Collimator Patents (Class 378/147)
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Publication number: 20130287169Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Liesenfelt, William Talion Edwards, Daniel Shedlock
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Patent number: 8571176Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors in an imaging system are provided. One an imaging system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors detect received radiation along a path projected from the focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system also includes a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of detectors, wherein the collimators have a tapered configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph Lacey
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Patent number: 8552388Abstract: A production method for a sensor unit that includes a scintillator and a support plate on which a stack of collimator sheets is attached. The production method permits precise positioning of the collimator sheets in respect of the scintillator. In the process, individual scintillator strips are initially produced from a plurality of scintillator pixels adjoining one another along one dimension. Respectively one photodiode strip, made of a plurality of photodiodes in turn adjoining one another along one dimension, is attached to each of the individual scintillator strips along a longitudinal side in order to form a sensor strip. In an embodiment, respectively one photodiode is associated with respectively one scintillator pixel for readout purposes. The sensor strips are subsequently individually assembled on an outer side of the support plate facing away from the collimator sheets in order to form the scintillator.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stefan Wirth
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Publication number: 20130259195Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
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Publication number: 20130243163Abstract: An adjusting method of an X-ray apparatus has a reflection structure, wherein assuming that one end plane of the reflection structure is an inlet port of the X-ray and the other end plane is an outlet port of the X-ray, a pitch of the reflection substrates at the outlet port is wider than that at the inlet port. When the X-ray source exists at a position where a glancing angle at the time when the X-ray enters the inlet port exceeds a critical angle, an intensity of the X-ray emitted from each passage is detected. On the basis of the detected X-ray intensity, a relative position of the X-ray source and the reflection structure is adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumitaro Masaki, Naoya Iizuka, Mitsuaki Amemiya, Akira Miyake
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Publication number: 20130243164Abstract: The present invention provides a method of adjusting an X-ray optical apparatus which includes: an X-ray source; and a reflective structure where at least three reflective substrate arranged with an interval and X-rays which are incident into a plurality of passages whose both sides are put between the reflective substrates are reflected and parallelized by the reflective substrate at both sides of each passage to be emitted from the passage. When one edge of the reflective structure is an inlet of the X-ray and the other edge is an outlet of the X-ray, a pitch of the reflective substrates at the outlet side is larger than a pitch at the inlet side. The method comprises adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray source and the reflective structure so as to reduce a penumbra amount formed by the X-ray emitted from each of the passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoya Iizuka, Mitsuaki Amemiya, Akira Miyake
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Patent number: 8536552Abstract: A collimator is disclosed for a radiation detector including at least three spacing elements arranged on a radiation exit face of the collimator. In at least one embodiment, they are embodied so as to mount the collimator in a stable manner with respect to a radiation converter of the radiation detector. The at least three spacing elements enable a very precise and stable alignment of the collimator in respect of the radiation converter despite manufacturing-related curves or unevennesses in the radiation exit face and/or the mounting surface on the part of the radiation converter. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a manufacturing method for such a collimator, as well as a method for manufacturing a radiation detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Freund, Claus Pohan, Gottfried Tschöpa, Stefan Wirth, Jan Wrege
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Patent number: 8536548Abstract: A particle beam therapy system that prevents dispersion of a charged particle beam, reduction of the energy thereof, and upsizing of the system and can accurately monitor the opening shape of a multileaf collimator so as to perform high-accuracy particle beam therapy. An image-capturing unit that takes an image of an outer end of a respective downstream side face of a leaf plate is provided for each row of leaves in such a way as to be situated at a position that is at an outer side of an irradiation field; and adjusted in such a way that a foot of a perpendicular line from a viewpoint, of the image capturing unit, to the downstream side face of a leaf plate, is situated at a position that is at an inner side of the position of the outer end when the leaf plate is maximally driven in the departing direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Toshihiro Otani, Takeshi Hagino, Koichi Ikuta
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Publication number: 20130235981Abstract: A collimator for x-ray, gamma, or particle radiation has a plurality of collimator elements made of a tungsten-containing material to reduce scattered radiation. At least one collimator element consists of a tungsten alloy having a tungsten content of 72 to 98 wt.-%, which contains 1 to 14 wt.-% of at least one metal of the group Mo, Ta, Nb and 1 to 14 wt.-% of at least one metal of the group Fe, Ni, Co, Cu. The collimator also has very homogeneous absorption behavior at very thin wall thicknesses of the collimator elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Plansee SeInventors: Dirk Handtrack, Heinrich Kestler, Gerhard Leichtfried
