Patents Examined by Chih-Cheng G Kao
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Patent number: 7949091Abstract: A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Zhenxue Jing, Georgia Hitzke, Donald Kennedy, Andrew Smith, Jay A. Stein
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Patent number: 7945022Abstract: A method of determining a patient dose during or prior to therapy from an external radiation beam includes determining a dose distribution from a patient plan as delivered in a QA phantom at each appropriate beam angle and comparing the dose distribution determined from measurements or calculations to a corresponding treatment planning system (TPS) dose modeled distribution in the QA phantom and providing a correction distribution when applied to the TPS dose modeled distribution results in the dose distribution determined. The correction distribution may optionally be interpolated to non-measured points for each beam angle and geometrically projected toward the source of radiation through a volume that equals a dose volume of the TPS for a patient beam for each beam angle. The correction distribution is applied to the TPS patient dose volume for each beam angle for providing a corrected dose distribution in the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Sun Nuclear Corp.Inventors: Benjamin E. Nelms, William E. Simon
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Patent number: 7942575Abstract: A urological x-ray workstation has an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver that are respectively supported on device retainers of a device carrier located at the longitudinal side of a patient positioning table such that they can be positioned opposite one another and independently of one another in various positions on an orbit proceeding around a common center in a working plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jens Fehre, Ralf Nanke, Monika Schwarz
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Mammography method and apparatus with image data obtained at different degrees of breast compression
Patent number: 7940889Abstract: In a method and apparatus to generate a mammographic image, the apparatus has a radiation source, a digital radiation detector, and support plate and a compression plate between which the breast is compressed during image acquisition. A first image data set depicting the breast is acquired, with a first degree of compression of the breast. A second degree of compression of the breast is set and a second image data set depicting the breast is acquired. The first and second image data sets are linked for the generation of the diagnostic image.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Hoheisel -
Patent number: 7929662Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening chemicals using micro x-ray fluorescence. A method for screening a mixture of potential pharmaceutical chemicals for binding to at least one target binder involves flow separating a solution of chemicals and target binders into separated components, exposing them to an x-ray excitation beam, detecting x-ray fluorescence signals from the components, and determining from the signals whether or not a binding event between a chemical and target binder has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Benjamin P. Warner, George J. Havrilla, Thomasin C. Miller, Cris Lewis, Cynthia A. Mahan, Cyndi A. Wells
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Patent number: 7924979Abstract: A system and methods for characterizing an inspected object on the basis of attenuation determined from pair-wise illuminated voxels. A beam of penetrating radiation characterized by a propagation direction and an energy distribution is scanned relative to an object, while scatter detectors with collimated fields-of-view detect radiation scattered by each voxel of the inspected object that is intercepted by the incident beam of penetrating radiation. By calculating the attenuation of penetrating radiation between pairs of voxels illuminated sequentially by the incident beam, a tomographic image is obtained characterizing the three-dimensional distribution of attenuation in the object of one or more energies of penetrating radiation, and thus of various material characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 7918603Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging table including: a test object mounting plate capable of allowing radiation to penetrate therethrough, on which a test object is mounted; a detector mounting plate which is disposed under the test object mounting plate to movably mount a radiographic image detector which detects radiation penetrating the test object and the test object mounting plate, and which generates an image according to the detected radiation; and a connection device which is disposed on the detector mounting plate such that it is connectable to the radiographic image detector in order to perform at least one of charging the radiographic image detector mounted on the detector mounting plate or facilitating communication between the radiographic image detector and an external device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida, Naoyuki Nishino, Kazuyuki Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7920676Abstract: CD-GISAXS achieves reduced measurement times by increasing throughput using longer wavelength radiation (˜12×, for example) such as x-rays in reflective geometry to increase both the collimation acceptance angle of the incident beams and the scattering signal strength, resulting in a substantial combined throughput gain. This wavelength selection and geometry can result in a dramatic reduction in measurement time. Furthermore, the capabilities of the CD-GISAXS can be extended to meet many of the metrology needs of future generations of semiconductor manufacturing and nanostructure characterization, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Xradia, Inc.Inventors: Wenbing Yun, Yuxin Wang, Srivatsan Seshadri, Kenneth W. Nill
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Patent number: 7912176Abstract: A system includes emission of a first plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a first plurality of locations along a first arc, acquisition of a first plurality of projection images of a target based on the first plurality of radiation beams, emission of a second plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a second plurality of locations along a second arc, acquisition of a second plurality of projection images of the target based on the second plurality of radiation beams, and generation of a three-dimensional image of the target based on the first plurality of projection images and the second plurality of projection images, wherein a density of the first plurality of locations along the first arc is less than the density of the second plurality of locations along the second arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Christopher Amies
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Patent number: 7912178Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system, based on ocular imaging, which leads to direction of an automated positioning system. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial aids in positioning the system. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Michael Gertner
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Patent number: 7912179Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. In some embodiments, an eye is held with force and in alignment with the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen, Erik Chell, Matt Herron
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Patent number: 7912174Abstract: A computed tomography system having a fixed X-ray source [10] for producing a fan beam [20], a fixed digital detector [12] and a manipulator [14] for holding and rotating an object [16] to be inspected. Left and right projections of the rotated object on the fixed digital detector are used to determine a central ray, reconstruction of an image of the object being based on the central ray position. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Agency For Science, Technology and ResearchInventor: Tong Liu
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Patent number: 7896546Abstract: A method of installing an x-ray grid into a CR cassette by opening the cassette, modifying parts of it, installing the grid and then re-closing the cassette with the grid inside. The preferred embodiment installs an x-ray grid into a Fuji 14×17 inch CR cassette by modifying parts that will interfere with the grid, removing a layer of protective material and placing the grid where the layer was, and then replacing the protective material by attaching it to the grid with adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Reina Imaging X-Ray Cassette Co., Inc.Inventors: Leo Reina, James Sorgani
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Patent number: 7899155Abstract: Stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. In order to integrate a radiation detector in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device, a stand is provided in order to hold the radiation detector, such that the radiation detector can be moved in a linear-movement direction and can be pivoted about a pivoting axis; the radiation therapy device has a gantry, a first radiation source and the stand, using which the radiation detector can be moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area of the first radiation source and can be moved to a parked position, outside the radiation area, in the opposite direction to a first radiation direction from the first radiation source, with respect to the examination position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengessellschaftInventor: Franz Fadler
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Patent number: 7889842Abstract: The invention relates to a crystalline lithium fluoride doped with at least 0.018 mol per kg of a divalent positive ion M present in the fluoride state, in particular of the single-crystal type. The ion may be Mg2+, Zn2+ or Co2+. This fluoride has a high reflectivity and intense radiation that can emanate therefrom may be effectively received by a fast light scintillator, especially of the rare-earth halide type. It is particularly useful as a monochromator for X-ray fluorescence radiation for the purpose of elemental analysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Saint-Gobain Cristaux Et DetecteursInventors: Guillaume Gautier, Philippe Derouineau
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Patent number: 7885380Abstract: A volumetric image of a space is acquired from an imaging system. The space includes an object of interest and another object, and the volumetric image includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. A two-dimensional radiograph of the space is acquired from the imaging system. The two-dimensional radiograph of the space includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. The two-dimensional radiograph and the volumetric image are compared at the imaging system. A two-dimensional image is generated based on the comparison. The generated two-dimensional image includes the object of interest and excludes the other object.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Dean Foland
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Patent number: 7885381Abstract: The pipe inspection method and apparatus can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of a pipe set up at a narrow location. The pipe inspection method includes: a first step for scanning the pipe by translating a radiation source and radiation detector arranged opposedly to the pipe; a second step for the radiation detector to detect radiation that the radiation source has emitted, at given scanning distance intervals; a third step for creating a transmission image of the pipe, based on a radiation dose that the radiation detector has detected; and a fourth step for constructing a tomogram or stereoscopic image of the pipe, based on the transmission image. Thus, it is possible to provide the pipe inspection method and apparatus that can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of the pipe set up at a narrow location.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Nagumo, Jun Nukaga, Hiroshi Kamimura, Noriyuki Sadaoka, Satoshi Takemori, Kojirou Kodaira
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Patent number: 7885379Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a mammography unit may be improved, by provision of a positioning device for a mammography unit, comprising a device support section for accommodating the radiation source and an object support device for accommodating the object holder for the relative positioning of a radiation source and an object holder. The object support section may be and/or is connected to the mammography unit by means of a connector element, wherein the device support section is mounted such as to be able to rotate relative to the connector element.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Meer, Martin Ramsauer
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Patent number: 7881431Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus includes an acceleration unit configured to generate a charged particle beam. A target is configured to generate a radiation when the charged particle beam is irradiated to the target. A sensor is configured to measure an electric current flowing through the target. A dosimeter is configured to measure a dose of the radiation. A control unit is configured to control the acceleration unit based on the measured electric current and the measured dose.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsufumi Aoi, Ichiro Yamashita, Kazuhiro Tsukuda, Etsuro Hirai, Yuichiro Kamino
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Patent number: 7881437Abstract: A method for developing a primary collimator is described. The method includes placing a primary collimator element at an intersection of a first set of at least two beams.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey Harding