Methods Patents (Class 250/362)
  • Publication number: 20150123002
    Abstract: Provided is a measurement unit and measurement method for reducing attenuation due to optical fiber length and SN degradation due to background in a dosage rate monitor that uses optical fiber. This system comprises: a radiation detector for detecting radiation dosage; a light source for irradiating stimulating light on the radiation detector; a photodetector for detecting light generated by the radiation detector; an optical fiber for connecting the photodetector and the radiation detector and light source, and transmitting light from the light source and light from the radiation detector; a measurement unit for counting the pulses outputted from the photodetector; and an analysis unit for extracting the luminous energy originating from the radiation detector, from time information, wave height information, and the count value, which are measurement results obtained by the measurement unit, and converting the luminous energy to a dosage and dosage rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsunori Ueno, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Takahiro Tadokoro, Akihisa Kaihara, Koichi Okada, Yoshinobu Sakakibara, Yuta Inamura, Hitoshi Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20150123003
    Abstract: An apparatus, and method of using the same, for generating multiple high resolution absorption projection images which can be further processed to yield a high resolution tomographic image using annihilation radiation wherein the apparatus includes an array of gamma-ray tagging detectors and associated digitizing electronics, an array of gamma-ray absorption detectors and associated digitizing electronics, a positron source, a sample to be imaged, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Kovash
  • Patent number: 9024262
    Abstract: In the present invention, to conduct multiple molecular imaging in a PET device, both a first probe and a second probe, each of which has a nuclide that emits unique gamma rays as a result of gamma decay after beta decay, are administered to a subject to be imaged, and then the image capturing is performed by a multiple probe PET device (100). The multiple probe PET device (100) is provided with a group of PET gamma ray detectors (10) and an energy-resolving gamma ray detector (20), and, when an imaging processor (30) executes image reconstruction based on a pair-annihilation detection signal from the group of PET gamma ray detectors (10), images are reconstructed differently according to the energy values of the unique gamma rays. Imaging can also be carried out using a nuclide that does not emit any unique gamma ray and a nuclide that emits a unique gamma ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Riken
    Inventors: Tomonori Fukuchi, Shuichi Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20150115144
    Abstract: In an embodiment, scintillator can have a Figure of Merit of 0.4 at a temperature greater than 120° C., a Figure of Merit of at least 0.05 at a temperature of at least 160° C., or both. In another embodiment, a scintillator can include a Br-containing or an I-containing elpasolite. Either scintillator can be used in a radiation detection apparatus that include a photosensor and a radiation detection apparatus. Such an apparatus can be used to detect and discriminate two different types of radiation over a wide range of temperatures. The radiation detection apparatus can be useful in drilling, well logging, or as a portal detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kan Yang, Peter R. Menge, Julien Lejay, Vladimir Ouspenski
  • Patent number: 9018587
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a sonde having a housing and comprising a scintillator disposed within the housing and a calibration source coupled to the scintillator to fluoresce the scintillator at a known wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation detection apparatus further includes an electromagnetic radiation sensing device coupled to the scintillator and disposed within the housing and a first programmable/re-programmable processing module (PRPM) coupled to the electromagnetic radiation sensing device and disposed within the housing. The PRPM can be programmed to use state information when analyzing pulses corresponding to shock, vibration, or another noise source. In another embodiment, the PRPM can be used to monitor the health of the radiation detection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Artan Duraj
  • Patent number: 9018586
    Abstract: Apparatuses and a related method relating to radiation detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first scintillator and a second scintillator adjacent to the first scintillator, with each of the first scintillator and second scintillator being structured to generate a light pulse responsive to interacting with incident radiation. The first scintillator is further structured to experience full energy deposition of a first low-energy radiation, and permit a second higher-energy radiation to pass therethrough and interact with the second scintillator. The apparatus further includes a plurality of light-to-electrical converters operably coupled to the second scintillator and configured to convert light pulses generated by the first scintillator and the second scintillator into electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Batelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas W. Akers, Mark W. Drigert
  • Publication number: 20150108354
    Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a light sensor configured to receive light energy from a scintillator receiving X-rays. The light sensor includes a grid of pixels having a light reception surface oriented toward the scintillator and configured to receive light from the scintillator. Each pixel includes a diode assembly, a control assembly and a capacitor assembly. The diode assembly is disposed on the light reception surface and is configured to produce electric charge responsive to light received by the diode assembly. The diode assembly includes plural diodes selectably configurable in plural combinations, wherein an amount of the electric charge produced by the diode assembly varies based on a selection of diode combination. The control assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to selectably configure the diodes. The capacitor assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to receive and store the electric charge from the diode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors
  • Patent number: 9012854
    Abstract: When employing specular reflective material in a scintillator crystal array, light trapping in the crystal due to repetitive internal reflection is mitigated by roughening at least one side (16) of each of a plurality of pre-formed polished scintillator crystals. A specular reflector material (30) is applied (deposited, wrapped around, etc.) to the roughened crystals, which are arranged in an array. Each crystal array is coupled to a silicon photodetector (32) to form a detector array, which can be mounted in a detector for a functional scanner or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon, Steven Cooke
  • Patent number: 9012855
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a scintillator crystal (2) in the form of a slab mounted to be rotated by a drive (4) in a housing (8). A photon detector (6) detects photons emitted by the crystal (2). The crystal (2) is rotated to a number of measurement angles and the radiation emitted by a radiation source determined by counting the photons detected by the photon detector. This is used to determine the direction towards the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: UCL Business PLC
    Inventor: Robert Speller
  • Patent number: 9012856
    Abstract: A gantry free nuclear imaging system (10) images a region of interest (ROI) (16). The system (10) includes one or more radiation detectors (20) generating radiation data indicating the location of gamma photon strikes. The system includes a reconfigurable frame (22) positioning the radiation detectors (20) at fixed viewing angles of the ROI (16) and at least one processor (44, 48). The processor (44, 48) receives the radiation data from the radiation detectors (20) and reconstructs an image of the ROI (16) from the received radiation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Jinghan Ye, Lingxiong Shao, Rizwan Hassan
  • Patent number: 9012853
    Abstract: A highly scalable platform for radiation measurement data collection with high precision time stamping and time measurements between the elements in the detection array uses IEEE 1588 with or without Synchronous Ethernet (timing over Ethernet) to synchronize the measurements. At a minimum, the system includes at least two radiation detector units, an IEEE 1588 and SyncE enabled Ethernet switch, and a computer for processing. The addition of timing over Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a radiation measurement system to operate with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment of detectors using standardized technology with a multitude of configuration possibilities. This eliminates the need for an additional hardware for the timing measurements which simplifies the detection system, reduces the cost of the deployment, reduces the power consumption of the detection system and reduces the overall size of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrey K. Gueorguiev, Martin F. Ohmes, Jeffrey R. Preston, Leslie D. Hoy, Hartmut Brands
  • Patent number: 9006663
    Abstract: A method for real-time RL and/or ROSL dose rate measuring in an environment exposed to a radiation source(s). The method comprises the steps of exposing a dosimeter to the environment for irradiation by the radiation source(s), the dosimeter comprising a phosphor-doped fluoroperovskite compound, sensing the RL or ROSL emitted light from the dosimeter during irradiation by the radiation source(s) and generating a representative light detection signal, and recording or generating a real-time measure of dose rate in the environment based on the light detection signal. A radiation dosimeter detection system comprising a phosphor-doped fluoroperovskite compound, the dosimeter coupled to a detector by an optical fiber. The detector comprises first and second optical stimulation sources that transmit light over the optical fiber to the dosimeter in first and second wavelength ranges. An optical detector senses light emitted from the dosimeter from which read-out dose information is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Research Limited
    Inventor: Grant Victor McLelland Williams
  • Publication number: 20150098549
    Abstract: Apparatus for radiography is disclosed, which includes a scintillator having a first surface for being exposed to radiation and a second surface for emitting visible light in response, and an associated imaging system. The imaging system includes a plurality of scanning mirrors, each associated with a respective sub-region of the scintillator second surface, each scanning mirror being mounted and controlled so as to re-direct light from along a predetermined scan path within the respective sub-region towards a respective optical channel. A photodetector is associated with each scanning mirror and optical channel for receiving the re-directed light and generating an electrical signal representing light intensity. A processor receives the electrical signal from each photodetector and the corresponding position of each mirror to generate therefrom a reconstructed two-dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Malcolm Humphrey
