With Detector Support Patents (Class 250/363.05)
-
Patent number: 8222608Abstract: A PET scanner in which detector rings are arrayed in a multilayered manner so as to oppose each other in the body axis direction is provided. In the PET scanner, a predetermined number of detector units, each of which is made up of a predetermined number of detector rings, are arrayed so as to give each other a clearance, and a first ring set in which the clearance is less than or equal to a mean value of widths of two detector units forming each clearance and a second ring set constituted with a predetermined number of detector units are arrayed apart so as to give a clearance which is less than or equal to a mean value of the width of the first ring set and that of the second ring set, thereby imaging a field-of-view including the clearance and continuing in the body axis direction to an entire length of the first ring set and that of the second ring set.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: National Institute of Radiological SciencesInventors: Taiga Yamaya, Hideo Murayama
-
Patent number: 8183532Abstract: In a disclosed imaging method, the instantaneous speed or data acquisition dwell times of a detector head (14, 16) is optimized as a function of position along a path (P) of the detector head around a subject (S, SS, SXL). The optimization is respective to an expected radioactive emission profile (EPROI) of a region of interest (H, HS, HXL) that is less than the entire subject. The detector head is traversed along the path using the optimized instantaneous speed or data acquisition dwell times (40). During the traversing, imaging data are acquired using the detector head. The acquired imaging data are reconstructed to generate a reconstructed image of at least the region of interest. A gamma camera (10) configured to perform the foregoing imaging method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Andreas G. Goedicke, Herfried K. Wieczorek, Ralf Dorscheid, Michael Schaaf
-
Patent number: 8177429Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, imaging system (10, 190) includes a plurality of detector heads (12, 14, 80, 100, 202) and a frame (20) on which the plurality of detector heads are mounted. The frame is configurable in (i) an operational configuration in which the detector heads are arranged to be manipulated by the frame to acquire imaging data, and (ii) a shipping configuration in which the detector heads remain mounted on the frame and the imaging system is reduced in size along at least one dimension compared with the operational configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Dumitru Dragan, Dean O. Bishop, Rizwan S. Hassan, Jorge I. Zapata
-
Patent number: 8173966Abstract: According to some embodiments, a patient support system for a nuclear medical imaging system is provided that includes: a patient support; a collimator storage unit located under the patient support; a first support means for supporting substantially all of the weight of the collimator storage unit; and a second support means for supporting the patient support at least at a position distal from a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the first support means includes means for supporting the patient support at a position proximate a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system and the second support means includes two vertical support structures. In addition, the system preferably includes at least one laterally extendable frame member mounted between the two vertical support structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: James Frank Caruba
-
Patent number: 8108026Abstract: A sandwich structure which attenuates the PET radiation minimally, is used as a support tube for the transmit antenna. In at least one embodiment, it includes a thin strong inner wall, a likewise thin and strong outer wall and an interior of the support tube which is of the honeycomb type or is made of foam material.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Eberler, Jürgen Nistler, Wolfgang Renz, Günther Zebelein
-
Patent number: 8071949Abstract: A compact, mobile, dedicated SPECT brain imager that can be easily moved to the patient to provide in-situ imaging, especially when the patient cannot be moved to the Nuclear Medicine imaging center. As a result of the widespread availability of single photon labeled biomarkers, the SPECT brain imager can be used in many locations, including remote locations away from medical centers. The SPECT imager improves the detection of gamma emission from the patient's head and neck area with a large field of view. Two identical lightweight gamma imaging detector heads are mounted to a rotating gantry and precisely mechanically co-registered to each other at 180 degrees. A unique imaging algorithm combines the co-registered images from the detector heads and provides several SPECT tomographic reconstructions of the imaged object thereby improving the diagnostic quality especially in the case of imaging requiring higher spatial resolution and sensitivity at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLCInventors: Stanislaw Majewski, James Proffitt
-
Patent number: 8049176Abstract: A method and apparatus for real time imaging and monitoring of radiation therapy beams is designed to preferentially distinguish and image low energy radiation from high energy secondary radiation emitted from a target as the result of therapeutic beam deposition. A detector having low sensitivity to high energy photons combined with a collimator designed to dynamically image in the region of the therapeutic beam target is used.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Jefferson Science Assocates, LLCInventors: Stanislaw Majewski, James Proffitt, Daniel J. Macey, Andrew G. Weisenberger
-
Patent number: 8044361Abstract: Plural detection boards are stacked and fixed. The detection board has a wiring board, a semiconductor detection device fixed on an upper surface of the wiring board and configured to detect radiation, and a spacer fixed on the upper surface of the wiring board. Each of the detection boards is provided so that the semiconductor detection device and the spacer have a designated positional relationship. In addition, the spacers are stacked and matched in an X-Y plane surface with each other so that the detection boards are fixed by fixing members.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Akihiro Ukita
-
Publication number: 20110129061Abstract: When performing a patient scan to collect patient data for reconstruction into one or more image volumes, a combination nuclear-radiographic subject imaging device (10) includes first and second detector heads (22a, 22b), which move on respective positionable tracks (14a, 14b). The positionable tracks move on stationary tracks (12) coupled to a rotatable gantry structure (16). Each detector head is rotatably coupled to its positionable track by a rotation arm (24). When a radiographic scan is performed, the first detector head (22a) is rotated so that a radiographic detector (26) mounted to the first detector head (22a) faces the patient, and an X-ray source (28) mounted to the second detector head (22b) also faces the patient, opposite the radiographic detector (26). When a nuclear imaging scan is performed, the detector heads (22a, 22b) are rotated to face the patient during the scan.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Mahmoud Janbakhsh
-
Patent number: 7927013Abstract: A rotor, and a gantry and a computed tomography apparatus with such a rotor, has recess to accommodate at least one component of an image data acquisition device, and the recess is dimensioned such that the component can be inserted therein in a radial direction proceeding away from a rotation center of the rotor and is positively connected with the rotor by an abutment structure provided on the component, as well as by spot connections. This positive fit thus acts in the direction of the centrifugal forces arising upon rotation of the rotor, such that an ejection of the component from the rotor is effectively prevented even given a failure of the spot connections (for example bolt connections) between the rotor 1 and the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Daniela Luecke, Hans-Juergen Mueller
-
Publication number: 20110024638Abstract: A PET scanner in which detector rings are arrayed in a multilayered manner so as to oppose each other in the body axis direction is provided. In the PET scanner, a predetermined number of detector units, each of which is made up of a predetermined number of detector rings, are arrayed so as to give each other a clearance, and a first ring set in which the clearance is less than or equal to a mean value of widths of two detector units forming each clearance and a second ring set constituted with a predetermined number of detector units are arrayed apart so as to give a clearance which is less than or equal to a mean value of the width of the first ring set and that of the second ring set, thereby imaging a field-of-view including the clearance and continuing in the body axis direction to an entire length of the first ring set and that of the second ring set.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCESInventors: Taiga Yamaya, Hideo Murayama
-
Patent number: 7863574Abstract: A system and method is provided for performing multimodal imaging of an object. The system and method includes performing spatio-temporal detection of transmission CT data of a fan X-ray beam, performing, and simultaneously with the spatio-temporal detection of transmission CT data, spatio-temporal detection of emission nuclear imaging data emitted from the object with a propagation direction across the propagation direction of the fan X-ray beam. The system and method further includes identifying at least two zones in the object based on the transmission CT data, reconstructing an image object from the emission nuclear imaging data under the constraint that respective portions of detected nuclear events are associated with selected zones, and outputting data representative of the image object.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Guenter Hahn, Alexander Hans Vija
-
Patent number: 7847257Abstract: An apparatus and method for nuclear medical imaging (e.g., SPECT imaging) using cone-beam or multifocal collimators is disclosed. According to the embodiment of the invention, the detector/collimator is tilted in a fore-aft direction, with the tilt angle varying as a function of the orbital position of the detector assembly. The patient pallet may also be moved longitudinally as a function of the tilt angle (i.e., as a function of the orbital position) for optimal image quality.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Eric Grant Hawman
-
Patent number: 7825383Abstract: A mobile detector system for use in the detection of radiation photons. The detector system includes an exterior casing, having an internal area. The internal area has an interior periphery and an exterior periphery, at least one rail, at least one mobile camera, that is movably mounted on the at least one rail, and at least one motor. The motor drives at least one mobile camera, and the at least one mobile camera is movable along at least one rail within the exterior casing, to a plurality of radiation receiving positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: A Hans Vija, James T. Chapman, Peggy Hawman, Ansgar Graw, John Thomas Pawlak, Guenter Hahn
-
Patent number: 7791030Abstract: Parameters T1, T2, and K required by a scintillator array identification mechanism in a two-stage scintillator ?-ray detector (depth of interaction (DOI)) are accurately and easily determined. The parameters required by the scintillator array identification mechanism are determined with reference to a first signal count ratio, which is obtained by irradiating a ?-ray on each scintillator array with luminescence pulses in an incident depth direction of the ?-ray having different attenuation time during an inspection stage of the ?-ray detector single unit. Furthermore, a second signal count ratio is obtained by irradiating the ?-ray on a front surface of the ?-ray detector single unit, and then a third signal count ratio is obtained by irradiating the ?-ray on the front surface after the ?-ray detector single unit is installed in a PET device.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Tonami, Junichi Ohi
-
Patent number: 7777190Abstract: A scanning device and a drive system for a scanning device having a first detector and a second detector are provided, which include a base and a mounting plate movably supported by the base. The mounting plate is configured to movably support the first detector and the second detector. The drive system also includes a drive device configured to move the mounting plate with respect to the base, and a linear actuator configured to move the second detector with respect to the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Edward Zakrzewski
-
Publication number: 20100187424Abstract: A dedicated mobile PET imaging system to image the prostate and surrounding organs. The imaging system includes an outside high resolution PET imager placed close to the patient's torso and an insertable and compact transrectal probe that is placed in close proximity to the prostate and operates in conjunction with the outside imager. The two detector systems are spatially co-registered to each other. The outside imager is mounted on an open rotating gantry to provide torso-wide 3D images of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs. The insertable probe provides closer imaging, high sensitivity, and very high resolution predominately 2D view of the prostate and immediate surroundings. The probe is operated in conjunction with the outside imager and a fast data acquisition system to provide very high resolution reconstruction of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Stanislaw Majewski, James Proffitt
-
Publication number: 20100187425Abstract: A compact, mobile, dedicated SPECT brain imager that can be easily moved to the patient to provide in-situ imaging, especially when the patient cannot be moved to the Nuclear Medicine imaging center. As a result of the widespread availability of single photon labeled biomarkers, the SPECT brain imager can be used in many locations, including remote locations away from medical centers. The SPECT imager improves the detection of gamma emission from the patient's head and neck area with a large field of view. Two identical lightweight gamma imaging detector heads are mounted to a rotating gantry and precisely mechanically co-registered to each other at 180 degrees. A unique imaging algorithm combines the co-registered images from the detector heads and provides several SPECT tomographic reconstructions of the imaged object thereby improving the diagnostic quality especially in the case of imaging requiring higher spatial resolution and sensitivity at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Stanislaw Majewski, James Proffitt
-
Patent number: 7759647Abstract: PET detector modules are provided within a multi-dimensional magnetic field, to confine the range of emitted positrons from an object being imaged to improve spatial resolution of reconstructed PET images. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator crystals read out by an array of APDs (avalanche photodiodes).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Ron Grazioso, Mehmet Aykac
-
Patent number: 7732775Abstract: The radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating an object, a radiation image detector having a radiation-receiving plane that receives radiation from the radiation source through the object, for detecting a radiation image of the object, a shape information acquiring device for acquiring shape information that represents a shape of the object and a shape information display device that displays the shape information such that it reproduces a position of the object as occurs when the shape information is acquired. The radiation imaging method takes a first radiation image of a first object and generates shape information which represents the shape of the first object, inverts the shape information and displays inverted shape information such that it reproduces a position of the first object and takes a second radiation image of a second object.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Nobuhiko Kashiwagi
-
Patent number: 7728298Abstract: A detector bar, a detector formed from a number of detector bars, and a computed-tomography unit including such a detector is disclosed, each detector bar being formed from a number of individual modules. A detector bar has a module carrier for mechanically retaining the individual modules, and a printed circuit board, structurally separate from the module carrier, for making electric contact with the individual modules. The individual modules can thus be exchanged without disturbance, and simple aligning of the individual modules can thus be carried out while electric contact is simultaneously made.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Bjoern Heismann