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Publication number: 20130230145Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method of performing microbeam radiation therapy (microbeam radiosurgery) for a subject, including: producing a high-energy radiation beam; shaping, attenuating, strengthening, hardening and/or otherwise appropriately modifying the high-energy radiation beam using a low-Z, high-Z, or variable-Z filter; passing the beam before or after it has been so modified through a collimator to produce high-dose regions alternating with low-dose regions; and irradiating the subject with the collimated beam so modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: MICROBEAM THERAPY, LLCInventors: Daniel N. SLATKIN, Fred Harden GEISLER
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Patent number: 8525141Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for aligning collimators in an imaging system includes a transmitter coupled to a first detector and configured to transmit a beam, and a receiver coupled to a second detector and configured to receive the beam transmitted from the first detector. The alignment system also includes a cart comprising an alignment device with the cart configured to hold at least two collimators. The system includes a control system configured to align the first and second detectors with the at least two collimators using the alignment device.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Uzi Dror
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Patent number: 8507861Abstract: A radiological characterization device comprising at least one collimated radiological measuring probe, a sensitive end of which is placed in an exchangeable collimator having an opening and a field of observation. The collimator is carried by a collimator holder, the assembly consisting of collimator and collimator holder being inserted in a stack between two shielding screens, the shielding screens being exchangeable so as to adjust the thickness thereof, the assembly consisting of collimator and collimator holder and the shielding screens providing protection for the probe vis-à-vis parasitic ionizing radiation coming from ionizing radiation sources situated outside the field of observation of the collimator.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Philippe Girones, Christophe Brenneis, Fabrice Lamadie, Christian Ducros
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Publication number: 20130202081Abstract: The present invention relates to differential phase-contrast imaging, in particular to a structure of a diffraction grating, e.g. an analyzer grating and a phase grating, for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging. In order to provide enhanced phase-gradient based image data, a diffraction grating (14, 15) for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging, is provided with a first sub-area (23) comprising at least one portion (24) of a first grating structure (26) and at least one portion (28) of a second grating structure (30). The first grating structure comprises a plurality of bars (34) and gaps (36) with a first grating orientation GO1 (37), being arranged periodically, wherein the bars are arranged such that they change the phase and/or amplitude of an X-ray radiation and wherein the gaps are X-ray transparent.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Ewald Rössl
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Publication number: 20130177131Abstract: An X-ray collimator has a collimation plate, and a shielding box made of a tungsten plastic composite, the shielding box having an opening on the top and the bottom thereof respectively, and a support part for supporting the shielding box. The collimation plate is disposed on the shielding box or the support part. Compared to the use of the shielding box alone, the collimator reduces the volume of the collimator without reducing its shielding performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2011Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Chang Qing Teng
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Patent number: 8483362Abstract: A collimator module is disclosed for the modular assembly of a collimator for a radiation detector with a multiplicity of absorber elements, which are arranged one behind the other in a collimation direction and held by a carrier. In at least one embodiment, the carrier has at least one alignment device for aligning the collimator module in the collimation direction, which alignment device(s) interact with positioning device(s) in a detector mechanism of the radiation detector when they are integrated into the radiation detector. This provides the preconditions for integrating the collimator module in a fashion that is decoupled from a radiation convertor, and so this allows easy assembly of a collimator and adjustment to a position assumed between a radiation convertor and the collimator. Moreover, a radiation detector with such a collimator module is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Freund
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Publication number: 20130170625Abstract: An X-ray system is arranged for providing X-ray exposure to a target volume. The aforesaid X-ray system comprises an X-ray source and at least one focusing lens. The provided exposure is distributed over a volume of the target in a substantially uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: CONVERGENT R.N.R LTDInventors: Zeev Burshtein, Aharon Bar-David, Zeev Harel
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Patent number: 8472587Abstract: The invention relates to a collimator with adjustable focal length, especially for use in X-ray testing devices whose operating principle is based on diffraction phenomena in an object. Fixed focal length collimators used in such X-ray testing devices have to be displaced over a large range. The aim of the invention is to reduce the range of displacement. For this purpose, the collimator has at least two diaphragms having respective substantially circular slots arranged about a common center axis, wherein at least one diaphragm can be displaced along the center axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbHInventors: Norbert Haunschild, Ullrich Herda, Uwe Siedenburg, Martin Hartick, Patricia Schall
