Patents by Inventor Andreas Thon

Andreas Thon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240133881
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a device comprising a synthetic polymeric substrate having a high quality finish upper surface, the upper surface having at least a bilayer coating comprising a first, reflective layer and a second, transparent layer. Also disclosed are kits containing embodiments of the disclosed device and detectable particles. Also disclosed are various embodiments of a method of using the disclosed device and various embodiments of a method of using the disclosed kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Valerio Pini, Adonis Stassinopoulos, Matthias Mösl, Jesús Óscar Ahumada Heredero, Chloé Alexia Rodriguez, Andreas Thon, Houman Yaghoubi, Scott Rongey
  • Patent number: 11519856
    Abstract: A method for optically detecting biomarkers in a biosensor is disclosed, wherein the optical detection obtains spatially and spectrally resolved optical signals from a sample on a biosensor, and one or more of these spatially and spectrally resolved optical signals can be analyzed in parallel with image acquisition. The image analysis comprises reading data of the acquired images, correcting them to reduce inhomogeneities and noise, localizing particles in the images, characterizing each particle individually to obtain its position and characterization parameters, and classifying the particles based on their characterization parameters. Using the number of particles per class for all the acquired images of the sample, a statistical value is calculated per sample and each statistical value is correlated with an indication of the presence of a biomarker in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Mecwins, S.A.
    Inventors: Andreas Thon, Valerio Pini, Antonio Salvador-Matar Renteria, Virginia Cebrián Hernando, Carlos García Aguado, Jesús Oscar Ahumada Heredero
  • Patent number: 11519843
    Abstract: Biosensing platform for simultaneous, multiplexed, high throughput and ultra-sensitive optical detection of biomarkers labelled with plasmonic nanoparticles, the platform being provided with a biosensor, a broadband and continuous spectrum illumination source, an optical detector for simultaneously capturing spatially resolved and spectrally resolved the scattering signal of each individual nanoparticle, an autofocus system and an optical system adapted to collect the scattered signal of the biosensor's surface onto the optical detector, the platform being provided with translation means for the optical system and/or the biosensor, such that the optical system and the biosensor can be displaced relative to each other in the three dimensions, and wherein the processing means are adapted to: i) simultaneously capture spatially and spectrally resolved scattering signals from each nanoparticle individually, and ii) to analyze these signals simultaneously with the capture process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MECWINS, S.A.
    Inventors: Valerio Pini, Andreas Thon, Antonio Salvador-Matar Renteria, Virginia Cebrián Hernando, Carlos García Aguado, Jesús Oscar Ahumada Heredero
  • Patent number: 11119227
    Abstract: When designing detector arrays for diagnostic imaging devices, such as PET or SPECT devices, a virtual detector, or pixel, combines scintillator crystals with photodetectors in ratios that deviate from the conventional 1:1 ratio. For instance, multiple photodetectors can be glued to a single crystal to create a virtual pixel which can be software-based or hardware-based. Light energy and time stamp information for a gamma ray hit on the crystal can be calculated using a virtualizer processor or using a trigger line network and time-to-digital converter logic. Additionally or alternatively, multiple crystals can be associated with each of a plurality of photodetectors. A gamma ray hit on a specific crystal is then determined by a table lookup of adjacent photodetectors that register equal light intensities, and the crystal common to such photodetectors is identified as the location of the hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20200319085
    Abstract: Biosensing platform for simultaneous, multiplexed, high throughput and ultra-sensitive optical detection of biomarkers labelled with plasmonic nanoparticles, the platform being provided with a biosensor, a broadband and continuous spectrum illumination source, an optical detector for simultaneously capturing spatially resolved and spectrally resolved the scattering signal of each individual nanoparticle, an autofocus system and an optical system adapted to collect the scattered signal of the biosensor's surface onto the optical detector, the platform being provided with translation means for the optical system and/or the biosensor, such that the optical system and the biosensor can be displaced relative to each other in the three dimensions, and wherein the processing means are adapted to: i) simultaneously capture spatially and spectrally resolved scattering signals from each nanoparticle individually, and ii) to analyze these signals simultaneously with the capture process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Valerio PINI, Andreas THON, Antonio SALVADOR-MATAR RENTERIA, Virginia CEBRIÁN HERNANDO, Carlos GARCÍA AGUADO, Jesús Oscar AHUMADA HEREDERO
  • Publication number: 20200319102
    Abstract: A method for optically detecting biomarkers in a biosensor, comprising: simultaneously acquiring (1100) spatially and spectrally resolved images from at least one sample of the biosensor and performing an image analysis (1000) in parallel to the image acquisition (1100); wherein the image analysis (1000) comprises: reading (2100) data of the acquired images; correcting (2200) the data to reduce inhomogeneities and noise of the images; localizing (2300) particles in the images using the corrected data; characterizing (2400) each particle individually to obtain at least its position and characterization parameters; classifying (2500) the particles based on their characterization parameters to obtain particle classes; counting (2600) the particles for each class and acquired image; for each biomarker in each sample, calculating an overall analysis result (2800) comprising calculating at least one statistical value by using the number of particles per class for all the images acquired from the same sample, an
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Andreas THON, Valerio PINI, Antonio SALVADOR-MATAR RENTERIA, Virginia CEBRIÁN HERNANDO, Carlos GARCÍA AGUADO, Jesús Oscar AHUMADA HEREDERO
  • Patent number: 10143376
    Abstract: In a combined system, a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner includes a magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field at least in a MR examination region from which MR data are acquired. Radiation detectors are configured to detect gamma rays generated by positron-electron annihilation events in a positron emission tomography (PET) examination region. The radiation detectors include electron multiplier elements having a direction of electron acceleration arranged substantially parallel or anti-parallel with the static magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnet is an open magnet having first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces disposed on opposite sides of a magnetic resonance examination region, and the radiation detectors include first and second arrays of radiation detectors disposed with the first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Torsten Solf, Johan Overweg, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20160320496
    Abstract: When designing detector arrays for diagnostic imaging devices, such as PET or SPECT devices, a virtual detector, or pixel, combines scintillator crystals with photodetectors in ratios that deviate from the conventional 1:1 ratio. For instance, multiple photodetectors can be glued to a single crystal to create a virtual pixel which can be software-based or hardware-based. Light energy and time stamp information for a gamma ray hit on the crystal can be calculated using a virtualizer processor or using a trigger line network and time-to-digital converter logic. Additionally or alternatively, multiple crystals can be associated with each of a plurality of photodetectors. A gamma ray hit on a specific crystal is then determined by a table lookup of adjacent photodetectors that register equal light intensities, and the crystal common to such photodetectors is identified as the location of the hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas FRACH, Andreas THON
  • Patent number: 9423511
    Abstract: When designing detector arrays for diagnostic imaging devices, such as PET or SPECT devices, a virtual detector, or pixel, combines scintillator crystals (10, 20, 40) with photodetectors (12) in ratios that deviate from the conventional 1:1 ratio. For instance, multiple photodetectors can be glued to a single crystal to create a virtual pixel (10, 20, 40) which can be software-based or hardware-based. Light energy and time stamp information for a gamma ray hit on the crystal can be calculated using a virtualizer processor or using a trigger line network and time-to-digital converter logic. Additionally or alternatively, multiple crystals (54) can be associated with each of a plurality of photodetectors (52). A gamma ray hit on a specific crystal is then determined by a table lookup of adjacent photodetectors (52) that register equal light intensities, and the crystal (54) common to such photodetectors (52) is identified as the location of the hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Andreas Thon
  • Patent number: 9110174
    Abstract: A pixellated detector with an enhanced structure enables easy pixel identification even with high light output at crystal edges. A half-pixel shift between scintillator crystals (50) and detector pixels (12) enables the identification of a crystal (50) from four detector pixels (12) instead of nine pixels in case of optical crosstalk. Glass plates without any mechanical structuring may be used as a common substrate (60) for detectors and scintillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon
  • Patent number: 9012854
    Abstract: When employing specular reflective material in a scintillator crystal array, light trapping in the crystal due to repetitive internal reflection is mitigated by roughening at least one side (16) of each of a plurality of pre-formed polished scintillator crystals. A specular reflector material (30) is applied (deposited, wrapped around, etc.) to the roughened crystals, which are arranged in an array. Each crystal array is coupled to a silicon photodetector (32) to form a detector array, which can be mounted in a detector for a functional scanner or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon, Steven Cooke
  • Patent number: 8923588
    Abstract: A time of flight positron emission tomography apparatus (100) includes a detector (106), a data acquisition system (120), a coincidence system (122) and a reconstructor (129). Various elements of an imaging chain influence the temporal resolution of the system (100) so that positron data collected along different lines of response is characterized by different temporal resolutions. The different temporal resolutions are used to estimate the positions of detected events along their respective lines of response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Laurence, Jerome J. Griesmer, Jeffrey A. Kolthammer, Andreas Thon, Ralph Brinks, Carsten Degenhardt
  • Publication number: 20140206983
    Abstract: In a combined system, a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner includes a magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field at least in a MR examination region from which MR data are acquired. Radiation detectors are configured to detect gamma rays generated by positron-electron annihilation events in a positron emission tomography (PET) examination region. The radiation detectors include electron multiplier elements having a direction of electron acceleration arranged substantially parallel or anti-parallel with the static magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnet is an open magnet having first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces disposed on opposite sides of a magnetic resonance examination region, and the radiation detectors include first and second arrays of radiation detectors disposed with the first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar SCHULZ, Torsten SOLF, Johan OVERWEG, Andreas THON
  • Patent number: 8723521
    Abstract: In a combined system, a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner includes a magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field at least in a MR examination region from which MR data are acquired. Radiation detectors are configured to detect gamma rays generated by positron-electron annihilation events in a positron emission tomography (PET) examination region. The radiation detectors include electron multiplier elements having a direction of electron acceleration arranged substantially parallel or anti-parallel with the static magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnet is an open magnet having first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces disposed on opposite sides of a magnetic resonance examination region, and the radiation detectors include first and second arrays of radiation detectors disposed with the first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Torsten Solf, Johan Overweg, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20140084170
    Abstract: When employing specular reflective material in a scintillator crystal array, light trapping in the crystal due to repetitive internal reflection is mitigated by roughening at least one side (16) of each of a plurality of pre-formed polished scintillator crystals. A specular reflector material (30) is applied (deposited, wrapped around, etc.) to the roughened crystals, which are arranged in an array. Each crystal array is coupled to a silicon photodetector (32) to form a detector array, which can be mounted in a detector for a functional scanner or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon, Steven Cooke
  • Patent number: 8598532
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of radiation conversion elements (32) that convert radiation to light, and a reflector layer (34) disposed around the plurality of radiation conversion elements. The plurality of radiation conversion elements may consist of two radiation conversion elements and the reflector layer is wrapped around the two radiation conversion elements with ends (40, 42) of the reflector layer tucked between the two radiation conversion elements. The reflector layer (34) may include a light reflective layer (50) having reflectance greater than 90% disposed adjacent to the radiation conversion elements when the reflector layer (34) is disposed around the plurality of radiation conversion elements, and a light barrier layer (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Steven E. Cooke, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20130310681
    Abstract: In a combined system, a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner includes a magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field at least in a MR examination region from which MR data are acquired. Radiation detectors are configured to detect gamma rays generated by positron-electron annihilation events in a positron emission tomography (PET) examination region. The radiation detectors include electron multiplier elements having a direction of electron acceleration arranged substantially parallel or anti-parallel with the static magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnet is an open magnet having first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces disposed on opposite sides of a magnetic resonance examination region, and the radiation detectors include first and second arrays of radiation detectors disposed with the first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Volkmar SCHULZ, Torsten SOLF, Johan OVERWEG, Andreas THON
  • Patent number: 8519710
    Abstract: In a combined system, a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner includes a magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field at least in a MR examination region from which MR data are acquired. Radiation detectors are configured to detect gamma rays generated by positron-electron annihilation events in a positron emission tomography (PET) examination region. The radiation detectors include electron multiplier elements having a direction of electron acceleration arranged substantially parallel or anti-parallel with the static magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnet is an open magnet having first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces disposed on opposite sides of a magnetic resonance examination region, and the radiation detectors include first and second arrays of radiation detectors disposed with the first and second spaced apart magnet pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Torsten Solf, Johan Overweg, Andreas Thon
  • Patent number: 8481948
    Abstract: A light transmitting element such as a scintillating element (50) or an optic fiber (50?) has side surfaces coated with a metamaterial (62) which has an index of refraction less than 1 and preferably close to zero to light transmitted in the light transmitting element. A photonic crystal (80) or metamaterial layer optically couples a light output face of the light transmitting element with a light sensitive element (52), such as a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). A thin metal layer (64) blocks optical communication between adjacent scintillating elements (50) in a radiation detector (22), such as a radiation detector of a nuclear imaging system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20130153776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pixellated detector with an enhanced structure to enable easy pixel identification even with high light output at crystal edges. A half-pixel shift between scintillator crystals (50) and detector pixels (12) enables the identification of a crystal (50) from four detector pixels (12) instead of nine pixels in case of optical crosstalk. Glass plates without any mechanical structuring may be used as a common substrate (60) for detectors and scintillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon