Patents by Inventor Steven W. Prince

Steven W. Prince 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: 10722732
    Abstract: A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: HsinLu Hsu, Ross Hannibal, Steven W. Prince, Janne Nord
  • Patent number: 10449393
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 5 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Patent number: 10441226
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a first ring, a radiation source capable of providing radiation suitable for treating a patient, the radiation source secured to the first ring, a second ring located behind the first ring, and an imager secured to the second ring. A radiation system includes a first device having a radiation source capable of generating a radiation beam suitable for treating a patient, and a second device having imaging capability, wherein the first device is oriented at an angle that is less than 180° relative to the second device. A radiation system includes a structure having a first opening, a radiation source rotatably coupled to the structure, an imaging device rotatable relative to the structure, and a processor for controlling a rotation of the radiation source and a rotation of the imaging device, wherein the radiation source is rotatable relative to the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Guertin, Richard H. Stark, Raymond D. McIntyre, Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield, George A. Zdasiuk
  • Patent number: 10441814
    Abstract: A control circuit administers a radiation treatment plan that specifies a planned total radiation dose for a radiation treatment session for a given patient by modulating a radiation beam with at least one high-resolution aperture that is formed using one of a plurality of linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. By one approach the foregoing comprises modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures that are formed using a plurality of the linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. In some cases the foregoing can comprise administering the radiation treatment plan using at least two separate radiation exposures for only a single treatment field, in which case, by one approach, each of the separate radiation exposures for the single treatment field can comprise modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Esa Kuusela, Steven W. Prince
  • Patent number: 10188356
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a first ring, a radiation source capable of providing radiation suitable for treating a patient, the radiation source secured to the first ring, a second ring located behind the first ring, and an imager secured to the second ring. A radiation system includes a first device having a radiation source capable of generating a radiation beam suitable for treating a patient, and a second device having imaging capability, wherein the first device is oriented at an angle that is less than 180° relative to the second device. A radiation system includes a structure having a first opening, a radiation source rotatably coupled to the structure, an imaging device rotatable relative to the structure, and a processor for controlling a rotation of the radiation source and a rotation of the imaging device, wherein the radiation source is rotatable relative to the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Guertin, Richard H. Stark, Raymond D. McIntyre, Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield, George A. Zdasiuk
  • Publication number: 20180256920
    Abstract: A radiation apparatus includes a source operable to generate a radiation beam, a multileaf collimator operable to shape of the radiation beam, and a pivoting mechanism configured to pivot the multileaf collimator about the source. The radiation apparatus may further include a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the multileaf collimator about an axis passing through the source and the multileaf collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield, Stuart Scollay
  • Patent number: 10071263
    Abstract: A radiation apparatus includes a source operable to generate a radiation beam, a multileaf collimator operable to shape of the radiation beam, and a pivoting mechanism configured to pivot the multileaf collimator about the source. The radiation apparatus may further include a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the multileaf collimator about an axis passing through the source and the multileaf collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield, Stuart Scollay
  • Publication number: 20180104511
    Abstract: A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: HsinLu Hsu, Ross Hannibal, Steven W. Prince, Janne Nord
  • Patent number: 9931521
    Abstract: A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: HsinLu Hsu, Ross Hannibal, Steven W. Prince, Janne Nord
  • Publication number: 20170258414
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a first ring, a radiation source capable of providing radiation suitable for treating a patient, the radiation source secured to the first ring, a second ring located behind the first ring, and an imager secured to the second ring. A radiation system includes a first device having a radiation source capable of generating a radiation beam suitable for treating a patient, and a second device having imaging capability, wherein the first device is oriented at an angle that is less than 180° relative to the second device. A radiation system includes a structure having a first opening, a radiation source rotatably coupled to the structure, an imaging device rotatable relative to the structure, and a processor for controlling a rotation of the radiation source and a rotation of the imaging device, wherein the radiation source is rotatable relative to the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Guertin, Richard H. Stark, Raymond D. McIntyre, Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield, George A. Zdasiuk
  • Patent number: 9757593
    Abstract: A radiation system includes: a first support; a first structure rotatably coupled to the first support so that the first structure is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first support; a second structure rotatably coupled to the first structure so that the second structure is rotatable about a second axis that forms a non-zero angle relative to the first structure; and a first radiation source connected to the second structure; wherein the first structure and the second structure are parts of a capsule for accommodating at least a portion of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20170087387
    Abstract: A control circuit administers a radiation treatment plan that specifies a planned total radiation dose for a radiation treatment session for a given patient by modulating a radiation beam with at least one high-resolution aperture that is formed using one of a plurality of linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. By one approach the foregoing comprises modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures that are formed using a plurality of the linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. In some cases the foregoing can comprise administering the radiation treatment plan using at least two separate radiation exposures for only a single treatment field, in which case, by one approach, each of the separate radiation exposures for the single treatment field can comprise modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Esa Kuusela, Steven W. Prince
  • Publication number: 20160220848
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 5 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. ADLER, JR., David H. WHITTUM, Steven W. PRINCE, James E. CLAYTON
  • Patent number: 9324468
    Abstract: A collimation assembly includes a multileaf collimator and motion assembly. The multileaf collimator includes a support body and a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves supported by the support body. The beam blocking leaves are longitudinally movable in a first direction. The motion assembly includes an actuator and a guide assembly operable to move the support body and thereby allowing the plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves to move in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Mansfield, Steven W. Prince
  • Patent number: 9308395
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a support, a capsule rotatably coupled to the support, a radiation source movably coupled to the capsule, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide a treatment radiation beam, and is capable of being turned on or off in response to a control signal, and a collimator located next to the radiation source, wherein the capsule defines a space for accommodating a portion of a patient, and includes a shielding material for attenuating radiation resulted from an operation of the radiation source, and wherein the shielding material is configured to limit a radiation exposure level to 5 mR/hr or less within 3 meters from an isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., David H. Whittum, Steven W. Prince, James E. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20150273239
    Abstract: A multi level multileaf collimator employs leaves with leaf tips having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view to improve beam shaping effect and penumbra performance. The multi level multileaf collimator includes a first multileaf collimator in a first level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a first direction, and a second multileaf collimator in a second level comprising beam blocking leaves longitudinally movable in a second direction. The first direction may be generally parallel with the second direction and the leaves of the first multileaf collimator may laterally offset the leaves of the second multileaf collimator. The beam blocking leaves of the first multileaf collimator may comprise an end portion having a non-square shape in a beam's eye view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicants: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: HsinLu Hsu, Ross Hannibal, Steven W. Prince, Janne Nord
  • Patent number: 9082520
    Abstract: A multilevel MLC includes a first set and a second set of a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves arranged adjacent one another. Leaves of each pair in the first set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a first direction. Leaves of each pair in the second set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a second direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first and second sets of pairs of leaves are disposed in different planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8761347
    Abstract: A system includes a beam filter positioning device including a plate configured to support one or more beam filters, and one or more axes operable to move the plate relative to a beam line. A control mechanism is coupled to the one or more axes for controlling the movement of the axes and configured to automatically adjust the position of at least one of the one or more beam filters relative to the beam line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Brown, Steven W. Prince, William A. Strachan, Stanley Mansfield, Stephen Mohr
  • Publication number: 20140171725
    Abstract: A radiation system includes: a first support; a first structure rotatably coupled to the first support so that the first structure is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first support; a second structure rotatably coupled to the first structure so that the second structure is rotatable about a second axis that forms a non-zero angle relative to the first structure; and a first radiation source connected to the second structure; wherein the first structure and the second structure are parts of a capsule for accommodating at least a portion of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. ADLER, David H. WHITTUM, Steven W. PRINCE, James E. CLAYTON
  • Publication number: 20140112453
    Abstract: A multilevel MLC includes a first set and a second set of a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves arranged adjacent one another. Leaves of each pair in the first set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a first direction. Leaves of each pair in the second set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a second direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first and second sets of pairs of leaves are disposed in different planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield