Patents Examined by Craig E. Church
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Patent number: 7317782Abstract: A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation source and a radiation detector that are proximate a crane system that moves objects between the source and the detector for scanning. The source and/or detector may be supported by the crane system or may be near to the crane system. Preferably, the source and detector are supported by the crane system or they are within a profile defined by the crane system. The radiation scanning system is particularly suited to scan cargo conveyances, such as sea cargo conveyances, as they are being removed from or loaded onto a ship. Methods of examining objects are disclosed, as well.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Paul Bjorkholm
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Patent number: 7127026Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray, a ?-ray detecting section for outputting a detection signal of a ?-ray, and an X-ray detecting section for outputting a detecting signal of an X-ray. The X-ray source moves around a bed for placing an examinee. The ?-ray detecting section has a plurality of radiation detectors aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bed and placed around the bed. The X-ray detecting section is positioned in a region formed between one end and the other end of the ?-ray detecting section in the longitudinal direction of the bed. The X-ray source is also positioned in the region. Since the X-ray detecting section is placed in the region, it is possible to accurately combine a PET image and an X-ray computed tomographic image.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kensuke Amemiya, Yuuichirou Ueno, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Kikuo Umegaki, Shinichi Kojima, Norihito Yanagida, Kazuma Yokoi, Takashi Okazaki
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Patent number: 7118275Abstract: An X-ray emission device and a method of assembly of the device having a casing with a window and an X-ray tube place in the casing. The tube comprises an anode assembly equipped with an anode, a cathode assembly equipped with a cathode and an envelope containing the anode and the cathode. The longitudinal positioning of the X-ray tube in the casing is produced on the anode side. The angular positioning of the X-ray tube in the casing on a longitudinal axis is produced on the anode side. A bayonet on the casing fastens a rotation axis support for the anode. The cathode is fixed in an angular position predetermined in relation to the bayonet by pins.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventors: Eric Chabin, Xavier Le Pennec
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Patent number: 7116758Abstract: A Potter-Bucky device for a radiation image recording apparatus in which an image recording medium is exposed to radiation which has passed through an object in order to record a radiation image of the object on the recording medium includes a grid which is movably supported between the object and the recording medium and is reciprocated parallel to the recording medium. A counter-weight is connected to the grid and is reciprocated in synchronization with the grid but in an opposite direction. Among other benefits and features, the disclosure reduces or eliminates vibrations produced by the reciprocating grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventor: Gilbert W. McKenna
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Patent number: 7103139Abstract: In an X-ray CT device, the scan conditions of the device are set, a three-dimensional X-ray passage length model of the body being examined is generated from a scanogram image of the body, the control pattern of the tube current is automatically set on the basis of the scan conditions and the three-dimensional passage length model, and the dose which will be given will be calculated and displayed on the basis of the control pattern of the tube current, and three-dimensional CT value model data of the body generated on the basis of a standard human body. The scanogram image of the body and the control pattern of the tube current are displayed next to each other or overlap to allow an operator to edit the control pattern while viewing the body, so that a suitable tube current can be set.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Takayuki Nagaoka, Osamu Miyazaki
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Patent number: 7099428Abstract: A high spatial resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is provided. The system includes a support structure including a gantry mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The system further includes a first assembly including an X-ray source mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith for generating a cone X-ray beam and a second assembly including a planar X-ray detector mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith. The detector is spaced from the source on the gantry for enabling a human or other animal body part to be interposed therebetween so as to be scanned by the X-ray beam to obtain a complete CT scan and generating output data representative thereof. The output data is a two-dimensional electronic representation of an area of the detector on which an X-ray beam impinges. A data processor processes the output data to obtain an image of the body part.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Neal H. Clinthorne, Predrag Sukovic
