Patents by Inventor Loren Niklason

Loren Niklason 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: 11950941
    Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non-coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Stango, Kenneth F. Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Jay Stein, Lynne Jameson-Meehan, Loren Niklason
  • Publication number: 20230121010
    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 8, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay STEIN, Kenneth DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Loren NIKLASON, Baorui REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Publication number: 20220386969
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 11478206
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein, Kenneth Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 11406332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 11372534
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20220133252
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN, Ken DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Loren NIKLASON, Baorui REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Publication number: 20220087627
    Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non-coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy R. STANGO, Kenneth F. DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Jay STEIN, Lynne JAMESON-MEEHAN, Loren NIKLASON
  • Patent number: 11259759
    Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non-coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HOLOGIC INC.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Stango, Kenneth F. Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Jay Stein, Lynne Jameson-Meehan, Loren Niklason
  • Patent number: 11191502
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • 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: 20200348835
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 10792003
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 10719223
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20200146644
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN, Ken DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Loren NIKLASON, Baorui REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Patent number: 10603002
    Abstract: A system has an imaging system housing and an x-ray source, thereto, a compression arm assembly housing, a support, and a detector. A paddle is disposed between the support and the x-ray source. A bottom surface of the paddle at least partially defines a plane. When in a rest position, the plane is substantially parallel to the support. A pivot mechanism connects the paddle to the compression arm assembly housing. The pivot mechanism defines an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the patient. The pivot mechanism has at least one biasing element for biasing the paddle into the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Stango, Loren Niklason
  • Patent number: 10575804
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 10561387
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Publication number: 20200012417
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 10452252
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein