at least one of the corresponding x-ray detectors is laterally offset from the target isocenter by an amount such that the x-ray detector does not have a view of the target isocenter. This scan geometry enables the reconstruction of non-truncated images without resorting to the more expensive solution of outfitting the imaging or radiotherapy system with enlarged x-ray detectors.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignees: THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC., DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Matthew Jacobson, Ross Berbeco
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Patent number: 11614550Abstract: Dual layer detector (XD) for X-ray imaging, comprising at least two light sensitive surfaces (LSS1,LSS2). The dual layer detector further comprises a first scintillator layer (SL, SL1) including at least one scintillator element (SE) capable of converting X-radiation into light, the element having two faces, an ingress face (S1) for admitting X-radiation into the element (SE) and an egress face (S2) distal from the ingress face (S1), wherein the two faces (S1,S2) are arranged shifted relative to each other, so that a longitudinal axis (LAX) of the scintillator element (SE) is inclined relative to a normal (n) of the layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Heidrun Steinhauser, Onno Jan Wimmers
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Patent number: 11524180Abstract: A mounting mechanism includes: two lateral supports respectively connected to two sides of a radiation head; top supports connected to tops of the lateral supports and configured to be connected to a top of a gantry; and positioning supports connected to the gantry and disposed between the lateral supports and the gantry, wherein the thicknesses of the positioning supports are adjustable. A radiotherapy device is further provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Shenzhen Our New Medical Technologies Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhao Guo, Ruirong Zhang
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Patent number: 11504077Abstract: A method is provided to perform an imaging scan on a target tissue. The imaging scan includes generating a signal directed at a portion of a target tissue using a collimator that includes a slot, wherein a source of a signal assembly is incoherently interrupted. The method also includes receiving at least a portion of the signal from the portion of the target tissue at a linear signal detector positioned directly opposite from the signal assembly with respect to the target tissue, and simultaneously translating the linear signal detector and adjusting a width of the at least one slot of the collimator such that a fan width of the signal at the linear signal detector corresponds to a width of a detector window disposed in the linear signal detector. The method also includes rotating a stage about the target tissue, and repeating performing the imaging scan on the target tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Joesph Webster Stayman, Andrew Leong
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Patent number: 11497936Abstract: The present disclosure relates a multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator may include a plurality of leaves. At least two leaves of the plurality of leaves may be movable parallel to each another. For each leaf of at least some of the plurality of leaves, at least one portion of the leaf may have thicknesses varying along a longitudinal direction of the each leaf. The each leaf may have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the each leaf.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Yanfang Liu
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Patent number: 11495366Abstract: An x-ray scanning system includes an x-ray source that produces a collimated fan beam of incident x-ray radiation. The system also includes a chopper wheel that can be irradiated by the collimated fan beam. The chopper wheel is oriented with a wheel plane containing the chopper wheel substantially non-perpendicular relative to a beam plane containing the collimated fan beam. In various embodiments, a disk chopper wheel's effective thickness is increased, allowing x-ray scanning with end point energies of hundreds of keV using relatively thinner, lighter, and less costly chopper wheel disks. Backscatter detectors can be mounted to an exterior surface of a vehicle housing the x-ray source, and slits in the disk chopper wheel can be tapered for more uniform target irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Viken Detection CorporationInventor: Peter John Rothschild
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Patent number: 11480533Abstract: Systems and methods for representing internal defects of an object to determine defect detectability using a multi-scan computed tomography (CT) approach are disclosed. A defect-free object may be scanned using a CT machine. In one or more separate scans, phantom defects may be imaged and the resulting projections combined and reconstructed to represent internal defects. The air-normalized intensities of the object and the phantom defect may be used to represent voids and inclusions. Subtraction of materials may be represented by the quotient of the air-normalized intensities thereof, and the addition of materials may be represented by the product of the air-normalized intensities thereof. A void may be represented by subtracting a phantom defect scan from the object scan. An inclusion may be represented by creating a void, scanning an additional phantom defect, and adding the additional phantom defect in the volume created by the void.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLCInventor: Bryan E. Schiefelbein
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Patent number: 11282202Abstract: Angiographic data is obtained by injecting a chemical contrast agent intravascularly, and imaging passage of the contrast as a function of time, thereby generating a sequence of images. To correct error from uncalibrated timestamps embedded in the image metadata, radio-opaque markers are used to generate a watermark embedding timestamp data in obtained images. The radio-opaque markers cause opacification on the x-ray images in the form of dynamic watermarks that encode timestamps. The positions of the markers in the watermark (cast from the radio-opaque markers) are then processed and analyzed to generate an accurate timestamp for the image. By generating an accurate timestamp, synchronized calculations of the images with other data sources are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Inventor: William E. Butler
