Patents by Inventor Gerardo Rinaldi

Gerardo Rinaldi 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: 11666291
    Abstract: An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on i a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. The apparatus comprises a single sensor for both panoramic imaging and computed tomography, and has a control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation means and operates the apparatus in a basic operation mode for bigger patients and in an alternative operation mode for smaller patients, in which the distance between the source and the sensor is reduced as compared to the distance used for the basic operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventors: Claudio Giani, Giuseppe Rotondo, Costantino Nettis, Gianfranco Venturino, Gerardo Rinaldi
  • Patent number: 11553886
    Abstract: An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. A control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation means Collision detection means provided in the source and sensor detect a possible collision of the source and/or sensor with the patient during the motion of the source and/or sensor and the control unit responds to such detected possible collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Claudio Giani, Giuseppe Rotondo, Costantino Nettis, Gianfranco Venturino, Gerardo Rinaldi
  • Publication number: 20210236070
    Abstract: An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. A control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation meansCollision detection means provided in the source and sensor detect a possible collision of the source and/or sensor with the patient during the motion of the source and/or sensor and the control unit responds to such detected possible collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Claudio Giani, Giuseppe Rotondo, Costantino Nettis, Gianfranco Venturino, Gerardo Rinaldi
  • Publication number: 20210161486
    Abstract: An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on i a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. The apparatus comprises a single sensor for both panoramic imaging and computed tomography, and has a control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation means and operates the apparatus in a basic operation mode for bigger patients and in an alternative operation mode for smaller patients, in which the distance between the source and the sensor is reduced as compared to the distance used for the basic operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Claudio Giani, Giuseppe Rotondo, Costantino Nettis, Gianfranco Venturino, Gerardo Rinaldi
  • Patent number: 8223915
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cefla S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Publication number: 20110194670
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7929661
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: CEFLA S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7835489
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cefla S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Publication number: 20090323891
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Publication number: 20090310741
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7534038
    Abstract: A dental x-ray apparatus is provided that includes an x-ray system having an x-ray source and x-ray detection means; positioning means for positioning a patient's head in a predefined position with respect to the x-ray system; and at least one video camera for generating video images of the patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Gendex Corporation
    Inventors: Giuseppe Rotondo, Gerardo Rinaldi, N. Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio
  • Publication number: 20070183567
    Abstract: A dental x-ray apparatus is provided that includes an x-ray system having an x-ray source and x-ray detection means; positioning means for positioning a patient's head in a predefined position with respect to the x-ray system; and at least one video camera for generating video images of the patient's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Gendex Corporation
    Inventors: Giuseppe Rotondo, Gerardo Rinaldi, N. Borghese, Iuri Frosio
  • Patent number: 7016466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in intra-oral dental x-ray imaging equipment provides automatic detection of the x-ray emission in order to obtain timely transition to the image integration and acquisition phase with high level of rejection of false triggering induced by blemish defects of the image sensor or by variations of the ambient and temperature conditions. A solid state imager, such as a CCD image sensor, is continually clocked during the standby phase prior to irradiation from an X-ray source, so providing on same time an output signal proportional to the accumulated dark current and the continuous removal of the same. A control unit analyses the output signal of the imager, detects the variation caused by the start of the x-ray emission using appropriate threshold levels, and automatically triggers the imager to the image integration and acquisition phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gendex Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Venturino Gianfranco, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Publication number: 20040228452
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in intra-oral dental x-ray imaging equipment provides automatic detection of the x-ray emission in order to obtain timely transition to the image integration and acquisition phase with high level of rejection of false triggering induced by blemish defects of the image sensor or by variations of the ambient and temperature conditions. A solid state imager, such as a CCD image sensor, is continually clocked during the standby phase prior to irradiation from an X-ray source, so providing on same time an output signal proportional to the accumulated dark current and the continuous removal of the same. A control unit analyses the output signal of the imager, detects the variation caused by the start of the x-ray emission using appropriate threshold levels, and automatically triggers the imager to the image integration and acquisition phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Venturino Gianfranco, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 6775351
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in intra-oral dental x-ray imaging equipment provides automatic detection of the x-ray emission in order to obtain timely transition to the image integration and acquisition phase with high level of rejection of false triggering induced by blemish defects of the image sensor or by variations of the ambient and temperature conditions. A solid state imager, such as a CCD image sensor, is continually clocked during the standby phase prior to irradiation from an X-ray source, so providing on same time an output signal proportional to the accumulated dark current and the continuous removal of the same. A control unit analyses the output signal of the imager, detects the variation caused by the start of the x-ray emission using appropriate threshold levels, and automatically triggers the imager to the image integration and acquisition phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Venturino Gianfranco
  • Patent number: 6553095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in dental panoramic and cephalographic x-ray equipment provides automatic adjustment of the pre-programmed exposure factors in order to obtain optimisation of the grey scale of the latent image on various kinds of x-ray detectors, such as the radiographic film or x-ray image detector plates. A sensor, such as photo diodes, detects the intensity of the radiation passed through the patient and incident on the x-ray detector and feeds it to a control unit. The control unit provides a computed simulation of the latent image grey level and adjusts the programmed exposure factors in order to establish the grey level of the latent image at the required reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo, Gianfranco Venturino
  • Publication number: 20030002624
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in intra-oral dental x-ray imaging equipment provides automatic detection of the x-ray emission in order to obtain timely transition to the image integration and acquisition phase with high level of rejection of false triggering induced by blemish defects of the image sensor or by variations of the ambient and temperature conditions. A solid state imager, such as a CCD image sensor, is continually clocked during the standby phase prior to irradiation from an X-ray source, so providing on same time an output signal proportional to the accumulated dark current and the continuous removal of the same. A control unit analyses the output signal of the imager, detects the variation caused by the start of the x-ray emission using appropriate threshold levels, and automatically triggers the imager to the image integration and acquisition phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Venturino Gianfranco
  • Publication number: 20020085673
    Abstract: An apparatus and method used in dental panoramic and cephalographic x-ray equipment provides automatic adjustment of the pre-programmed exposure factors in order to obtain optimisation of the grey scale of the latent image on various kinds of x-ray detectors, such as the radiographic film or x-ray image detector plates. A sensor, such as photo diodes, detects the intensity of the radiation passed through the patient and incident on the x-ray detector and feeds it to a control unit. The control unit provides a computed simulation of the latent image grey level and adjusts the programmed exposure factors in order to establish the grey level of the latent image at the required reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: DENTSPLY Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo, Gianfranco Venturino