With Movable Source Or Detector Patents (Class 378/55)
  • Patent number: 11313983
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 10964836
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photon counting-type radiation detector includes a first cell and a second cell. The first cell transmits radiation. The second cell is stacked with the first cell. The second cell absorbs the radiation passing through the first cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MATERIALS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kuniyuki Kakushima, Tomoyuki Suzuki, Kazuo Tsutsui, Akito Sasaki, Atsuya Sasaki, Hideaki Hirabayashi, Yoshinori Kataoka
  • Patent number: 10690090
    Abstract: A modulation device for modulating a gas ejection section, the device being for placing in a nozzle upstream from the throat of the nozzle, the modulation device including a plug having a downstream end forming a member for partially obstructing the nozzle throat; and a plug guide having an internal housing in which the upstream end of the plug is present. The upstream end of the plug is suitable for sliding in the internal housing of the plug guide between a first position in which the upstream end of the plug is present in an upstream portion of the internal housing, and a second position in which the upstream end is present in a downstream portion of the internal housing. The upstream end of the plug is held in the first position by at least one retaining element for breaking under the effect of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Caubet, Jean-Michel Larrieu, Pierre Ripol
  • Patent number: 10082597
    Abstract: A mobile inspection system comprises: a stand; a ray source mounted to the stand and configured to generate a ray; a substantially inverted L-shaped detector beam comprising a horizontal detector beam portion and an upright detector beam portion connected to one end of the horizontal detector beam portion; a plurality of detectors configured to receive the ray emitted from the ray source, the plurality of detectors being disposed to at least one of the horizontal detector beam portion and the upright detector beam portion; and a drive device disposed to the stand, connected with the other end of the horizontal detector beam portion, and configured to drive the detector beam to rotate around an upright axis, wherein the ray source and the detector beam rotate synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Quanwei Song, Kejin Gao, Xuping Fan, Liwei Song, Jianmin Li, Shangmin Sun, Yulan Li, Chunguang Zong, Jinning Liang, Sheng Tang
  • Patent number: 9794454
    Abstract: Provided herein are imaging cassettes for detecting a luminescent and/or radioactive signals. Such cassettes are useful in common biological assays, e.g., immunoassays, nucleotide detection assays, and other affinity assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yochanan Uri, Boaz Ran, Itay Barak, Steven Swihart, Evan Thrush
  • Patent number: 9001962
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for medical imaging comprising rotating two X-ray source-detector pairs around an axis of rotation simultaneously to quickly acquire image data and form a computed tomography (CT) dataset. The sources can be configured to emit radiation from a plurality of discrete locations. The CT dataset can be utilized as a prior to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from subsequent bi-planar imaging with these source-detector pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tobias Funk
  • Patent number: 8989346
    Abstract: From radiation images obtained by driving radiation tube with a plurality of tube voltages, including a normal tube voltage, a density gradient with respect to at least two sections of a reference substance having different radiation transmission characteristics is obtained for each of the plurality of tube voltages prior to obtaining a bone mineral density. If a radiation image captured for obtaining a bone mineral density is determined to have been captured under a tube voltage other than the normal tube voltage, an image signal representing the image and/or a bone mineral density analysis result is corrected so as to correspond to that which should have been obtained if the image had been captured under the normal tube voltage based on the relationship between the density gradient in the image and the density gradient in the radiation image captured under the normal tube voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20150063538
    Abstract: A system and method of reducing radiation exposure during an X-ray procedure comprising the steps of: inserting an automated collimation device onto an X-Ray machine; implementing infrared or ultrasonic measuring features into the collimation device; measuring the distance of the X-ray source to the anatomy of a patient; measuring the thickness of the anatomy of the patient; and automatically adjusting the distance and degree of radiation emission based upon the results of distance and thickness measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Elmer Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8798232
    Abstract: A system for scanning aircraft for concealed threats is provided. The system comprises a vehicle and a manipulator arm attached with a scanning head that can be maneuvered in multiple directions to completely scan an aircraft from the outside. The system uses transmission based X-ray detection, backscatter based X-ray detection or a combination thereof, in various embodiments. The system also includes gamma-ray and neutron detectors, for detection of nuclear and radioactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 8712009
    Abstract: A method of determining integrity of a can seam including disposing the can seam between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, exposing an overlap region of the can seam to radiation from the source, and determining an indication of integrity of the overlap region from a measure of variation in radiation intensity readings taken by the detector over a series of circumferential intervals of the can seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Johannes Albertus Zandhuis
  • Publication number: 20140112434
    Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray imaging apparatus, which includes a plurality of X-ray generation modules configured to emit X-rays to a subject, the X-ray generation modules being configured to move independently of one another, an X-ray detector configured to detect a plurality of X-rays emitted from the plurality of X-ray generation modules and which have passed through the subject, and an image processor configured to acquire a plurality of X-ray images from the plurality of detected X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Eun JANG, Young Hun SUNG, Jae Hak LEE, Jong Ha LEE
  • Publication number: 20140093038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector (10), in particular for detecting x-ray radiation, comprising a carrier substrate (11), a detector layer (12) which comprises GaN, is arranged on the carrier substrate (11) and has a thickness less than 50 ?m, and contact electrodes (13) which form ohmic contacts with the detector layer (12). The invention also relates to a measurement device which is equipped with at least one such radiation detector (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum Für Gesundheit Und Umwelt (GmbH)
    Inventors: Stefan Thalhammer, Markus Hofstetter, John Howgate, Martin Stutzman
  • Patent number: 8351568
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a long length x-ray image of a subject has a first x-ray detector, a second x-ray detector, and an x-ray source having an exposure directing apparatus that is actuable to direct exposure from the x-ray source towards at least a first imaging position during a first interval and a second imaging position during a second interval, with an overlap along a boundary between the at least first and second imaging positions. An x-ray detector holder has a detector translation apparatus that is actuable to translate at least one of the first and second x-ray detectors to an interim position for one of the first and second intervals and to either the first or the second imaging position for the other of the first and second intervals. A host controller is programmed to provide instructions for movement of the x-ray detector holder and exposure directing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Minnigh, Timothy J. Wojcik
  • Patent number: 8346521
    Abstract: A method of determining the feasibility of a proposed structure analysis process is disclosed. The process involved the electron beam excitation of x-rays from a multi-layered structure. The method comprises generating predicted x-ray data represents the x-ray excitation response of the multi-layered structure according to one or more sets of process conditions. The x-ray data are generated using structure data defining the structure and composition of the layers. The effects upon the x-ray data of changes to the structure data are then analyzed in accordance with one or more predetermined feasibility criteria, so as to determine the feasibility of performing the proposed structure analysis process upon the multi-layered structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Statham, Charles Penman
  • Patent number: 8165266
    Abstract: A scanning bone densitometer includes an x-ray source to produce x-rays and an x-ray detector receiving x-rays emitted from the x-ray source. The x-ray detector includes a cadmium tellurium (CdTe) semiconductor. The scanning bone densitometer also includes a controller moving the x-ray source and the x-ray detector along a transverse scanning path to acquire a plurality of scan images of an object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Wear, David Ergun, Robert Washenko, Michael Bucholz, Darrell Gorsuch, Randall Payne
  • Patent number: 8085898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Osteometer Meditech, Inc.
    Inventors: Neeraj Agrawal, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi, Christian Wulff, Kahn-Tze Andrew Lim
  • Publication number: 20110058649
    Abstract: A scanning bone densitometer includes an x-ray source to produce x-rays and an x-ray detector receiving x-rays emitted from the x-ray source. The x-ray detector includes a cadmium tellurium (CdTe) semiconductor. The scanning bone densitometer also includes a controller moving the x-ray source and the x-ray detector along a transverse scanning path to acquire a plurality of scan images of an object of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Wear, David Ergun, Robert Washenko, Michael Bucholz, Darrell Gorsuch, Randall Payne
  • Publication number: 20100284515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Neeraj Agrawal, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi, Christian Wulff, Kahn-Tze Andrew Lim
  • Publication number: 20100135458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Neeraj Agrawal, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi, Christian Wulff, Kahn-Tze Andrew Lim
  • Patent number: 7653176
    Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Smith, Robert W. Madden, James M. Connelly
  • Patent number: 7642526
    Abstract: The present invention discloses direction correcting apparatus and method thereof for a movable radiation inspecting system having a moving device. The direction correcting apparatus comprises: a direction detecting device for detecting a moving direction of the moving device and generating a detecting signal indicating the moving direction; a direction control device for controlling the moving direction of the moving device; and a control unit for calculating a deviation value between the moving direction and the predetermined direction based on the detected signal received from the direction detecting device, and the direction control device is driven according to the deviation value to correct the moving direction to the predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Xining Xu, Shangmin Sun, Zhongrong Yang, Hua Peng, Guang Yang, Haifeng Hu, Zhijun Li
  • Patent number: 7626186
    Abstract: A mobile electron beam radiation sterilizing apparatus includes a movable chassis vehicle; a cabinet body installed on the chassis vehicle; an electron accelerator, which generates electron beam for articles to be radiation-processed, wherein the electron accelerator is provided in the cabinet body; an accelerator control box, which controls operation of the electron accelerator, a radiation shielding system comprised of: a stationary shielding body covering the electron accelerator; a pair of rotatable shielding doors, through which a passage is formed for an article to be processed to enter or exit, rotatably connected to the stationary shielding body; a motor for switching on and switching off the rotatable shielding doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Kejun Kang, Huayi Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Chuanxiang Tang, Yaohong Liu, Huaibi Chen, Huaping Tang, Nan Jiang, Dongsheng Zhang, Yu He, Feng Gao, Weiqiang Guan, Jian Li, Yanfeng Cao
  • Patent number: 7529338
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a sample is described. The apparatus can have an X-ray source and detector, a housing, an access aperture in the housing, an access door covering the access aperture, and a stage positionable to extend through the access aperture to a load/unload point outside the housing. The method can include opening the first access door, moving at least a portion of a stage through the first access aperture to a position outside of the housing to receive the sample, moving the stage into the housing, closing the first access door, moving the stage to a position for inspection of the sample, applying X-rays to the sample, receiving X-rays passing through the sample with the X-ray detector, generating one or more signals based on the received X-rays, and displaying an image of the sample for analysis based on the one or more signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: FocalSpot, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Fung, Glenn Olaes, Frank Silva, Fred Schlieper
  • Patent number: 7519146
    Abstract: The present invention uses a penetrative radiation to form images of a reinforced concrete which has a steel bar. By recording a relationship between radioactive energies and thicknesses of the reinforced concrete, a radioactive energy curve for the reinforced concrete is built. The present invention can be used for an on-site detecting of a reinforced concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Chung-Yue Wang, Peng-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 7397891
    Abstract: Vehicles for use in radiation scanning systems to inspect objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle has a supporting portion and a radiation source is movably supported by the supporting portion. The source may be moved along the supporting portion to scan an object. The supporting portion may comprise an expandable portion. The vehicle may comprise a truck and an expandable trailer releasably coupled to the truck. The trailer may comprise telescoping rails. In another embodiment, a vehicle with a supporting portion, which may be an expandable portion, movably supports a detector. Vehicles of the first and second embodiments may be driven to an inspection site, where they may be rapidly deployed on opposite sides of an object to be scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Johnson, Paul Bjorkholm
  • Patent number: 7397894
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission imager which can produce a transmission image from two or more different view points with the use of a simpler arrangement. The transmission imager according to the present invention is provided having a radiation source 2 for radiating radioactive rays from its target 2a, a radiation detector, and a specimen table provided between the target 2 and the radiation detector for having a specimen to be examined placed thereon, wherein the radiation detector is arranged with its detecting surface at the center P extending substantially at a right angle to a reference axis L1 or L2 which extends from the center P to the target 2a. In particular, the transmission imager is characterized in that the radiation detector is a combination of two, first and second, radiation detectors 3 and 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Pony Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Nakai, Shigeru Sasakura, Masayuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070280415