  • Patent number: 9000381
    Abstract: Described is a method for determination of an unknown radiation dose to which an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensor has been exposed utilizing a pulsed optically stimulated luminescence (POSL) technique and a battery operated portable instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Landauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Akselrod, Kent J. Dillin
  • Publication number: 20150090888
    Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a scintillator capable of emitting scintillating light in response to capturing radiation, a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator, and an analyzer device electrically coupled to the photosensor. The analyzer device can include a plurality of circuits and can be configured to receive a pulse from the photosensor, analyze a pulse shape of the pulse, and adjust a pulse parameter based on the pulse shape, wherein the plurality of circuits is configured to perform the analysis of the pulse or the adjustment of the pulse. In an embodiment, the analyzer device can determine a rise time of the pulse, an integration of intensity over time, a pulse height of the pulse, a depth-of-interaction, or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the analyzer device can generate a compensation coefficient based on the rise time of the pulse to adjust the pulse height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kan Yang
  • Publication number: 20150090889
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a selecting unit that allows a light having a light emission wavelength and a polarization direction to pass thorough the selecting unit, an optical system that forms an image of the light, a photon detecting unit that observes the image formed by the optical system, and detects the photon in whole range of the image, a counting unit that calculates the number of the alpha ray based on a result of counting the photon derived from the light emission of gas excited by the alpha ray, and is possible to sufficiently eliminate background light (noise light) even if background light is strong, and therefore observe weak light emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidehiko KURODA, Kunihiko NAKAYAMA, Kei TAKAKURA, Mikio IZUMI, Naoto KUME
  • Publication number: 20150090887
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus (400) includes a detector array (412) with at least one detector tile (418). The detector tile includes a photosensor array (422) with a two dimensional array of individual photosensitive detector pixels (424) located within a non-photosensitive area (426) and readout electronics (432) coupled to the photosensor array. The readout electronics includes individual analog readout channel wells (602, 604) corresponding to the individual detector pixels, wherein an analog readout channel well electrically isolates analog electrical components therein from analog electrical components in other analog readout channel wells. Decoupling circuitry optionally is located in at least one of metal layers of the individual analog readout channels or in the individual analog readout channel wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Marc Anthony Chappo, Randall Peter Luhta, Chris J. Vrettos
  • Patent number: 8993971
    Abstract: A method for extracting photon depth of interaction information in a positron emission tomography system is provided. A pulse is detected in a photodetector. A height of the pulse is measured. A determination of whether the pulse height is within a set range is made. Photon depth of interaction is extracted from the pulse height. An energy of interaction is calculated from the pulse height and calibration data. The extracted photon depth and calculated energy spectrum are used in image reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Farhad Taghibakhsh, Craig Steven Levin
  • Publication number: 20150083911
    Abstract: An electron-detector comprises a scintillator plate 207, electron optics 204 for directing a plurality of electron beams 9 onto the scintillator plate so that the electron beams are incident onto the scintillator plate at locations of incidence disposed at a distance from each other, a light detector 237 comprising a plurality of light receiving areas 235 disposed at a distance from each other, and light optics for generating a first light-optical image of at least a portion of the scintillator plate at a region 243 where the light receiving areas of the light detector are disposed so that, by the imaging, each of the locations of incidence is associated with a light receiving area; and wherein the electron optics comprise an electron beam deflector 255 for displacing the locations of incidence of the electron beams on the scintillator plate in a direction orthogonal to a normal 249 of a surface 208 of the scintillator plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Dirk Zeidler, Jörg Jacobi
  • Patent number: 8987671
    Abstract: An image intensifier tube and a night vision system fitted with such a tube. The tube body of the image intensifier tube includes a multilayer ceramic substrate fixed in a sealed manner to an input device and to an output device so as to assure leaktightness of a vacuum chamber delimited by the tube body. The multilayer substrate also maintains a microchannel plate arranged between a photocathode and a phosphorus screen, and supplies voltage to the photocathode, the plate, and the phosphorus screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Photonis France
    Inventors: Gert Nutzel, Leo Pierre, Matthieu Feuerstein, Carlo Kaiser, Pascal Lavoute
  • Patent number: 8987672
    Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding system and method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a receiving device, in particular a cassette, for receiving the storage phosphor plate, a removal device for removing the storage phosphor plate from the receiving device, and a reading device for irradiating the storage phosphor plate removed from the receiving device with stimulation light and for detecting emitted light excited thereby in the storage phosphor plate. In order to permit as reliable a removal and/or return of the storage phosphor plate from and to the receiving device as possible while providing a simple design, the removal device has at least one removal element, which can be coupled to the storage phosphor plate and which can move along a curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Agfa Healthcare NV
    Inventors: Patrick Sandmann, Anton Pirmann, Günther Schindlbeck, Johannes Hölzl, Sven Behr
  • Patent number: 8981305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for nanoparticles, methods of making nanoparticles, materials including nanoparticles, the use of materials including nanoparticles, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Howard Holloway, Jihun Choi, Teng-Kuan Tseng, Luiz G. Jacobsohn
  • Publication number: 20150069250
    Abstract: Timing pick-off is provided in time-of-flight positron emission using digital output photo sensors (e.g., SPAD or dSiPM). The timing-to-digital converter (TDC) is replaced for timing detection with a mixed analog and digital timing pick-off (MTP) where a processor determines the timing from an output of the MTP. The digital SPAD or dSiPM output is summed into an analog waveform, allowing for triggering based on signal statistics or other than at a particular number of discrete detections. The trigger is used by the processor to extrapolate the time of occurrence without an integrated TDC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias J. Schmand, Nan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150069251
    Abstract: There is provided a radiation detector and a method of detecting radiation capable of more accurately correct fluorescence pileup. A table T in which the peak value h and the time course Tc of the intensity of fluorescence are related is previously prepared before radiation detection. The table T is based on actually-measured variation with time of the fluorescence intensity, and therefore faithfully represents the variation with time of fluorescence. When the occurrence of pileup is determined, the time course Tc corresponding to the peak value h immediately before the occurrence of the pileup is read out, and the time course Tc is subtracted from variation with time of the intensity data D to thereby estimate variation with time of the intensity of fluorescence after the occurrence of the pileup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Masayuki NAKAZAWA
  • Patent number: 8969814
    Abstract: Systems and methods of generating timing triggers to determine timing resolutions of gamma events for nuclear imaging includes receiving a pulse signature representing a succession of triggers associated with a photomultiplier. When a number of triggers occurring within a predetermined time interval matches a predetermined number, an event trigger can be initiated. A delayed version of the pulse signature can be generated and compared to a predetermined timing trigger level. When the delayed version matches the predetermined timing trigger level, a timing trigger can be generated. Based on the timing trigger level, the timing trigger can be generated at the pulse of the delayed version that corresponds to the first photoelectron of a gamma event. The timing trigger can correspond to a timestamp for the first photoelectron so that a data acquisition system can identify the pulse from which to acquire energy information to generate a nuclear image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Debora Henseler, Peter Hansen, Meinrad Schienle
  • Patent number: 8969813
    Abstract: A scintillation detector includes: a photodetector; a scintillating material configured to emit light in response to exposure to ionization particles; an optically transparent material having a light absorption coefficient that is less than a light absorption coefficient of the scintillating material, the optically transparent material optically coupled to a surface of the scintillating material and configured to transmit the emitted light; and a reflective material at least partially surrounding the scintillating material and the optically transparent material, the reflective material configured to reflect the emitted light and direct the emitted light toward the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anton Nikitin, Loren Patrick Roberts, Nikolay N. Velker, Alexandr A. Vinokurov
  • Patent number: 8963093
    Abstract: Some embodiments can comprise a tomographic imaging data acquisition method(s) and/or systems embodying the method(s). Some methods according to embodiments of the invention include simultaneously reading each photoconverter of a scintillation detector; reading the photoconverters at a frequency sufficient to obtain a plurality of digital sample measurements of a scintillation wave front; and recording the data read from each of the plurality of photoconverters as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: FMI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. McCroskey, Timothy W. Milliff, Christ H Heipp
