Patents by Inventor Robert S. Nelson
Robert S. Nelson 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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Patent number: 7589827Abstract: A system for detecting an object of interest in a search space, comprising a radiation signal generator capable of generating a spatially-encoded radiation signal in the search space. The spatially-encoded radiation signal comprises a series of n beams, each having a unique characteristic, radially extending from the radiation signal generator, where n is a positive integer greater than one. The system also comprises a radiation signal collector disposed to detect and transform a reflected radiation signal reflected from the object of interest into a first data signal. The system also comprises a processor capable of transforming the first data signal into positional and vectoral data of the object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Robert S. Nelson
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Patent number: 7054230Abstract: Locator device that can be used to aid in the recovery of or to provide positional information about a structure that becomes submerged. The locator device for submerged structures consists of one or more modules. Each module can be customized to incorporate one or more features including a power source, a transmitter or source, a receiver or detector, a fastener means, a computer, buoyancy means, a propulsion means, and a communications means.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Robert S Nelson
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Patent number: 6583420Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Conpton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, William Bert Nelson
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Patent number: 6519901Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of exposed structures, in particular cables, poles, pipes, and towers from destructive interactions with external threats, including: various animals (including man), plants, and machines as well as from general environmental hazards. The protective configurable sheath apparatus may be optimized for a specific candidate (type of animal, plant, environmental hazard, machine) or for a range of candidates. A configurable sheath fully or partially encompasses the exposed structure to be protected. The sheath may be attached in a variety of ways and is typically designed so that it is removable or upgradable. Thus, the sheath can be employed on a temporary basis or it can be replaced/modified as is needed. This versatile configurable sheath permits customization of commercially-available, mass-produced structures as well as retrofitting installed structures. Sheath base materials may serve multiple functions.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 6345194Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging using collimated non-ionizing radiation in the near ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions (i.e. “light”) rather than ionizing x-radiation. The incident collimated light is transmitted through and backscattered out of a breast and loses intensity due to the properties of the breast materials in the beam path. Normal and diseased breast materials may exhibit comparatively distinct characteristics when exposed to different wavelengths of light and thereby be differentiated. Collimation can be used to control the level of scattered radiation which reaches the detector. Transmission and/or backscattered measurements can be acquired from a number of perspectives.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 6288974Abstract: A system for detecting an object of interest through a medium such as the atmosphere or ocean employs a reference object from which a reference signal emanates. A detector detects and transforms the reference signal into a transformed reference signal and further detects and transforms an object signal emanating from an object of interest into a transformed object signal. The object signal may be radiated, re-radiated, or scattered from the object of interest. An image processor generates a corrected image signal by applying an image transfer function to convolve the transformed object signal. Then a display presents a corrected image of the object of interest in response to receiving the corrected image signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: The United States of Americas as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Robert S. Nelson
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Patent number: 6226933Abstract: A sheath apparatus is described for the protection of exposed structures, in particular cables, poles, pipes, and towers from destructive interactions with external threats, including: various animals (including man), plants, and machines as well as from general environmental hazards. The protective configurable sheath apparatus may be optimized for a specific candidate (type of animal, plant, environmental hazard, machine) or for a range of candidates. A configurable sheath fully or partially encompasses the exposed structure to be protected. The sheath may be attached by a variety of means and is typically designed so that it is removable or upgradable. Thus, the sheath can be employed on a temporary basis or it can be replaced/modified as is needed. This versatile configurable sheath permits customization of commercially-available, mass-produced structures as well as retrofitting of installed structures. Sheath base materials may serve multiple functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 6216540Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging and identifying concealed objects within an obscuring medium using radiation (optical, photo-acoustic, ionizing, and/or acoustic) optimized for imaging (e.g. temporal properties, spectral bandwidth, directionality, polarization, etc.). Radiation propagates through, interacts with, exits the medium and the object, and is detected/imaged. Image quality can be improved if radiation is collimated and/or if transmission and/or backscattered measurements from a number of perspectives are used to improved image reconstruction. Coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties. Contrast materials and agents can also aid in the detection of concealed objects. Adaptive methods, e.g. using reference objects, including implementations based on the concept of guide stars, can improve the imaging process.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1996Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 5999836Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging using collimated non-ionizing acoustic radiation and electromagnetic radiation in the near ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions (i.e. "light") rather than ionizing x-radiation. The light used is of a narrow spectral bandwidth in that the optical properties of interest are relatively uniform over the bandwidth. The incident collimated light is transmitted through and backscattered out of a breast. Normal and diseased breast materials exhibit comparatively distinct characteristics when exposed to radiation and are thereby differentiated. Collimation can also be used to control the level of scattered radiation. Radiation coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling into and out of the breast as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1996Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 5805665Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of use and construction of Anthropomorphic Mammography Phantoms. The phantoms resolve deficiencies that currently exist in the practice of mammography x-ray imaging. The mammography phantom provides mammography practitioners a training tool in the practice of proper patient breast positioning and in optimal patient x-ray exposure. The mammography phantom can be used to generate x-ray images similar to mammography patient x-ray images. The mammography phantom simulates normal breast tissue and tissue irregularities and anomalies associated with various known breast pathologies such as microcalcifications, cysts, tumors, etc. The mammography phantom preferably comprises the shape of an upper torso of a woman including one or two breast simulators which can vary in size, density, compressibility, and stretchability.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 5719916Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of use and construction of Anthropomorphic Mammography and Lung Phantoms. The phantoms resolve deficiencies that currently exist in the practice of mammography and lung x-ray imaging. The mammography phantom provides mammography practitioners a training tool in the practice of proper patient breast positioning and in optimal patient x-ray exposure. The mammography phantom can be used to generate x-ray images similar to mammography patient x-ray images. The mammography phantom simulates normal breast tissue and tissue irregularities and anomalies associated with various known breast pathologies such as microcalcifications, cysts, tumors, etc. The mammography phantom preferably comprises the shape of an upper torso of a woman including one or two breast simulators which can vary in size, density, compressibility, and stretchability.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 5258145Abstract: A method of producing scintillation phosphor X-ray detector arrays using k materials and repetitive manufacturing techniques. The structures formed by this method may be used to detect x-rays, charged particles and neutral particles by converting the incident radiation into optical radiation. Detectors manufactured by the methods of this invention will produce better x-ray images and reduce the amount of radiation a medical patient or industrial target is subjected to.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1991Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Robert S. Nelson
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Patent number: 5017782Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the optical readout efficiency of a storage phosphor medium used for x-ray detection is disclosed. A photoemissive cathode strip is utilized to convert optical photons emitted from the storage phosphor medium into photoelectrons. Additional photocathodes may be provided to emit photoelectrons from the photons which pass through the photoemissive cathode strip. Preferably a reflective backing on the additional photocathodes is provided to increase the collection efficiency. The photoelectrons are then directed to one or more output elements for collection and amplification. This invention is particularly useful in conjunction with a point or line scan format of readout. Optical detectors are constructed and arranged such that a substantial fraction of the photo signal emitted by the storage phosphor medium in converted into an electronic signal. Weighting of output signal may be done.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1988Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Inventor: Robert S. Nelson
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Patent number: 4969175Abstract: A multilayer x-ray reflector or reflectors are used with a source of radiation for narrow bandwidth or dual energy radiographic imaging applications. In one aspect, a unique multilayer design permits two distinct x-ray energies of narrow bandwidth to be reflected at the same incident angle for use in dual energy applications. In another aspect, several multilayer reflectors are employed in a slit scanning system. In yet another aspect, an elongated radiation source and a multilayer x-ray reflecting structure are combined to provide an x-ray or gamma ray source.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1989Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Zoran L. Barbaric, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 4958363Abstract: A multilayer x-ray reflector or reflectors are used with a source of radiation for narrow bandwidth or dual energy radiographic imaging applications. In one aspect, a unique multilayer design permits two distinct x-ray energies of narrow bandwith to be reflected at the same incident angle for use in dual energy applications. In another aspect, several multilayer reflectors are employed in a slit scanning system. In yet another aspect, an elongated radiation source and a multilayer x-ray reflecting structure are combined to provide an x-ray or gamma ray source.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1988Date of Patent: September 18, 1990Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Zoran L. Barbaric, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 4948974Abstract: A source of high resolution non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth is used in conjuction with optical detectors positioned on one or more sides of a breast to obtain mammographic images. Reflected and transmitted images may be obtained to determine the position of objects within the breast and their nature. The magnitude of multiple scattered coaxial radiation may also be determined.Focused light can be use to acquire tomographic image slices of the breast in reflection and transmission imaging modes.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1988Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, D. Zach Reuven
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Patent number: 4937453Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting x-ray radiation in a radiographic imaging context is disclosed. It is particularly useful in conjunction with slit and slot scan radiography. In accordance with this invention, detectors are constructed and arranged such that substantially all of the energy from an x-ray to be detected is discharged in the detector. In this way a detector is provided which provides a direct electronic read out, high x-ray stopping power and high spatial resolution while obtaining good signal collection efficiency without the use of excessively high voltage levels. In the preferred embodiment, solid state x-ray detectors are constructed such that the thickness of the detector along the direction of incident x-rays is long enough that substantially all of the x-ray energy is discharged in the detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1987Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Inventor: Robert S. Nelson
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Patent number: 4829184Abstract: A source of high resolution non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth is used in conjunction with optical detectors positioned on one or more sides of a breast to obtain mammographic images. Reflected and transmitted images may be obtained to determine the position of objects within the breast and their nature.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1987Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 4767928Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging which uses collimated light (in the near ultraviolet, visible, or infrared) of a narrow spectral bandwidth rather than ionizing X-ray radiation. The collimated light is transmitted through the breast, losing intensity due to the reflective, absorptive and refractive properties of the breast materials in the beam path. Normal and diseased breast materials may exhibit distinctive characteristics from each other when exposed to different wavelengths of light. Several images can be acquired at distinct wavelengths of light to help differentiate normal and diseased breast materials. Light transmitted through the breast is recorded by a photodetector, generating an analog signal which can then be digitized and made available to a computer for analysis, processing and display.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1986Date of Patent: August 30, 1988Inventors: Robert S. Nelson, Reuven D. Zach
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Patent number: 4763345Abstract: A scanning system for use in radiology incorporates two disks bearing identically patterned, radial arrays of apertures and corresponding X-ray detection materials, respectively. The disks are axially aligned and synchronously rotated on opposite sides of the radiological target. X-rays emitted adjacent to the first disk are strobed by the apertures and detected by photodiode arrays on the second disk after passing through said target. The detection array is scanned to produce the X-ray information for digital processing and imaging. The foregoing apparatus may be portable and mounted for retrofitting relative to existing X-ray installations.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1986Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Zoran L. Barbaric, Michael Deckard, Robert S. Nelson