Patents by Inventor Eckhard Hempel

Eckhard Hempel 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).

  • Patent number: 7453981
    Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject. In at least one embodiment, least one grating of a focus-detector arrangement includes, at least partially, a macroscopically homogeneous medium which, when excited by an energy source, assumes a periodic structure/standing wave field that leads to beam splitting and the formation of an interference pattern when the X-ray beam passes through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Martin Engelhardt, Jörg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Patent number: 7440542
    Abstract: A method and a measuring arrangement are disclosed for nondestructive analysis of an examination object. In at least one embodiment of the method, x-radiation having a specific energy spectrum is generated by an x-ray source, with the aid of at least one x-ray/optical grating in the beam path of the x-radiation there is generated a standing wave field of this x-radiation that is positioned at least partially in the examination object, and the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field in the examination object is measured as a function of at least one relative position between the examination object and the x-ray standing wave field. Further, a material distribution in the examination object is inferred from the measurement result of the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Martin Engelhardt, Jörg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Patent number: 7436927
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an examination space in which a region of an examination subject to be examined can be positioned as well as an optical image acquisition sensor, which is provided to acquire a surface of the examination subject in the examination space and which is linked with an evaluation unit such that acquired surface data are provided as control information for controlling an image acquisition unit, in particular an x-ray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Patent number: 7433444
    Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of an observed region of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a radiation source which emits a coherent or quasi-coherent X-radiation and irradiates the subject, a phase grating which is arranged behind the subject in the beam path of the radiation source and generates an interference pattern of the X-radiation in a predetermined energy range, and an analysis-detector system which detects at least the interference pattern generated by the phase grating in respect of its phase shift with position resolution. Further, the beam path of the X-radiation used diverges in at least one plane between the focus and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Christian David, Martin Engelhardt, Jörg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Franz Pfeiffer, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Patent number: 7388944
    Abstract: A device for generation of x-ray radiation has one or more cold electron sources as a cathode and at least one x-ray target as an anode that are arranged in an evacuable housing. Upon application of an electrical voltage between cathode and anode, electrons emitted from the electron source are accelerated in an electron beam onto the x-ray target. A device for reduction of the proportion of positive ions in the region of the electron source is arranged between the electron source and the x-ray target in the housing. The device exhibits a long lifespan with good focusing capability and fast modulation capability of the electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eckhard Hempel, Detlef Mattern, Stefan Popescu
  • Patent number: 7386419
    Abstract: In a method, apparatus, system and computer program product for selection of a statistical evaluation method from a set of evaluation methods, the selected statistical evaluation method being optimally designed for a measurement series, three measurement series-specific determination signals are recorded in a first phase and, in a subsequent second phase, a selection of the optimally-designed evaluation method ensues through access to an association mechanism that associates an optimally-designed evaluation method with the recorded determination signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20080027309
    Abstract: A method is proposed for simple and quick setting of an injection pump for image recording. In at least one embodiment of the method, patient-specific and appliance-specific input parameters are entered and a contrast agent protocol is created from the patient-specific and appliance-specific input parameters, by computer, by way of a functional relationship, and the contrast agent protocol is output to the injection pump. Furthermore, a computer unit is provided in at least one embodiment, with the aid of which the method is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Eckhard Hempel, Matthias Niethammer
  • Publication number: 20080024524
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to the display of image data collected for medical purposes at actual object size, in particular to a device, a method and/or a computer program for driving a display unit. In at least one embodiment, the device for driving a display unit that can be connected to the device is designed to display a section of image data, recorded for medical purposes, of an object by way of the display unit, the display unit and the image data each having a field of view, the field of view of the display unit being smaller than the field of view of the image data, and the object sizes represented in the section being equal to the actual object sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Eckhard Hempel, Matthias Thorn
  • Publication number: 20080009696
    Abstract: To improve patient comfort and reduce claustrophobia experienced by patients in a medical diagnosis or therapy apparatus, in particular a CT apparatus or an MR apparatus, with an examination region demarcated by said inner wall, in which examination region a patient can be positioned, a display is arranged in a region forming at least a portion of the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070189449
    Abstract: A method and a measuring arrangement are disclosed for nondestructive analysis of an examination object. In at least one embodiment of the method, x-radiation having a specific energy spectrum is generated by an x-ray source, with the aid of at least one x-ray/optical grating in the beam path of the x-radiation there is generated a standing wave field of this x-radiation that is positioned at least partially in the examination object, and the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field in the examination object is measured as a function of at least one relative position between the examination object and the x-ray standing wave field. Further, a material distribution in the examination object is inferred from the measurement result of the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Martin Engelhardt, Jorg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Publication number: 20070183562
    Abstract: A focus/detector system of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings. The system, in at least one embodiment, includes at least of a beam source, having a focus and a focus-side source grating, arranged in the beam path and to generate a field of ray-wise coherent X-rays, and a detector arrangement having a multiplicity of grating/detector modules arranged next to one another. The detector arrangement, in at least one embodiment, which respectively include, arranged successively in the beam direction, at least one phase grating for generating a first interference pattern, an analysis grating for generating a further interference pattern, and detector elements arranged flat. The individual grating lines of all gratings are aligned mutually parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Bjorn Heismann, Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070183563
    Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of an observed region of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a radiation source which emits a coherent or quasi-coherent X-radiation and irradiates the subject, a phase grating which is arranged behind the subject in the beam path of the radiation source and generates an interference pattern of the X-radiation in a predetermined energy range, and an analysis-detector system which detects at least the interference pattern generated by the phase grating in respect of its phase shift with position resolution. Further, the beam path of the X-radiation used diverges in at least one plane between the focus and the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Christian David, Martin Engelhardt, Jorg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Franz Pfeiffer, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Publication number: 20070183583
    Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement and an X-ray apparatus for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the focus-detector arrangement includes a radiation source with a focus, arranged on a first side of the subject, for generating a fan-shaped or conical beam of rays; at least one X-ray optical grating arranged in the beam path, with at least one phase grating arranged on the opposite second side of the subject in the beam path generating an interference pattern of the X-radiation preferably, in a particular energy range; and an analysis-detector system which detects at least the interference pattern generated by the phase grating in respect of its phase shift with position resolution. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, at least one X-ray optical grating including bars which are free from overhangs form shadows in the beam path of the fan-shaped or conical beam of rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Christian David, Martin Engelhardt, Jorg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Franz Pfeiffer, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Publication number: 20070183559
    Abstract: An X-ray CT system is disclosed for producing tomographic phase contrast and absorption images. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a gantry, including a stationary stator and a first rotor supported on the stator and rotates relative to the stator about a system axis, at least one X-ray source detector system that can rotate about a patient and a system axis and is arranged on the first rotor, and at least one set of X-ray optical gratings for determining phase contrast. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one set of X-ray optical gratings is arranged such that it can be displaced relative to the first rotor of the gantry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070183579
    Abstract: An X-ray optical transmission grating of a focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the grating includes a multiplicity of grating bars and grating gaps arranged periodically on at least one surface of at least one wafer, wherein the X-ray optical transmission grating includes at least two sub-gratings arranged in direct succession in the beam direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Christian David, Martin Engelhardt, Jorg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Franz Pfeiffer, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Publication number: 20070183582
    Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings with a phase grating. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, in the gaps between its bars, the phase grating includes a filler material whose linear attenuation coefficient in the relevant energy range is greater than that of the bars. The height of the filler material in the gaps is dimensioned on the one hand so that the X-radiation with the energy used for measuring the phase shift generates a phase shift in the X-radiation such that, after the phase grating, the rays which pass through the bars are phase shifted by one half wavelength relative to the rays which pass through the gaps with the filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Christian David, Martin Engelhardt, Jorg Freudenberger, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Franz Pfeiffer, Stefan Popescu, Manfred Schuster
  • Publication number: 20070183558
    Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed for detecting and differentiating plaque in vessel structures of a patient. In at least one embodiment, a computed tomography system that is equipped with at least one focus detector system and, per focus detector system, with at least one transradiated x-ray/optical grating, is used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of the refractive index in the region of vessel structures of the patient from detected projection data. Further, at least one plaque form is highlighted in a pictorial display on the basis of a previously known value range of the refractive index for at least one plaque form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070183581
    Abstract: A focus/detector system of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a beam source, including a focus and a focus-side source grating, arranged in the beam path to generate a field of ray-wise coherent X-rays; and a grating/detector arrangement having a phase grating with grating lines arranged parallel to the source grating for generating an interference pattern and a detector having a multiplicity of detector elements arranged flat for measuring the radiation intensity behind the phase grating. Further, the detector elements are formed by a multiplicity of elongate detection strips, which are aligned parallel to the grating lines of the phase grating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Bjorn Heismann, Eckhard Hempel, Stefan Popescu
  • Publication number: 20070183560
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing projective and tomographic phase contrast images of an examination object, preferably a patient, with the aid of an X-ray system, and a corresponding X-ray system for carrying out this method. In at least one embodiment of the method, X-ray optical grating sets tuned to different energy ranges are used to determine energy-dependent phase shifts upon penetration of an examination object, a difference value is formed from these energy-dependent phase shifts, and tomographic or projective images are produced therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Bjorn Heismann, Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070183580
    Abstract: A focus/detector system of an X-ray apparatus and a method for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings, are disclosed. In an embodiment of the system, the system includes a beam source equipped with a focus and a focus-side source grating, arranged in the beam path and generates a field of ray-wise coherent X-rays, a grating/detector arrangement having a phase grating and grating lines arranged parallel to the source grating for generating an interference pattern, and a detector having a multiplicity of detector elements arranged flat for measuring the position-dependent radiation intensity behind the phase grating. Finally, the detector elements are formed by a multiplicity of elongate scintillation strips, which are aligned parallel to the grating lines of the phase grating and have a small period, whose integer multiple corresponds to the average large period of the interference pattern which is formed by the phase grating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Bjorn Heismann, Eckhard Hempel, Christian David, Franz Pfeiffer