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Patent number: 11270808Abstract: A spectral selection component for XUV radiation comprises a first multilayer mirror for receiving an XUV radiation beam along an input axis located in a first plane of incidence. The spectral selection component comprises a second multilayer mirror for receiving, in a second plane of incidence, an XUV radiation beam reflected by the first mirror in order to transmit the radiation to an output axis of the spectral selection component. One of the first and second mirrors has a first, high-pass energy spectral response, with a flank on the low-energy side with a steepness that is greater than 0.1 eV?1, whereas the other mirror has a second, low-pass energy spectral response, with a flank on the high-energy side with a steepness that is greater than 0.1 eV?1. The first and second mirrors may have an only partial overlap in their spectral energy responses.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUEInventors: Franck Delmotte, Maël Dehlinger
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Patent number: 11200998Abstract: An x-ray chopper wheel assembly includes a disk chopper wheel and a source-side scatter plate that has a solid cross-sectional area that absorbs x-ray radiation and is substantially smaller than a solid cross-sectional area of the disk chopper wheel. The assembly also includes a support structure that secures the source-side scatter plate substantially parallel to the disk chopper wheel, with a source-side gap between the scatter plate and the disk chopper wheel being a distance that substantially prevents x-ray leakage. An additional, output-side scatter plate may also be provided to reduce x-ray leakage further. Embodiments enable safe operation while significantly reducing weight, which is advantageous for a variety of disk-chopper-wheel-based x-ray scanning systems, especially hand-held x-ray scanners.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Viken Detection CorporationInventor: Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 11125703Abstract: The radiation detection device according to the present invention comprises: a sample holding unit; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a sample held by the sample holding unit with radioactive rays; a detection unit configured to detect radioactive rays generated from the sample; a distance calculation unit configured to calculate a distance from a predetermined base point to an irradiated part, which is to be irradiated with radioactive rays, of the sample held by the sample holding unit; a size specification unit configured to specify a size of the irradiated part on the sample based on the calculated distance; and a display unit configured to display the specified size of the irradiated part.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: HORIBA, LTD.Inventors: Azusa Taroura, Kusuo Ueno
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Patent number: 11045151Abstract: Cone-beam computer tomography systems, devices, and methods for image acquisition of large target volumes using partial scans.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: David Kirk Jensen, Reto W. Filiberti, Markus Oelhafen, Aime Pascal Laurence Paysan
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Patent number: 10952691Abstract: A system for taking fluoroscopic images of large animals having a rotatable plate with a plurality of detectors disposed on the rotatable plate, wherein the plurality of detectors are arranged as spokes extending radially outwardly from a central rotational point on the rotatable plate with collimators disposed on the side edges of the spokes. A drive assembly rotates the rotatable plate about an axis extending through the central rotational point at a speed such that the duration of successive image frames corresponds to the time taken for each spoke of detectors to move to the position of an adjacent spoke of detectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: PRINCIPLE IMAGING CORPORATIONInventor: John D. Cox
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Patent number: 10901113Abstract: The present specification describes a compact, hand-held probe or device that uses the principle of X-ray backscatter to provide immediate feedback to an operator about the presence of scattering and absorbing materials, items or objects behind concealing barriers irradiated by ionizing radiation, such as X-rays. Feedback is provided in the form of a changing audible tone whereby the pitch or frequency of the tone varies depending on the type of scattering material, item or object. Additionally or alternatively, the operator obtains a visual scan image on a screen by scanning the beam around a suspect area or anomaly.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 10888294Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. More than one projection may be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Rasika A. Parkar, Robert J. Reddy, Kyo C. Jin, Seunghoon Nam, Andre Souza, Xiaodong Tao, David A. Garlow, John R. Martin
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Patent number: 10849578Abstract: A medical device for photographing an object includes an improved moveable structure. The medical device includes a gantry, a guide rail configured to guide a movement of the gantry, a belt configured to be pulled out of the gantry to guide the movement of the gantry together with the guide rail and a moving member configured to enable the gantry to move. The moving member also is configured to be movable along the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Davevikram Keertikumar
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Patent number: 10820882Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising: obtaining a third image from a first X-ray detector when the first X-ray detector and a second X-ray detector are misaligned; determining, based on a shift between a first image and the third image, a misalignment between the first X-ray detector and the second X-ray detector when the first and second detectors are misaligned; wherein the first image is an image the first X-ray detector should capture if the first and the second detectors are aligned.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: SHENZHEN XPECTVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Peiyan Cao, Yurun Liu
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Patent number: 10772597Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a collimator comprising a lamp and configured to adjusting an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from an X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an object image by imaging an object while the lamp is turned on; and a controller configured to acquire an object distance based on the object image and acquire a thickness of the object based on a detector distance and the object distance. The object distance is a distance between the X-ray source and the object, and the detector distance is a distance between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung-hoon Kim, Si-won Park, Hye-kyoung Hong, Jin-beom Hong
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Patent number: 10768751Abstract: An electronic device may include an optical image sensor that includes optical image sensing circuitry and metallization layers above the optical image sensing circuitry. Each layer may have at least one light transmissive collimation opening therein aligned with the optical image sensing circuitry. The electronic device may also include a light source layer above the optical image sensor and a transparent cover layer above the light source layer defining a finger placement surface configured to receive a finger adjacent thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Mohammad Yeke Yazdandoost, Giovanni Gozzini
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Patent number: 10761236Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled container and/or vehicle inspection device, comprising: a rack, a power supply apparatus, a radiation source, a detector cabin, at least two driving motors, and a controller. A fixed beam, a first vertical beam, a transverse beam and a second vertical beam of the rack are fixed to one another; the bottom of the second vertical beam is rotatably mounted with a swing beam forming a balancing suspension. Where a road surface below the device is uneven, the swing beam correspondingly rotates relative to the second vertical beam so as to keep two wheels on the swing beam in close contact with the ground all the time. In the device, a cab of the inspection device is dispensed with, thus staff is not required to drive within the cab and any anxiety of the staff can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Beijing Haulixing Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haibo Qu, Jie Zhao
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Patent number: 10762998Abstract: An x-ray scanning system includes an x-ray source that produces a collimated fan beam of incident x-ray radiation. The system also includes a chopper wheel that can be irradiated by the collimated fan beam. The chopper wheel is oriented with a wheel plane containing the chopper wheel substantially non-perpendicular relative to a beam plane containing the collimated fan beam. In various embodiments, a disk chopper wheel's effective thickness is increased, allowing x-ray scanning with end point energies of hundreds of keV using relatively thinner, lighter, and less costly chopper wheel disks. Backscatter detectors can be mounted to an exterior surface of a vehicle housing the x-ray source, and slits in the disk chopper wheel can be tapered for more uniform target irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: VIKEN DETECTION CORPORATIONInventor: Peter John Rothschild
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Patent number: 10739491Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a radiation inspection system and a radiation inspection method. The radiation inspection system comprises a radiation source and a beam modulating device. The beam modulating device comprises a first collimating structure disposed at a beam exit side of the radiation source and a second collimating structure disposed at a beam exit side of the first collimating structure. The second collimating structure is movable relative to the first collimating structure to change a relative position of the first collimating port of the first collimating structure with the second collimating port of the second collimating structure, and the beam modulating device is shifted between a first operational state in which the beam modulating device modulates an initial beam into a fan beam, and a second operational state in which the beam modulating device modulates the initial beam into a pencil beam variable in position.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignees: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Yigang Yang, Dongyu Wang, Hao Yu, Quanwei Song, Jianmin Li, Weizhen Wang, Yulan Li, Chunguang Zong, Qinjian Zhang, Ming Zeng, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Li Zhang
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Patent number: 10692212Abstract: A system and method relating to image processing are provided. The method may include the following operations. First data at a first bed position and second data at a second bed position may be received. The first bed position and the second bed position may have an overlapping region. A first image and a second image may be reconstructed based on the first data and the second data, respectively. Third data and fourth data corresponding to the overlapping region may be extracted from the first data and the second data, respectively. Merged data may be generated by merging the third data and the fourth data. A third image may be reconstructed based on the merged data. A fourth image may be generated through image composition based on the first image, the second image, and the third image.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Yang Lyu
