Patents Examined by Carolyn E. Field
  • Radiation image storage panel and method for using the same
    Patent number: 5596202
    Abstract: In a radiation image read-out method, a radiation image storage panel, on which a radiation image has been stored, is exposed to stimulating rays, which cause the panel to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. The emitted light is photoelectrically detected with a photoelectric read-out device, which has detection characteristics such that it may detect light having wavelengths within a wavelength distribution range different from the wavelength distribution range of the stimulating rays and may not detect light having wavelengths within the wavelength distribution range of the stimulating rays. An image signal representing the radiation image is thereby obtained. An identification code is formed on a portion of the radiation image storage panel by using a fluorescent substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Arakawa
  • Gamma camera with rotating arm
    Patent number: 5594251
    Abstract: A gamma camera has a base fixed to a frame along a substantially horizontal axis of rotation called the axis of rotation of the gamma camera, bearing at least one arm that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and provided, at its free end, with a detector head. The arm is rotationally movable about an axis called an axis of angulation of the detector head, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the gamma camera, and passing through the position at which said arm is fixed to the base. In one embodiment, the axis of angulation of the detector head is offset with respect to an axis of orientation of the head toward the head detection surface and passes substantially through the center of gravity formed by the arm and the head. In another embodiment, the end of the arm holding the head has a two-finger gripping piece with bevelled ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Sopha Medical
    Inventors: Christophe J. M. Fleury, Bertrand Legue
  • Hybrid luminescent device for imaging of ionizing and penetrating radiation
    Patent number: 5594253
    Abstract: A hybrid luminescent device for converting ionizing and penetrating radiation energy such as x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, ions, electrons, and the like into visible light for imaging applications. The hybrid luminescent device includes a phosphor screen disposed on an entrance face fiber optics scintillator which, in turn, may be removably coupled to a camera or like recording media. The hybrid luminescent device of the present invention is capable of providing enhanced radiation absorption efficiency, higher spatial resolution and enhanced brightness or luminescence output over that which is achievable by the phosphor screen and/or fiber optics scintillator when used separately as an intensifying screen for imaging of ionizing and/or penetrating radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Bueno, Robert A. Betz, Mark H. Ellisman, Gary G. Y. Fan
  • Automated collection and processing of environmental samples
    Patent number: 5591974
    Abstract: For monitoring an environmental parameter such as the level of nuclear radiation, at distributed sites, bar coded sample collectors are deployed and their codes are read using a portable data entry unit that also records the time of deployment. The time and collector identity are cross referenced in memory in the portable unit. Similarly, when later recovering the collector for testing, the code is again read and the time of collection is stored as indexed to the sample collector, or to a further bar code, for example as provided on a container for the sample. The identity of the operator can also be encoded and stored. After deploying and/or recovering the sample collectors, the data is transmitted to a base processor. The samples are tested, preferably using a test unit coupled to the base processor, and again the time is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Troyer, Susan G. McNeece, Darryl D. Brayton, Amardip K. Panesar
  • Tunable excitation and/or tunable emission fluorescence imaging
    Patent number: 5591981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect fluorescence from a sample is provided. The optical system allows the user to continuously tune the wavelengths and bandwidths of the excitation source and the emission detection system. A peaking function automatically peaks the detected fluorescent signal by fine tuning the excitation and emission detection systems. A look-up table allows the fluorescent signal for a specific wavelength to be corrected for the wavelength dependence of the optical train. In one embodiment of the system the sample is simultaneously irradiated in more than one wavelength band, each wavelength band being independently tunable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Heffelfinger, Franklin R. Witney
  • Photostimulable imaging plate and method of testing a digital device for scanning such plate
    Patent number: 5591968
    Abstract: An image plate coated with a photostimulable element and a method of testing a digital device for scanning such plate with respect to various system parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventor: Luc Grillet
