Patents by Inventor Kenneth Defreitas

Kenneth Defreitas 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: 11350891
    Abstract: A compression arm device for compressing a breast in an imaging system with a compression paddle. The compression arm device includes a drive for moving the compression paddle towards the breast such that the drive provides a variable resistance during a contact of the compression paddle with the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Alan Rego
  • Patent number: 11317878
    Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in a field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as passible. An automatic X-ray collimator restricts the X-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with the compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Anthony Pellegrino, Thomas A. Farbizio, Roman Janer, Georgia Hitzke
  • Publication number: 20220087629
    Abstract: A method of imaging a breast of a patient using an imaging system includes applying, with a first component of the imaging system, a compressive force to the breast. A second component of the imaging system is positioned in a start position. The imaging system sends a first guidance signal to the patient. An imaging procedure of the breast is performed with the second component of the imaging system. Subsequent to performing the imaging procedure, a second guidance signal is sent to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. ROBINSON, Kenneth DEFREITAS, Adrian HUNSDON, Rachel CHANDLER, Ashwini KSHIRSAGAR, David WOLFF, Alan REGO
  • Publication number: 20220071582
    Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Baorui Ren, Ian SHAW, Christopher RUTH, Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN
  • Publication number: 20220039766
    Abstract: A specimen radiography system may include a controller and a cabinet. The cabinet may include an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, and a specimen drawer disposed between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The specimen drawer may be automatically positionable along a vertical axis between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, Timothy N. WELLS, Thomas DEYOUNG, Henry LANDRY, Shawn ST. PIERRE, Shawn HOCHSTETLER, Joseph VARTOLONE, Neil ROTH, Michelle LUSTRINO
  • Patent number: 11096644
    Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Baorui Ren, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 11083426
    Abstract: A specimen radiography system may include a controller and a cabinet. The cabinet may include an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, and a specimen drawer disposed between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The specimen drawer may be automatically positionable along a vertical axis between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Timothy N. Wells, Thomas Deyoung, Henry Landry, Shawn St. Pierre, Shawn Hochstetler, Joseph Vartolone, Neil Roth, Michelle Lustrino
  • Publication number: 20210228165
    Abstract: A breast compression paddle includes a bracket, a rigid substrate, and a foam compressive element. The bracket removably secures the breast compression paddle to an imaging system. The rigid substrate is secured to the bracket and includes a first edge and a second edge disposed opposite the first edge. The foam compressive element is slidably secured to the rigid substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, Jay A. STEIN, Alan REGO, Christian DUNNE, Christine JANSSEN
  • Publication number: 20210145375
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a breast compression paddle, includes a base, a lip connected to and extending substantially orthogonal from the base, an arm connected to and extending substantially orthogonal from the base and disposed substantially parallel to the lip, and a tine connected to and extending at an angle to the arm. The lip defines a lip plane, and the tine is oriented towards the lip plane. The apparatus is configured to hold and support a compression paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventor: Kenneth DEFREITAS
  • Publication number: 20210128087
    Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20210113168
    Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay STEIN, Kenneth DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Loren NIKLASON, Baorui REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Publication number: 20210038173
    Abstract: A compression arm device for compressing a breast in an imaging system with a compression paddle. The compression arm device includes a drive for moving the compression paddle towards the breast such that the drive provides a variable resistance during a contact of the compression paddle with the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, Alan REGO
  • Patent number: 10905385
    Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20200390404
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, John LAVIOLA, Loren Thomas NIKLASON, Tao WU, Joseph MARK, Michael MILLER, Jay STEIN, Andrew SMITH
  • Publication number: 20200390405
    Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in a field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as passible. An automatic X-ray collimator restricts the X-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with the compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Anthony Pellegrino, Thomas A. Farbizio, Roman Janer, Georgia Hitzke
  • Patent number: 10772584
    Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in a field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic X-ray collimator restricts the X-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with the compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Anthony Pellegrino, Thomas A. Farbizio, Roman Janer, Georgia Hitzke
  • Publication number: 20200205928
    Abstract: A tilted needle biopsy assembly is provided for mounting on an x-ray system. Because the biopsy needle is angled relative to at least one of the detector and the x-ray source, x-ray imaging may be performed during the biopsy procedure without interference by the biopsy device. The angled biopsy needle additionally allows improved access to the axilla and chest wall of the patient. The stereotactic biopsy device of the present invention may be coupled to any x-ray system, whether upright or prone, including but not limited to mammography systems, tomosynthesis systems, and combination mammography/tomosynthesis systems. The system flexibly supports the use of any mode of image capture (i.e., scout, two dimensional mammogram, three-dimensional reconstructed volume) for either or both target visualization and target localization. With such an arrangement, a needle biopsy assembly having improved patient coverage is provided for use with a variety of different x-ray imaging platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Ian Shaw, John LaViola, Kathleen Pickett, Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Aaron Fand, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 10638994
    Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are to combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Baorui Ren, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 10595954
    Abstract: A tilted needle biopsy assembly is provided for mounting on an x-ray system. Because the biopsy needle is angled relative to at least one of the detector and the x-ray source, x-ray imaging may be performed during the biopsy procedure without interference by the biopsy device. The angled biopsy needle additionally allows improved access to the axilla and chest wall of the patient. The stereotactic biopsy device of the present invention may be coupled to any x-ray system, whether upright or prone, including but not limited to mammography systems, tomosynthesis systems, and combination mammography/tomosynthesis systems. The system flexibly supports the use of any mode of image capture (i.e., scout, two dimensional mammogram, three-dimensional reconstructed volume) for either or both target visualization and target localization. With such an arrangement, a needle biopsy assembly having improved patient coverage is provided for use with a variety of different x-ray imaging platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Ian Shaw, John LaViola, Kathleen Pickett, Nikolaos A Gkanatsios, Aaron Fand, Ruth Christopher
  • Publication number: 20200046303
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, John LAVIOLA, Loren Thomas NIKLASON, Tao WU, Joseph L. MARK, Michael E. MILLER, Jay A. STEIN, Andrew P. SMITH