-
Publication number: 20100127179Abstract: Parameters T1, T2, and K required by a scintillator array identification mechanism in a two-stage scintillator ?-ray detector (depth of interaction (DOI)) are accurately and easily determined. The parameters required by the scintillator array identification mechanism are determined with reference to a first signal count ratio, which is obtained by irradiating a ?-ray on each scintillator array with luminescence pulses in an incident depth direction of the ?-ray having different attenuation time during an inspection stage of the ?-ray detector single unit. Furthermore, a second signal count ratio is obtained by irradiating the ?-ray on a front surface of the ?-ray detector single unit, and then a third signal count ratio is obtained by irradiating the ?-ray on the front surface after the ?-ray detector single unit is installed in a PET device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2006Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventors: Hiromichi Tonami, Junichi Ohi
-
Patent number: 7723689Abstract: A radiographic three dimensional imaging apparatus capable of focusing on a center of rotation point, includes at least two gamma ray detectors, each having a radiation input face, with each detector positioned on a linear path, wherein each detector is movable along the detector's linear path, while simultaneously swiveling to maintain the detector's input face towards the rotation point. The apparatus allows for organ-targeted tomography as a virtual center of rotation can be placed arbitrarily with respect to a patient, constrained only by the physical limits of the detector motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: A Hans Vija
-
Publication number: 20100102239Abstract: The application discloses multimodality imaging systems that include a gantry with a stationary unit and a rotating unit rotatable around a rotation axis and providing an opening extending along the rotation axis through which a subject is insertable, a support table coupled to the stationary unit for supporting a subject, a table drive unit coupled to the support table for translating the support table in a direction extending along the rotation axis, and a CT source coupled to the rotating unit, the CT source being configured to emit a fan beam through the opening, a CT detector coupled to the rotating unit opposite the CT source, the CT source being configured to detect the fan beam, a nuclear imaging detector coupled to the rotating unit, the nuclear imaging detector being configured to detect nuclear radiation emitted from within the opening in a direction differing from a propagation direction of the fan beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Guenter Hahn, Alexander Hans Vija
-
Publication number: 20100025591Abstract: A rotor, and a gantry and a computed tomography apparatus with such a rotor, has recess to accommodate at least one component of an image data acquisition device, and the recess is dimensioned such that the component can be inserted therein in a radial direction proceeding away from a rotation center of the rotor and is positively connected with the rotor by an abutment structure provided on the component, as well as by spot connections. This positive fit thus acts in the direction of the centrifugal forces arising upon rotation of the rotor, such that an ejection of the component from the rotor is effectively prevented even given a failure of the spot connections (for example bolt connections) between the rotor 1 and the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Daniela Luecke, Hans-Juergen Mueller
-
Publication number: 20100025590Abstract: A rotor of a gantry of a computed tomography apparatus is produced at least in sections in a differential style from bar-shaped basic elements. Due to the differential style of the rotor, the rotation mass is reduced to a significant degree given a simultaneously maintained rigidity and stability of the rotor 1, such that high rotation speeds can be realized with a comparably small dimensioning of the rotor drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Daniela Luecke, Hans-Juergen Mueller
-
Patent number: 7652256Abstract: A solid state PET module for retrofitting to a standalone CT scanner generally includes a housing that is insertable into at least a portion of a bore opening of a gantry of the CT scanner. The housing includes a number of PET coincidence detectors, which are preferably solid state APD detectors. The module may include a base for supporting the module on a floor or platform of the CT scanner, or may be in the form of a disk securably fastened to the CT scanner gantry.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Markus Lusser
-
Patent number: 7650021Abstract: With the aid of an X-ray CT (5, 6), the spatial position (r) of a body cavity that is filled with blood is determined, which for example can be a part of the aorta or of the left ventricle of the heart of a patient (1). Subsequently, a TOF-PET unit that includes two detector elements (3a, 3b) is positioned to place a predefined volume element (2) in the blood filled body cavity. From pairs of annihilation quanta received from the volume element (2) a concentration of the tracer in this volume element (2) and thus in the blood is determined. This concentration can for example be used within the framework of pharmaco-kinetic examinations which are carried out on the patient (1) with the aid of a three-dimensional PET unit (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Henning Braess
