Patents by Inventor James E. Clayton

James E. Clayton 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: 10449393
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 5 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20190175946
    Abstract: A high-energy radiation treatment system can comprise a laser-driven accelerator system, a patient monitoring system, and a control system. The laser-driven accelerator system, such as a laser-driven plasma accelerator or a laser-driven dielectric microstructure accelerator, can be constructed to irradiate a patient disposed on a patient support. The patient monitoring system can be configured to detect and track a location or movement of a treatment volume within the patient. The control system can be configured to control the laser-driven accelerator system responsively to the location or movement of the treatment volume. The system can also include a beam control system, which generates a magnetic field that can affect the radiation beam and/or secondary electrons produced by the irradiation beam. In some embodiments, the beam control system and the patient monitoring system can comprise a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventor: James E. CLAYTON
  • Patent number: 10314151
    Abstract: Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Varex Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton, George Merdinian
  • Patent number: 10252083
    Abstract: A high-energy radiation treatment system can comprise a laser-driven accelerator system, a patient monitoring system, and a control system. The laser-driven accelerator system, such as a laser-driven plasma accelerator or a laser-driven dielectric microstructure accelerator, can be constructed to irradiate a patient disposed on a patient support. The patient monitoring system can be configured to detect and track a location or movement of a treatment volume within the patient. The control system can be configured to control the laser-driven accelerator system responsively to the location or movement of the treatment volume. The system can also include a beam control system, which generates a magnetic field that can affect the radiation beam and/or secondary electrons produced by the irradiation beam. In some embodiments, the beam control system and the patient monitoring system can comprise a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 10242760
    Abstract: Accelerator based systems are disclosed for the generation of isotopes, such as molybdenum-98 (“99Mo”) and metastable technetium-99 (“99mTc”) from molybdenum-98 (“98Mo”). Multilayer targets are disclosed for use in the system and other systems to generate 99mTc and 98Mo, and other isotopes. In one example a multilayer target comprises a first, inner target of 98Mo surrounded, at least in part, by a separate, second outer layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first target layer of molybdenum-100 is surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of 98Mo. In another example, a first inner target comprises a Bremsstrahlung target material surrounded, at least in part, by a second target layer of molybdenum-100, surrounded, at least in part, by a third target layer of 98Mo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20180280734
    Abstract: A medical device includes: a base; a positioner coupled to the base; an accelerator coupled to the positioner, wherein the positioner is operable to rotate the accelerator relative to the base about at least two axes; and a power source coupled to the accelerator, the power source configured to provide microwave power for the accelerator, wherein a position of the power source relative to the base remains fixed during movement of the accelerator. A medical device includes: a base; a positioner coupled to the base; an accelerator coupled to the positioner; a power source configured to provide microwave power for the accelerator, wherein a position of the source relative to the base remains fixed during movement of the accelerator; and a waveguide for coupling the power source and the accelerator; wherein the waveguide has a first segment with a first cross section, the first cross section being a circular cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. CLAYTON, Mark E. TRAIL
  • Publication number: 20180277276
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a beam deflector having an electromagnet configured to provide a first magnetic field for deflecting a particle beam; and a current control configured to adjust a current of the electromagnet in correspondence with an energy level associated with an accelerator. A treatment planning method includes: defining control points in a treatment plan; setting up energy switching in one or more of the control points; and performing treatment optimization on the treatment plan based at least in part on the energy switching that is set up in the one or more of the control points. The medical apparatus also includes an energy adjuster configured to adjust the treatment energy so that the treatment energy has a first energy level when the beam output is at the first gantry angle, and a second energy level when the beam output is at the first gantry angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anuj K. PURWAR, James E. CLAYTON, Dragos E. CONSTANTIN, Gard E. MEDDAUGH, Matthew C. SCHMIDT, Mark E. TRAIL, Flavio POEHLMANN
  • Publication number: 20180095188
    Abstract: A system operable for detecting radiation to scan an object includes scintillators that have respective lengths that are greater than their respective widths and an imager that has a planar array of pixels. The scintillators are coupled to the imager with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to each other. An incoming radiation beam that has passed through the object enters the scintillators through respective surfaces of the scintillators that are transverse to the longitudinal axes, and is converted by the scintillators into light that is received by respective subsets of the planar array of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel SHEDLOCK, David T NISIUS, Josh M STAR-LACK, Samuel DONNALD, Gary F VIRSHUP, James E CLAYTON
  • Publication number: 20170296844
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a structure having a lumen for accommodating a beam, wherein the structure is a component of a medical radiation machine having a target for interaction with the beam to generate radiation; and a first beam position monitor comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being mounted to a first side of the structure, the second electrode being mounted to a second side of the structure, the second side being opposite from the first side; wherein the first beam position monitor is located upstream with respect to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. TRAIL, James E. CLAYTON
  • Patent number: 9757593
    Abstract: A radiation system includes: a first support; a first structure rotatably coupled to the first support so that the first structure is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first support; a second structure rotatably coupled to the first structure so that the second structure is rotatable about a second axis that forms a non-zero angle relative to the first structure; and a first radiation source connected to the second structure; wherein the first structure and the second structure are parts of a capsule for accommodating at least a portion of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9746879
    Abstract: An electrical interconnection system comprises a bifurcated, multilayer flex circuit having electrode pads on the inner surfaces of the bifurcation. Electronic components are mounted on one or both sides of the flex circuit by conventional means. When the bifurcation is spread apart, the electrode pads are alignable with respective contacts on a printed circuit board. After bonding the pads to the contacts by soldering, conductive adhesive, or other means, a secure electrical connection is maintained while still allowing the flex circuit to bend somewhat from side to side, creating additional design options not available with rigidly mounted components and modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 9746581
    Abstract: Compact, dual energy radiation scanning systems are described comprising two particle beam accelerators, each configured to accelerate charged particles to different energies, positioned parallel to a direction of movement of an object to be inspected. The accelerator may be positioned perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system, instead. Bend magnet systems bend each charged particle beam toward a respective target. Alternatively, a single dual energy accelerator capable of accelerating charged particles to at least two different energies is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the object, or perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system. A single bend magnet system is provided to bend each accelerated charged particle beam toward the same target. The particle beams may be bent through an orbit chamber. Two separate passages may be defined through at least part of the orbit chamber, one for charged particles having each energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20170080253
    Abstract: A high-energy radiation treatment system can comprise a laser-driven accelerator system, a patient monitoring system, and a control system. The laser-driven accelerator system, such as a laser-driven plasma accelerator or a laser-driven dielectric microstructure accelerator, can be constructed to irradiate a patient disposed on a patient support. The patient monitoring system can be configured to detect and track a location or movement of a treatment volume within the patient. The control system can be configured to control the laser-driven accelerator system responsively to the location or movement of the treatment volume. The system can also include a beam control system, which generates a magnetic field that can affect the radiation beam and/or secondary electrons produced by the irradiation beam. In some embodiments, the beam control system and the patient monitoring system can comprise a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: James E. CLAYTON
  • Publication number: 20160345418
    Abstract: Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: David WHITTUM, James E. CLAYTON, George MERDINIAN
  • Publication number: 20160227652
    Abstract: A method for making an electrical circuit comprises the steps of: forming a rigid printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical contacts on at least one surface; forming a second rigid printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical components on at least one surface, and further having two flexible circuits area along one edge; forming electrode pads on the surfaces of the flexible circuits that are alignable respectively with the electrical contacts on the rigid circuit board when the two flexible circuits are spread apart by about 180°; spreading the flexible circuits apart and aligning the electrode pads respectively with the electrical contacts; and forming an electrical connection between the electrode pads and the electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Publication number: 20160220848
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 5 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. ADLER, JR., David H. WHITTUM, Steven W. PRINCE, James E. CLAYTON
  • Publication number: 20160184608
    Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time target validation during radiation treatment therapy based on real-time target displacement and radiation dosimetry measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: John Rodenbeck ADLER, JR., Jianing SHI, James E. CLAYTON
  • Publication number: 20160148965
    Abstract: An imaging sensor includes a first monolithic semiconductor plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a substantially continuous cathode deposited on the upper surface; an array of anode pads on the lower surface, each anode pad defining an individual pixel; a readout device having an array of readout pads on its upper surface, each readout pad corresponding to a respective anode pad and alignable therewith; and, a plurality of parallel, vertical wire bonds interconnecting the semiconductor plate and the readout device, with each wire connecting one anode pad to its respective readout pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventor: James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9338895
    Abstract: A method for making an electrical circuit comprises the steps of: forming a rigid printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical contacts on at least one surface; forming a multilayer flexible circuit board having a plurality of electrical components on at least one surface, and further having a bifurcated area along one edge; forming electrode pads on the inner surfaces of the bifurcated area of the flexible circuit board that are alignable respectively with the electrical contacts on the rigid circuit board when the bifurcated area is spread apart by about 180°; spreading the bifurcated area apart and aligning the electrode pads respectively with the electrical contacts; and forming an electrical connection between the electrode pads and the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Microelectronics Assembly Technologies
    Inventors: James E. Clayton, Zakaryae Fathi
  • Patent number: 9314160
    Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time target validation during radiation treatment therapy based on real-time target displacement and radiation dosimetry measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rodenbeck Adler, Jr., Jianing Shi, James E. Clayton