Accessory Patents (Class 378/204)
  • Patent number: 11829079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning apparatus for positioning of an object, the positioning apparatus including a first actuator and a second actuator configured to be arranged along a first direction so as to be parallel to each other, and to cause a beam to move in the first direction, a third actuator configured to be built in the beam, and to cause the object to move in a second direction relative to the beam, the second direction intersecting with the first direction, and a control unit configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsutomu Terao
  • Patent number: 11759655
    Abstract: A multi-layer multi-leaf collimation system includes at least a two layers of collimation leaves. The first multi-leaf collimator layer is configured to primarily perform a first function to affect a radiation beam traveling from a radiation source to a target and a second multi-leaf collimator layer is configured to primarily perform a second function, different from the first function, to affect the radiation beam for the administration of a treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Esa Kuusela, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Juha Kauppinen
  • Patent number: 11730434
    Abstract: A specimen radiography system may include a controller and a cabinet. The cabinet may include an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, and a specimen drawer disposed between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The specimen drawer may be automatically positionable along a vertical axis between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Timothy N. Wells, Thomas DeYoung, Henry Landry, Shawn St. Pierre, Shawn Hochstetler, Joseph Vartolone, Neil Roth, Michelle Lustrino
  • Patent number: 11621095
    Abstract: A computational method for development of radiation shielding compositions, as described herein, can include selecting at least one polymer and at least one metal for each of a plurality of radiation shielding compositions, selecting a polymer:metal ratio for each composition, performing computational analysis to calculate an attenuation coefficient associated with a given radiation dose for each composition, identifying a best candidate composition for radiation shielding based on the calculated attenuation coefficients, and preparing a radiation shielding material including the at least one polymer, the at least one metal, and the polymer metal ratio associated with the best candidate composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Salah Ud-Din Khan, Sajjad Haider, Usma Ali Rana
  • Patent number: 11547915
    Abstract: A cornhole training apparatus for simulating practice scenarios involving a blocking bag positional near a hole on a cornhole game board. The cornhole training apparatus comprises a blocking bag mounting structure configured to engage the cornhole gameboard surface. The blocking bag mounting structure comprises a horizontal band and a pair of cornhole board engaging members. The pair of cornhole board engaging members are oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band and configured to extend around and engage the sides of the cornhole gameboard to hold the blocking bag mounting structure in place. A blocking bag is attachable to the horizontal band to simulate a cornhole bag obstructing the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey Almon Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11383100
    Abstract: Interstitial brachytherapy is a cancer treatment in which radioactive material is placed directly in the target tissue of the affected site using an afterloader. The accuracy of radiation placement is monitored during the cancer treatment. The location plan for the radioactive material may be adjusted during the cancer treatment based on real-time analysis of the location and dosage of radiation measured in, at and around the target tissue of the affected site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Luis Miguel da Conceição Moutinho, Joana Isabel Ferreira dos Santos Melo
  • Patent number: 10820830
    Abstract: An optical shape sensing system employing an optical fiber (20) and one or more reference markers (41). Each reference marker (41) has an identifiable reference tracking position within a reference coordinate system (42). The optical fiber (20) has a reconstruction launch point (21) within the reference coordinate system (42) serving as a basis for an execution of a shape reconstruction of the optical fiber (20) within the reference coordinate system (42). The reconstruction launch point (21) of the optical fiber (20) has a known spatial relationship with each reference marker (41) to facilitate an identification of the reconstruction launch point (21) within the reference coordinate system (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bharat Ramachandran, Raymond Chan, Robert Manzke
  • Patent number: 10709406
    Abstract: A radiography apparatus includes a radiation emitting device that irradiates a subject with radiation, a camera that captures an image of the subject to acquire a captured image of the subject, and a radiation detector that detects the radiation transmitted through the subject and generates a radiographic image of the subject. The driving state of at least one of the radiation emitting device or the radiation detector is controlled on the basis of whether the radiation detector is included in the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Aoshima, Ryosuke Ogura, Fumito Nariyuki, Masayoshi Matsuura, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 10646195
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test phantom for X-ray imaging, which comprises a prosthetic fin and an edge patch; wherein the prosthetic fin has a plurality of different arithmetical series sizes of circular grooves and plurality of different arithmetical series thickness of the line pairs; wherein the edge patch connects on one side of the prosthetic fin. The present invention further provides a test phantom combination for X-ray imaging and a method for measuring parameters and focal spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: National Yang-Ming University
    Inventors: Suei-Ting Jhao, Jyh-Cheng Chen, Wei-Hung Shih, Yu-Jie Lan
  • Patent number: 10561858
    Abstract: A radiation-treatment plan that comprises a plurality of dose-delivery fractions can be optimized by using fraction dose objectives and at least one other, different dose objective. This use of fraction dose objectives can comprise accumulating doses delivered in previous dose-delivery fractions. The other, different dose objective can comprise a remaining total dose objective, a predictive dose objective, or some other dose objective of choice. An existing radiation-treatment plan having a corresponding resultant quality and that is defined, at least in part, by at least one delivery parameter can be re-optimized by specifying at least one constraint as regards that delivery parameter as a function, at least in part, of that resultant quality and then applying that constraint when re-optimizing the existing radiation-treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Juha Kauppinen
  • Patent number: 10456104
    Abstract: A universal C-ARM calibration seat includes a base, at least three action units, and a driving and positioning device. The base is annular and has a central axis. The base includes a correction plate mounting area. The at least three action units is mounted on a side of the base opposite to the correction plate mounting area. Each of the at least three action units includes a sliding member. The driving and positioning device is coaxially mounted to and rotatable relative to the base about the central axis. The driving and positioning device includes a rotating unit configured to actuate each sliding member. When the driving and positioning device rotates relative to the base, the rotating unit actuates each sliding member to simultaneously move toward the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventor: Ming-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 10332424
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a model unit and a template member. The model unit defines a shape in the form of a portion of a body. The template member is disposed adjacent to the model unit such that a portion of the template member is disposed within the shape defined by the model unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jozef Slanda, Jerry Timothy Long, Jr., Manuel B. Teixeira, Sacha Tang
  • Patent number: 10179333
    Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel sample cup including an integral cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Donato Pompa
  • Patent number: 10180506
    Abstract: An x-ray X-ray imaging apparatus includes an x-ray detector (3) that is configured to convert incident x-ray wavelength photons directly into electronic signals, a position for a material under test (2), an x-ray source (1), and a structure (4) configured to perturb an x-ray energy spectrum, each lying on a common axis. The x-ray source (1) is arranged to direct an x-ray energy spectrum along the common axis to impinge upon the member, the structure (4) configured to perturb the x-ray energy spectrum, and positioned material under test (2). The structure (4) lies between the x-ray source (1) and the member to one side of the position for material under test (2) intersecting the common axis, and the structure (4) includes at least three adjacent regions, each region different to immediately adjacent regions and configured to perturb the x-ray energy spectrum differently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: IBEX Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Gibson, Paul Scott
  • Patent number: 10070830
    Abstract: An x-ray/gamma ray imaging apparatus includes a pixilated x-ray/gamma ray detector (3) including a member configured to detect incident x-ray/gamma ray wavelength photons, a position for a body under test (2), an x-ray or gamma ray source (1), and a structure configured to perturb the energy spectrum (6), each lying on a common axis. The source is arranged to direct an x-ray gamma ray energy spectrum along the common axis to impinge upon a structure configured to perturb the x-ray energy spectrum and a positioned body/object under test. The structure and the position for the body under test lie between the source and the detector member, and the structure includes at least three adjacent regions, each region different to immediately adjacent regions and configured to perturb the x-ray energy spectrum differently. Detected photons are subject to a random noise reduction algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: IBEX Innovations, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary Gibson
  • Patent number: 9936925
    Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BIOLUCENT, LLC
    Inventors: Gail S. Lebovic, George D. Hermann, David Willis, Thomas A. Howell
  • Patent number: 9820715
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured for irradiating X-rays to a subject; a filtering unit configured for controlling a dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject; and a processor configured for distinguishing and setting up an uninterested region in an X-ray image obtained based in the irradiated X-rays, and for controlling the filtering unit to set a dose of X-rays irradiated into the uninterested region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Goo Kang, Young Hun Sung, Sung W Jeon, Jaemock Yi, Jiyoung Choi
  • Patent number: 9277895
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining an internal image of a test subject by using X-rays. The X-ray CT apparatus has: an X-ray generator; an X-ray detector; a first casing for enclosing the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector; a test-subject table; a first table transporting mechanism for transporting the test-subject table between a first table position and a second table position, the first table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table receives X-rays from the X-ray generator, and the second table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table is on the outside of the first casing; and a second table transporting mechanism capable of vertically transporting the test-subject table. The first table transporting mechanism and the second table transporting mechanism operate in association with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hara, Kiyoshi Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20150124941
    Abstract: A C-arm sleeve for preserving the sterility of a C-arm. The C-arm sleeve includes a C-frame drape configured to cover the C-frame of the C-arm. The C-arm sleeve also includes an image intensifier drape configured to be placed over an image intensifier of the C-arm. The C-arm sleeve further includes a tube-head drape configured to be placed over a tube-head of the C-arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Arterson
  • Patent number: 9020103
    Abstract: A versatile beam scanner for generating a far-field scanned pencil beam, and, alternatively, a far-field pencil beam. An angle selector limits the angular extent of an inner fan beam emitted by a source of penetrating radiation. The source and angle selector may be translated, along a direction parallel to a central axis of a multi-aperture unit, in such a manner as to generate a scanned far-field pencil beam, when rings of apertures are interposed between the source and an inspected target, or, alternatively, a far-field fan beam, when no ring of apertures is interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Grodzins
  • Patent number: 9016942
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present embodiments are a foldable pressing device and an X-ray machine. The foldable pressing device includes a motor, a lifting member, a pressing member, a linear guide member with a stop position, a pulling member and a resilient member. The lifting member, driven by the motor, causes a sliding element in the linear guide member with a stop position and the pressing member to move upwards. When the sliding element arrives at an uprising stop position, the pressing member, under the effect of the lifting member and the pulling member, overcomes the resistance of the resilient member to realize the folding thereof. The lifting member, driven by the motor, drives the pressing member to move downwards, and the pressing member is unfolded under the effect of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Can Guo, Guo Jun Han, Wen Ting Rui, Yun Ping Wang, Ning Tao Yang
  • Patent number: 9014339
    Abstract: 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 beam flux 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20150078535
    Abstract: In part, the invention relates to fiduciary markers suitable for affixing to a patient that are detectable with respect an imaging modality such as MRI and methods of making the same. The markers include a paramagnetic material disposed therein that generates a distinguishable signal relative to a patient or other biological sample of interest during an imaging data collection session. Further, the markers demonstrate desirable signal to noise ratios across two or more MRI data collection procedures in one embodiment. The length of the markers is also adjustable by, for example, cutting or tearing a substrate upon which a substantially fluid-free region straddles a specified separation position on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SOLSTICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danforth S. DeSena, Pete Caravan
  • Patent number: 8961011
    Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source and can be coupled to a second display (also adjustably mounted). The second display and a first display can each be configured to control the mobile radiography apparatus and display items such as but not limited to (a) obtained images and/or related data or (b) a control panel to allow functions such as generating, storing, transmitting, modifying, and printing of the obtained images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Lalena
  • Publication number: 20150030136
    Abstract: A split gantry for a CT system includes a rotatable side comprising a configurable arrangement of image chain components of the CT system, a stationary side comprising a stationary support base and a gantry bearing, wherein the rotatable side is separate from the stationary side, and the stationary side is attachable to a rotatable portion of the gantry bearing without having to align the image chain components during an installation of the CT system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Loren Dodge, Chad Allan Smith, Timothy Matthew Behlmer
  • Patent number: 8942348
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing radiation therapy on a patient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a patient support surface, a gantry having a radiation source rotatable around the patient support surface, a supply arm extending through the central bore, a supply interface disposed on the supply arm, and a supply line connecting the supply interface to a supply source. The apparatus delivers radiation therapy accessories to the patient while minimally interfering with access to the patient by radiation therapy personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Elekta, Ltd.