  • Variable axial aperture positron emission tomography scanner
    Patent number: 5591977
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a means for defining an imaging target space and at least two scintillation cameras which are positioned on opposite sides of the imaging target space so as to define one or more matched pairs of scintillation cameras. Each of the scintillation cameras includes a scintillation crystal. Means are provided for tilting the scintillation cameras of the one or more matched pairs of scintillation cameras and their respective scintillation crystals, so as to maximize coincidence detection sensitivity by adjusting an axial field of view to match an axial extent of a target located in the imaging target space. Means for processing signals generated by the scintillation cameras are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Michael V. Green, Jurgen Seidel, William R. Gandler
  • Gamma camera system for imaging contamination
    Patent number: 5591976
    Abstract: A system for detecting and imaging gamma radiation emitted by a contaminated area includes a plurality of collimators spaced a distance apart from each other. The collimators have a plurality of holes therethrough and the holes of one collimator are aligned with the holes in another collimator for forming a plurality of hole alignments which permit gamma rays to pass through the collimators. A scintillator and operatively connected avalanche photodiode are provided with each aligned hole of the collimators for determining the position of the gamma ray which passes through the collimators. A video camera records a visual image of the contaminated area and a monitor displays the video image along with location and size information provided by the avalanche photodiodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: John W. Berthold, J. Jeffrey Kidwell, Douglas A. Norton, Stuart E. Reed
  • Method and apparatus for determining neutron detector operability using gamma ray sources
    Patent number: 5591967
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for verifying the operability of neutron detectors and associated pulse generating circuits in a neutron logging tool prior to committing the tool to the well borehole. The method comprises the steps of exposing the neutron detectors to a source or sources of gamma rays, determining the rate of detected gamma rays by counting detector output pulses, and comparing the detected rate to an expected value thereby to verify the operations of the detectors. In the apparatus in accordance with the invention, the gamma ray source(s) may be contained inside the tool near or mounted on the detectors themselves. In an alternate embodiment, the gamma ray source(s) may be externally applied to the tool at the surface during verification procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Gordon L. Moake
  • Apparatus and method for monitoring casting process
    Patent number: 5589690
    Abstract: The present invention uses a high energy x-ray, neutron, or gamma source for monitoring the interface between a molten and solidified crystalline phase while in a furnace in a casting process. The radiation can also be used to determine the quality and orientation of the crystals in the crystalline phase. The invention uses the distinctive diffraction patterns produced by crystalline and amorphous phases to locate the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: Thomas A. Siewert, William P. Dube, Dale W. Fitting
  • Infrared radiation sensor
    Patent number: 5589688
    Abstract: An infrared radiation sensor of high accuracy is provided which is suitable for a thermometer to be used for effecting noncontacting determination of a temperature of a subject under test, particularly a temperature of a tympanic membrane, by utilizing the temperature characteristics of the saturated current flowing in the reverse direction through a Schottky junction diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignees: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsuteru Kimura
    Inventors: Mitsuteru Kimura, Takeshi Kudo
  • Infrared detection device comprising a pyroelectric thin film and method for fabricating the same
    Patent number: 5589687
    Abstract: An infrared detection device has a substrate with a plurality of hollow mesas and a pyroelectric thin film formed on the surface having the mesas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawata, Masaji Dohi, Yoichiro Sakachi, Hiroshi Daiku
  • Infrared detector with Fabry-Perot interferometer
    Patent number: 5589689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a silicon micromechanically fabricated infrared detector having an infrared radiation absorbing layer (7, 44) deposited on an insulating substrate and a detector (11, 24, 25) for detecting the amount of radiation absorbed in the metallic absorbing layer. According to the invention, on the path of the radiation, prior to the absorbing layer (7, 44) is located an electrically controllable Fabry-Perot interferometer (1, 2, 5) manufactured by silicon micromechanical techniques and having the absorbing layer (7, 44) integrally coupled with one of the mirrors (1, 2) thereof).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Vaisala Oy
    Inventor: Yrjo Koskinen
  • X-ray detector for automatic exposure control of an imaging apparatus
    Patent number: 5585638
    Abstract: An x-ray detector for an automatic exposure control system has a substrate of carbon composite material with a first layer of conductive material on a major surface of the substrate. A second layer of homogeneous semiconductive material, such as CdTe, CdZnTe or amorphous silicon, is deposited on the first layer and has an electrical characteristic, such as conductivity, that varies in response to impingement of x-rays. A third layer of conductive material is formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer and is divided into a plurality of electrode elements which define a plurality of regions in the layer of semiconductive material. By sensing the conductivity between the first layer and each of the electrode elements, the intensity of x-rays striking the different regions can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David M. Hoffman
  • Terrestrial sensor device for satellite or the like
    Patent number: 5585633
    Abstract: The terrestrial sensor device is suitable for use on a satellite or spacecraft. It has a lens for forming an image of the Earth in a focal plane, and a sensor placed in the focal plane. The sensor is constituted by a two-dimensional array of pyroelectric detectors. The device also includes an actuator for oscillating the array in the focal plane, orthogonally to the optical axis of the image-formation lens, at a determined frequency and with an amplitude at least equal to the distribution spacing of the detectors and a processing circuit for acquisition of the output signals of the detectors at the oscillation frequency and for comparison of the output signals with a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Matra Marconi Space France
    Inventor: Michel Tulet
  • Attenuated total reflectance sensing
    Patent number: 5585634
    Abstract: A radiation transmission optical fiber having a core and cladding for spectroscopic monitoring includes a transmission portion and a sensor portion; the transmission portion has a continuous core portion and a continuous cladding over the core portion; the sensor portion has the cladding removed from one side of the fiber and the core portion exposed from the same side leaving the continuous cladding intact over the opposite side of the core portion of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Stevenson, Mark A. Druy, Paul J. Glatkowski, Roy A. Bolduc, Hagai Zmora
  • Wide-angle infrared cloud imager
    Patent number: 5585632
    Abstract: A wide-angle infrared cloud imager that comprises a first and second mirrors driven by first and second stepping motors is disclosed. The first and second mirrors are rotated by the steps motors at axes orthogonal to each other. The first mirror directs reflected infrared radiation to the second mirror. Infrared radiation reflected from the second mirror is directed to an infrared radiation detector that outputs a signal directly proportional to the intensity of incident infrared radiation. The signal is provided to a computer for recording. The computer also provides the driving signal to drive the first and second motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Charles L. Hull, Siriluk Limmongkol, Walter A. Siegmund
  • Infrared gas analyzer and method
    Patent number: 5585635
    Abstract: An infrared gas analyzer and method employing one optical path which includes one infrared source, one sample cell containing the gas(es) to be analyzed, one infrared sensor and one infrared filter no matter how many gases are to be analyzed. The one optical path with one filter is utilized for both determining infrared source output and infrared absorption by the gas(es) to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Marquette Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Graham
  • Characteristic absorption
    Patent number: 5585636
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring characteristic absorption of a substance in a mixture include applying radiation pulses with a wavelength characteristic of the substance to be measured and a wavelength uncharacteristic of the substance to a measuring path and to a reference path without the substance mixture. The difference of signals generated between the measuring path and the reference path are conditioned to provide a measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Karl Stefan Reiner
    Inventor: Erich Dollansky
  • Thermal image detecting apparatus having detecting elements arranged on a straight line
    Patent number: 5585631
    Abstract: An array of pyroelectric type heat detecting elements of different which are integrally incorporated with an optical system and which are arranged one dimensionally in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical system, and the optical system and the array of pyroelectric type heat detecting elements are rotated integrally with each other; thereby it is possible to obtain a two dimensional thermal image with a relatively simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Deguchi, Takahito Chinomi, Makoto Shimizu, Yasuhito Mukai