  • Patent number: 8962370
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a sensor substrate and a scintillator layer. The sensor substrate is configured to be capable of performing photoelectric conversion. The scintillator layer includes a first area and a second area, the first area including an activator, the second area including the activator with a concentration lower than the concentration of the activator in the first area, the scintillator layer being provided on the sensor substrate so that the first area and the second area are arranged in a thickness direction of the scintillator layer and the first area is arranged from an end portion on a side of the sensor substrate in the scintillator layer in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kawanishi, Ikumi Kusayama, Takahiro Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8957385
    Abstract: A radiation sensing unit for a radiation detection system can include a scintillator and a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator. In an embodiment, the radiation detection system may provide an output signal to a particular radiation flux that is substantially temperature independent over a normal operating temperature range for the scintillator. The radiation sensing unit may further include a controllable radiation source configured to emit radiation and another photosensor coupled to controllable radiation source. A radiation detection system can include a radiation sensing unit and a control module that is coupled to the controllable radiation source and the photosensors. The control module may control the controllable radiation source and control a power supply coupled to the second photosensor in response to signals from the photosensors. In another aspect, a dynode tap from a photomultiplier tube can be used during calibration. Methods of using the foregoing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Frank, Artan Duraj
  • Patent number: 8957384
    Abstract: A gamma ray detector having a scintillator with segments allows for a linearity calibration of the gamma ray detector without the use of a linearity phantom. The segments in the scintillator are configured to channel output radiation received by the gamma ray detector to loci identifiable in image data generated by photomultiplier tubes. The non-linearity in the detector system may be characterized, and a correction map may be generated, based upon the identifiable loci.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 8957386
    Abstract: Strontium halide scintillators, calcium halide scintillators, cerium halide scintillators, cesium barium halide scintillators, and related devices and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek V. Nagarkar, Harish B. Bhandari
  • Patent number: 8941074
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor panel including a sensor array on which a plurality of sensors arranged in an array form and a scintillator layer provided on the sensor array, and a unit configured to perform signal processing based on a signal from the sensor array, wherein the sensor array includes a peripheral region and a central region located inside the peripheral region, the scintillator layer is disposed over the peripheral region and the central region so as to have uniform luminance efficiency with respect to the sensor array, and the unit performs the signal processing by using only signals from sensors disposed in the central region, of signals from the plurality of sensors, output from the sensor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Inoue, Shinichi Takeda, Satoru Sawada, Takamasa Ishii, Taiki Takei, Kota Nishibe
  • Patent number: 8937285
    Abstract: Methods and systems for signal communication in gamma ray detectors are provided. One gamma ray detector includes a scintillator block having a plurality of scintillator crystals and a plurality of light sensors coupled to the scintillator crystals and having a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of light sensors has a first set of signal traces connected to the microcells and a second set of signal traces connected along the first set of signal traces and together forming a signal path to a summing signal trace. Each of the plurality of light sensors also has a pin-out connected to the summing signal trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chang Lyong Kim, David Leo McDaniel, James Lindgren Malaney, William Todd Peterson, Gary V. McBroom
  • Publication number: 20150001400
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the presence of a magnetic field during medical imaging are disclosed. Gamma photons are acquired at a detector. An orientation of the detector (e.g., relative to the surface of the earth) corresponding to the acquisition is determined. Based on the determined detector orientation, one or more compensation value(s) are determined from a memory of a computer, e.g., based on interpolation, parametric computation, or a look-up table. Energy signal variation of a detected signal due to the detector orientation is compensated for by applying the determined compensation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: James Frank Caruba
  • Publication number: 20150001398
    Abstract: A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided. A spectral filter may be used in conjunction with the GOS scintillating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Cornelis RONDA, Herbert SCHREINEMACHER, Guenter ZEITLER, Norbert CONRADS, Simha LEVENE
  • Publication number: 20150001402
    Abstract: Apparatuses, computer-readable mediums, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a positron emission tomography (“PET”) detector array is provided which includes a plurality of crystal elements arranged in a two-dimensional checkerboard configuration. In addition, there are empty spaces in the checkerboard configuration. In various embodiments, the empty spaces are filled with passive shielding, transmission source assemblies, biopsy instruments, surgical instruments, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In various embodiments, the crystal elements and the transmission source assemblies simultaneously perform emission/transmission acquisitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Christian J. Michel, Maurizio Conti, Ronald Grazioso, Peter Carl Cohen, A. Andrew Carey, Larry Byars
  • Publication number: 20150001399
    Abstract: A multiplexing circuit for a positron emission tomography (PET) detector includes a delay circuit and a multiplexer communicating with the delay circuit. The delay circuit configured to receive a plurality of timing pickoff (TPO) signals from a plurality of positron emission tomography (PET) detector units, add a delay time to at least one of the plurality of TPO signals, and transmit the TPO signals based on the delay time to the multiplexer, the multiplexer configured to a multiplex the TPO signals and output a single TPO signal from the plurality of TPO signals to a Time-to-Digital Convertor (TDC). A method of operating a multiplexer and a imaging system including a multiplexer are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark David Fries, David Leo McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20150001401
    Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is described. The neutron detector comprises a conversion layer provided on an outer surface of a spherical core of neutron-moderating material. The conversion layer comprises a neutron absorbing material and a phosphor material. The spherical core is arranged to receive photons emitted from the phosphor material of the conversion layer. The neutron detector further comprises a photodetector optically coupled to the spherical core and arranged to detect the photons emitted from the conversion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Symetrica Limited
    Inventor: David Ramsden
  • Patent number: 8921795
    Abstract: Described is a method for determination of an unknown radiation dose to which an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensor has been exposed utilizing a pulsed optically stimulated luminescence (POSL) technique and a battery operated portable instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Landauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Akselrod, Kent J. Dillin
  • Patent number: 8921796
    Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) system includes a PET detector configured to generate energy signals indicative of a set of events at the PET detector, a first discriminator coupled to the PET detector and configured to generate a primary timing signal in response to a primary event of the set of events, a second, derivative-based discriminator coupled to the PET detector and configured to generate a pileup timing signal in response to a piled-up event of the set of events, and a logic circuit to gate the primary and pileup timing signals of the first and second discriminators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Arseneau, James Frank Caruba
  • Publication number: 20140374603
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel measurement techniques based on moiré techniques and optical frequency conversion. For example, in the IR realm, the configuration can be any moiré configuration, the detector is an IR detector, and the light source can be at any wavelength. The optical configuration, the detector, and the type of light source depend on the physical properties of object/scene and the parameter(s) to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
    Inventors: Faramarz FARAHI, Mehrdad ABOLBASHARI, Gelareh BABAIE
  • Publication number: 20140374607
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods of reconstructing an image from a positron emission tomography scan that may include detecting a plurality of photons selected from scattered photons and unscattered photons by a plurality of detectors, identifying a time interval for each of the plurality of photons by a processing device, matching each of the plurality of photons into a plurality of pairs of coincident photons based upon a substantially simultaneous time interval identified by the processing device, measuring an energy produced by each of the plurality of photons by the plurality of detectors, determining a scattering angle for each pair of coincident photons from an annihilation point relative to the position of the plurality of detectors by the processing device based on the energy produced and reconstructing an image using a reconstruction algorithm, wherein the reconstruction algorithm uses the scattering angle of each pair of coincident photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Pistorius, Hongyan Sun
  • Patent number: 8916829
    Abstract: A system for assaying a radionuclide includes a liquid scintillation detector, an analyzer connected to the liquid scintillation detector, and a delay circuit connected to the analyzer. A gamma detector and a multi-channel analyzer are connected to the delay circuit and the gamma detector. The multi-channel analyzer produces a signal reflective of the radionuclide in the sample. A method for assaying a radionuclide includes selecting a sample, detecting alpha or beta emissions from the sample with a liquid scintillation detector, producing a first signal reflective of the alpha or beta emissions, and delaying the first signal a predetermined time. The method further includes detecting gamma emissions from the sample, producing a second signal reflective of the gamma emissions, and combining the delayed first signal with the second signal to produce a third signal reflective of the radionuclide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Cadieux, George S. King, III, Glenn A. Fugate
  • Patent number: 8912498
    Abstract: A halide scintillator material is disclosed. The material is single-crystalline and has a composition of the formula A3MBr6(1-x)Cl6x (such as Cs3CeBr6(1-x)Cl6x) or AM2Br7(1-x)Cl7x (such as CsCe2Br7(1-x)Cl7x), 0?x?1, wherein A consists essentially of Li, Na K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof, and M consists essentially of Ce, Sc, Y, La, Lu, Gd, Pr, Tb, Yb, Nd or any combination thereof. Furthermore, a method of making halide scintillator materials of the above-mentioned compositions is disclosed. In one example, high-purity starting halides (such as CsBr, CeBr3, CsCl and CeCl3) are mixed and melted to synthesize a compound of the desired composition of the scintillator material. A single crystal of the scintillator material is then grown from the synthesized compound by the Bridgman method. The disclosed scintillator materials are suitable for making scintillation detectors used in applications such as medical imaging and homeland security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kan Yang, Mariya Zhuravleva, Charles L. Melcher, Piotr Szupryczynski
  • Publication number: 20140361179
    Abstract: A device designed to be used for neutron imaging, immersed in a medium containing specimens to be analyzed, comprises a first converter comprising a first material capable of converting thermal neutron radiation into remnant beta radiation and a second converter comprising a second material capable of converting a remnant beta radiation into light radiation, the second converter being in contact with the first converter. A method is also provided for neutron imaging immersed in a medium and using the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Simon
  • Patent number: 8907292
    Abstract: A tungstate-based scintillating material and a method for using a tungstate-based scintillating material is provided. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a tungstate-based scintillating material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Juestel, Cornelis Reinder Ronda
  • Patent number: 8907289
    Abstract: A subatomic particle detection apparatus includes a scintillator to scintillate if struck by subatomic particles, and to scintillate if subjected to mechanical stresses, the scintillator to emit an electrical discharge if scintillating due to the mechanical stresses. A detector is optically coupled to the scintillator to detect scintillations by the scintillator. Furthermore, an antenna is associated with the scintillator and/or the detector to detect the electrical discharge. In addition, circuitry is coupled to the detector and the antenna to determine whether the scintillator scintillated due to the mechanical stresses, based upon the antenna detecting the electrical discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter David Wraight
  • Publication number: 20140353511
    Abstract: For each photomultiplier tube in an Anger camera, an R×S array of preamplifiers is provided to detect electrons generated within the photomultiplier tube. The outputs of the preamplifiers are digitized to measure the magnitude of the signals from each preamplifier. For each photomultiplier tube, a corresponding summation circuitry including R row summation circuits and S column summation circuits numerically add the magnitudes of the signals from preamplifiers for each row and for each column to generate histograms. For a P×Q array of photomultiplier tubes, P×Q summation circuitries generate P×Q row histograms including R entries and P×Q column histograms including S entries. The total set of histograms include P×Q×(R+S) entries, which can be analyzed by a position calculation circuit to determine the locations of events (detection of a neutron).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd G. Clonts, Yacouba Diawara, Cornelius Donahue, JR., Christopher A. Montcalm, Richard A. Riedel, Theodore Visscher
  • Publication number: 20140353510
    Abstract: A method for extracting photon depth-of-interaction of an incident photon in a crystal with a reflective coating optically coupled to all sides of the crystal, except for an opening, wherein a photodetector is optically coupled to the opening. A pulse shape of a photodetector output as a result of detection of scintillation photons from the crystal generated by the incident photon is measured, wherein the reflective coating optically coupled to all sides of the crystal, except for an opening optically coupled to the photodetector reflects the scintillation photons passing to all sides of the crystal, except for the opening optically coupled to the photodetector. The pulse shape is used to determine photon depth-of-interaction within the crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Virginia CH Spanoudaki, Craig Steven Levin
  • Publication number: 20140332689
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems related to plastic scintillating materials based on a polymer including an aromatic ring structure combined with an oxazole and a cross-linker are disclosed. The disclosed plastic scintillator materials may advantageously provide gamma-neutron pulse shape discrimination capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar V. Van Loef, Kanai S. Shah, Gary Markosyan