Patents Assigned to Medi-Physics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10600529
    Abstract: An equatorial anthropic radiation source and a method of making an equatorial anthropic radiation source are described. The radiation source is useful in diagnostic imaging applications in healthcare or other industries (e.g. computerized three-dimensional segmental imaging; Crompton scattering imaging techniques; radiation detector check and calibration, in particular CdZnTe detectors commonly used in medical imaging).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Medi-Physics Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew David Butts, Charles E. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20170271038
    Abstract: An equatorial anthropic radiation source and a method of making an equatorial anthropic radiation source are described. The radiation source is useful in diagnostic imaging applications in healthcare or other industries (e.g. computerized three-dimensional segmental imaging; Crompton scattering imaging techniques; radiation detector check and calibration, in particular CdZnTe detectors commonly used in medical imaging).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicants: General Electric Company, Medi-Physics Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew David Butts, Charles E. Shanks
  • Patent number: 9259560
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a brachytherapy array having a planar base which includes a working area comprising at least one planar major surface defining a first array of apertures, and a holding mechanism for holding a planar surgical mesh over the working area of said planar base. Also, a method for forming a brachytherapy array using this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, George Pittman, Lory Bradley
  • Patent number: 8454893
    Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, Michael T. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8337383
    Abstract: An assembler which limits the amount of torque that may be applied to a brachytherapy cartridge magazine when its cap is threaded onto same. The assembler is constructed so that the brachytherapy cartridge will rotate within the assembler before a destructive torque is applied while the cap and cartridge magazine are screwed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed
  • Publication number: 20120229804
    Abstract: Aluminum, boron and silicon were identified as potential leachables from borosilicate glassware and a silica based QMA during handling of aqueous 18F. The addition of only 0.4 ppm aluminum as AlCl3 in the eluent vial resulted in a strong reduction in the labeling yield of a model [18F]fluoride SN2 reaction (from 80 to 40% incorporation). The addition of boron as KBO2 and silicon as NaSiO3 did not result in any significant decrease in labeling yield. Interestingly, there was an interaction effect between AlCl3 and KBO2 in which the negative effect from AlCl3 on labeling yield was counteracted by KBO2. The present invention demonstrates that aluminum and boron from borosilicate glassware have a strong influence on the labeling yield in nucleophilic SN2 reactions with n.c.a [18F]fluoride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: Medi-Physics, Inc., GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alan Peter Clarke, Ivar Martinsen, Anders Svadberg, Ole Kristian Hjelstuen
  • Patent number: 8221302
    Abstract: A brachytherapy seed cartridge assembly includes an elongate movable shield, formed from a radiation-shielding material, that is slideably supported so as to movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge assembly also provides a quick-connect feature for a more efficient assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, David Anchor
  • Patent number: 8044377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that may be magnetically picked and placed, assembled and dis-assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, Michael T. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8035376
    Abstract: A method of providing polarized noble gas for NMR or MRI applications incorporates a control module, a plurality of optical pumping modules each including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; a plurality of dispensing systems, one for each optical pumping module wherein each dispensing system is operably associated with the control module and the its associated optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; the optical pumping modules, and the dispensing systems, where a noble gas is directed to a selected one of the optical pumping modules, polarized and dispensed by the associated dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Bolam
  • Patent number: 8033981
    Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rapach, Kevin Helle, Charles E. Shanks, Jay Christopher Reed
  • Patent number: 8020694
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T. K. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 8007427
    Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a hollow elongate bioabsorbable suture member with radioactive seeds and spacer members without different coloration and diameter from the radioactive seeds alternately disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture and the use thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Reed, Mike Rapach, Kevin Helle, Juliano Oei
  • Patent number: 7988612
    Abstract: A brachytherapy seed comprising (a) carrier-free 103Pd isotope, (b) a substrate for the carrier-free 103Pd radioisotope, and (c) a casing for encapsulating the carrier-free 103Pd-laden substrate, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Drobnik, Christopher Drobnik, Dave Bolenbaugh, Pamela S. Dahl, Irene Pahigianis, Scott Romanoff
  • Patent number: 7867477
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics Inc.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, Margaret Hall, Claudio Marelli, Sven Mansoon, Jan Wolber
  • Patent number: 7850152
    Abstract: Methods and devices for moisturizing hyperpolarized noble gas and associated hyperpolarized noble gas products which are formulated for inhalation or ventilation delivery include adding moisture content to (dry) hyperpolarized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Medi Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Bolam, Patrick Cella, John Nouls, Brian Teixeira
  • Patent number: 7746075
    Abstract: A circuit for determining a polarization of a gas. The circuit includes a polarimetry circuit having an NMR coil that is configured to excite a polarized gas and that is responsive to an electromagnetic signal generated by the excited, polarized gas. The polarimetry circuit has a reproducible polarization measurement variability of less than about 2% when the NMR coil is exposed to a temperature in a range of about 0° C. to about 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Zivko Djukic, Steve Kadlecek, John Nouls, Ian Nelson, Bastiaan Driehuys
  • Patent number: 7610914
    Abstract: Ventilator systems include: (a) a mass flow controller; (b) a gas delivery valve in communication with the mass flow controller and configured to selectively dispense a plurality of different gases to a subject; (c) a first gas source in fluid communication with the gas delivery valve; (d) a second gas source in fluid communication with the gas delivery valve; (e) a first pressure sensor located upstream of the gas delivery valve; (f) a second pressure sensor located downstream of the gas delivery valve; and (g) a controller operatively associated with the first and second pressure sensors and the mass flow controller, the controller comprising computer program code that monitors the pressures measured by the first and second pressure sensors and automatically dynamically adjusts the flow rate of the mass flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Bolam, James Borgen
  • Patent number: 7560096
    Abstract: A method of screening for pulmonary embolism uses gaseous phase polarized 129Xe which is injected directly into the vasculature of a subject. The gaseous 129Xe can be delivered in a controlled manner such that the gas substantially dissolves into the vasculature proximate to the injection site. Alternatively, the gas can be injected such that it remains as a gas in the bloodstream for a period of time (such as about 8-29 seconds). The injectable formulation of polarized 129Xe gas is presented in small quantities of (preferably isotopically enriched) hyperpolarized 129Xe and can provide high-quality vasculature MRI images or NMR spectroscopic signals with clinically useful signal resolution or intensity. One method injects the polarized 129Xe as a gas into a vein and also directs another quantity of polarized gas into the subject via inhalation. In this embodiment, the perfusion uptake allows arterial signal information and the injection (venous side) allows venous signal information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc
    Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, Klaus D. Hagspiel
  • Patent number: 7547274
    Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rapach, Kevin Helle, Charles E. Shanks, Jay Christopher Reed
  • Patent number: 7373782
    Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, David Zollinger, Daniel Deaton, Kenton C. Hasson, Alan Langhorn