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Patent number: 7092484Abstract: The present invention is a method for inspecting objects. The method includes obtaining a structural model of a first object, the model providing dimensions and material properties for the first object, inspecting a second object to provide inspection data for at least two views of a structure of the second object, comparing inspection and predicted data based on the structural model of the first object and a simulation of the inspection process, reconstructing stereographic data for the second object based on the structural model of the first object and contributions of the inspection data of the second object. In another embodiment, where there is a structural model of an object, the object can be subjected to a dynamic process and the object is inspected throughout the process.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Terrence C. Jensen, Joseph N. Gray
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Patent number: 7092481Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7085343Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus of this invention includes a first data detecting system which includes a first X-ray tube and a first X-ray detector and a second data detecting system which includes a second X-ray tube and a second X-ray detector. A reconstructing unit reconstructs image data on the basis of the data detected by at least one of the first and second data detecting systems. A monitoring unit monitors the first data detecting system. In a period during which the first data detecting system is normal, data acquisition is performed by both the first and second data detecting systems. In a period during which the first data detecting system is faulty, data acquisition is performed by the second data detecting system alone.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Toshiyuki Shinno, Yuji Yanagida, Shigeyuki Nakashima, Yoshiaki Yaoi, Miwa Okumura, Minoru Horinouchi, Masahiko Yamazaki, Machiko Iso, Satoru Nakanishi
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Patent number: 7076023Abstract: X-ray therapy EPI artifact reduction and control of imaging is provided. Scanning of images is synchronized with the pulse rate of the x-rays. The scanning period is longer than the pulse rate period, so artifacts are generated within the resulting images. Due to the synchronization, the pulse variation artifacts are aligned across multiple images. The synchronization and resulting alignment of linear artifacts allows for gain correction as a function of lines within the image. Such gain correction reduces or removes non-linearities associated with pulse rate variation.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Farhad Abbasi Ghelmansarai, William F. Collins
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Patent number: 7056020Abstract: Phantoms and discrete spatial and frequency methods for quantitatively measuring the alignment of radiographic imaging systems are described. One embodiment comprises phantoms for use in mechanically aligning radiographic imaging systems. These phantoms comprise: a radio-opaque material capable of holding a well-defined edge that allows quantitative image resolution measurements to be obtained thereof; wherein once the quantitative image resolution measurements are obtained, the spatial frequency response of the radiographic imaging system at a given focal plane can be calculated therefrom, thereby defining the mechanical alignment, resolution, and resolution uniformity of the radiographic imaging system. Systems and methods for mechanically aligning radiographic imaging systems, and methods for obtaining a quantitative measurement of the mechanical alignment, resolution and resolution uniformity of radiographic imaging systems, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systemes Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Rowland Frederick Saunders, Kadri Nizar Jabri
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Patent number: 7056016Abstract: An x-ray generating assembly is provided comprising an x-ray source assembly mounted to a mounting element. The assembly further includes a support assembly comprising a motor element and a gear assembly in communication with the motor element. An output shaft is in communication with the gear assembly such that the output shaft rotates in response to the motor element. The mounting element is positioned around the output shaft. An electromechanical lock is engaged to the mounting element such that the electromechanical lock rotates in concert with the mounting element. The electromechanical lock has an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The electromechanical lock engages the mounting element when the electromechanical lock is in the engaged condition such that the mounting element rotates with the output shaft. The mounting element is free to rotate when the electromechanical lock is in the disengaged condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan C. Boomgaarden, Andrew S. Argersinger
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Patent number: 7056015Abstract: A receptor positioning device for taking dental bitewing radiographs of teeth inside a patient's mouth includes a rigid, fixed structure having a collimation plate defining a substantially rectangular opening. A receptor holding member is adapted to receive a receptor, and an elongated arm is adapted to receive and couple to the collimation plate. The elongated arm extends towards and couples with a rear portion of the receptor holding member, opposite the collimation plate, such that an unobstructed path is defined between the substantially rectangular opening of the collimation plate and the receptor. A biting surface is fixedly attached to a distal end of the elongated arm and adjacent to the receptor holding member such that the receptor is positioned behind the teeth on which the radiographs are being taken while the biting surface is gripped by the teeth on the opposite side of the patient's mouth.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Jennifer A. Diederich