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Patent number: 8464927Abstract: A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: JMP Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: James M. Pinchot
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Patent number: 8462913Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a collimator and a detector, the collimator having a material for blocking radiation and a region that is a sector of an annulus or multiple regions in a configuration in the shape of a sector of an annulus for allowing transmission of the radiation. The detector is spaced a distance from the collimator such that when a radiation source and sample crystal material are positioned at suitable positions, the radiation is collimated by the collimator and contacts the sample a predetermined distance from the detector at multiple of locations corresponding to the region or regions of the collimator. The Bragg diffracted radiation from the crystal material at two or more and preferably all of the locations overlap at the detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Nottingham Trent University, Cranfield UniversityInventors: Paul Evans, Keith Rogers
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Publication number: 20130136238Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a distance indication using an x-ray apparatus. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may be provided comprising an x-ray generator and a visible light generator. The apparatus may further comprise a projection member, such as a reticle, comprising a material at least partially transparent to visible light, wherein the projection member comprises an image positioned within the path of the visible light so as to project a secondary image comprising a shadow defined by the image. A LASER configured to deliver a LASER beam at an angle relative to the visible light may be provided such that the LASER beam intersects at least a portion of the secondary image at a predetermined distance from the LASER to allow a user to determine precisely a distance from the apparatus to an object to be exposed to x-ray radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: ARIBEX, INC.Inventor: Aribex, Inc.
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Patent number: 8451977Abstract: A collimator module (10A) comprises a plurality of collimator single plates (11) having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides and a pair of blocks (12) including a plurality of first grooves (125) extending along an irradiation direction of the X-rays. The short sides are inserted into the first grooves to support the collimator single plates. A supporting member is configured to cover the long sides from an incident side and an emission side of the X-rays. The supporting member includes an incident side fixing sheet (13) and an emission side fixing sheet (15) each having a plurality of second grooves into which the long sides are inserted to support the plurality of collimator single plates. The fixing sheets cover the first grooves and at least a portion of each of the long sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Haruo Kurochi
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Patent number: 8445878Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: ControlRad Systems, Inc.Inventor: Allon Guez
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Patent number: 8406379Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a curvature distribution crystal lens of the present invention is obtained via press-molding. In the case of a Ge single crystal plate, a temperature for the press-molding is in a range 1° C. to 120° C. lower than a melting point. In the case of a Si single crystal plate, a temperature for the press-molding is in a range 1° C. to 200° C. lower than a melting point. The curvature distribution crystal lens has a crystal lattice plane forming a 1D cylindrically curved surface or a 1D logarithmically curved surface whose valley is in a direction perpendicular to a direction having a maximum curvature, the direction having the maximum curvature being within 30° from a [001] or [1-10] direction in a (110) plane. As a result, it is possible to make an integrated reflection intensity uniform and to make a half-value width uniform in a wide range.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Kyoto University, Tohoku UniversityInventors: Hiroshi Okuda, Kazuo Nakajima, Kozo Fujiwara
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Patent number: 8406374Abstract: An x-ray optical system includes a multiple corner optic assembly including an adjustable aperture assembly located in close proximity to the optic assembly. The adjustable aperture assembly enables a user to easily and effectively adjust the convergence of an incident beam of x-rays or the optic focal spot size. The adjustable aperture assembly may further enable a user to condition x-rays of one wavelength and block x-rays of another wavelength and thereby reduce the amount of background radiation exhibited from x-rays of more than one wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Rigaku Innovative Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Boris Verman
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Publication number: 20130064353Abstract: An apparatus for forming a beam of energetic particles and for scanning the beam of particles with respect to an inspected object. The apparatus has a source of energetic particles characterized by an effective beam origin and a rotating hoop having at least one aperture, such that the effective beam origin of the source is closer to the inspected object than the axis of rotation of the rotating hoop. A collimating structure disposed interior to the rotating hoop collimates emission by the source into a fan beam prior to impinging on the rotating hoop. In some embodiments, the effective beam origin may be moved with respect to the axis of rotation of the hoop.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
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Publication number: 20130064354Abstract: A collimation device for an X-ray beam, an optical device for analyzing a specimen by the scattering of an X-ray beam, and a collimator for an X-ray beam. The collimation device includes an enclosure configured to be under a vacuum or a controlled atmosphere, the enclosure including an inlet and an outlet for the X-ray beam and at least one plate made of a material having a diffracting periodic structure, the plate including two main faces and at least one flared aperture between the faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Olivier Tache, Olivier Spalla
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Publication number: 20130058462Abstract: A real-time fluoroscopic imaging system includes a collimator and a detector which are rotationally movable independent of the support assembly, e.g., c-arm, to which they are mounted. Rotational movement of the collimator and the detector are coordinated such that the orientation of the detector with respect to the collimator does not change. The collimator may include a geared flange member to facilitate rotation, and may be a single molded piece formed of a plastic such as tungsten polymer material. The system may also include a plurality of interchangeable collimators characterized by different shapes. A display is provided to present an image to an operator, and image orientation logic displays a target anatomy in a selected orientation regardless of orientation of the target anatomy relative to the detector, and regardless of rotation of the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: John Jenkins, Mark Guetersloh, Aleksey Danilkin, Tri Pham
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Patent number: 8385499Abstract: A two dimensional collimator assembly and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The collimator assembly includes a wall structure constructed to form a two dimensional array of channels to collimate x-rays. The wall structure further includes a first portion positioned proximate the object to be scanned and configured to absorb scattered x-rays and a second portion formed integrally with the first portion and extending out from the first portion away from the object to be scanned. The first portion of the wall structure has a height greater than a height of the second portion of the wall structure. The second portion of the wall structure includes a reflective material coated thereon in each of the channels forming the two dimensional array of channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Zhaoping Wu, Haochuan Jiang, Joseph James Lacey, James S. Vartuli, Yunfeng Sun, Qun Deng, Xiaoye Wu, Kun Tao, Zhaohui Yang
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Patent number: 8385508Abstract: A scattered radiation collimator element is disclosed for producing a scattered radiation collimator for absorbing scattered radiation which is generated during an examination of an object by interaction of x-ray or gamma radiation used for this purpose. For the purposes of simplification and reducing costs during production, in at least one embodiment, the scattered radiation collimator element includes a plurality of absorber elements, designed in a strip-like or filament-like fashion and arranged adjacent to one another to form an absorber surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ludwig Danzer
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Publication number: 20130032715Abstract: Briefly described, in an exemplary form, the present invention discloses a system, method and apparatus for X-ray Compton scatter imaging. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention uses two detectors in a volumetric CT system. A first detector is positioned generally in-line with the angle of attack of the incoming energy, or, generally in-line of path x, where x is the path of the incoming energy. The first, or primary, detector detects various forms of radiation emanating from an object undergoing testing. In some embodiments, the present invention further comprises a Compton scattering system positioned generally normal to path x. In some embodiments, the Compton scattering subsystem comprises a second detector and a pin-hole collimator. The second detector detects Compton scattering energy from the object being tested.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Lei Zhu, Tianye Niu
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Patent number: 8350234Abstract: Light from a light source is made to be reflected by a light source mirror and to pass through a variable collimator, an irradiation field shape shaped by the variable collimator is projected on a photographing screen by the light passed through the variable collimator, a projection portion of the photographing screen is photographed by a photographic device, and an image photographed by the photographic device is analyzed by an image processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yuehu Pu, Toshihiro Otani
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Publication number: 20120328076Abstract: Systems and methods for focal spot motion correction are provided. One system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a first focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors measure received radiation along a path projected from the first focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system further includes an imaging region from which the detectors provide image information for image reconstruction and a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of radiation detectors. At least one collimator at a first end of the plurality of collimators and at least one collimator at second end of the plurality of collimators are aligned to a second focal spot different than the first focal spot and having a different location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
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Publication number: 20120321041Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors in an imaging system are provided. One an imaging system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors detect received radiation along a path projected from the focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system also includes a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of detectors, wherein the collimators have a tapered configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph Lacey
