Patents Examined by John M. Corbett
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Patent number: 7274766Abstract: This invention relates to a medical X-ray device arrangement for producing three-dimensional information of an object in a medical X-ray imaging, the medical X-ray device arrangement comprising an X-ray source for X-radiating the object from at least two different directions and a detector for detecting the X-radiation to form projection data of the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Instrumentarium CorporationInventors: Jari Kaipio, Samuli Siltanen, Martti Kalke, Ville Petteri Kolehmainen, Matti Lassas
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Patent number: 7270478Abstract: A method of using x-rays to align screen printing of flip chip using x-ray sub-assembly in a chip fabricating assembly. X-rays are directed onto a substrate having receptor pads and a printing screen having fine apertures. The substrate is aligned with the printing screen based on the detection and analysis of the real-time image generated from the x-rays passing through the substrate and printing screen. The x-ray alignment system is capable of aligning gold plated receptor pads of five microns or less and disposed upon a low light contrast ceramic (e.g., 9011 alumina) substrate with a screen printing stencil having very small apertures of less than 125 microns.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Miguel Angel Jimarez
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Patent number: 7266174Abstract: A system for radiographic inspection of an object includes a radiation source located on one side of the object and a radiation detector located on another side of the object, being positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. At least one motion sensor is associated with the radiation detector, the radiation source, or the object, for detecting motion. The magnitude of motion of the components is compared to a pre-established limit value. The imaging process is conducted when the magnitude of any motion is less than the limit value.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas William Birdwell, Thomas Edward Bantel
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Patent number: 7252433Abstract: An x-ray apparatus that accepts an x-ray radiator therein has shielding for the x-ray leakage radiation originating from the x-ray radiator that is an Integral component of (built into) the x-ray apparatus. An x-ray radiator with an x-ray tube and a housing in which the x-ray tube is contained is composed only of materials that are not suitable for absorption of x-rays.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Deutscher, Matthias Seufert, Karin Söldner
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Patent number: 7248670Abstract: The invention relates to an optical assembly with a laterally graded reflective multilayer whose reflecting surface reflects incident X-rays under low incidence angles to produce a two-dimensional optical effect. The reflecting surface comprises a single surface conformed along two curvatures corresponding to two different directions. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such an optical assembly. The method includes coating a substrate already having a curvature. The invention also relates to a device for generating and conditioning X-rays for applications for angle-dispersive X-ray reflectometry. The device includes the optical assembly connected to an X-ray source so that X-rays emitted by the source are conditioned along two dimensions so as to adapt the beam emitted by the source to the sample, with the X-rays having different angles of incidence on the sample under consideration.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: XenocsInventors: Peter Hoghoj, Aurélien Dariel, Sergio Rodrigues
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Patent number: 7245698Abstract: A 4-dimensional digital tomosynthesis system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector and a processor. The x-ray source is suitable for emitting x-ray beams to an object with a periodic motion. The periodic motion is divided into (n+1) time intervals, n being a positive integer. Each of the (n+1) time intervals is associated with a time instance ti, i=0, 1, 2, . . . , n. The x-ray detector is coupled to the x-ray source for acquiring projection radiographs of the object at each time instance ti for each scan angle based on the x-ray beams. The processor is communicatively coupled to the x-ray source and the x-ray detector for controlling the x-ray source and processing data received from the x-ray detector such that all projection radiographs acquired from all scan angles for each time instance ti are reconstructed and (n+1) sets of cross sections of the object are obtained. The cross section is either a coronal cross section or a sagittal cross section.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Geordi G. Pang, Ali Bani-Hashemi, John Alan Rowlands
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Patent number: 7245692Abstract: X-ray imaging systems and methods are provided that use temporal digital signal processing for reducing noise and for obtaining multiple images simultaneously. An x-ray imaging system can include an x-ray source adapted to generate a pulsed x-ray beam having a predetermined frequency and apply the pulsed x-ray beam to an object to be imaged. An x-ray detector can be adapted to detect x-ray radiation from the object and generate temporal data based on the x-ray radiation. A temporal data analyzer can be adapted to apply a temporal signal process to the temporal data to remove at least a portion of the temporal data having a different frequency than the predetermined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Jian Zhang
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Patent number: 7224770Abstract: X-ray apparatus has a radiation source operated by a voltage generator, a digital solid-state radiation detector and a control device controlling the operation of the apparatus. The control device determines a waiting time between two successive image acquisitions, dependent on at least one operating parameter for the radiation source set by the control device or by the voltage generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
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Patent number: 7215734Abstract: A method and system for three-dimensional reconstruction of images are provided. The method includes receiving projection data from an imaging device scanning an object, identifying projection data corresponding to a conjugate pair of projection rays, and interpolating the projection data corresponding to the conjugate pair of projection rays to reconstruct an image of the object being scanned.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiang Hsieh, Xiangyang Tang
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Patent number: 7212610Abstract: An initial image (the image of a slit plate 5 imaged when adjusted to an optimal focal diameter) is stored in a storage section 72 of an X-ray tube adjusting apparatus 7. An acquisition section 74 acquires a test image (the image of the slit plate 5 imaged at the time of adjusting the focal diameter). A presentation section 76 presents the initial image and an image representing the luminance on the initial image (showing a contrast ?a between a slit portion 764a and a residual area portion 766a in the initial image) and the test image and an image representing the luminance on the test image (showing a contrast ?b between a slit portion 764b and a residual area portion 766b in the initial image) simultaneously (in a comparable manner).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Masayoshi Ishikawa, Takane Yokoi, Tsutomu Nakamura, Yutaka Ochiai, Kinji Takase
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Patent number: 7209535Abstract: A generalized projection-slice theorem for divergent beam projections is disclosed. The theorem results in a method for processing the Fourier transform of the divergent beam projections at each view acquired by a CT system to the Fourier transform of the object function. Using this method, an inverse Fourier transform may be used to reconstruct tomographic images from the acquired divergent beam projections.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Guang-Hong Chen, Charles A. Mistretta
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Patent number: 7209547Abstract: An apparatus for spatial modulation of an x-ray beam has a number of planar attenuation elements for x-ray radiation that are disposed in a grid on a carrier and can be pivoted or tilted by a piezoelectric actuator, independently of one another, between at least two positions. One or more sensors with which a piezoelectrically-caused length and/or width and/or position change of the piezoelectrically influenced regions can be detected, are arranged on piezoelectrically influenced regions of the attenuation elements or the actuators. A significant dose reduction and/or dynamic adjustment thereof can be achieved with the apparatus by image adaptation in many areas of x-ray imaging, since a precise determination of the position of each attenuation element in real time is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Florian Baier, Martin Hoheisel
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Patent number: 7197112Abstract: Method of positioning a mobile X-ray detector unit of an X-ray system, X-ray system and mobile X-ray detector unit. method is described for positioning a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26) of an X-ray system (1). The X-ray system (1) deployed has X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) and at least one mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26). The X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) thereby each have an active and a passive operating status. The X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) are each assigned a detector holder (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to hold a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26). To generate X-ray recordings, X-ray radiation emitted by an active X-ray radiation unit (5, 6, 7) is detected by means of a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26), which is located in a detector holder (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) of said X-ray radiation unit (5, 6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Maschke
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Patent number: 7197107Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography apparatus wherein a conical X-ray beam is radiated on a local area of an object while a rotary means with an X-ray generator and a two-dimensional X-ray image sensor faced to each other is rotated relative to the object which is disposed between the X-ray generator and the two-dimensional X-ray image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Arai, Masato Wada, Masakazu Suzuki, Hideki Yoshikawa, Takahiro Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7197105Abstract: Methods, systems and processes for providing efficient, accurate and exact image reconstruction using portable and easy to use C-arm scanning devices and rotating gantries, and the like. The invention can provide exact convolution-based filtered back projection (FBP) image reconstruction by combining a curved scan of the object and a line scan of the object. The curved scan can be done before or after the line scan. The curved scan can be less than or greater than a full circle about an object being scanned.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Research Foundation of the University of Central Florida, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Katsevich
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Patent number: 7194063Abstract: A method of performing radiation therapy includes delivering a therapeutic dose such as X-ray only to a target (e.g., tumor) with continuous broad beam (or in-effect continuous) using arrays of parallel planes of radiation (microbeams/microplanar beams). Microbeams spare normal tissues, and when interlaced at a tumor, form a broad-beam for tumor ablation. Bidirectional interlaced microbeam radiation therapy (BIMRT) uses two orthogonal arrays with inter-beam spacing equal to beam thickness. Multidirectional interlaced MRT (MIMRT) includes irradiations of arrays from several angles, which interleave at the target. Contrast agents, such as tungsten and gold, are administered to preferentially increase the target dose relative to the dose in normal tissue. Lighter elements, such as iodine and gadolinium, are used as scattering agents in conjunction with non-interleaving geometries of array(s) (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLCInventors: F. Avraham Dilmanian, Gerard M. Morris, James F. Hainfeld
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Patent number: 7170966Abstract: This invention uses the cone beam CT (Computer Tomography) principle to obtain nondestructive image of any object. For good reconstruction datasets from 2 orthogonal planes about the object are required in order to augment the signal relative to the polar artifacts of a standard Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm. Here, we suggest a practical way of implementing the 2 orthogonal planes theory by replacing the 2 gantry rotations by 2 rotations of only one fixed gantry and one movement of the object position, making it simple and low cost. This method is applied to the non-intrusive inspection of baggage or imaging of mice for pharmaceutical purposes where the object has to remain in a horizontal plane throughout the procedure. This algorithm can also be applied to nondestructive testing of any solid materials, for example: imperfections in semi-conductors, electronic components, composite materials etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Gioietta Kuo-Petravic, Horst Bruning, Marijan Petravic
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Patent number: 7170970Abstract: The concentration(s) of element(s) contained in an unknown sample is measured without necessity of judging the sample relying on a human's eye and obtaining information from a supplier of the sample previously. The concentration(s) of trace element(s) such as Cd, Pb and Hg contained in parts for electronic or electric equipment is determined by (1) irradiating the sample with an X-ray so as to identify whether the type of the sample is a nonmetal-based material or a metal-based material; (2) selecting measuring conditions for a fluorescent X-ray analysis depending on the identified type of the sample; and (3) measuring the concentration(s) of one or more element(s) contained in the sample by the fluorescent X-ray analysis according to the selected measuring conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tani, Hiroshi Iwamoto, Takao Hisazumi, Yukihiro Iwata, Etsuyoshi Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 7123680Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a data collection apparatus that collects X-ray signals from the X-ray detector repeatedly, a shutter mechanism that is arranged between the X-ray tube and a subject in order to convert an X-ray into a pulse-like X-ray and is constituted such that a ratio of a shutter open period and a shutter close period is variable, a restructuring unit that restructures image data on the basis of the collected X-ray signals, and a control unit that controls the shutter mechanism in order to change the ratio of a shutter open period and a shutter close period during a helical scan.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Katada, Toshihiro Rifu
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Patent number: 7110499Abstract: The disclosed, embodiments relate to a high-voltage supply (11, 13, 23) for an X-ray device. The X-ray device comprises an X-ray tube (15) and a high voltage generator(1), for generation of the high voltage necessary for operating the X-ray tube (15). The high voltage supply (11, 13, 23) comprises electrically-conducting lines (11, 13), for the connection of the high voltage generator to the X-ray tube (15). Each of the lines (11, 13) comprises one end which may be connected to the high voltage generator (1) and a further end which may be connected to the X-ray tube (15). At least one end of at least one of the lines (11, 13) may be connected to an electrical terminal resistor (39) which may be arranged between the line (11, 13) and the high voltage generator (1), or between the line (11, 13) and the X-ray tube (15).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Walter Beyerlein, Werner Kühnel