-
Publication number: 20090261256Abstract: A imaging system for acquiring an image of a subject comprising a gantry (810) having a plurality of detection modules (812). Each detection module comprising a radiation detector and a collimator adjacent a radiation receiving face of the detector. The collimator comprises a plurality of spaced slats and a body adjacent the slats which defines at least one elongated slit extending in an axial direction (824). The slit is arranged such that radiation (822) passes through the slit and between the slats to the detector. The body is opaque to the radiation. The detection modules have a common focus (820) and do not move during acquisition of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Herfried Wieczorek
-
Publication number: 20090250617Abstract: An apparatus and method for nuclear medical imaging (e.g., SPECT imaging) using cone-beam or multifocal collimators is disclosed. According to the embodiment of the invention, the detector/collimator is tilted in a fore-aft direction, with the tilt angle varying as a function of the orbital position of the detector assembly. The patient pallet may also be moved longitudinally as a function of the tilt angle (i.e., as a function of the orbital position) for optimal image quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Eric Grant Hawman
-
Patent number: 7592597Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a structure of interest comprises a plurality of imaging detectors mounted on a gantry. Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV), is independently movable with respect to each other, and is positioned to image a structure of interest within a patient. A data acquisition system receives image data detected within the FOV of each of the plurality of imaging detectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: GE Healthcare IsraelInventors: Yaron Hefetz, Ira Blevis
-
Publication number: 20090195249Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) detector ring comprising: a radiation detector ring comprising scintillators (74) viewed by photomultiplier tubes (72); and a magnetic field shielding enclosure (83, 84) surrounding sides and a back side of the annular radiation detector ring so as to shield the photomultiplier tubes of the radiation detector ring. Secondary magnetic field shielding (76?) may also be provided, comprising a ferromagnetic material having higher magnetic permeability and lower magnetic saturation characteristics as compared with the magnetic field shielding enclosure, the second magnetic field shielding also arranged to shield the photomultiplier tubes of the radiation detector ring. The secondary magnetic field shielding may comprise a mu-metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Gordon D. DeMEESTER, Michael A. MORICH, Kevin C. McMAHON, Jerome J. GRIESMER
-
Publication number: 20090166541Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a detecting unit including a plurality of radiation detecting elements arranged in a plane for radiation detection, a collimator provided with through holes respectively aligned with the radiation detecting elements and opening in an entrance surface such that radiation from a specified direction is selectively made to fall on the radiation detecting elements. A second case joined to a first case fixed to the side surface of the collimator defines a holding chamber G, and a holder holding the detecting unit is placed in the holding chamber G such that spaces that allow the holder to be moved in a plane parallel to the entrance surface are formed between the holder and the second case.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Katsutoshi Tsuchiya, Takafumi Ishitsu, Tsuneaki Kawaguchi
-
Publication number: 20090140152Abstract: A scanning device and a drive system for a scanning device having a first detector and a second detector are provided, which include a base and a mounting plate movably supported by the base. The mounting plate is configured to movably support the first detector and the second detector. The drive system also includes a drive device configured to move the mounting plate with respect to the base, and a linear actuator configured to move the second detector with respect to the mounting plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Edward Zakrzewski
-
Patent number: 7525095Abstract: In an imaging method, mark positions are defined for one or more detector heads (10, 12) at one or more marked angular orientations (?A, ?B). The mark positions for at least one marked angular orientation (?B) include a tangential offset of at least one detector head. Imaging data are acquired using the one or more detector heads following a conformal trajectory passing through the defined mark positions. The acquired imaging data are reconstructed into a reconstructed image.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Raymond C. D'Ambrosio, Jody L. Garrard, Moataz Karmalawy
-
