Patents Examined by Dani Fox
  • Patent number: 11786189
    Abstract: An X-ray shielding unit 19 includes a plurality of shielding slats, freely movable with an imaging system that is in place above a table, and each free end of the shielding slats extends toward the table and is the slats are arrayed in parallel along the long side of the table. A shielding switching element switches the X-ray shielding unit between a shielding state in which the X-ray exposure to the operator S is blocked and a releasing state. The shielding switching element includes a slat rotation mechanism rotating respective shielding slats on a short side axis of the table, and the slat rotation mechanism rotates the shielding slats during switching of the shielding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Shimazu, Takayoshi Okamura
  • Patent number: 11779293
    Abstract: A system and method for the prediction of a thermal load for a proposed imaging procedure in view of the current thermal state for an imaging system employs a suitable software program/algorithm which determines a predicted or likely set of individual steps for a proposed imaging procedure to be performed. The system receives parameters for the particular imaging procedure to be performed and compares these parameters with information stored concerning prior performed imaging procedures to locate prior performed imaging procedures that have similar parameters to that for the proposed imaging procedure. The system utilizes the similar prior performed procedures as models of a likely set of imaging steps for the proposed procedure and estimates the heat generation produced by the models. The software program/algorithm can then determine if the entire proposed imaging procedure represented by the models can be successfully performed under the current thermal state for the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Thomas McCarthy, Lionel Desponds
  • Patent number: 11779299
    Abstract: A control device including: wherein the processor controls a mammography apparatus that a breast, with radiation from a radiation source to capture a radiographic image of the breast such that normal imaging which emits the radiation with first energy from an irradiation position where an irradiation angle is 0 degrees to capture a normal radiographic image and tomosynthesis imaging which emits the radiation with either the first energy or second energy higher than the first energy at each of a plurality of irradiation positions having different irradiation angles and emits the radiation with the second energy at the irradiation position where the irradiation angle is 0 degrees to capture a plurality of low-energy projection images and a plurality of high-energy projection images are performed in a state in which the breast is compressed by the compression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakayama, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 11779297
    Abstract: A control device includes a processor that controls a mammography apparatus that irradiates a breast with radiation to capture a radiographic image of the breast such that the radiation with either first energy or second energy higher than the first energy is emitted at each of irradiation positions having different irradiation angles while a radiation source is being moved to capture low-energy projection images with the first energy and high-energy projection images with the second energy, an irradiation time for which the radiation with the second energy is emitted is longer than an irradiation time for which the radiation with the first energy is emitted, and a focus size of the radiation source in a case in which the radiation with the first energy is emitted is larger than a focus size of the radiation source in a case in which the radiation with the second energy is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakayama, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 11771922
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates a multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator may include a plurality of leaves. At least two leaves of the plurality of leaves may be movable parallel to each another. For each leaf of at least some of the plurality of leaves, at least one portion of the leaf may have thicknesses varying along a longitudinal direction of the each leaf. The each leaf may have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the each leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yanfang Liu
  • Patent number: 11771387
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion to perform high efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The multiple X-ray sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray source can also move rapidly around its static position in a small distance. When an X-ray source has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the X-ray source and X-ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that source stay momentarily standstill. It results in much reduced source travel distance for each X-ray source. 3D scan can cover much wider sweep angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: AIXSCAN Inc.
    Inventors: Jianqiang Liu, Linbo Yang, Manat Maolinbay, Xiaohui Tang, Chwen-yuan Ku, Yichin Liu
  • Patent number: 11771383
    Abstract: A radiology X-ray step platform for facilitating positioning and imaging of a patient during a radiological procedure, the radiology X-ray step platform including a base structure; at least one step surface configured to support the patient during the radiological procedure, the at least one step surface is supported on the base structure; and a mobility mechanism disposed on the base structure, the mobility mechanism configured to be erectable in an erected position to facilitate transport of the base structure and retractable in a retracted position to allow the base structure to be used in a stable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: RCI Operating Co., LLC
    Inventors: Eric Boone Bostley, Brian Ernest Giardino
  • Patent number: 11769588
    Abstract: A radiography control apparatus includes a display that includes a display screen and a hardware processor. In causing the display screen to display a list of information on an examination that is set for a patient and that relates to taking a radiographic image, the hardware processor causes the display screen to display, in a display area, an imaging item that is included in the examination and categorized into a category based on a set categorization criterion, separating the imaging item by the category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Kosuke Fukazu
  • Patent number: 11766231
    Abstract: A system and method for improved image acquisition of multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion tomosynthesis imaging apparatus by generating the electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform data using an ECG device. Once a representative cardiac cycle is determined, system will acquire images only at rest period of heart beat. Real time ECG waveform is used as ECG synchronization for image improvement. The imaging apparatus avoids ECG peak pulse for better chest, lung and breast imaging under influence of cardiac periodical motion. As a result, smoother data acquisition, much higher data quality can be achieved. The multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion tomosynthesis machine is with distributed multiple X-ray sources that is spanned at wide scan angle. At rest period of one heartbeat, multiple X-ray exposures are acquired from X-ray sources at different angles. The machine itself has capability to acquire as many as 60 actual projection images within about two seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: AIXSCAN INC.
    Inventors: Jianqiang Liu, Manat Maolinbay, Chwen-yuan Ku, Linbo Yang
  • Patent number: 11766232
    Abstract: A method is for positioning an imaging-relevant component of an imaging apparatus in an application-appropriate position for recording medical image data from a target region of a patient. In an embodiment, the method includes: acquiring information on the target region of the patient, acquiring a position of the patient relative to the imaging-relevant component, determining an application-appropriate position of the imaging-relevant component, determining a positioning instruction, and outputting the positioning instruction. An imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes an imaging-relevant component. The imaging-relevant component has a mechanical guide configured to position the imaging-relevant component along at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to a static arrangement of the imaging apparatus and/or a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Thilo Hannemann, Daniel Lerch
  • Patent number: 11759157
    Abstract: A hybrid medical apparatus having an imaging unit, an irradiation unit, and a patient support apparatus is provided. The imaging unit is configured to record image data of an examination region. The irradiation unit is configured to carry out an irradiation of at least a part of the examination region. The imaging unit and the irradiation unit have a common isocenter. The irradiation unit is arranged for rotational movement along a first perimeter independently of the imaging unit. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector of the imaging unit are arranged for movement such that a central beam between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector runs through the common isocenter. The patient support apparatus and/or the imaging unit and/or the irradiation unit is movable along a first spatial axis such that the examination region of the examination object is able to be arranged in the common isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Faulhaber, Hans-Jürgen Müller, Karl Stierstorfer, Gabriel Haras, Michael Kaus
  • Patent number: 11761913
    Abstract: A method for X-ray measurement includes generating and directing an X-ray beam to a sample including at least first and second layers stacked on one another, the X-ray beam incident on a sample location at which the first and second layers include respective first and second high aspect ratio (HAR) structures. X-ray scatter profiles are measured, that are emitted from the sample location in response to the X-ray beam as a function of tilt angle between the sample and the X-ray beam. A shift is estimated, between the first and second layers and a characteristic tilt of the first and second layers, based on the X-ray scatter profiles measured as a function of the tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BRUKER TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Adam Ginsburg, Mark James Vermeulen, Paul Anthony Ryan, Matthew Wormington
  • Patent number: 11751316
    Abstract: A power transfer and monitoring device for an X-ray tube may include: an X-ray filament; a transformer including a primary coil and a secondary coil, wherein the secondary coil of the transformer includes a first leg, a second leg, and a middle leg; a current supply configured to supply a sinusoidal current to the primary coil of the transformer; and a calculation unit configured to measure a primary current of the transformer, configured to determine a synthesized transformer magnetizing current, and configured to subtract the synthesized transformer magnetizing current from the primary current of the transformer to determine a value of filament current through the X-ray filament. The first and second legs of the secondary coil of the transformer alternately supply current to a first end of the X-ray filament. The middle leg of the secondary coil of the transformer supplies current to a second end of the X-ray filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: GULMAY LIMITED
    Inventors: Stuart Duncan, Tony Durrant
  • Patent number: 11744529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collision detection and prevention system for medical X-ray equipment, in particular a supplementary system that augments an existing safety system, which is useful when the X-ray equipment includes an auxiliary apparatus, such as a radiation shield, which may interfere with the existing collision detection and prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan Yifat, Yossi Bar, Amir Belson
  • Patent number: 11737714
    Abstract: Cone-beam computer tomography systems, devices, and methods for image acquisition of large target volumes using partial scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: David Kirk Jensen, Reto W. Filiberti, Markus Oelhafen, Aime Pascal Laurence Paysan
  • Patent number: 11737651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscope comprising: an insertion tube; a radiation detector configured to detect radiation particles in a first range of energy and radiation particles in a second range of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN XPECTVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peiyan Cao, Yurun Liu
  • Patent number: 11737716
    Abstract: A support arrangement for generating an X-ray image is provided. The arrangement includes a support structure configured to hold an image detector at a first end and an X-ray source at a second end, with a connection line in between on which an Iso-centre is located. The support structure connects to a primary supporting beam in a first pivotable connection point; the primary supporting beam connects to a secondary supporting beam in a second pivotable connection point; and the secondary supporting beam connects to a mounting arrangement in a third pivotable connection point. A rhombus shape is defined by: (i) a connection line between the first and second pivotable connection points; (ii) a connection line between the second and third pivotable connection points; (iii) a connection line between the third pivotable connection point and the Iso-centre; and (iv) a connection line between the Iso-centre and the first pivotable connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Jacob De Boer
  • Patent number: 11730435
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mammography apparatus includes: a breast placement stage on which a breast is placed; a compression plate that compresses the breast placed on the breast placement stage; a supporting arm that supports the breast placement stage in such a manner that the stage can be tilted; and processing circuitry that controls driving of the compression plate in such a manner that the breast placed on the breast placement stage tilted by the supporting arm is supported from below and compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11730439
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion to perform high efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography using an X-ray flexible curved panel detector is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a predefined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray source can move around its static position at a small distance. When an individual source has a speed equal to group speed, but with opposite moving direction, the individual source and detector are activated. This allows source to stay relatively standstill during activation. The operation results in reduced source travel distance for each individual source. 3D radiography image data can be acquired with much wider sweep angle in much shorter time, and image analysis can also be done in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: AIXSCAN, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianqiang Liu, Manat Maolinbay, Chwen-yuan Ku, Linbo Yang
  • Patent number: 11730440
    Abstract: The method comprises receiving an image sequence of the subject from the camera during the medical imaging scan; receiving at least one of the current position or velocity of the patient table during the medical imaging scan; performing a motion tracking analysis of the image sequence to extract a motion model, wherein at least one of the motion tracking analysis or the motion model is tailored to the body region of interest and takes into account the at least one of the current patient table position or velocity; and analysing the motion model to detect subject motion and, if the detected motion is above a threshold, at least one of adapting the medical imaging examination or issuing an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Suehling, Andreas Wimmer, Stefanie Steding, Christian Hofmann