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Patent number: 10631795Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable pinhole collimator and a radiographic imaging device using same, in which the variable pinhole collimator includes: a plurality of pinhole plates formed in each plate surface thereof with a plurality of pinhole formation holes having different sizes along a circumferential direction, formed in each plate surface thereof with a plurality of rotation operation holes around the rotation axis along the circumferential direction, and configured to be laminated in an incidence direction of radiation; and a driving module inserted into the rotation operation holes of the plurality of pinhole plates in the incidence direction to rotate the plurality of pinhole plates about the rotation axis, and configured to rotate the plurality of pinhole plates to form a pinhole in the overlapping area. Accordingly, various pinhole shapes can be achieved since it is possible to change parameters constituting a pinhole of the pinhole collimator.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: ARALE LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hak-Jae Lee, Ki-Sung Lee, Hye-mi Cha
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Patent number: 10610176Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Mobius Imaging, LLCInventor: Eugene A. Gregerson
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Patent number: 10598813Abstract: The invention relates to equipment (1) for the radiography of a load (11) moving relative thereto, the radiography equipment comprising a source (2) for emitting pulses (16) of divergent X-rays, a collimator (4) for the source for delimiting an incident x-ray beam (22), and sensors (8) for receiving X-rays, which are aligned with the incident beam so as to collect the X-rays after the latter have passed through the load and generate raw image signals. The equipment includes a reference block (6) comprising intermediate x-ray sensors (28) which are to be located within the incident beam, between the source and the load, so as to be irradiated by at least two separate angular sectors of the incident beam, and which are to output separate reference signals corresponding to each angular sector to be used in the conversion of raw image signals into a portion of a radiographic image. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: SMITHS HEIMANN SASInventors: Pascal Desaute, Irène Dorion, Nicolas Dumay
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Patent number: 10524754Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device (10) comprising a data input (11) for receiving spectral computed tomography volumetric image data organized in voxels, comprising multispectral information for each voxel. The device further comprises a calcium surface feature analyzer (12) for estimating, for each voxel, based on said multispectral information, a first value indicative of a maximum probability that a local neighborhood around the voxel corresponds to a calcium surface structure and a second value indicative of an orientation of the calcium structure surface. The device also comprises a probability processor (13) for calculating a probability map indicative of a probability, for each voxel, that the voxel represents a bone or hard plaque structure, taking at least the first and second value and the multispectral information into account.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Liran Goshen
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Patent number: 10441230Abstract: The invention relates to a projection data acquisition apparatus (31) for acquiring projection data. The projection data acquisition apparatus comprises a radiation device (32) for generating a pulsed radiation beam (4) for traversing an object and a detection device (6) for generating projection data being indicative of the pulsed radiation beam (4) at different acquisition positions, wherein the radiation device (32) is adapted to generate the pulsed radiation beam (4) such that at different acquisition positions the pulsed radiation beam (4) has different shapes, i.e. is differently blocked and/or attenuated. Thus, not the complete radiation providable by the radiation device is used at each acquisition position, but at least at some acquisition positions only a smaller pulsed radiation beam is used. This can lead to less scattered radiation and hence to improved projection data and an improved computed tomography image, which may be reconstructed based on the acquired projection data.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Roland Proksa, Michael Grass
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Patent number: 10405816Abstract: An integral collimator for an extra-oral imaging system that includes a lead plate surrounding an elongated fixed slot aperture and includes a unitary body in substantially continuous contact with an outer surface of the elongated lead plate. The unitary body can include a lower portion surrounding the elongated lead plate and an upper portion, where the upper portion includes a protrusion configured to engage a transport mechanism for translation in a direction orthogonal to a path of the x-ray.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: TROPHYInventors: Philippe Congy, Olivier Martino
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Patent number: 10349903Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry, storage circuitry and control circuitry. The gantry including an X-ray tube is relatively movable on a floor surface of an examination room. The storage circuitry store information of a first boundary indicating an outer edge of a FOV inside the opening portion and information of a second boundary located between the first boundary and an inner surface of the opening portion to prevent interference between an object and the gantry. The control circuitry control the X-ray tube to stop emitting X-rays based on a relative positional relationship between a scan target area of the object and the first boundary or control the gantry to stop moving based on a relative positional relationship between a non-scan target area of the object and the second boundary.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Katsumi Gotanda, Kenji Tomomura