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Patent number: 7053376Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray, a ?-ray detecting section for outputting a detection signal of a ?-ray, and an X-ray detecting section for outputting a detecting signal of an X-ray. The X-ray source moves around a bed for placing an examinee. The ?-ray detecting section has a plurality of radiation detectors aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bed and placed around the bed. The X-ray detecting section is positioned in a region formed between one end and the other end of the ?-ray detecting section in the longitudinal direction of the bed. The X-ray source is also positioned in the region. Since the X-ray detecting section is placed in the region, it is possible to accurately combine a PET image and an X-ray computed tomographic image.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kensuke Amemiya, Yuuichirou Ueno, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Kikuo Umegaki, Shinichi Kojima, Norihito Yanagida, Kazuma Yokoi, Takashi Okazaki
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Patent number: 7050529Abstract: A computed tomographic (CT) imaging system for performing a CT scan includes a detector array including a plurality of detector cells and a processor operationally coupled to the detector array. The processor is configured to receive first data regarding a first x-ray spectral range from a first detector cell, receive second data regarding a second x-ray spectral range different from the first x-ray spectral range from a second detector cell different from the first detector cell, and determine spectral information from the first data and the second data.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technolgy Company, LLCInventor: David M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7050537Abstract: A radiographic apparatus or system for imaging a dynamic state or process of an object such as a human body includes an indication unit for performing dynamic state guiding indication using a perceivable pattern corresponding to a dynamic state or motion to be engaged in by the patient, and an image acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of radiographs of the human body. The resulting radiographs can be reviewed for diagnosis, and can be stored, either locally or at a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Tsujii
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Patent number: 7050541Abstract: An x-ray tube has a stationary cathode and a rotating anode in a vacuum housing. The anode is positioned on a housing-fixed axle such that it can be rotated, and is fashioned as a hollow body in the interior of which an axle-fixed ring projection is disposed, such that, at least between an inner surface of the rotating anode and the adjacent outer surface of the ring projection, a gap exists that is filled with liquid metal and forms a liquid-metal fluid bearing for the rotating anode.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Herbert Bittl
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Patent number: 7050540Abstract: X-ray generation apparatus including an elongated target body and a mount from which the body projects to a tip remote from the mount. The target body includes a substance that, on being irradiated by a beam of electrons of suitable energy directed onto the target body from laterally of the elongate target body, generates a source of x-ray radiation from a volume of interaction of the electron beam with the target body. The mount provides a heat sink for the target body.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: XRT LimitedInventors: Stephen William Wilkins, Peter Robert Miller
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Patent number: 7042982Abstract: A micro-miniature x-ray apparatus comprises: a first chip subassembly including a source of x-rays including both Bremsstrahlung photons and characteristic x-rays; a second chip subassembly including a filter for transmitting the characteristic x-rays and blocking the Bremsstrahlung photons; a third chip subassembly including a movable element for focusing or collimating the transmitted characteristic x-rays into a beam and means for controlling the position of the focusing element. In one embodiment, the controlling means include a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). In another embodiment, the position of the movable element determines how the x-ray beam is steered to the focal area. In still another embodiment, the x-ray source includes a field emitter electron source and a target responsive to the electrons for generating x-rays. In this case, the x-ray beam is also steered by selectively energizing the anode segments.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Stanley Pau, Donald Milan Tennant
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Patent number: RE39396Abstract: A device for inspecting a cargo container such as a motor vehicle or freight pallet, with penetrating radiation. A source of penetrating radiation is mounted on a moveable bed, thereby allowing a beam of penetrating radiation to sweep the large container. At least one detector is also mounted on the bed, either on the side of the source or on a boom, so that, as the beam is scanned across the container, the container and any contents of the container are characterized by transmitted or scattered radiation, or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Roderick Swift, Andrew Tybinkowski