Patents by Inventor Brian Skillicorn
Brian Skillicorn 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).
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Patent number: 6649914Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, Edward G. Solomon, Peter J. Fiekowsky, John W. Wilent, Abigail A. Moorhouse, Robert E. Melen
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Publication number: 20020048346Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Edward G. Solomon, Douglas D. Elliott, Brian Skillicorn, Peter E. Loeffler, David E. Baker
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Patent number: 6234671Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Edward G. Solomon, Douglas D. Elliott, Brian Skillicorn, Peter E. Loeffler, David E. Baker
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Patent number: 6198802Abstract: A compact x-ray source and assembly is disclosed. The x-ray source is configured to operate without the need of a transformer within the x-ray source. Due in part to the elimination of components, and further due to the unique assembly of the x-ray source, the x-ray source is compact and can fit beneath, rather than above an x-ray transparent patient table. Accordingly, the x-ray source projects x-rays in an upwardly direction toward the object to be imaged. As a result of the unique configuration of the x-ray source, scattered x-rays are directed away from upper body areas of attending medical staff and radiation to the sensitive tissue of a patient is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Douglas D. Elliott, Peter E. Loeffler, David E. Baker, Brian Skillicorn
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Patent number: 6060713Abstract: A detector comprising a plurality of densely packed x-ray detectors arranged into an array. Each detector preferably comprises a scintillator element which is optically coupled to a photodetector element, preferably with a fiber optic link. Each photodetector element is preferably optically separate from adjacent photodetector elements. The detector array preferably includes integral alignment means to align the scintillator elements with the photodetector elements. The scintillator array elements are preferably formed from materials which possess a fast response and a minimum afterglow time.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventors: Brian Skillicorn, Giovanni Pastrone
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Patent number: 5859893Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, John W. Wilent, deceased
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Patent number: 5835561Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, IncorporatedInventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, Edward G. Solomon, Peter J. Fiekowsky, John W. Wilent, deceased, Abigail A. Moorhouse, Robert E. Melen
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Patent number: 5808306Abstract: The detector of the present invention comprises a plurality of densely packed x-ray detectors arranged into an array. Each detector preferably comprises a scintillator element which is optically coupled to a photodetector element, preferably with a fiber optic link. Each photodetector element is preferably optically separate from adjacent photodetector elements. The detector array preferably includes integral alignment means to align the scintillator elements with the photodetector elements. The scintillator array elements are preferably formed from materials which possess a fast response and a minimum afterglow time.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Brian Skillicorn, Giovanni Pastrone
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Patent number: 5751785Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, Edward G. Solomon, Peter J. Fiekowsky, John W. Wilent, deceased, Abigail A. Moorhouse, Robert E. Melen
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Patent number: 5729584Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, Inc.Inventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, Edward G. Solomon, Peter J. Fiekowsky, John W. Wilent, deceased, Abigail A. Moorhouse, Robert E. Melen
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Patent number: 5682412Abstract: The x-ray source of the present invention comprises a charged particle beam generator and a vacuum enclosure assembly. The charged particle beam generator includes only a single electrical connection for providing high voltage to the electron gun. The power for the active circuits in the high voltage terminal of the charged particle beam generator is provided by a unique isolation transformer that has minimal losses and generates controlled magnetic flux. The generated charged particle beam is controlled through a series of dynamic and static focus coils and moved across the inner face of the target by a stepping coil assembly comprising x and y deflection coils as well as an x step and preferably a y step coil. Further, to minimize power usage, a control grid pinches off the charged particle beam during the stepping of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, IncorporatedInventors: Brian Skillicorn, George H. Fellingham, Peter E. Loeffler
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Patent number: 5610967Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, IncorporatedInventors: Jack W. Moorman, Brian Skillicorn, John W. Wilent, deceased, Alan C. Abel
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Patent number: 5550378Abstract: A detector having a plurality of densely packed x-ray detectors arranged into an array. Each detector preferably includes a scintillator element which is optically coupled to a photodetector element, preferably with a fiber optic link. Each photodetector element is preferably optically separate from adjacent photodetector elements. The detector array preferably includes integral an alignment structure to align the scintillator elements with the photodetector elements. The scintillator array elements are preferably formed from materials which possess a fast response and a minimum afterglow time.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Cardiac Mariners, IncorporatedInventors: Brian Skillicorn, Giovanni Pastrone
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Patent number: 5077771Abstract: A pulsed precision x-ray source includes a miniaturized internally self-shielding x-ray tube and an integral generator contained in a hand-held housing for generating timed bursts of x-ray having regulated energy level. A control grid and focus electrode within the tube enable precise on-off control of an electron beam directed to an x-ray emitting anode. The integral generator system includes an elongated, U-shaped unitary, molded plastic block mounted in the housing and includes a high voltage transformer having primary and secondary annular windings encased in a transformer portion of the block defining a central opening outside of the block for receiving a transformer core therethrough and, a capacitor-diode voltage multiplier stack connected to the secondary winding and having a positive node connectable to the anode and a negative node connectable to the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1989Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: Kevex X-ray Inc.Inventors: Brian Skillicorn, David C. Reynolds, Richard S. Burrow
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Patent number: 4694480Abstract: A hand held x-ray source includes an x-ray tube and integral generator for exciting the tube at precisely controllable high voltage and direct current levels. The integral generator includes an elongated housing grippable by the hand and an elongated unitary molded block mounted in the housing and thermally sumped thereto. The block defines a first heat conduction fluid fillable cavity for receiving the tube and for providing a high voltage connection to the anode adjacent to the interior end thereof, the block being formed to contain and insulate interconnected elements providing a single voltage multipliers tack, and primary and secondary windings of a single high voltage switching transformer having a ferrite magnetic core external to the block. A heat conduction fluid is disposed between the tube and the block for conducting heat generated during tube operation to the block.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1985Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Assignee: Kevex CorporationInventor: Brian Skillicorn
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Patent number: 4646338Abstract: A modular portable X-ray source with integral generator system for generating continuous X-rays of regulated intensity and energy level over a range from zero to maximum and includes a unitary housing containing an X-ray tube, a direct current high voltage power supply for generating a directly controllable, regulated high voltage, a regulated filament supply for generating a directly controllable, regulated beam current, both supplies being directly connected to the X-ray tube without cabling, both supplies being controlled by feedback control signals directly from the X-ray tube, and both being operated directly from a low voltage high current supply, such as a storage battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1983Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Kevex CorporationInventor: Brian Skillicorn