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Patent number: 8331529Abstract: A medical imaging system includes an x-ray source (112) having a focal spot that emits radiation that traverses an examination region (108). The position of the focal spot along a longitudinal direction is a function of a temperature of one or more x-ray source components. The system further includes a detector (120) that detects the radiation and a collimator (116), disposed between the x-ray source (112) and the examination region (108), that collimates that radiation along the longitudinal direction. A focal spot position estimator (132) dynamically computes an estimated position of the focal spot along the longitudinal direction based on the temperature of one or more x-ray source components. A collimator positioner (128) positions the collimator (116) along the longitudinal direction based on the estimated focal spot position prior to performing a scan.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Lester Miller, Janardhan K. Kamath, Randall P. Luhta
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Patent number: 8317394Abstract: An improved x-ray system having a DAP measurement chamber is provided. An x-ray system has a radiation path, which extends between an x-ray radiation source and a detector. A beam splitter is arranged in the radiation path, the beam splitter being used to inject visible light into the radiation path. The DAP measurement chamber is arranged in the radiation path between the x-ray radiation source and the beam splitter. An improved collimator having a DAP measurement chamber is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ingo Klemm
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Publication number: 20120294424Abstract: Techniques for radioablation of sympathetic nerves include positioning a subject on a support in view of a volume imaging system and an ionizing radiation source; and collecting volume image data. Location of a treatment portion of a sympathetic nerve in the subject is determined based on the volume image data. Movement of the source is determined to apply a therapeutic radiation dose to the treatment portion based on the location of the treatment portion and relative location of the source to the volume imaging system. The source is operated to deliver the therapeutic radiation dose. An apparatus includes a mounting structure, an X-ray source and a shield. The source produces an X-ray beam with photon energy above one million electron volts (MeV) and not above six MeV. The shield is mounted in opposition to the source to block the X-ray beam with photon energies not greater than about six MeV.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Robert K. Chin, Matthew Thomas Wheeler, Peter G. Maxim
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Publication number: 20120294414Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus comprising a radiation source (2) and a detector (6) for generating detection values depending on a conical radiation beam (4). A weight providing unit (12) provides, for combinations of voxels of an image and detection values, weights for weighting the detection values, and a beam shaper shapes the conical radiation beam (4) such that for at least a part of the detection values the inverse of the variance of a respective detection value is positively correlated with an average of the weights corresponding to the combinations of the voxels, which correspond to the respective detection value, and the respective detection value. This shaping of the conical radiation beam improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the weighted detection values.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Thomas Koehler
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Publication number: 20120294426Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the delivery of a beam of X-rays for analysis of a sample (50), comprising: a source block (100) comprising X-ray emission means; an optical block (200) placed downstream of the source block (100), said optical block (200) comprising an optical monochromator component (210) having a reflecting surface (212) provided for conditioning X-rays emitted by the source block (100) according to unidimensional or bidimensional optical effect; and definition means (300) of X-rays comprising: an anti-diffusing member (310) for spatially delimiting X-rays conditioned by the optical monochromator component (210), placed downstream of the optical monochromator component (210) and comprising one or more plates (311) having portions (313) arranged to form a delimiting orifice (312), said portions (313) being coated with a monocrystalline material limiting the scattering of X-rays; a cut-off member (320) of X-rays emitted by the source block (100), comprising X-ray absorption means arrType: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: XENOCSInventors: Pierre Panine, Peter Hoghoj
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Publication number: 20120275560Abstract: A composite material pre-patient collimator for shaping an x-ray beam in a computed tomography (CT) system is disclosed. The pre-patient collimator includes a base comprised of a first material having a first material density and an insert mechanically coupled to the base and being comprised of a second material, the second material comprising a moldable material having a second material density greater than the first material density and that is sufficient to block high frequency electromagnetic energy. The base comprises a plurality of structural features by which the insert is molded to the base, with the moldable material of the insert forming a connection with the plurality of structural features to mechanically couple the base and the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Nicholas Demianovich, II
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Publication number: 20120269319Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that the total beam fluence incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 8290116Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for generating an image of a region of interest of an object. The imaging apparatus comprises a radiation source (2) for emitting radiation (4) and a detector (6) for measuring the radiation (4) after having traversed the region of interest and for generating measured detection values depending on the measured radiation (4). The imaging apparatus further comprises an attenuation element for attenuating the radiation (4) before traversing the region of interest and an attenuation element scatter values providing unit (12) for providing attenuation element scatter values, which depend on scattering of the radiation (4) caused by the attenuation element. A detection values correction unit (17) corrects the measured detection values based on the provided attenuation element scatter values, and a reconstruction unit (18) reconstructs an image of the region of interest from the corrected detection values.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Jens Wiegert, Matthias Bertram
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Patent number: 8280001Abstract: A method of irradiating a target tissue in a patient comprising positioning the patient on a patient support system so that the target tissue in the patient is within irradiating distance of at least one source of a beam of radiation and moving the patient support system relative to the at least one source of a beam of radiation and, coordinately with movement of the patient support system, rotating the at least one source of radiation relative to the target tissue, which comprises and/or is adjacent to a non-target tissue, so that the center of rotation of the beam of radiation is placed at one or more desired locations within the target tissue, while simultaneously and/or sequentially irradiating the target tissue; a collimator; a method of making such a collimator; a system for irradiating a target tissue in a patient; and a method of planning irradiation of a target tissue in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Xcision Medical Systems LLCInventors: Chao Wang, Xinsheng Cedric Yu
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Patent number: 8267304Abstract: A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: JMP Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: James M. Pinchot
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Patent number: 8249220Abstract: An x-ray optical system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays, a first optical element which conditions the x-rays to form two beams and at least a second optical element which further conditions at least one of the two beams from the first optical element.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Rigaku Innovative Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Boris Verman, Yuriy Platonov, Licai Jiang
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Patent number: 8238517Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilised in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen, Erik Chell
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Publication number: 20120195405Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The arm may be articuable. The X-ray tube may include a target element configured to generate an X-ray beam and a collimator configured to shape the X-ray beam. The target element may be disposed at a set distance from the collimator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Bas WOUDSTRA, Wim de Jager
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Patent number: 8223925Abstract: A collimating device is described. The collimating device includes a housing defining an interior surface and an exterior surface of the collimating device. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet and a cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. The collimating device also includes a plurality of ridges extending from the interior surface of the housing toward a center of the cavity. The plurality of ridges form a plurality of slits within the cavity configured to collimate radiation entering the inlet and exiting the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Bruker AXS Handheld, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Shannon, Jr.
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Patent number: 8217359Abstract: A self-aligning collimator for a radiation imaging device that is secured and aligned through the use of a plurality of small magnets. The collimator allows for the rapid exchange, removal, or addition of collimators for the radiation imaging device without the need for tools. The accompanying method discloses the use of magnets and accompanying magnetic fields to align and secure collimators in a radiation imaging assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLCInventors: Brian J. Kross, John McKisson, Aleksandr Stolin, Andrew G. Weisenberger, Carl Zorn
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Patent number: 8218729Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an X-ray irradiation area, in which an acquisition circuit acquires information relating to an effective area of a sensor, and a control circuit controls the X-ray irradiation area based on the information relating to the effective area.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoto Takahashi
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Patent number: 8213569Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a method for controlling an X-ray irradiation region that can appropriately narrow down an X-ray radiation aperture so as to fit a configuration of a region of interest during acquisition of X-ray projection data for reconstructing tomography images of an object. Based on a plurality of 2D image data acquired through a preliminarily X-ray imaging, a 3D region of interest is set up on an examination target portion having a strong directionality. X-ray imaging of the 3D region of interest is performed by sliding and rotating a plurality of aperture blades in an X-ray collimator based on a projected figure of the 3D region of interest along successively renewed imaging directions around a periphery of an object.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Ryuji Zaiki, Reiko Hashimoto