Patent number: 7511277Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus is provided that can improve time resolution and energy resolution and diagnosing accuracy by enhancing radiation detectors in terms of moisture-proofing and dust-proofing effects while efficiently cooling the radiation detectors. The apparatus has a first region A in which radiation detectors are to be accommodated, and a second region B in which signal processors are to be accommodated. These regions are provided inside a housing member 5 via an adiabatic member 7. The housing member 5 also has a ventilation port 8 formed to communicate with the first region A and equipped with an anti-dust filter. Ventilation holes 34 are formed to communicate with the first region B and serving as entrances for cooling air. Unit fans 33 serve as exits for the cooling air.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuichirou Ueno, Takafumi Ishitsu, Keiji Kobashi, Kensuke Amemiya, Katsutoshi Tsuchiya
-
Patent number: 7491940Abstract: In a device for capturing high energy radiation emitted from a radiation source within an examination object with a detector, the detector is arranged on a carriage mechanism that is mounted in a rotatable fashion around the examination object. The carriage mechanism is supported on a stand unit via a retaining mechanism, with an amplifier device being provided that amplifies the signals coming from the detector that are fed to the amplifier device via a signal guidance device. A data processing device is provided to process the amplified signals. By arranging the amplifier device and/or the data processing device essentially within the stand unit, a device is provided which can be flexibly utilized and which increases the patient's comfort during an examination.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Graumann, Sven-Martin Sutter
-
Publication number: 20090001273Abstract: Transaxial radionuclide imaging is implemented without relative rotation between detectors and a patient by employing a collimator comprising segments sharing a common central axis, each segment having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, wherein the segments are angularly displaced from one another about the common central axis. Embodiments include SPECT systems comprising a polygonal detector having a collimator on at least two sides thereof. Embodiments further include collimators comprising six segments, each offset by an angle of 7 to 9°.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Eric Grant Hawman
-
Patent number: 7470896Abstract: A non-circular-orbit detection method and apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes: locating first and second detectors, displaced with respect to one another, a distance from a patient; moving the first and second detectors in a direction towards the patient until a first sensor senses a first point of the patient at a first sensing position; moving the first and second detectors in a second direction from the first sensing position until a second sensor senses a second point of the patient at a second sensing position; and moving the first and second detectors in a non-circular-orbit around the patient. Preferably, the method includes determining the non-circular-orbit based on, among other things, locations of the first point and the second point.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Pawlak, Anthony Perrone
-
Patent number: 7468513Abstract: An imaging system for acquiring multi-dimensional tomographic image data of an object, the imaging system having (1) a plurality of detectors to acquire image data, the detectors coupled to a supporting structure, wherein at least one of the detectors is adapted to move relative to the object during image data acquisition and wherein the detectors are adapted to rotate independently of each other, provided that image data from the detectors are collected concomitantly during a study time and (2) a data analyzer adapted to acquire and/or reconstruct the image data.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: The Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaInventors: Martin Charron, Girish Bal
-
Patent number: 7465930Abstract: A nuclear imaging system and method are provided for synchronously recovering the field of view of a target to be imaged includes multiple detectors attached to a gantry, a support member or wobbling ring and a driver. The driver engages the wobbling ring whereby the wobbling ring rotates with respect to the gantry. The wobbling ring cooperates with the detectors causing the detectors to synchronously adjust to multiple viewing positions of a detection target, enabling recovery of the full field of view from an otherwise truncated field of view if the detectors were stationary with respect to the gantry.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Jinhun Joung
-
Patent number: 7456407Abstract: A system for medical imaging and a patient support system for medical diagnosis are provided. The system includes a gantry mounted on the base. The gantry has an annular support. A detector head is fixed to the inner surface of the annular support. The annular support rotates along an axis of the inner space, and is prevented from moving in horizontal and vertical direction and moving angularly. The patient support system has a patient bed system having a plurality of configurations. The contact surface of the patient has a couch back support, a thigh support and a leg support. A controller is provided for angular movements of the supports, and for vertical/horizontal movements of the supports.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: IS2 Medical Systems Inc.Inventor: Iain Stark
-
Patent number: 7449696Abstract: A heat management apparatus for disposition in a medical imaging system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermally conductive detector module, sensor components disposed upon the detector module, and signal processing electronics in thermal communication with the detector module, the signal processing electronics disposed proximate the sensor components. A main heat conductor is in thermal communication with a first defined portion of a length of the detector module, and a local heat conductor is in thermal communication with a second defined portion of the length of the detector module.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ashutosh Joshi, Joseph James Lacey
-
Publication number: 20080230706Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection and/or transmission of radiation, particularly an X-ray detector 1, that consists of a carrier 10 on which an array of detector modules 20 is arranged. The carrier 10 comprises holes 11 through which a ball at the backside of the detector modules 20 can be inserted in order to fix the modules such that they can still rotate to a certain degree. Due to this freedom, the sensor modules 20 can align themselves during assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Ralf Dorscheid, Gereon Vogtmeier, Roger Steadman
-
Publication number: 20080173819Abstract: PET detector modules are provided within a multi-dimensional magnetic field, to confine the range of emitted positrons from an object being imaged to improve spatial resolution of reconstructed PET images. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator crystals read out by an array of APDs (avalanche photodiodes).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Ron Grazioso, Mehmet Aykac
-
Patent number: 7399973Abstract: A system for medical diagnosis is provided. The system includes a gantry mounted on the base. The gantry has an annular support, which defines a cylindrical inner space. A detector head is fixed to the inner surface of the annular support. The annular support rotates along an axis of the inner space and is prevented from moving in horizontal and vertical direction and moving angularly. The system has a patient bed system, which is detachably attached to the base, and has a contact surface for supporting the patient. Pivot mechanism(s) and adjustable arm(s) enable the contact surface to have a plurality of configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Imaging PET Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Iain Stark
-
Patent number: 7381961Abstract: A multiheaded camera which is formed with a number of heads on one support structure and a different support structure with other heads. At least one of the heads is movable, so that the patient can obtain ingress and egress to the area.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Digirad CorporationInventor: Richard L. Conwell
-
Patent number: 7374337Abstract: Arrangement for taking a CT scan and a SPECT scan of a patient in a single-pass diagnostic procedure. A SPECT scanner and a CT scanner are included. The SPECT scanner is mounted on a SPECT gantry and the CT scanner is mounted on a CT gantry. The SPECT and CT gantries are moveable with respect to one another between a mated operating configuration and a separated maintenance configuration. A pair of receiving brackets is fixedly mounted on the SPECT gantry. A pair of self-locating brackets is fixedly mounted on the CT gantry. Each of the pair of self-locating brackets is configured for assuming a prescribed position relative to a respective one of the pair of receiving brackets when in snug abutment together. A floating connection interconnects the CT scanner with the pair of self-locating brackets, and in this manner float-mounts the CT scanner with the SPECT scanner and facilitates the taking of the CT scan and a SPECT scan of a patient in a single-pass diagnostic procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: David A. Yunker
-
Patent number: 7375337Abstract: A nuclear camera (10) includes four or more gamma detectors (20, 20?, 20?, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) arranged or, a generally circular rotatable gantry (12, 12?, 12?, 12??) around an imaging region that emits emission radiation. The gamma detectors are each disposed at a fixed equal distance (R, R2, R3, R5) from an imaging isocenter (22, 22?, 22?, 22??) to rotate in a fixed radius circular orbit. Each gamma detector includes a radiation sensitive surface (72) that responds to the emission radiation and a slat collimator (70) that spins about an axis 88. Resolution and sensitivity at the fixed radius are selected by selecting collimator slat height (Wz) and spacing (G) and radiation sensitive surface width (Cy). The gamma detectors and rotating gantry are enclosed in an optically opaque toroidal housing (14) that defines a generally circular bore (16) that admits imaging subjects over a range of sizes.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Daniel Gagnon
-
Publication number: 20080087830Abstract: The radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating an object, a radiation image detector having a radiation-receiving plane that receives radiation from the radiation source through the object, for detecting a radiation image of the object, a shape information acquiring device for acquiring shape information that represents a shape of the object and a shape information display device that displays the shape information such that it reproduces a position of the object as occurs when the shape information is acquired. The radiation imaging method takes a first radiation image of a first object and generates shape information which represents the shape of the first object, inverts the shape information and displays inverted shape information such that it reproduces a position of the first object and takes a second radiation image of a second object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuhiko KASHIWAGI