Patents Examined by Courtney Thomas
-
Patent number: 9808214Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
-
Patent number: 9804274Abstract: A hybrid TOF-PET/CT tomograph comprising a detection chamber, gamma radiation detectors, X-ray detectors and a movable X-ray source, wherein the gamma radiation detectors (150, 250, 350, 450, 550) and the X-ray detectors (170, 270, 370, 470, 570) surround the detection chamber (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) around the whole perimeter of the detection chamber (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), and wherein the gamma radiation detectors (150, 250, 350, 450, 550) are located closer to the longitudinal axis (115, 215, 315, 415, 515) of the detection chamber (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) than the X-ray detectors (170, 270, 370, 470, 570), and wherein the gamma radiation detectors (150, 250, 350, 450, 550) comprise polymer strips (151, 251, 351, 451, 551) made of a scintillation material having a density lower than the density of the X-ray radiation detectors (171, 271, 371, 471, 571).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: UNIWERSYTET JAGIELLONSKIInventor: Pawel Moskal
-
Patent number: 9782607Abstract: Systems and methods for radiation treatment planning that integrate the MV therapeutic radiation dose imparted to a subject together with the kV imaging radiation dose imparted to a subject during radiation therapy are provided. For instance, dose optimization is based on the combined effect of both a kV imaging dose that is imparted to the subject during the image guided radiation treatment procedure and the therapeutic dose delivered to the subject by a treatment radiation source, such as an MV source. Using this optimization, the kV beam and MV beam are equally treated as radiation producing sources and are thus optimized together at the treatment planning stage to produce a patient treatment plan that optimally uses the kV imaging dose. Thus, the kV beam is treated both as an additional source of therapeutic radiation and as a tool for imaging the subject.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rodney Wiersma, Zachary Grelewicz
-
Patent number: 9784696Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for X-ray imaging wherein a targeted fluence at the detector for projection images can be achieved at a plurality of projection angles around the imaging subject by control of exposure times implemented during image acquisition. Exposure time for a second projection image may be determined by the fluence in a first projection image, and in a third projection image by the fluence in a second projection image, where projection images are acquired within two degrees of one another. An acquisition parameter calculation can be configured to calculate acquisition parameters, such as said exposure times, to achieve the targeted fluence in projection images and can be coupled to a rotation controller that implements the acquisition parameters by controlling a relative angle between the imaging subject and X-ray image acquisition device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tobias Funk
-
Patent number: 9787919Abstract: A radiographic imaging device includes: a radiation detector including plural pixels, each including a sensor portion and a switching element; a detection unit that detects a radiation irradiation start if an electrical signal caused by charges generated in the sensor portion satisfies a specific irradiation detection condition, and/or if an electrical signal caused by charges generated in a radiation sensor portion that is different from the sensor portion satisfies a specific irradiation detection condition; and a control unit that determines whether or not noise caused by external disturbance has occurred after the detection unit has detected the radiation irradiation start, and if the noise has occurred, that stops a current operation of the radiation detector, and causes the detection unit to perform detection.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Yoshihiro Okada, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoyuki Nishino
-
Patent number: 9782137Abstract: A radiographic imaging system that includes: a radiation detector including an imaging region in which a plurality of pixels are provided, each pixel including a sensor portion that generates charges in accordance with radiation amounts of irradiated radiation and accumulates the generated charges during an accumulation period, and a switching element that reads out the charges from the sensor portion after the accumulation period; an imaging control section that images a radiographic image by sequentially imaging radiographic images during the accumulation period using division regions, into which the imaging region of the radiation detector is plurally divided, one at a time; and a display control section that displays, at a display section, information relating to remaining imaging until the imaging is complete, the information representing a state of progress of the imaging by the imaging control section.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Tajima
-
Patent number: 9779909Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) as well as a method for generating X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an X-ray radiation field, comprising an electron source (11) for generating an electron beam (12) as well as a target (13) for generation of X-ray radiation, in particular of an X-ray radiation field by electrons of the electron beam (12) impinging on the target (13). The present invention is characterized in that, the apparatus (10) is designed for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation field, and in that the apparatus (10) has a variation appliance (15) for varying of at least one parameter of the electron beam source (11) and/or the electron beam (12) for influencing the X-ray radiation, in particular the X-ray radiation field.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AGInventor: Frank Weigand
-
Patent number: 9779847Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention includes an x-ray source having a cathode with (1) a pointed end or (2) an elongated blade oriented substantially transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cathode. The pointed end or blade can be pointed towards an anode. In another embodiment, the invention includes an x-ray source having a window with an annular-shape, forming a hollow-ring. A convex portion of a half-ball-shape of an anode can extend into a hollow of the annular-shape of the window.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.Inventors: Eric Miller, Bill Hansen
-
Patent number: 9767982Abstract: A multiple X-ray beam X-ray source includes an anode structure and a cathode structure. The anode structure includes a plurality of liquid metal jets providing a plurality of focal lines. The cathode structure provides an electron beam structure that provides a sub e-beam to each liquid metal jet. The liquid metal jets are each hit by the sub e-beam along an electron-impinging portion of the jet circumferential surface that is smaller than half of the circumference of a cross-section of the liquid metal jet.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Rolf Karl Otto Behling, Marcus Walter Foellmer
-
Patent number: 9750468Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (101) that defines an examination region (106) and a subject support (112). The subject support includes a tabletop (116) that supports an object or subject in the examination region for a scan of the object or subject and a base (114) that supports the tabletop. A support frame (132) supports the base. The base is moveably affixed to the support frame and moves between a plurality of predetermined locations, which are based on corresponding distances from the gantry. A support frame drive system (134) moves the base alternatively to one of the plurality of predetermined locations in response to an input signal indicative of the one of the plurality of predetermined locations, which corresponds to a location of interest for the scan of the object or subject.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Jeremy David Pettinato, Shufang Dong, Sriram Rajagopal, Joanne Marie Stack Oyen
-
Patent number: 9750476Abstract: A wireless foot switch according to one embodiment includes a battery unit, a switch unit, a controller, and a state switcher. The battery unit supplies power. The switch unit provides input to an X-ray diagnosis apparatus. The controller transmits by radio, to X-ray diagnosis apparatus, information input by the switch unit. Based on an external signal from the outside of the X-ray diagnosis apparatus, the state switcher causes the controller to transition from a resting state to an operational state.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Takanobu Ishii, Tomoko Ishizaki, Arata Komuro, Masahiko Ono, Kouji Noda
-
Patent number: 9747705Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray system having a source-detector module, which includes X-ray sources and detectors, for scanning an object being inspected, a scan engine coupled to the source-detector module for collecting scan data from the source detector module, an image reconstruction engine coupled to the scan engine for converting the collected scan data into one or more X-ray images, and a scan controller coupled with at least one of the source detector module, the scan engine, and the image reconstruction engine optimize operations of the X-ray system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
-
Patent number: 9741523Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an elongated anode target, a cathode, and a vacuum envelope. The cathode includes an electron emission source and a converging electrode including a trench portion. The trench portion includes a closest inner circumferential wall, an upper inner circumferential wall, and a lower inner circumferential wall. The electron emission source projects towards a opening of the trench portion from a boundary between the closest inner circumferential wall and the upper inner circumferential wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kanasaki, Hideyuki Takahashi, Keiichi Mimori, Masataka Ueki
-
Patent number: 9734980Abstract: Graphene serving as the cathode of an X-ray tube, and a high-efficiency graphene cathode field emission X-ray tube. The graphene cathode field emission X-ray tube is high in conversion efficiency and less in stray radiation, reduces radiation dosage acting upon human body when used in the fields of medical treatment, security inspection and the like; the graphene cathode field emission X-ray tube is easy to realize a micro-focus X-ray tube, strong in emissive power and high in voltage resistance, and can be applied to the fields of semiconductor detection, industrial flaw detection and the like; in addition, the graphene cathode field emission X-ray tube is good in controllability, free from cathode heating. The graphene cathode field emission X-ray tube also has the characteristics of good stability and long service life.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: CHONGQING QIYUEYONGYANG MICROELECTRONIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Kui-Yang Li
-
Patent number: 9728293Abstract: An X-ray source is disposed and a detector is disposed adjacent to the X-ray source. A test specimen holder is disposed between the X-ray source and the detector. A filter is disposed between the X-ray source and the test specimen holder. The filter has a plate-shaped semiconductor, a granular semiconductor, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang-Young Kim, Kyung-Soo Rho, Ho-Jeong Moon, Hyuck Shin, Sun-Nyeong Jung
-
Patent number: 9724052Abstract: A controller and a related method of controlling a collimator. The controller operates to select a collimator setting for collimator of an x-ray imager for acquiring an image of a ROI in a patient. The controller operates to select the collimator setting to optimize the patient dosage in respect of primary radiation and secondary radiation dosage of medical staff. A position detector supplies to the controller a current position of a person relative to a patient. Based on said supplied position, the controller's configured to perform an optimization procedure that takes into account the staff dosage in respect of the secondary radiation dosage to reduce the secondary radiation dosage.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Erik René Kieft, Bart Pierre Antoine Jozef Hoornaert
-
Patent number: 9717470Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes acquiring a differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan with an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a grating arrangement having a source grating, a phase grating and an analyzer grating. The source grating is misaligned in respect to an interferometer such that moiré fringes are detectable in the plane of the detector. A translation signal is computed for translating the source grating for achieving a predetermined moiré pattern. The positioning of the source grating is adjusted in an X-ray projection direction based on the translation signal such that at least 2 pi of phase changes are covered with the Moiré fringes over the width of the detector. And a further differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan is acquired.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Gerhard Martens, Heiner Daerr, Thomas Detlef Istel, Ewald Roessl, Udo Van Stevendaal
-
Patent number: 9713455Abstract: A system having an X-radiation generator; an X-radiation detector; and a portable computing device. The X-radiation detector has a first wireless communication module, and a non-volatile memory. The X-radiation detector is configured to: self-trigger acquisition of an X-radiation image, store the acquired X-radiation image, and transmit the X-radiation image (or a lower-resolution version) via the first wireless communication module. The portable computing device has a second wireless communication module, and a digital screen. The portable computing device is configured to receive the X-radiation image via the second wireless communication module that communicates with the first wireless communication module, display the X-radiation image on the digital screen, enable a user to select whether to discard the X-radiation image or to transmit the X-radiation image to a server, and responsive to the user selecting to transmit the X-radiation image to the server, transmit the X-radiation image to the server.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: CMT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: Beatriz Matesanz Garcia, Ilan Sivan
-
Patent number: 9706971Abstract: A method for dual-energy spectra CT scanning and image reconstruction of two tomographic image datasets from a higher-energy and a lower-energy x-ray energy spectrum is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, readings are taken with the different x-ray energy spectra during the scanning; the different x-ray energy spectra are also created at least by different acceleration voltages of the x-ray source; and the spatial distribution of the scanning x-rays per x-ray energy spectrum is undertaken randomly or pseudo-randomly (in the absence of a regular pattern). With the attenuation datasets thus obtained, reconstructions of two tomographic image datasets in accordance with a least one iterative CS reconstruction method are carried out and subsequently the reconstructed tomographic image datasets are stored and/or output and/or further processed.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Stefan Popescu
-
Patent number: 9711251Abstract: A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Seung Joon Lee, Brian J. Kross, John E. McKisson