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Patent number: 10327718Abstract: Disclosed is a dental X-ray imaging device having a curved detector. The dental X-ray imaging device according to the present invention comprises: an X-ray source for radially emitting X-rays; and a curved detector formed in a cylindrical two-dimensional curved shape or a round three-dimensional curved shape, which is arranged to be spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the X-ray source and has substantially the same radius of curvature as the predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae Woo Kim, Byung Hun Park, Sung Il Choi
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Patent number: 10301153Abstract: A mobile gantry for transporting heavy loads includes first, second, and third booms which are supported on the ground by respective wheel sets. The booms are spaced from one another so to present a generally triangular configuration when viewed from above. First, second, and third lift legs telescope to extend and retract the booms, and the lift legs are interconnected to one another and can raise and lower a load. The load can be maintained level by individually adjusting the length of each boom by extending and retracting the lift legs. A pivot axle, attached to each one of the wheel sets, allows each of the wheel sets to pivot about an axis that is at least generally parallel to the ground, thus maintaining a uniform load while the mobile gantry encounters changes in slope or other surface irregularities.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: J & R Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Roger L. Johnston
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Patent number: 10274636Abstract: The present invention may perform fluoroscopic imaging simultaneously on the subjects in at least two channels using only one electron accelerator, at least two sets of X-ray beams and at least two sets of detector systems, through the design of the electron accelerator, the shielding and collimating device, the at least two detector arrays and various mechanical composite structures. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system according to the present invention may be designed in specific forms of a stationary type, an assembled type, a track mobile type or vehicular mobile type, etc., and has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, strong function, good image quality and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Huaping Tang, Zhiqiang Chen, Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen, Yuanjing Li, Ziran Zhao, Yaohong Liu, Shangmin Sun, Xinshui Yan, Zhanfeng Qin
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Patent number: 10251795Abstract: A hygiene kit containing a set of hygiene products folded, arranged, compressed, and packaged into a pocket-sized container.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Inventor: Neda Shilian
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Patent number: 10180404Abstract: Collimator unit between X-ray tube and sample includes a plurality of collimator plates and displacement mechanisms, which move the collimator plates in interlocked fashion so as to locate the centers of through-holes on a line connecting X-ray focal point to an arbitrary point on the sample W, thereby suppressing the shading of X-rays due to the axis of the through-holes of the collimator unit becoming diagonal to the line connecting the X-ray focal point and the point on the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Keijiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 10175381Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 10123756Abstract: A slotted plate is for limiting an incident x-ray radiation. The slotted plate includes at least one slotted opening and two different x-ray filter regions for x-ray spectrum differentiation of the incident x-ray radiation. The two different x-ray filter regions are permanently arranged in the region of the at least one slotted opening such that radiation portions of the x-ray radiation penetrating the slotted opening having different x-ray spectra can be generated simultaneously. A radiator screen, an x-ray radiator for generating a radiation beam fan, a computer tomography device having such an x-ray radiator, and a method for controlling such a computer tomography device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Thomas Karch, Alexander Nagel
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Patent number: 10098600Abstract: Cone Beam Breast CT, (CBBCT) is a three-dimensional breast imaging modality with high soft tissue contrast, high spatial resolution and no tissue overlap. CBBCT-based computer aided diagnosis (CBBCT-CAD) technology is a clinically useful tool for breast cancer detection and diagnosis that will help radiologists to make more efficient and accurate decisions. The CBBCT-CAD is able to: 1) use 3D algorithms for image artifact correction, mass and calcification detection and characterization, duct imaging and segmentation, vessel imaging and segmentation, and breast density measurement, 2) present composite information of the breast including mass and calcifications, duct structure, vascular structure and breast density to the radiologists to aid them in determining the probability of malignancy of a breast lesion.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignees: University of Rochester, Koning CorporationInventors: Ruola Ning, Xiaohua Zhang, David L. Conover, Shaohua Liu
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Patent number: 10092254Abstract: The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus which is specifically designed for enabling three-dimensional imaging of relatively small volumes from the area of extremities of a patient. The apparatus includes a support construction (1) supporting a substantially ring-shaped structure (2), an O-arm (2), which in turn supports imaging means (21, 22) and which O-arm (2) is arranged with an examination opening (4). The imaging means (21, 22) are arranged movable within the O-arm (2). A positioning support (8) is arranged in connection with said examination opening (4) whose location with respect to the O-arm (2) is arranged adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: PLANMECA OYInventors: Tapio Laukkanen, Pentti Hyvärinen, Juha Tawast
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Patent number: RE49349Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson