Abstract: A Time-Resolved PET imaging system for producing an event-by-event, real-time, high resolution, three-dimensional positron emission tomographic images without performing sinogram formation or image reconstruction. The third dimension is provided by measuring the ?T between the arrival times of gamma rays from a positron event being detected by two cooperating detectors. In order to determine the location of a positron event along the lines of response, the measurement includes a fast scintillator, constant fraction discriminator and the digital intervalometer. The arrival time of each photon in the annihilation process is recorded with respect to a clock frequency with picosecond resolution. This approach requires significantly fewer positron events, thus requiring fewer detectors, thereby resulting in an gamma event-by-gamma event, real-time TPET imaging system that is more efficient and more economical to produce than conventional PET systems.

Abstract: A Time-Resolved PET imaging system for producing an event-by-event, real-time, high resolution, three-dimensional positron emission tomographic images without performing sinogram formation or image reconstruction. The third dimension is provided by measuring the ?T between the arrival times of gamma rays from a positron event being detected by two cooperating detectors. In order to determine the location of a positron event along the lines of response, the measurement includes a fast scintillator, constant fraction discriminator and the digital intervalometer. The arrival time of each photon in the annihilation process is recorded with respect to a clock frequency with picosecond resolution. This approach requires significantly fewer positron events, thus requiring fewer detectors, thereby resulting in an gamma event-by-gamma event, real-time TPET imaging system that is more efficient and more economical to produce than conventional PET systems.

Abstract: A Time-Resolved PET imaging system for producing real-time, high resolution, three-dimensional positron emission tomographic images without performing sinogram formation or image reconstruction. The third dimension is provided by measuring the ?T between the arrival times of gamma rays from a positron event being detected by two cooperating detectors. In order to determine the location of a positron event along the lines of response, the measurement includes a fast scintillator, constant fraction discriminator and the digital intervalometer. The arrival time of each photon in the annihilation process is recorded with respect to a clock frequency with picosecond resolution. This approach requires significantly fewer positron events, thus requiring fewer detectors, thereby resulting in a new, real-time TPET imaging system that is more efficient and more economical to produce than conventional PET systems.

Abstract: APD-based PET modules are provided for use in combined PET/MR imaging. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator (e.g. LSO) crystals read out by an array of APDs. The modules are positioned in the tunnel of a MR scanner. Simultaneous, artifact-free images can be acquired with the APD-based PET and MR system resulting in a high-resolution and cost-effective integrated PET/MR system.

Abstract: A target assembly to produce radioisotopes for the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals. The target assembly includes a target vessel with a target chamber adapted to receive a target material. A thin cover sheet of particle-permeable material covers the target chamber. In a bombardment process, a high-energy particle beam generated by a cyclotron or particle accelerator strikes the thin cover sheet, whereby at least some of the particles from the particle beam penetrate to the target chamber so as to interact with the target material, altering the nuclear makeup of some of the atoms in the target material to produce radioisotopes.

Abstract: A cantilever device for extending capacity of a scale used in a crystal growth apparatus having a pulling head wherein upward movement of a support column in the pulling head decreases a weight measured by the scale. The device includes a horizontal arm having first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket is attached to the pulling head. The device also includes a plate that extends through openings in the first and second brackets, wherein the plate includes a contact end and a free end. Further, the device includes a flexible element attached between the arm and the plate to form a pivot to enable rotation of the plate. A load is positioned on the plate wherein the load causes rotation of the plate about the pivot to cause upward movement of the contact end to move the support column upward to decrease weight measured by the scale.

Abstract: APD-based PET modules are provided for use in combined PET/MR imaging. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator (e.g. LSO) crystals read out by an array of APDs. The modules are positioned in the tunnel of a MR scanner. Simultaneous, artifact-free images can be acquired with the APD-based PET and MR system resulting in a high-resolution and cost-effective integrated PET/MR system.

Abstract: APD-based PET modules are provided for use in combined PET/MR imaging. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator (e.g. LSO) crystals read out by an array of APDs. The modules are positioned in the tunnel of a MR scanner. Simultaneous, artifact-free images can be acquired with the APD-based PET and MR system resulting in a high-resolution and cost-effective integrated PET/MR system.

Abstract: A target assembly to produce radioisotopes for the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals. The target assembly includes a target vessel with a target chamber adapted to receive a target material. A thin cover sheet of particle-permeable material covers the target chamber. In a bombardment process, a high-energy particle beam generated by a cyclotron or particle accelerator strikes the thin cover sheet, whereby at least some of the particles from the particle beam penetrate to the target chamber so as to interact with the target material, altering the nuclear makeup of some of the atoms in the target material to produce radioisotopes.

Abstract: A cantilever device for extending capacity of a scale used in a crystal growth apparatus having a pulling head wherein upward movement of a support column in the pulling head decreases a weight measured by the scale. The device includes a horizontal arm having first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket is attached to the pulling head. The device also includes a plate that extends through openings in the first and second brackets, wherein the plate includes a contact end and a free end. Further, the device includes a flexible element attached between the arm and the plate to form a pivot to enable rotation of the plate. A load is positioned on the plate wherein the load causes rotation of the plate about the pivot to cause upward movement of the contact end to move the support column upward to decrease weight measured by the scale.

Abstract: HPLC-based quality control systems to perform quality control testing on a radiopharmaceutical solution shortly after synthesis. An HPLC-based quality control system makes efficient use of sample volume and is compatible with a variety of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical compounds. In several embodiments, the automated nature of an HPLC-based quality control system allows for quality control tests to be conducted quickly and with minimal impact on user workflow. When used as part of an integrated PET biomarker radiopharmaceutical production system, the present general inventive concept permits a manufacturer to produce product and conduct quality control tests with lower per dose costs.

Abstract: A microfluidic radiopharmaceutical production system and process for synthesizing per run approximately, but not less than, one (1) unit dose of a radiopharmaceutical biomarker for use in positron emission tomography (PET). The radiopharmaceutical production system includes a reaction vessel that receives a radioisotope from an accelerator or other radioisotope generator. Organic and aqueous reagents are introduced into the reaction vessel, and the mixture is heated to synthesize a solution of a pre-selected radiopharmaceutical. The radiopharmaceutical solution is purified by passing the solution through a solid phase extraction column and a filter. The synthesis process produces per run a quantity of radiopharmaceutical approximately equal to, but not less than, one (1) unit dose of a radiopharmaceutical, reducing waste and allowing for the production of radiopharmaceutical on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: An improved biomarker generator and a method suitable for efficiently producing short lived radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of a unit dose. The improved biomarker generator includes a particle accelerator and a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis system. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of one unit dose allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons.

Abstract: A microfluidic radiopharmaceutical production system and process for synthesizing per run approximately, but not less than, one (1) unit dose of a radiopharmaceutical biomarker for use in positron emission tomography (PET). The radiopharmaceutical production system includes a reaction vessel that receives a radioisotope from an accelerator or other radioisotope generator. Organic and aqueous reagents are introduced into the reaction vessel, and the mixture is heated to synthesize a solution of a pre-selected radiopharmaceutical. The radiopharmaceutical solution is purified by passing the solution through a solid phase extraction column and a filter. The synthesis process produces per run a quantity of radiopharmaceutical approximately equal to, but not less than, one (1) unit dose of a radiopharmaceutical, reducing waste and allowing for the production of radiopharmaceutical on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: A sample card and automated quality control module for a radiopharmaceutical synthesis system for conducting quality control tests on approximately one (1) unit dose of a radiopharmaceutical biomarker for use in positron emission tomography. The sample card and quality control module allow operators to conduct quality control tests in reduced time using micro-scale test samples from the radiopharmaceutical solution. The sample card works in conjunction with a microfluidic radiopharmaceutical synthesis system to collect samples of radiopharmaceutical solution on the scale of 5-20 microliters per sample. The sample card then interacts with the quality control module to feed the samples into a number of test vessels, where the samples undergo a number of automated quality control tests.

Abstract: A low-volume biomarker generator for producing ultra-short lived radiopharmaceuticals. The low-volume biomarker generator system includes a low-power cyclotron and a radiochemical synthesis system. The cyclotron of the low-volume biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in small quantities down to approximately one (1) unit dose. The cyclotron incorporates permanent magnets in place of electromagnets and/or an improved rf system to reduce the size, power requirements, and weight of the cyclotron. The radiochemical synthesis system of the low-volume biomarker is a small volume system optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities of approximately one (1) unit dose.

Abstract: An improved biomarker generator and a method suitable for efficiently producing short lived radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of a unit dose. The improved biomarker generator includes a particle accelerator and a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis system. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of one unit dose allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons.

Abstract: A combined PET and X-Ray CT tomograph for acquiring CT and PET images sequentially in a single device, overcoming alignment problems due to internal organ movement, variations in scanner bed profile, and positioning of the patient for the scan. In order to achieve good signal-to-noise (SNR) for imaging any region of the body, an improvement to both the CT-based attenuation correction procedure and the uniformity of the noise structure in the PET emission scan is provided. The PET/CT scanner includes an X-ray CT and two arrays of PET detectors mounted on a single support within the same gantry, and rotate the support to acquire a full projection data set for both imaging modalities. The tomograph acquires functional and anatomical images which are accurately co-registered, without the use of external markers or internal landmarks.

Abstract: A low-volume biomarker generator for producing ultra-short lived radiopharmaceuticals. The low-volume biomarker generator system includes a low-power cyclotron and a radiochemical synthesis system. The cyclotron of the low-volume biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in small quantities down to approximately one (1) unit dose. The cyclotron incorporates permanent magnets in place of electromagnets and/or an improved rf system to reduce the size, power requirements, and weight of the cyclotron. The radiochemical synthesis system of the low-volume biomarker is a small volume system optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities of approximately one (1) unit dose.

Abstract: A biomarker generator system for producing approximately one (1) unit dose of a biomarker. The biomarker generator system includes a small, low-power particle accelerator (“micro-accelerator”) and a radiochemical synthesis subsystem having at least one microreactor and/or microfluidic chip. The micro-accelerator is provided for producing approximately one (1) unit dose of a radioactive substance, such as a substance that emits positrons. The radiochemical synthesis subsystem is provided for receiving the radioactive substance, for receiving at least one reagent, and for synthesizing the approximately one (1) unit dose of a biomarker.