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the true thickness, as well as angles of orientation, of a strip article, e.g. a moving metal sheet emerging from a rolling apparatus. The thickness and angles are measured by three penetrating radiation beams (e.g. X-rays) that cross at a common point of intersection, generally but not necessarily, within the body of the sheet article. One beam is generally normal to the sheet article and the others are oriented in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the sheet article. The angles between the beams are generally fixed and known. -The thicknesses measured by the three beams can be used, along with their respective angles of orientation, to calculate the true thickness of the sheet article as well as the angles of sag or off-flatness in the transverse and longitudinal directions at the point of measurement. By measuring these values at various points on the strip article, a thickness and orientation profile of the strip article may be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Waterson
  • Patent number: 7064336
    Abstract: A portable radioactive-material detection system capable of detecting radioactive sources moving at high speeds. The system has at least one radiation detector capable of detecting gamma-radiation and coupled to an MCA capable of collecting spectral data in very small time bins of less than about 150 msec. A computer processor is connected to the MCA for determining from the spectral data if a triggering event has occurred. Spectral data is stored on a data storage device, and a power source supplies power to the detection system. Various configurations of the detection system may be adaptably arranged for various radiation detection scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, the computer processor operates as a server which receives spectral data from other networked detection systems, and communicates the collected data to a central data reporting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel E. Archer, Brock R. Beauchamp, G. Joseph Mauger, Karl E. Nelson, Michael B. Mercer, David C. Pletcher, Vincent J. Riot, James L. Schek, David A. Knapp
  • Patent number: 7027561
    Abstract: A dual-energy scanning-based radiation detecting apparatus comprises a line detector; a device for scanning said line detector across an object while said line detector is exposed to an ionizing radiation beam, which has impinged on said object, to thereby record a plurality of line images of said object; a filter device arranged in the path of said ionizing radiation beam upstream of said object to filtrate said ionizing radiation beam, the filter device being capable of operating in two operation modes having different filter characteristics; and a control device for altering operation mode of the filter device subsequent to at least every second of said line images being recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Tom Francke, Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 6976784
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of a radiological imaging apparatus includes a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in a ring form around a through hole section formed on a casing into which an examinee is inserted. An X-ray source unit having an X-ray source moves in a circumferential direction of the through hole section along a ring-shaped guide rail provided on the casing. Each radiation detector outputs both an X-ray detection signal which is a detection signal of X-rays that have passed through the examinee and a ?-ray detection signal which is a detection signal of ?-rays radiated from the examinee caused by radiopharmaceutical. A computer creates an X-ray computed tomographic image data based on the X-ray detection signal and a PET image data based on the ?-ray detection signal and creates fused tomographic image data using the X-ray computed tomographic image data and the PET image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kojima, Kikuo Umegaki, Takashi Okazaki, Kensuke Amemiya, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Yuuichirou Ueno
  • Patent number: 6937692
    Abstract: Radiation scanning systems to inspect objects are disclosed comprising a first vehicle supporting a radiation source. A second vehicle supports a detector. The source and the detector may be moved to scan an object, such as a cargo conveyance, between the vehicles. The first and second vehicles may having an expandable length and the source and detector may be moved across the expandable length, to scan long objects. The radiation source may be adapted to emit a vertically diverging beam of radiation, such as a fan beam. The radiation may be X-ray radiation, for example. The vehicle may comprise a truck and an expandable trailer releasably coupled to the truck. The trailer may comprise telescoping rails. The first and second vehicles may be driven to an inspection site, where they may be rapidly deployed. Methods of inspecting objects are disclosed, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Johnson, Paul Bjorkholm
  • Patent number: 6925148
    Abstract: X- and y-axis moving mechanisms are provided for positioning a sample table in the x-axis and the y-axis directions. A yT-axis moving mechanism for moving those moving mechanisms in a direction along a tilting direction of a X-ray camera is provided separately from the x- and y-axes moving mechanisms. When the X-ray camera is tilted, the sample table is moved by the yt axis moving mechanism and a z-axis moving mechanism, whereby a viewpoint of the sample and a fluoroscopic magnification factor set before the X-ray camera is tilted are left unchanged. The coordinates on the sample table by the moving mechanisms before the X-ray camera is tilted can be used as they are even after the camera is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiro Shiota, Masayuki Kamegawa
  • Patent number: 6909771
    Abstract: The in vivo three component areal density composition of a patient along a transmitted x-ray beam is derived by raster-scanning a collimated x-ray beam across a bony region of the patient, with each point scanned at different energies, and using matrix equations with a priori spectra information to solve for the relative areal density of soft tissue, fat and bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Robert G. Waggener, Elizabeth Wieckowska
  • Patent number: 6744848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for imaging an object by irradiating it with low doses of radiation, such as x-ray, from a plurality of positions angularly distributed about the object, and analyzing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the object. A system according to the invention can include a radiation source, a low noise detector, and an image processor. The radiation source emits radiation toward a target scene, containing an object to be imaged, from a plurality of angular positions. In one embodiment, the plurality of angular positions defines an arc about the target scene. In another embodiment, the radiation source moves in a series of steps of varying angular spacing along the arc to generate the multiple images of the scene. The detector is positioned to detect radiation transmitted through the scene and produces radiation transmission data representing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Brandeis University
    Inventors: Martin Stanton, Alexander Stewart, Walter Phillips
  • Patent number: 6640123
    Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hologic Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Warne, Alvin Karloff, Edward J. Botz, Michael D. Dabrowski
  • Patent number: 6618464
    Abstract: A thickness-measuring device comprising (i) an X-ray tube unit including an X-ray tube, (ii) an X-ray detector unit including an X-ray detector having a sensor, and (iii) a means for driving the X-ray tube unit and the X-ray detector unit back and forth, in synchronism with each other, widthwise of an object whose thickness is measured and which runs through a pathline between the X-ray tube unit and the X-ray detector unit. A mask is set above the sensor of the X-ray detector to cover it partly; accordingly, the light-receiving area of the light receiver of the X-ray detector is smaller than the whole area of the sensor. Thus, the measuring area per unit time is reduced effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Futec Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Mizobuchi, Mitsuaki Kameyama, Yoshinori Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 6614872
    Abstract: A system and method for radiographic inspection of airfoil structure on aircraft includes a radiation source located on one side of the airfoil structure and an X-Y scanning device located on an opposing side of the airfoil structure. The X-Y scanning device is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. A radiation detector is mounted on the X-Y scanning device so as to be moveable relative to the airfoil structure along t two mutually orthogonal axes. In operation, the radiation detector is moved in a predetermined raster pattern while the radiation source is emitting radiation. This allows a large area to be inspected with single positioning of the X-Y scanning device, thereby improving throughput. The radiation detector converts impinging radiation into electrical signals, and a computer system processes the signals to generate radiographic images of the airfoil structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Clifford Bueno, Gregory Alan Mohr, Kelly Mark Doyle, Ronald Cecil McFarland
  • Publication number: 20030142783
    Abstract: An x-ray radiography tomography device for a flexible riser, particularly a riser end fitting on a riser hangoff block on a petroleum platform, the x-ray radiography device comprising the following features:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Alf Daaland, Charles R. Smith, Christian Frederik Otto Hagemann
  • Patent number: 6563903
    Abstract: A relocatable container inspection device, which is constituted by modularized units, is used for inspecting a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Kejun Kang, Wenhuan Gao, Yinong Liu, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Jianmin Li, Chuanxiang Tang, Junli Li, Huayi Zhang, Wanlong Wu, Zhizhong Liang, Dong Yun, Ou Sun, Jianjun Su, Shangmin Sun
  • Publication number: 20030068008
    Abstract: An X-ray examination device for mounting at a ceiling of an examination room has a support mechanism for a patient to be examined, a first adjustment device attachable to the ceiling for holding and moving an X-ray radiator, and a second adjustment device attachable to the ceiling for holding and moving a radiation receiver. The adjustment devices are arranged and fashioned such that the X-ray radiator as well as the radiation receiver can be brought from one side with respect to the middle longitudinal axis of the support mechanism onto the opposite side. The adjustment devices each have guide rails at which transverse carriers are movable. The X-ray examination device allows an especially large number of examination techniques and transillumination perspectives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6442232
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin layer nuclear density gauge comprising a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and a base, a first radiation detector located at a first position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a second radiation detector located at a second position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a vertically moveable source rod extending into said cavity of said gauge housing, a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of said source rod, at least one bearing operatively positioned to guide said source rod within said cavity, and means for vertically extending and retracting said source rod to a plurality of predetermined source rod positions so as to change the spatial relationship between said radiation source and said first and second radiation detectors. The source rod has a maximum radial movement of less than about 0.003 inch at each predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Troxler, Wewage H. L. Dep, John T. Eagan, Alfred W. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6405068
    Abstract: Methods of imaging bone provide diagnostic information relating to arthritic conditions by comparing the relative bone density in areas closer to and further removed from a potentially arthritic joint with similar relative bone densities indicative of arthritic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. The joint may be metacarpal, finger or toe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Osteometer Meditech A/S
    Inventors: Andreas Pfander, Jan Petersen
  • Publication number: 20010055363
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin layer nuclear density gauge comprising a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and a base, a first radiation detector located at a first position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a second radiation detector located at a second position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a vertically moveable source rod extending into said cavity of said gauge housing, a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of said source rod, at least one bearing operatively positioned to guide said source rod within said cavity, and means for vertically extending and retracting said source rod to a plurality of predetermined source rod positions so as to change the spatial relationship between said radiation source and said first and second radiation detectors. The source rod has a maximum radial movement of less than about 0.003 inch at each predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Troxler, Wewage H. L. Dep, John T. Eagan, Alfred W. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20010044574
    Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: JAMES R. WARNE, ALVIN KARLOFF, EDWARD J. BOTZ, MICHAEL D. DABROWSKI
  • Patent number: 6315445
    Abstract: An accessory for fluoroscopy equipment is provided to support the x-ray tube and detector on a pedestal with respect to a patient limb for quantitative bone densitometry measurement. Software loaded into the associated digital imaging fluoroscopy equipment provides necessary correction of the images for the quantitative accuracy needed for bone densitometry. Alternatively, a specialized detector or extremely low form factor image intensifier may be inserted in the pedestal to be used in lieu of the fluoroscopy equipment detector. A similar software correction is performed on an associated computer when a separate detector must be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lunar Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Mazess, David L. Ergun, Joseph P. Bisek
  • Publication number: 20010038681
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for imaging an object by irradiating it with low doses of radiation, such as x-ray, from a plurality of positions angularly distributed about the object, and analyzing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the object. A system according to the invention can include a radiation source, a low noise detector, and an image processor. The radiation source emits radiation toward a target scene, containing an object to be imaged, from a plurality of angular positions. In one embodiment, the plurality of angular positions defines an arc about the target scene. In another embodiment, the radiation source moves in a series of steps of varying angular spacing along the arc to generate the multiple images of the scene. The detector is positioned to detect radiation transmitted through the scene and produces radiation transmission data representing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Brandeis University
    Inventors: Martin Stanton, Alexander Stewart, Walter Phillips
  • Patent number: 6310936
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin layer nuclear density gauge comprising a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and a base, a first radiation detector located at a first position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a second radiation detector located at a second position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a vertically moveable source rod extending into said cavity of said gauge housing, a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of said source rod, at least one bearing operatively positioned to guide said source rod within said cavity, and means for vertically extending and retracting said source rod to a plurality of predetermined source rod positions so as to change the spatial relationship between said radiation source and said first and second radiation detectors. The source rod has a maximum radial movement of less than about 0.003 inch at each predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Troxler, Wewage H. L. Dep, John T. Eagan, Alfred W. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6301326
    Abstract: A detection system for detecting sheets of material includes a device for moving along a path a container which can harbor a sheet of material sought to be detected; an X-ray scanner having a beam for scanning across the path of the container through a predetermined angle and a device for moving the scanner to shift the origin of the scanning beam to align during at least a portion of the scan the scanning beam with the sheet for producing a high projected density contrasted with its surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Bjorkholm
  • Patent number: 6230036
    Abstract: An apparatus employing radiation for measuring bone density in which the bone can be scanned from different angles. The multidirectional scanning is accomplished by rotating the radiation source and detector about the stationary object being irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: William O'Neill, James R. Warne
  • Patent number: 6192101
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, in a non-invasive manner, the individual mass of objects in containers by means of x-ray transmission radiography in which a beam of penetrating radiation is sent through the container and the transmitted intensity for those photons that interact dominantly via the Compton effect are measured. The masses of the objects in the container are measured with respect to the mass of known objects determined in independent or concurrent measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: American Science & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Grodzins