Patents Assigned to Imaging Research, Inc.
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Patent number: 6683935Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing computed tomography. The method includes the steps of moving one of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector parallel to a head-to-feet axis of a prone patient and collecting data from the X-ray detector as the one of the X-ray source and X-ray detector moves along the head-to-feet axis of the prone patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventor: John F. Moore
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Patent number: 6624425Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assaying a waste container. The method includes the steps of forming a plurality of slices through a volume of the waste container, performing a relatively fast passive prescan to measure a level of radioactivity of each of the plurality of slices and identifying at least some slices of the plurality of slices having a relatively high level of radioactivity. In addition, the method includes the steps for performing a relatively fast active prescan of the drum to determine the average attenuation of the plurality of slices. The method further includes the steps of determining an passive assay time for the identified slices based upon the measured radioactivity and average attenuation and performing relatively slow passive and active CT scans of the identified slices based upon the determined passive and active CT assay time to quantify a source of the measured radioactivity by weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: David T. Nisius, George P. Roberson, David C. Camp, David Entwistle
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Patent number: 6567750Abstract: An analytical process is disclosed, for discriminating data acquired from samples with overlapping distributions, and for improving and assessing the statistical validity of hybridization signal in arrays of assays. The process includes method of convolving data into two or more discrete probability density functions representing signal and nonsignal, discrete fluors, or other convolved independent variables. The system uses the probability density functions to assign hybridization signals, objectively, to one of the modeled distributions. Subsequent processes assess variability inherent to the arrays, and use this assessed variation to establish reliability scores and confidence limits for complete hybridization arrays, and for discrete hybridization assays within arrays.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Robert Nadon, Peter Ramm
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Patent number: 6563653Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of colorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Patent number: 6553094Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying contents of a nuclear waste container. The method includes the steps of forming an image of the contents of the container using digital radiography, visually comparing contents of the image with expected contents of the container and performing computer tomography on the container when the visual inspection reveals an inconsistency between the contents of the image and the expected contents of the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, David Entwistle
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Patent number: 6498690Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of calorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Imaging Research, INCInventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Publication number: 20020159162Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of calorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: IMAGING RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Patent number: 6441973Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of colorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Patent number: 6381058Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of calorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Publication number: 20020048817Abstract: Process and formulation are described allowing fabrication of absorbance and fluorescence standards in cuvettes and micro-well plate, and other desirable containers, with particular application to drug discovery and high throughput screening of bioactive systems. The material medium is capable of incorporating a large number of dyes, individually or in combination, and can closely mimic real aqueous assays in optical properties such as the dye spectra, transparency, refractive index, and shapes of meniscus. The medium is compatible with addition of formulation components for control of foaming, vapor pressure, freezing point, dye bleaching, and molecular rotational correlation times. The process starts with the dispensing of a fluid dye-containing liquid into the vessel of choice, and its subsequent viscosification by chemical or physical means into a viscous gel. After further processing for stability, the container can be sealed with appropriate means.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Applicant: Imaging Research Inc.Inventors: Ahmad Yekta, Zahra Masoumi
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Publication number: 20020039740Abstract: An analytical process is disclosed, for discriminating data acquired from samples with overlapping distributions, and for improving and assessing the statistical validity of hybridization signal in arrays of assays. The process includes method of convolving data into two or more discrete probability density functions representing signal and nonsignal, discrete fluors, or other convolved independent variables. The system uses the probability density functions to assign hybridization signals, objectively, to one of the modeled distributions. Subsequent processes assess variability inherent to the arrays, and use this assessed variation to establish reliability scores and confidence limits for complete hybridization arrays, and for discrete hybridization assays within arrays.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: Imaging Research Inc.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Robert Nadon
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Patent number: 6345115Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in an area digital imaging system for assays to extract targets on a specimen containing an array of targets that may not be arranged in perfect regularity. A matrix is defined of nominal target locations including a probe template of predefined, two-dimensional size and shape at each of a plurality of fixed, predefined grid points on the specimen, and a determination is made of the most probable location of the probe template corresponding to a specific target by sensing both pixel intensity and the spatial distribution of pixel intensities in an image of the specimen at a plurality of locations in the vicinity of a nominal target location.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun
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Publication number: 20010028510Abstract: An electronic imaging system is disclosed, for assessing the intensity of calorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells, microwells, hybridization dot blots on membranes, gels, or other specimens. The system includes a very sensitive area CCD detector, a fast, telecentric lens with epi-illumination, a reflective/transmissive illumination system, an illumination wavelength selection device, and a light-tight chamber. A computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware, correct and calibrate the images, and detect and quantify targets within the images.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Applicant: IMAGING RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Peter Ramm, Gang Sun, Rolf Mueller, Timothy Ormsby, Kenneth R. Castle
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Patent number: 6177797Abstract: An RF coil with high signal-to-noise (S/N) and B1 homogeneity over the volume originating from the arctic arch and extending to the top of the head, which is highly desirable for quantitative (anatomical, vascular and functional) studies in-vivo. The coil is suitable for use in performing multiple studies and reducing scan time without patient repositioning. Moreover, the coil is capable of imaging in different operating modes. A split-top design is used to ease patient access.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Advanced Imaging Research, Inc.Inventor: Ravi Srinivasan
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Patent number: 6150816Abstract: An RF coil array which includes first and second RF coils that are overlapped to eliminate their coupling (to maintain zero mutual inductance between them) through space, a third coil connecting the first and second coils such that there is no net coupling between the first two coils through the third coil, and in which all three coils are well isolated from one another at the resonance frequency or frequencies of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Advanced Imaging Research, Inc.Inventor: Ravi Srinivasan
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Patent number: 5777474Abstract: An RF coil which includes an RF coil primary, an RF coil secondary, and coupling impedances that connect the two at several points along the coil peripheries. The coupling impedances are primarily reactive, and may be fixed or variable, depending on the purpose of use.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Advanced Imaging Research, Inc.Inventor: Ravi Srinivasan
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Patent number: 4989225Abstract: A dynamic computed tomographic X-ray scanner concurrently translates and rotates an object as it passes through an X-ray field. This compound motion makes it unnecessary to perform sequential passes or to relocate X-ray equipment between passes to complete a scan. A conveyor may carry a series of closely spaced turntables to give greatly increased throughput; and coordinated translation and rotation, whereby all objects give comparable images, permitting the images to be compared to find defective products. Preferred geometries greatly simplify the image reconstruction mathematics, particularly where the X-ray source is at the center of a circular object path.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1988Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Nand K. Gupta, John F. Moore
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Patent number: 4987581Abstract: A dynamic focusing device is provided for an X-ray scanner, the device comprising at least one detector module located in a position to receive, be illuminated by, and respond to X-rays. A source of X-rays is movable toward or away from the detector module. The module comprising a plurality of crystals each having a scintillation surface located in a common plane, with a plurality of septa separating the crystals. The septa have a height which is upstanding above the surfaces of the crystals far enough to reduce lateral X-ray scatter and to cast a shadow upon the surfaces of the crystals responsive to an illumination thereof from said X-ray source. The invention dynamically positions the detector module relative to the distance between the detector module and the source of X-rays in order to reduce substantially to a minimum any shadow in the X-rays cast by the septa upon the surfaces of the crystals.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1990Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventor: Richard T. Bernardi
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Patent number: 4984257Abstract: A dynamic focusing device is provided for an X-ray scanner, the device comprising at least one detector module located in a position to receive, be illuminated by, and respond to X-rays. A source of X-rays is movable toward or away from the detector module. The module comprises a plurality of crystals each having a scintillation surface located in a common plane, with a plurality of septa separating the crystals. The septa have a height which is upstanding above the surfaces of the crystals far enough to reduce lateral X-ray scatter and to cast a shadow upon the surfaces of the crystals responsive to an illumination thereof from said X-ray source. The invention dynamically positions the detector module relative to the distance between the detector module and the source of X-rays in order to reduce substantially to a minimum any shadow in the X-rays cast by the septa upon the surfaces of the crystals.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1990Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, John F. Moore
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Patent number: 4969165Abstract: A dynamic focusing device is provided for an X-ray scanner, the device comprising at least one detector module located in a position to receive, be illuminated by, and respond to X-rays. A source of X-rays is movable toward or away from the detector module. The module comprises a plurality of crystals each having a scintillation surface located in a common plane, with a plurality of septa separating the crystals. The septa have a height which is upstanding above the surfaces of the crystals far enough to reduce lateral X-ray scatter and to cast a shadow upon the surfaces of the crystals responsive to an illumination thereof from said X-ray source. The invention dynamically positions the detector module relative to the distance between the detector module and the source of X-rays in order to reduce substantially to a minimum any shadow in the X-rays cast by the septa upon the surfaces of the crystals.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1987Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, John F. Moore