Patents by Inventor Gregory C. Andrews
Gregory C. Andrews 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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Publication number: 20230056945Abstract: An imaging system for inspecting multiple objects includes an x-ray source having a beam width greater than or equal to a threshold beam size. The multiple objects is irradiated by the x-ray source in respective controlled inspection positions. A detection mechanism is adapted to acquire respective images of the multiple objects in the respective controlled inspection positions. The detection mechanism includes one or more detectors arranged circumferentially around a central axis. At least one positioning mechanism is adapted to move the multiple objects into and out of the respective controlled inspection positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Varex Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael Stamm, David T. Nisius, Daniel Shedlock, Josh M. Star-Lack, Gregory C. Andrews, Matthias Ehrat
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Patent number: 11574789Abstract: In some embodiments, a cathode assembly may include a cathode head that has a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter. The first electron emitter may have a first connection location and a second connection location. The second electron emitter may have a third connection location and a fourth connection location. The third connection location may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter. The cathode assembly may include a receptacle having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be electrically coupled with the first connection location of the first electron emitter. The second connector may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter and the third connection location of the second electron emitter. The third connector may be electrically coupled with the fourth connection location of the second electron emitter.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Varex Imaging CorporationInventors: Jacob Sullivan, Santosh Ramachandran, Evgeny Galyaev, Gregory C. Andrews, Christopher Lewis
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Patent number: 11545332Abstract: Technology is described for an anode including a substrate, a target, and an anode shield. The substrate including a substrate material includes a first portion with a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second portion with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. The target includes a target material attached to a first surface of the first portion of the substrate. The anode shield includes a shield material attached to a second surface of the second portion of the substrate, and the substrate material differs from the target material and the shield material.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Varex Imaging CorporationInventors: Robert S. Miller, Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 10804064Abstract: Technology is described for a magnetic lift device for an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode assembly includes an anode, a bearing assembly, a ferromagnetic shaft, and a lift electromagnet. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by a cathode. The bearing assembly is configured to stabilize the anode during a rotation of the anode. The ferromagnetic shaft is coupled to the anode and has an axis of rotation that is substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the ferromagnetic shaft in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATIONInventors: James E. Burke, Marina Samuels, Santosh Ramachandran, V. Ward Coon, Christopher J. Lewis, Christopher D. Ginzton, Gregory C. Andrews, Patrick K. Lewis, Jacob Sullivan
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Patent number: 10755887Abstract: Technology is described for steep angle of a focal track of an anode of an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode includes a disc-shaped anode and a focal track. The disc-shaped anode includes a bearing-facing surface, a window-facing surface positioned opposite the bearing-facing surface, and a focal track positioned between the window-facing surface and the bearing-facing surface, wherein the focal track is angled with respect to the window-facing surface, and the angle between the focal track and the window-facing surface is between 45° and 89°.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Varex Imaging CorporationInventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20180211810Abstract: In some embodiments, a cathode assembly may include a cathode head that has a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter. The first electron emitter may have a first connection location and a second connection location. The second electron emitter may have a third connection location and a fourth connection location. The third connection location may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter. The cathode assembly may include a receptacle having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be electrically coupled with the first connection location of the first electron emitter. The second connector may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter and the third connection location of the second electron emitter. The third connector may be electrically coupled with the fourth connection location of the second electron emitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Jacob Sullivan, Santosh Ramachandran, Evgeny Galyaev, Gregory C. Andrews, Christopher Lewis
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Publication number: 20180204703Abstract: Technology is described for steep angle of a focal track of an anode of an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode includes a disc-shaped anode and a focal track. The disc-shaped anode includes a bearing-facing surface, a window-facing surface positioned opposite the bearing-facing surface, and a focal track positioned between the window-facing surface and the bearing-facing surface, wherein the focal track is angled with respect to the window-facing surface, and the angle between the focal track and the window-facing surface is between 45° and 89°.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20180151324Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray tube having an electron source and anode disposed therein. The anode includes a target surface positioned to receive electrons emitted by the electron source. A thermal structure is interfaced directly with the anode. The thermal structure defines a fluid passageway that is configured to receive and circulate a coolant. A thermally conductive porous matrix is disposed within the fluid passageway so as to facilitate the transfer of heat generated at the target surface to the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Patrick K. Lewis, Gregory C. Andrews, Tyler Lee
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Publication number: 20170301504Abstract: Technology is described for a magnetic lift device for an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode assembly includes an anode, a bearing assembly, a ferromagnetic shaft, and a lift electromagnet. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by a cathode. The bearing assembly is configured to stabilize the anode during a rotation of the anode. The ferromagnetic shaft is coupled to the anode and has an axis of rotation that is substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the ferromagnetic shaft in a radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: Varex Imaging CorporationInventors: James E. Burke, Marina Samuels, Santosh Ramachandran, V. Ward Coon, Christopher J. Lewis, Christopher D. Ginzton, Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 9709512Abstract: In one example embodiment, a method of volumetric image reconstruction of an examination region includes directing x-rays from an anode of an x-ray device towards the examination region from multiple positions relative to the examination region, including multiple focal spot positions radially shifted relative to the anode. X-rays that have passed through the examination region are detected and first multiple x-ray attenuation values are determined for each of the multiple positions. The first multiple x-ray values are based at least in part on the detected x-rays. Second multiple x-ray attenuation values associated with multiple levels are determined. The second multiple attenuation values are based at least in part on the first multiple attenuation values and the multiple positions. The method further includes generating a volumetric image reconstruction of the examination region based at least in part on the second multiple x-ray attenuation values.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Gregory C. Andrews, Dominic J. Heuscher
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Patent number: 9530528Abstract: An x-ray tube electron shield is disclosed for interposition between an electron emitter and an anode configured to receive the emitted electrons. The electron shield includes expansion joints to accommodate thermal expansion.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 9514911Abstract: X-ray tube aperture body with shielded vacuum wall. In one example embodiment, an aperture body for use in an x-ray tube having an anode and a cathode includes an electron shield and a vacuum wall. The electron shield is configured to intercept backscattered electrons from the anode. The vacuum wall is separated by a gap from the electron shield and is shielded from the backscattered electrons by the electron shield. The aperture body also includes an electron shield aperture defined in the electron shield and a vacuum wall aperture defined in the vacuum wall through which electrons may pass between the cathode and the anode.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20150063532Abstract: In one example embodiment, a method of volumetric image reconstruction of an examination region includes directing x-rays from an anode of an x-ray device towards the examination region from multiple positions relative to the examination region, including multiple focal spot positions radially shifted relative to the anode. X-rays that have passed through the examination region are detected and first multiple x-ray attenuation values are determined for each of the multiple positions. The first multiple x-ray values are based at least in part on the detected x-rays. Second multiple x-ray attenuation values associated with multiple levels are determined. The second multiple attenuation values are based at least in part on the first multiple attenuation values and the multiple positions. The method further includes generating a volumetric image reconstruction of the examination region based at least in part on the second multiple x-ray attenuation values.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicants: University of Utah Research Foundation, VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Gregory C. Andrews, Dominic J. Heuscher
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Publication number: 20130195253Abstract: X-ray tube aperture body with shielded vacuum wall. In one example embodiment, an aperture body for use in an x-ray tube having an anode and a cathode includes an electron shield and a vacuum wall. The electron shield is configured to intercept backscattered electrons from the anode. The vacuum wall is separated by a gap from the electron shield and is shielded from the backscattered electrons by the electron shield. The aperture body also includes an electron shield aperture defined in the electron shield and a vacuum wall aperture defined in the vacuum wall through which electrons may pass between the cathode and the anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20130156161Abstract: An x-ray tube electron shield is disclosed for interposition between an electron emitter and an anode configured to receive the emitted electrons. The electron shield includes expansion joints to accommodate thermal expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 8130910Abstract: A liquid-cooled aperture body in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube is configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid coolant. The x-ray tube includes a cathode at least partially positioned within a cathode housing, an anode at least partially positioned within a can, and an aperture body coupling the cathode housing to the can. The can is formed from a first material and the aperture body is formed from a second material. The aperture body defines an aperture through which electrons may pass between the cathode and the anode. The aperture body further defines at least two exterior surfaces that are each configured to be exposed to the liquid coolant in which the x-ray tube is at least partially submerged.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jason W. Davies, Gregory C. Andrews, George Benjamin Naseath, Lincoln Curtis Jolley, Richard Alma Keyes, Ricky Burnett Smith
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Patent number: 8054945Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure and an anode disposed with the evacuated enclosure. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by an electron emitter. The x-ray tube also includes an evacuated enclosure window disposed within a port of the evacuated enclosure. The evacuated enclosure window includes first and second axes, the first axis being relatively shorter than the second axis. The x-ray tube also includes means for directing coolant flow. The means for directing coolant flow causes coolant to flow across an exterior surface of the evacuated enclosure window in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 7995708Abstract: In one example, an assembly comprises a hub and a shaft. The hub defines an axis of rotation and includes first and second flanges that at least partly define a substantially cylindrical hub opening. The shaft is connected to the hub and includes a first end and a shaft cavity. The first end is received within the hub opening. The shaft cavity is formed in the first end and includes a bottom having a substantially curved transition area.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Andrews, Ricky Smith, Santosh Ramachandran
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Publication number: 20110038461Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure and an anode disposed with the evacuated enclosure. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by an electron emitter. The x-ray tube also includes an evacuated enclosure window disposed within a port of the evacuated enclosure. The evacuated enclosure window includes first and second axes, the first axis being relatively shorter than the second axis. The x-ray tube also includes means for directing coolant flow. The means for directing coolant flow causes coolant to flow across an exterior surface of the evacuated enclosure window in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20110038462Abstract: A liquid-cooled aperture body in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube is configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid coolant. The x-ray tube includes a cathode at least partially positioned within a cathode housing, an anode at least partially positioned within a can, and an aperture body coupling the cathode housing to the can. The can is formed from a first material and the aperture body is formed from a second material. The aperture body defines an aperture through which electrons may pass between the cathode and the anode. The aperture body further defines at least two exterior surfaces that are each configured to be exposed to the liquid coolant in which the x-ray tube is at least partially submerged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Jason W. Davies, Gregory C. Andrews, George Benjamin Naseath, Lincoln Curtis Jolley, Richard Alma Keyes, Ricky Burnett Smith