    Inventor: Per Harald Bergfjord
  • Publication number: 20140321608
    Abstract: In X-ray CT devices, degradation of quantitative determination ability for CT values resulting from the beam hardening (BH) effect of X-ray is prevented. X-ray absorption characteristic S obtained by simulation and a target value T thereof are saved beforehand, the simulation value S is revised by using projection data measured by maintenance measurement for obtaining basic data required for BH correction, and a BH correction coefficient is calculated by using the revised X-ray absorption characteristic S and the target value T. With a few actually measured values, BH correction accuracy can be improved, and reduction of incorrect diagnosis resulting from inhomogeneity of the CT values and improvement in the diagnostic ability based on improvement in quantitative determination ability for the CT values can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironori Ueki, Fumito Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140321622
    Abstract: A novel device for marking location of organs on skin as per CAT scan comprising of a sheet having a plurality of vertical, horizontal and oblique lines wherein the sheet is provided in the form of a mesh. The device can be used for radiotherapy of head to localize point of radiotherapy, for other parts of body to localize/mark organs on skin after CAT scan and also for surgery of Brain to localize tumors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ghansham D. Agarwal
  • Patent number: 8870456
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a rotator having a shape of a perforated circular plate and rotating around a rotating axis of a center of the perforated circular plate; and a supporter having a perforated circular plate and one side of which is connected to one side of the rotator such that the rotator is restricted only to rotation movement. The supporter includes a supporter opening/closing part a part of which is separated along the rotating axis and then rotates by a predetermined angle around the rotating axis, and the rotator includes a rotator opening/closing part a part of which integrally moves with the supporter opening/closing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Duck-june Kim, Sang-hoon Ji, Woong-hee Shon, Sang-moo Lee, Kyung-tae Nam, Kwang-hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20140259588
    Abstract: A template for radiography and methods of using and making a template are described. The template can include a contoured sheet having first portions and second portions. The first portions are radiodense and the second portions are radiolucent to provide markings on a radiograph. At least one surface of the contoured sheet can correspond to at least one surface of a target part to provide alignment of the contoured sheet to the target part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: James Raphord Barrett, Jason Armstrong, Doug Nikolas, Andrew Isaac Deceuster, Lawrence Lang
  • Patent number: 8834022
    Abstract: A cassette carrier for containing a cassette incorporating a semiconductor radiation detector includes a rectangular recessed portion formed for containing the cassette with an irradiation surface exposed. The recessed portion is formed by a first frame that forms a side wall of one side thereof and includes a handle that a user holds, and a second frame forming a side wall of another side of the recessed portion. In the side wall formed by the first frame, an opening is provided in an opposite position opposing a connector unit of the cassette with the cassette attached to the recessed portion. The first frame has a space in communication with the opening, and connection/disconnection of an external cable to/from the connector unit is possible through the space with the cassette attached, and the space is large enough to contain an entire connector housing of the external.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Koyanagi
  • Publication number: 20140254769
    Abstract: An imaging modality includes a first computer, a second computer, a computer select circuit connected to a manually operable switch and configured to allow an operator to select whether to operate the first computer or the second computer by manually operating the manually operable switch, a single power supply unit configured to supply operating power to the first computer and the second computer; and a power control circuit connected to a power input of the first computer and connected to a power input of the second computer. The power control circuit outputs a trigger signal to activate or deactivate flow of power supply to the second computer in response to first computer receiving a turn ON or turn OFF input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Virtual Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Chicchetti, Carmine Pizzuto
  • Publication number: 20140247924
    Abstract: A radiation shield to locally apply radiation includes a source irradiating the radiation, and a shielding member is formed so that the radiation is incident only to a localized area of an object or a body to be inspected or treated and the other parts are shielded. According to the present invention, since the radiation is applied only to a part to be radiographed or treated, it is possible to provide the radiation shield which may locally irradiate the radiation to an object or a body to be inspected or treated. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the radiation shield which may be used along with a radiation irradiation apparatus (60Co Therapy, CyberKnife: a collimated source) universally used in existing medical institutions and also may accommodate a separate radioactive source (an uncollimated source) to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Suk Chan LEE, Jae Won SHIN, Seung-Woo HONG, Kangsan ROH, So Yoon PARK, Jae Hyun PARK
  • Patent number: 8824624
    Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (104). The rotating gantry (104) includes a first component (110, 114, 116) supplied with first power and a second component supplied with second power, wherein the first and second power are different. A contactless power chain (118) includes a first transformer (202, 204, 306) for transferring the first power from the stationary gantry (102) to the rotating gantry (104) and a second transformer (202, 204, 306) for transferring the second power from the stationary gantry (102) to the rotating gantry (104). The first and second transformers (202, 204, 306) are shifted relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (108) by a pre-determined finite non-zero distance (240). In another embodiment, an imaging system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (104) that rotates about a longitudinal axis (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Loef, Peter Luerkens, Hendrikus Wilhelmus Leonardus Antonius Maria Van Lierop, Joseph Gertrudis Leonardus Otten
  • Publication number: 20140233697
    Abstract: A method of aligning masks for phase imaging or phase contrast imaging in X-ray apparatus using a pixel-type X-ray detector makes use of non-idealities of all real detectors. A mask may be provided before the sample to generate beams, adjacent to the pixels of the detector or both. The method includes moving the mask into a plurality of translational position increments and identifying the increment for which the intensity has a maximum or minimum. The identified value of the increment may vary over the pixels of the detector. Alignment positions are selected in which steps in a plot of the increment over the area of the detector are minimised and/or aligned with the rows and columns of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Konstantin Ignatyev, Alessandro Olivo, Peter Munro, Robert Speller
  • Publication number: 20140226796
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to x-ray screening accessories and methods of facilitating x-ray screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Abiy Eshetu, Timothy B. Burton
  • Patent number: 8804909
    Abstract: A method for regulating the acquisition of an analog input signal from a digital X-ray panel is provided. The method includes opening a switch disposed between an integrator and the digital X-ray panel prior to an integrator event or upon detection of a fault in the digital X-ray panel to decouple the integrator from the digital X-ray panel, wherein the integrator is configured to integrate the analog input signal from the digital X-ray panel. Also, a system for data acquisition is provided. Further, a method for fault protection of the digital X-ray panel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Naresh Kesavan Rao, Richard Gordon Cronce, German Guillermo Vera, Jianjun Guo
  • Patent number: 8770839
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mobius Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Russell Stanton, Michael Allen, Michael Connor, Scott Coppen
  • Patent number: 8774361
    Abstract: A system displays potential radiation zones in an angiography X-ray laboratory during an angiography procedure, for example, and identifies areas of potentially harmful radiation due to X-ray scatter in an imaging room. An input processor receives data identifying an emitted X-ray dose level applied to an area of a patient anatomy. An image data processor determines level of X-ray radiation dose scatter in different regions of an imaging room indicating regions of potentially harmful radiation, by calculating X-ray scatter dose at different distances from an irradiated patient area as being substantially in proportion to the size of the irradiated area and substantially inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the irradiated area. A visual alert system visually identifies areas of a room of potentially harmful radiation in response to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Soroosh Kargar, Weng Lei
  • Publication number: 20140185780
    Abstract: A method of automatically determining parameters for a contrast scan, the method comprising obtaining scan-object information, selecting a scan protocol corresponding to a part of at least one part of a scan-object to be scanned from a plurality of scan protocols, each of the plurality of scan protocols corresponds to a part of the at least one part of the scan-object to be scanned and comprises built-in scan parameters, and automatically determining a scan delay and injection parameters with respect to the scan-object and the part of the scan-object to be scanned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: Jing ZHAO, Yaling TIAN, Ying LIU
  • Publication number: 20140153701
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a radioactive source tracking system adapted to determine in real time a spatial position of a gamma source in a volume, including a set of spatially distributed position sensitive detectors operable in real time arranged about the volume. The system includes a real time computer system adapted to calculate the spatial position per time stamp of the gamma source in the volume based on respective signals generated by the position sensitive detectors. In addition, the radioactive source is represented by a 3D or 4D data stream in real time. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for tracking a radioactive gamma source and a computer program product for causing a processor to determine a real time 3D or a 4D spatial position of a gamma source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Johan Henning, Bas Woudstra, Jeroen Schuurman
  • Patent number: 8737707
    Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing spatial distortions in location data determined by an imaging system, for example as employed in imaged guided therapy. A three dimensional phantom is custom formed for a desired imaging space of a given imaging system. The phantom includes a large plurality of control points fixed rigidly in space to a high degree of known accuracy. The phantom is fixed to a stereotactic frame defining a known calibrated reference or zero and imaged. An algorithm customized for the phantom determines the spatial locations of the control points. A comparison is made between the known and the determined spatial locations for at least a subset of the control points. The comparison results in indicia for any determined spatial distortions observed. The raw image data can be manipulated to compensate for any spatial distortion. The control points can have fixed locations known to an accuracy of 100.mu. or better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert D. Pearlstein, David Scott Kittle, Barbara Ann Holshouser
  • Patent number: 8731139
    Abstract: Evaporate thermal management systems for and methods of grazing incidence collectors (GICs) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography include a GIC shell interfaced with a jacket to form a structure having a leading end and that defines a chamber. The chamber operably supports at least one wicking layer. A conduit connects the wicking layer to a condenser system that support cooling fluid in a reservoir. When heat is applied to the leading end, the cooling fluid is drawn into the chamber from the condenser unit via capillary action in the wicking layer and an optional gravity assist, while vapor is drawn in the opposite direction from the chamber to the condenser unit. Heat is removed from the condensed vapor at the condenser unit, thereby cooling the GIC mirror shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Media Lario S.R.L.
    Inventors: Boris Grek, Daniel Stearns, Natale M. Ceglio
  • Publication number: 20140133625
    Abstract: An X-ray generation system and an X-ray detection system can be used in a method for taking X-ray images. The X-ray generation system includes an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and emits the generated X-rays to an external device. A three-dimensional (3D) posture information detector generates 3D posture information for the X-ray generator, and a communicator transmits the 3D posture information to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8723131
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a portable electronic cassette having a first cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a first connector for connecting to another connector, the electronic cassette being configured to acquire an image based on radiation transmitted through an object; a controller having a second cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a second connector for connecting to the first connector, the controller being configured to control an imaging operation of the electronic cassette via these cables; and a patient platform having an electronic cassette-housing unit in which the electronic cassette can be installed and a connector holding unit in which the second connector can be fixedly fitted. Here, the first connector has a lock/unlock operation unit configured to detachably connect to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kensuke Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8721176
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes a portable cart, a power source disposed on the portable cart, and a detector bin disposed on the portable cart. The detector bin includes a power adaptor configured to adapt power from the power source to power suitable for charging a rechargeable battery, and a first coupling component configured to receive power from the power adaptor. The imaging system also includes a digital X-ray detector configured to be inserted into the detector bin for charging. The detector includes a rechargeable battery, and a second coupling component configured to couple with the first coupling component and transfer power from the first coupling component to the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Vernon McBroom, Arturo Eduardo Alcala
  • Patent number: 8724776
    Abstract: An x-ray focusing device and method for adjustably focusing x-rays in two orthogonal directions simultaneously. The device and method can be operated remotely using two pairs of orthogonal benders mounted on a rigid, open frame such that x-rays may pass through the opening in the frame. The added x-ray flux allows significantly higher brightness from the same x-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin G. Haas, Christopher Stelmach, Zhong Zhong
  • Patent number: 8721178
    Abstract: A dental product for the evaluation, according to scale, of X-ray recordings of areas which are to be diagnosed, in particular areas of the tooth and/or jawbone, within the oral cavity of a patient, has a main body 10?, the shape of which is such that it is able to be received by the patient and is able to be fixed in the immediate vicinity of the area which is to be diagnosed by X-raying. The main body 10? consists of a material which is penetrable by X-ray beams, wherein in the interior of the main body at least one reference object 12? is held, which consists of material which absorbs X-ray beams. For the diagnosis, the dental product is placed into the patient's mouth and is fixed in that the patient bits onto the dental product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Heinrich Middelmann
  • Publication number: 20140105368
    Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for detecting, using an X-ray detector, X-rays given off by a sample when the sample is irradiated with X-rays, the X-ray analysis apparatus having replaceable components. The X-ray analysis apparatus comprises labels attached to the replaceable components and including symbols indicating the types of replaceable components, a camera for photographing the replaceable components and the labels, and CPU and image recognition software for specifying the types of replaceable components by calculation based on the symbols in the labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Takao OHARA, Kenji WAKASAYA, Tetsuya OZAWA, Kunio NISHI
  • Patent number: 8693619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which includes a support construction (1) which is arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting x-ray imaging means (21, 22), which x-ray imaging means (21, 22) are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2) and movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2), which ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means (21, 22) includes an examination opening (4), whereto the object to be imaged can be positioned for imaging. According to the invention, at least one display (11) is arranged to the apparatus. The display is arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera (12), which at least one video camera (12) is arranged in connection with said ring-shaped structure (2) and as aimed, or so that it can be aimed inside said examination opening (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Planmed Oy
    Inventors: Tapio Laukkanen, Sami Tohka