Patents by Inventor Otto Z. Zhou

Otto Z. Zhou 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).

  • Publication number: 20150282774
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging are disclosed, particularly non-rotating, stationary gantry and mobile x-ray computed tomography systems and methods for imaging a subject, and particularly for imaging the head, spine, and neck of a subject. Compared to rotating-gantry computed tomography scanners, non-rotating stationary gantry x-ray computed tomography scanners are more mobile and transportable. Non-rotating stationary gantry x-ray computed tomography scanners can thus be used in mobile transport units and in-field applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Yueh Z. Lee, Jing Shan, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu
  • Patent number: 8995608
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to compact, non-synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) systems and methods for cancer research and treatment based on a carbon nanotube distributed x-ray source array technology. The systems and methods can deliver microscopically discrete x-ray radiation at peak dose rate of 10 Gy per second or higher. The x-ray radiation can be provided by a spatially distributed x-ray source array. The technology can be used, for example and without limitation, for human cancer treatment, for intra-operative radiation therapy, and for pre-clinical cancer research on animal cancer models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Sha X. Chang
  • Patent number: 8971484
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to inspection systems, devices and methods for x-ray inspection of objects. A conveyor can move an object to be inspected through an inspection zone along a direction of travel, one or more multibeam x-ray source arrays can provide multiple collimated x-ray beams through the inspection zone along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and one or more x-ray detector arrays can detect x-ray beams passing through the inspection zone from the x-ray source array. X-ray signals detected by the x-ray detector array can be recorded to form multiple x-ray projection images of the object, and the multiple x-ray projection images can be processed into three-dimensional tomographic images of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: XinRay Systems Inc
    Inventors: Moritz Beckmann, Frank Sprenger, Yuan Cheng, Jianping Lu, Derrek Spronk, George Zarur, Otto Z. Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140119496
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to compact, non-synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) systems and methods for cancer research and treatment based on a carbon nanotube distributed x-ray source array technology. The systems and methods can deliver microscopically discrete x-ray radiation at peak dose rate of 10 Gy per second or higher. The x-ray radiation can be provided by a spatially distributed x-ray source array. The technology can be used, for example and without limitation, for human cancer treatment, for intra-operative radiation therapy, and for pre-clinical cancer research on animal cancer models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Otto Z. ZHOU, Sha X. CHANG
  • Patent number: 8600003
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to compact, non-synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) systems and methods for cancer research and treatment based on a carbon nanotube distributed x-ray source array technology. The systems and methods can deliver microscopically discrete x-ray radiation at peak dose rate of 10 Gy per second or higher. The x-ray radiation can be provided by a spatially distributed x-ray source array. The technology can be used, for example and without limitation, for human cancer treatment, for intra-operative radiation therapy, and for pre-clinical cancer research on animal cancer models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Sha X. Chang
  • Patent number: 8189893
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for binary multiplexing x-ray radiography are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include irradiating an object with composite x-ray beams including signals based on a predetermined binary transform. Further, the subject matter described herein can include detecting x-ray intensities associated with the signals of the composite x-ray beams. An inverse binary transform can be applied to the detected x-ray intensities associated with the signals of the composite x-ray beams to recover the signals of the composite x-ray beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Jian Zhang, Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, David Lalush
  • Patent number: 8155262
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for multiplexing computed tomography are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include illuminating an object with a plurality of x-ray beams from a plurality of viewing angles, wherein each x-ray beam has a distinct waveform; detecting the x-ray intensities of the plurality of pulsed x-ray beams as a function of time, and extracting individual projection image data from the detected x-ray intensities based on the distinct waveforms of the x-ray beams for combining the projection image data to generate three-dimensional tomographic image data of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Xintek, Inc.
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Jian Zhang, Guang Yang, Yueh Lee, Qi Qiu, Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8002958
    Abstract: A method for depositing a coating of a nanostructure material onto a substrate includes: (1) forming a solution or suspension of containing the nanostructure material; (2) selectively adding “chargers” to the solution; (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes; (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode; and (5) subsequent optional processing of the coated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Xintek, Inc.
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Bo Gao, Guozhen Yue, Soojin Oh
  • Patent number: 7887689
    Abstract: A method for attaching nanostructure-containing material onto a sharp tip of an object includes forming a suspension of pre-formed nanostructure-containing material in a liquid medium. An electrode is immersed in the suspension. The sharp tip of the object is arranged to be in contact with the suspension. A voltage is applied to the immersed electrode and to the sharp tip. The nanostructure-containing material attaches to the sharp tip of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Xintek, Inc.
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Bo Gao, Guozhen Yue, Soojin Oh
  • Publication number: 20100329413
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to compact, non-synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) systems and methods for cancer research and treatment based on a carbon nanotube distributed x-ray source array technology. The systems and methods can deliver microscopically discrete x-ray radiation at peak dose rate of 10 Gy per second or higher. The x-ray radiation can be provided by a spatially distributed x-ray source array. The technology can be used, for example and without limitation, for human cancer treatment, for intra-operative radiation therapy, and for pre-clinical cancer research on animal cancer models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Sha X. Chang
  • Patent number: 7826595
    Abstract: Micro-focus field emission x-ray sources and related methods are provided. A micro-focus field emission x-ray source can include a field emission cathode including a film with a layer of electron field emitting materials patterned on a conducting surface. Further, the x-ray source can include a gate electrode for extracting field emitted electrons from the cathode when a bias electrical field is applied between the gate electrode and the cathode. The x-ray source can also include an anode. Further, the x-ray source can include an electrostatic focusing unit between the gate electrode and anode. The electrostatic focusing unit can include multiple focusing electrodes that are electrically separated from each other. Each of the electrodes can have an independently adjustable electrical potential. A controller can be configured to adjust at least one of the electrical potentials of the focusing electrodes and to adjust a size of the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Zejian Liu, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu
  • Publication number: 20100239064
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for multiplexing computed tomography are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include illuminating an object with a plurality of x-ray beams from a plurality of viewing angles, wherein each x-ray beam has a distinct waveform; detecting the x-ray intensities of the plurality of pulsed x-ray beams as a function of time, and extracting individual projection image data from the detected x-ray intensities based on the distinct waveforms of the x-ray beams for combining the projection image data to generate three-dimensional tomographic image data of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Jian Zhang, Guang Yang, Yueh Lee, Qi Qiu, Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7751528
    Abstract: Stationary x-ray digital breast tomosynthesis systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include an x-ray tomosynthesis system having a plurality of stationary field emission x-ray sources configured to irradiate a location for positioning an object to be imaged with x-ray beams to generate projection images of the object. An x-ray detector can be configured to detect the projection images of the object. A projection image reconstruction function can be configured to reconstruct tomography images of the object based on the projection images of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Guang Yang, Jianping Lu, David Lalush
  • Patent number: 7618300
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube material having an outer diameter less than 10 nm and a number of walls less than ten are disclosed. Also disclosed are an electron field emission device including a substrate, an optionally layer of adhesion-promoting layer, and a layer of electron field emission material. The electron field emission material includes a carbon nanotube having a number of concentric graphene shells per tube of from two to ten, an outer diameter from 2 to 8 nm, and a nanotube length greater than 0.1 microns. One method to fabricate carbon nanotubes includes the steps of (a) producing a catalyst containing Fe and Mo supported on MgO powder, (b) using a mixture of hydrogen and carbon containing gas as precursors, and (c) heating the catalyst to a temperature above 950° C. to produce a carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignees: Duke University, Xintek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Liu, Chunsheng Du, Cheng Qian, Bo Gao, Qi Qiu, Otto Z. Zhou
  • Patent number: 7486772
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging and scanning of objects are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include providing an x-ray source configured to generate a plurality of individually-controllable x-ray beams, positioning an object to be imaged in a path for intercepting at least one of the x-ray beams, activating the x-ray source, detecting intensities of the emitted x-ray beams, and generating imaging data based on the intensities for constructing an image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Xintek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Qi Qiu
  • Publication number: 20090022264
    Abstract: Stationary x-ray digital breast tomosynthesis systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include an x-ray tomosynthesis system having a plurality of stationary field emission x-ray sources configured to irradiate a location for positioning an object to be imaged with x-ray beams to generate projection images of the object. An x-ray detector can be configured to detect the projection images of the object. A projection image reconstruction function can be configured to reconstruct tomography images of the object based on the projection images of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Guang Yang, Jianping Lu, David Lalush
  • Patent number: 7455757
    Abstract: A method for depositing a patterned coating of a nanostructure material onto a substrate includes: (1) forming a solution or suspension of containing the nanostructure material; (2) masking at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes or is electrically connected to at least one electrode; (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode; and (5) subsequent optional processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Soojin Oh, Otto Z. Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080199626
    Abstract: A method for the self assembly of a macroscopic structure with a pre-formed nano object is provided. The method includes processing a nano object to a desired aspect ratio and chemical functionality and mixing the processed nano object with a solvent to form a suspension. Upon formation of the suspension, a substrate is inserted into the suspension. By evaporation of the solvent, changing the pH value of the suspension, or changing the temperature of the suspension, the nano objects within the suspension deposit onto the substrate in an orientational order. In addition, a seed crystal may be used in place of the substrate thereby forming single-crystals and free-standing membranes of the nano-objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Hideo Shimoda, Soojin Oh
  • Publication number: 20080099339
    Abstract: A method of depositing a coating of a nanostructure material onto a substrate includes: (1) forming a solution of suspension of coating the nanostructure material; (2) selectively adding “chargers” to the solution; (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes; (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode; and (5) subsequent optional processing of the coated substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Bo Gao, Guozhen Yue, Soojin Oh
  • Patent number: 7359484
    Abstract: An x-ray generating device includes at least one field-emission cold cathode having a substrate and incorporating nanostructure-containing material including carbon nanotubes. The device further includes at least one anode target. Associated methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Xintek, Inc
    Inventors: Qi Qiu, Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou