Patents Examined by David J Makiya
  • Patent number: 9561389
    Abstract: Photon-based radiosurgery is widely used for treating local and regional tumors. The key to improving the quality of radiosurgery is to increase the dose falloff rate from high dose regions inside the tumor to low dose regions of nearby healthy tissues and structures. Dynamic photon painting (DPP) further increases dose falloff rate by treating a target by moving a beam source along a dynamic trajectory, where the speed, direction and even dose rate of the beam source change constantly during irradiation. DPP creates dose gradient that rivals proton Bragg Peak and outperforms Gamma Knife® radiosurgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Shuang Luan, Lijun Ma, Zhe Chen
  • Patent number: 9562866
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The system is configured to also simultaneously detect passive radiation. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 9561008
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of displaying image in an imaging system is provided. The method comprises steps obtaining an image from an radiation detector, receiving a selection for orientation from a user, mechanically rotating the radiation detector based on the selection for orientation and performing a digital image rotation on the image complementing the mechanical rotation of the radiation detector such that the image is rotated to the orientation selected by the user and displaying the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Antony Kalugumalai Neethimanickam, Ganesh Kumar Mohanur Raghunathan
  • Patent number: 9562865
    Abstract: A method and a device examine a sample with radiation emitted from a radiation source, which is directed to the sample carried by a sample holder via a beamforming unit and detected by a detector and evaluated in an evaluating unit. Prior to the examination of the sample, at least one of the following components, including the radiation source, beamforming unit, sample holder, detector, and a primary beam stop, are spatially oriented and/or positioned in relation to at least one of the other components and/or in relation to a predefined fixed point and/or in relation to the optical path with a control unit via actuating drives. The radiation intensity measured by the detector, in a predefined detector range, and/or a value derived therefrom is used for establishing a control variable conferred from the control unit to the actuating drives assigned to the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Heimo Schnablegger, Josef Gautsch, Wolfgang Gigerl
  • Patent number: 9561009
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The arm may be articuable. The X-ray tube may include a target element configured to generate an X-ray beam and a collimator configured to shape the X-ray beam. The target element may be disposed at a set distance from the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nucletron Operations B.V.
    Inventors: Bas Woudstra, Wim De Jager
  • Patent number: 9561007
    Abstract: To provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of providing a stereoscopic perspective image in the form of a video image while reducing exposure dose. An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a main row X-ray source group including a plurality of X-ray sources; an X-ray detection section disposed opposite to the X-ray sources; a timing controller that controls a switching timing of the X-ray sources and an X-ray generation position; an image acquisition section that acquires output image data from the X-ray detection section in synchronization with the switching timing; and a stereoscopic image display section that displays the output image data as a plurality of images having different disparities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 9557426
    Abstract: An x-ray radiation detector is disclosed with an upper side, which faces an x-ray radiation source during operation, and with a semiconductor layer for direct conversion of x-ray radiation into electric measurement signals. In an embodiment, a luminous film is arranged between the upper side and the semiconductor layer, and with the aid of which luminous film, electromagnetic radiation can be coupled into the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Daniel Niederloehner, Christian Schroeter
  • Patent number: 9557221
    Abstract: An interferometer wherein an incident beam from a radiation source hits a beam splitter at a first oblique angle of incidence and is split into a first, reflected partial beam, and a second, transmitted partial beam, that subsequently travel along separate arms of the interferometer. The first and second partial beams are respectively intercepted, reflected, and re-split to form returning beam portions and reflected and transmitted exit beam portions. A second terminal mirror and a folding mirror, which intercepts the second partial beam at a second oblique angle of incidence, are associated with the second interferometer arm and positioned orthogonal to the reference plane and on opposite sides of the exit path, so that a section of the second partial beam from the folding mirror to the terminal mirror and back to the folding mirror crosses the exit beam twice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO AUTOCHEM, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Manning, Peter Alfred Blacklin, Nilesh Shah
  • Patent number: 9554762
    Abstract: A method of obtaining an X-ray image, the method including: obtaining a first image of an object; receiving a determination whether the first image includes an entirety of a region of interest (ROI); and obtaining a second image of the object, the second image including a portion of the ROI which is absent in the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-kyun Kim, Sung-nam Kim, Jae-chool Lee
  • Patent number: 9554758
    Abstract: A sensor integrated protection device is disclosed. This device includes a sensor for detecting radiations; and a radiation shielding pad to which the sensor is coupled. A data communicating device is placed within radiation shielding pad and electrically coupled to the sensor. This device is suitable for easy wear with the pad shape and can be used for protecting different parts of the body with the various type of the pad holders. In the sensor integrated protection device, the data communicating unit is not built in the sensor but is configured to the sensor outside of the sensor to reduce the size of the sensor and to improve the convenience of using and keeping the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Keun Lim, Jin Pyo Chun
  • Patent number: 9557279
    Abstract: A differential phase contrast X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray illumination system, a beam splitter arranged in an optical path of the X-ray illumination system, and a detection system arranged in an optical path to detect X-rays after passing through the beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Daniel Stutman, Michael Finkenthal
  • Patent number: 9553211
    Abstract: A Schottky barrier diode includes a first semiconductor layer, a LOCOS layer arranged in contact with the first semiconductor layer, a Schottky junction region provided on a contact surface between the first semiconductor layer and a first electrode, a second semiconductor layer connected to the first semiconductor layer and having a higher carrier concentration than that of the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode forming an ohmic contact with the second semiconductor layer. In this case, the Schottky junction region and the LOCOS layer are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Koyama
  • Patent number: 9545234
    Abstract: A method to optimally set a position of a form filter in an x-ray image recording apparatus is proposed. The x-ray image recording apparatus has an x-ray radiation source and an x-ray radiation detector. An x-ray image is firstly recorded in a first position of the form filter. A new position of the filter is then calculated and automatically set with the aid of the x-ray image. A new x-ray image is then recorded. With a minimal dose of a patient, the method enables low contrast images to be recorded for a minimal main dose of the patient, in particular in a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Stefan Böhm, Richard Obler
  • Patent number: 9545231
    Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the at least one radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the at least one radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK
    Inventors: David A. Jaffray, Sean Alexander Graham, Jeffrey Harold Siewerdsen, Steven Joe Bartolac
  • Patent number: 9538963
    Abstract: A diagnostic scanning apparatus includes a hollow rotor sized to receive a patient. First and second flanges are connected to and extend radially outward from the rotor in a spaced-apart relationship, each of the first and second flanges including, at least in part, a magnetically-permeable material. A radiation source is affixed to the first flange and/or the rotor. A first axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the first flange and can magnetically pull the first flange in a first axial direction of the rotor. A second axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the second flange and can magnetically pull the second flange in a second axial direction of the rotor that is opposite of the first axial direction. The first and second axial actuators are both at least substantially disposed between the first and second flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Christian Willming, Craig McFarland, Hans-Juergen Mueller, Wray Sparling
  • Patent number: 9538979
    Abstract: Rotating anode X-ray tubes degrade over time because of the action of the electron beam altering the surface of the focal spot area of a rotating anode. This causes a degradation in a resulting object image, when the source is used in an imaging application. An X-ray tube housing assembly is discussed which allows the correction of such effects. In particular, an additional beam of the X-radiation, which is not used for imaging, may be used to correct such effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHIIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 9543109
    Abstract: A compact source for high brightness x-ray generation is disclosed. The higher brightness is achieved through electron beam bombardment of multiple regions aligned with each other to achieve a linear accumulation of x-rays. This may be achieved by aligning discrete x-ray sub-sources, or through the use of x-ray targets that comprise microstructures of x-ray generating materials fabricated in close thermal contact with a substrate with high thermal conductivity. This allows heat to be more efficiently drawn out of the x-ray generating material, and in turn allows bombardment of the x-ray generating material with higher electron density and/or higher energy electrons, leading to greater x-ray brightness. The orientation of the microstructures allows the use of an on-axis collection angle, allowing the accumulation of x-rays from several microstructures to be aligned to appear to have a single origin, also known as “zero-angle” x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sigray, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenbing Yun, Sylvia Jia Yun Lewis, Janos Kirz, Alan Francis Lyon
  • Patent number: 9544984
    Abstract: An EUV light source includes a rotatable, cylindrically-symmetric element having a surface coated with a plasma-forming target material, a drive laser source configured to generate one or more laser pulses sufficient to generate EUV light via formation of a plasma by excitation of the plasma-forming target material, a set of focusing optics configured to focus the one or more laser pulses onto the surface of the rotatable, cylindrically-symmetric element, a set of collection optics configured to receive EUV light emanated from the generated plasma and further configured to direct the illumination to an intermediate focal point, and a gas management system including a gas supply subsystem configured to supply plasma-forming target material to the surface of the rotatable, cylindrically-symmetric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Bykanov, Oleg Khodykin, Daniel C. Wack, Konstantin Tsigutkin, Layton Hale, Joseph Walsh, Frank Chilese, Rudy F. Garcia, Brian Ahr
  • Patent number: 9535166
    Abstract: A detector arrangement for detecting at least one of rays, ions and particles includes a plurality of detectors. Each detector has a respective anode output and the detectors are arranged with the respective anode outputs being in an electrical series. The arrangement includes a plurality of resistive elements interspersed in the electrical series. The arrangement includes a first measurement point at a first end of the electrical series and a second measurement point at a second end of the electrical series. The arrangement includes electrical circuitry, electrically connected to the first and second measurement points for receiving electrical signals/pulses from the first and second measurement points, and for using the electrical signals/pulses from the first and second measurement points to determine which of the plurality of detectors has detected the at least one of rays, ions and particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin Scott McKinny, Matthew Thomas McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9535177
    Abstract: A calibration source for a gamma-ray spectrometer is provided, comprising a scintillator body having a cavity in which a radioactive material is received. A scintillator body may be cuboid and the cavity may be a hole drilled into the scintillator body. The radioactive material comprises an isotope having a decay transition associated with emission of a radiation particle and a gamma-ray of known energy. A photodetector is optically coupled to the scintillator body and arranged to detect scintillation photons generated when radiation particles emitted from the radioactive material interact with the surrounding scintillator. A gating circuit is arranged to receive detection signals to generate corresponding gating signals for a data acquisition circuit of an associated gamma-ray spectrometer to indicate that gamma-ray detections in the gamma-ray spectrometer occurring within a time window defined by the gating signal are associated with a decay transition in the radioactive isotope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Symetrica Limited
    Inventor: David Ramsden