With A Collimator Patents (Class 250/363.1)
  • Patent number: 11857357
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an imaging system and method for nuclear medicine imaging. The imaging system may include a detector and a collimator. The detector may be configured to detect photons. The collimator may have at least two sets of pinholes. The at least two sets of pinholes may include a first set of first pinholes and a second set of second pinholes. Each second pinhole of the second set of second pinholes may be equipped with a filter configured to filter the photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenying Wang, Tao Feng
  • Patent number: 11493458
    Abstract: Scatter correction for tomography: for each position, two images are acquired, a first image without and a second image with a scatter reducing aperture plate (50). A scatter image is calculated by subtracting the second image from the first image. The apertures (48) in the scatter reducing plate (50) are arranged hexagonally in order to optimise the packaging density of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Suppes, Nils Rothe
  • Patent number: 11448780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection of gamma rays coming from a source without image truncation and without image overlapping, comprising, at least, two detection cells and each of said cells comprising a detection space adapted to receive the gamma rays that penetrate through an opening, wherein said detection space comprises one or more detection assemblies, with some of said assemblies being positioned such that they stand in the way of the gamma rays coming into the overlap volume thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA, CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
    Inventors: Victor Ilisie, Jose Maria Benlloch Baviera, Filomeno Sanchez Martinez
  • Patent number: 11340362
    Abstract: A device includes a network having a first material (e.g. electron donor, hole transporting material, p-type semiconductor) for transporting positive electrical charges and a second material (e.g. electron acceptor, electronic transporting material, n-type semiconductor) for transporting negative electrical charges. The first and second materials are dispersed within the network to form a plurality of electrical junctions. A plurality of nanoparticles are dispersed within the network, wherein the nanoparticles have at least one dimension larger than twice an exciton Bohr radius for the nanoparticles and at least one dimension less than 100 nm. In use, the nanoparticles convert incoming radiation into free positive and negative electrical charges for transportation by the first and second materials respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Hashini Manodya Thirimanne, Koruwakankanange Don Gershon Imalka Jayawardena, Sembukuttiarachilage Ravi Pradip Silva, Christopher Alan Mills
  • Patent number: 11317877
    Abstract: An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics Medical Limited
    Inventors: Nathaniel Roth, Yoel Zilberstien, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Benny Rousso
  • Patent number: 11202922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising: a light source mounted in a housing, the housing comprising a transparent window opposite the light source; an optical fiber fitted with a connector suitable for detachably engaging with the housing to retain an input surface of the optical fiber opposite the light source via the window; and an interface element made of transparent elastomeric material suitable, in the connected position, for being retained so as to be compressed between the window and the input surface of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Claude Chabrol
  • Patent number: 11154269
    Abstract: Multimodal imaging apparatus and methods include a rotatable gantry system with multiple sources of radiation comprising different energy levels (for example, kV and MV). Fast slip-ring technology and helical scans allow data from multiple sources of radiation to be combined or utilized to generate improved images and workflows, including for IGRT. Features include increasing the precision of spatial registrations between respective image sets to allow more precise radiation treatment delivery, reducing image artifacts (e.g., scatter, metal and beam hardening, image blur, motion, etc.), and utilization of dual energy imaging (e.g., for material separation and quantitative imaging, patient setup, online adaptive IGRT, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Accuray Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Shea, Brandon Frederick, Eric Schnarr, Daniel Gagnon
  • Patent number: 11129581
    Abstract: Among other things, an anti-scatter collimator is provided including a first layer defining a first retaining member at a first surface. A second layer defines a second retaining member at a first surface that faces the first surface of the first layer. A septum is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and physically contacts the first retaining member and the second retaining member. The first retaining member and the second retaining member maintain a position of the septum relative to the first layer and the second layer. The septum has a third attenuation coefficient that is greater than a first attenuation coefficient of the first layer and a second attenuation coefficient of the second layer. An end support is attached to the first layer and to the second layer. The end support borders an end of the septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Lane Howitt Marsden, Vladan Ristanovic
  • Patent number: 11119245
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses of a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance travelled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 11096636
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system and method for performing three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures. The system and method includes two or more gamma ray detectors each used in combination with a variable-slant hole collimator. The detectors are positioned in close proximity to, or in contact with, the structure being imaged. The detectors remain in a stationary position during the data collection process. An imaging or reconstruction method is then used to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from the data derived from the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kross, Andrew Weisenberger, Ben Welch, David Gilland, Seung Joon Lee
  • Patent number: 11101390
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a sensing module for an optical fingerprint sensor is provided. A plurality of photo detectors are formed in a light sensing layer. The photo detectors are arranged in a sensing array. A plurality of collimators are formed in a light filter layer. The collimators are divided into a plurality of collimator groups corresponding to the photo detectors. The collimator groups are arranged in a collimator group array. The light sensing layer is attached to the light filter layer so that the light filter layer is disposed on the light sensing layer and the collimator group array of the light filter layer is aligned with the sensing array of the light sensing layer. Each of the collimator groups corresponds to one of the photo detectors, and aligned with and disposed above the corresponding photo detector. Each of the collimator groups comprises the same number of collimators arranged in a specific pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: EGIS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsiang Huang, Tong-Long Fu, Chen-Chih Fan
  • Patent number: 10989819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gamma radiation detector that provides compensation for the parallax effect. The gamma radiation detector includes a plurality of scintillator elements, a planar optical detector array, and a pinhole collimator that includes a pinhole aperture. Each scintillator element has a gamma radiation receiving face and an opposing scintillation light output face. The gamma radiation receiving face of each scintillator element faces the pinhole aperture for generating scintillation light in response to gamma radiation received from the pinhole aperture. The scintillator elements are arranged in groups. Each group has a group axis that is aligned with the pinhole aperture and is perpendicular to the radiation receiving face of each scintillator in that group. The scintillation light output faces of each of the scintillator elements are in optical communication with the planar optical detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Torsten Solf, Thomas Frach
  • Patent number: 10751549
    Abstract: Typically, electron beam radiation therapy aims at delivering a uniform dose to a target volume containing cancer cells. Electron sources typically impinge a spatially uniform flux across the beam onto the patient; however, irregular patient and bolus surfaces, the latter encountered in bolus electron conformal therapy (ECT), scatter electrons unevenly creating non-homogeneous dose distributions in the target. However, spatially-modulated beam intensities can restore target dose homogeneity, as well as enable utilization of other advanced ECT methods. Unfortunately, present methods, which have attempted to spatially-modulate beam intensities, have been either impractical or ineffective. Here, a novel, passive method has been developed to spatially-modulate electron beam intensities by taking advantage of multiple Coulomb scattering. The method utilizes Island Blocks or Island Apertures, strategically located in ‘transparent’ or ‘opaque’ substrates, respectively, which are placed in the beam's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth Hogstrom, Robert Carver
  • Patent number: 10746671
    Abstract: A method for imaging an object is presented. The method includes acquiring a first projection image of the object using a source and a detector, positioning a scatter rejecting aperture plate between the object and the detector, and acquiring a second projection image of the object with the scatter rejecting aperture plate disposed between the object and the detector. A scatter image of the object is generated based on the first projection image and the second projection image, and stored for subsequent imaging. A volumetric CT system for imaging an object is also presented. The system is configured to acquire a plurality of projection images of the object from a plurality of plurality of projection angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Suppes, Nils Rothe
  • Patent number: 10732134
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction apparatus includes: an X-ray source (110); a first incident path letting the generated X-ray beam pass therethrough; a second incident path letting the generated X-ray beam be reflected by a multilayer film mirror and letting the reflected X-ray beam pass therethrough in parallel with the X-ray beam having passed through the first incident path. A movement mechanism is provided moving the X-ray source (110) between the first incident path and the second incident path while preserving respective relative positions thereof. An incident slit (160) allows an X-ray beam to be incident on a sample S pass therethrough; and a sample support stage (165) supports the sample S at a position fixed relative to the incident slit (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Osakabe, Toru Mitsunaga
  • Patent number: 10575802
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motion of detectors having moving detector heads are provided. One system includes a gantry and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry, wherein the plurality of detector units are individually movable including translational movement and rotational movement. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the plurality of detector units to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data, wherein the movement includes both the translational movement and the rotational movement coordinated to position the plurality of detector units adjacent to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 10481108
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Frank Ferro, Xingwei Yang, Paulo Ricardo dos Santos Mendonca, Christopher Allen Nafis, Patrick Joseph Howard
  • Patent number: 10288749
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to receive photons at inner surfaces of an array of tubes forming a columnar structure, the tubes including a material with substantially high density, wherein longitudinal axes of the tubes are substantially parallel. Further activities include directing the photons within the columnar structure to a position-sensitive detector to measure the photons, wherein the position-sensitive detector is divided into an array of pixels, and wherein individual ones of the tubes in the array of tubes maintain a fixed mechanical arrangement with individual ones of the array of pixels, to provide collimation of the photons from a first end of the tubes to a second end of the tubes coupled to the position-sensitive detector. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yike Hu, Dongwon Lee, Weijun Guo
  • Patent number: 10222490
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian J. Michel, Maurizio Conti, Ronald Grazioso, Peter Carl Cohen, A. Andrew Carey, Larry Byars
  • Patent number: 10098214
    Abstract: A gantry scanner system comprises a radiation source, a plurality of detectors and a support frame supporting the detectors. The support frame includes an elongate support member arranged to support the detectors, cable support means arranged to support power cables or signal cables connected to the detectors, and cover means arranged to cover the support member, the cable support means and the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 9990731
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a processor configured for obtaining a first image that corresponds with a first multi-leaf collimator (MLC) configuration, wherein the first image is generated when the MLC is stationary, obtaining a second image that corresponds with a second MLC configuration, wherein the second image is generated when the MLC and/or another component of a radiation machine is being operated to track a motion, and performing an analysis based at least in part on the first image and the second image to obtain a result; and a non-transitory medium for storing the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Stefan G. Scheib, Christof Baltes, Kristijan Macek
  • Patent number: 9927532
    Abstract: A collimator, which is adhesively bonded to a detector element array, is prevented from falling off from the radiation detection apparatus even in case that a failure of the adhesive joint occurs in the collimator. There is provided a radiation detection apparatus comprising: a detector element array in which a plurality of detector elements are arranged substantially in a fan-angle direction and in a cone-angle direction of a radiation; a collimator adhesively bonded to a side of the detector element array on which the radiation impinges, and having outer end surfaces on both sides in the slice direction tapered to align with a direction of emission from a radiation source; and a pair of blocks disposed to sandwich the collimator in the cone-angle direction, and having inner end surfaces on both sides in the cone-angle direction tapered to align with the direction of emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Katsumasa Nose
  • Patent number: 9903960
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a scintillation event in a radiation particle detector with multiple scintillator element locations which are configured to emit a burst of photons responsive to a radiation particle being absorbed at the scintillator element location and with a plurality of photosensors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) optically coupled to said scintillator element locations, comprising the steps of determining, for each of the photosensors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4), a triggering probability indicative of the probability of said photosensor (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) measuring a number of photons that exceeds a predetermined triggering threshold; measuring a photon distribution with the photosensors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) indicative of the number of photons incident on the individual photosensors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Yannick Berker, Volkmar Schulz
  • Patent number: 9753147
    Abstract: An open-gantry structure of SPECT imaging system for scanning human small organs or small animals and method for preparing the system is disclosed. The system contains an imaging desk that one or multiple detector heads are rotated around the object to be scanned while tilted under the imaging desk and dedicated image reconstruction algorithm was developed for the system in case of applying single pinhole collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Parto Negar Persia Co.
    Inventors: Navid Zeraatkar, Mohammad Hossein Farahani, Mohammad Reza Ay, Saeid Sarkar
  • Patent number: 9711251
    Abstract: A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Seung Joon Lee, Brian J. Kross, John E. McKisson
  • Patent number: 9442197
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for nuclear medicine imaging. In one example, an imaging detector unit comprises a detector assembly to detect radiation and to generate electrical signals in response to the detected radiation, and a single-dimension pinhole array to direct the radiation to the detector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Arie Shahar
  • Patent number: 9431141
    Abstract: A reconfigurable radiographic aperture mask collimator apparatus includes a body portion configured to receive an attenuating liquid having a first attenuation value per unit volume. The apparatus further includes a grid portion mated to a face of the body portion and a plurality of passageways each having a cross sectional area and a length. The plurality of passageways is disposed within the grid portion. A plurality of plugs is slidably disposed within the plurality of passageways, and each of the plurality of plugs has a second attenuation value per unit volume less than the first attenuation value. One of the plurality of passageways is filled with a column of attenuating liquid that is coincident with an end of the one of a plurality of plugs contained therein, and wherein the column substantially conforms to the cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Larry W Burggraf, Benjamin R Kowash, Jack G. M. FitzGerald
  • Patent number: 9412481
    Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for the generation of high-contrast, localized sinusoidal patterns or stepped-intensity modulated patterns from spatially non-coherent or coherent illumination, and using such patterns for imaging the internal features of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Keith Fuller
  • Patent number: 9264841
    Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus includes an X-ray sensor that transmits X-ray image data, a wireless access point that receives the X-ray image data from the X-ray sensor by wireless communication, and an entry apparatus that communicates with the X-ray sensor by short-range communication. A wireless setting apparatus sets wireless communication parameters for starting the wireless communication between the X-ray sensor and the wireless access point to the wireless access point and sets the same wireless communication parameters as those set to the wireless access point to the X-ray sensor by performing short-range wireless communication from the entry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9261608
    Abstract: The invention is an imaging apparatus comprising a detector device (12) for determining points of incidence of photons and having an impact surface (13), and an aperture (16) suitable for projecting the photons to the detector device (12) having an inlet surface (17) and an outlet surface facing the impact surface (13), and comprising pinholes (18?, 18?, 22) connecting the inlet surface (17) and the outlet surface. The pinholes (18?, 18?, 22) comprise one or more central pinholes (18?, 22) and one or more peripheral pinholes (18?), and at least one central pinhole (18?, 22) and at least one peripheral pinhole (18?) are formed with focal opening (20?, 20?, 23) depth or focal opening (20?, 20?, 23) sizes different from each other. Furthermore, the invention is an aperture for the imaging apparatus and a method of manufacturing an aperture of an imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Mediso Orvosi Berendezes Fejleszto es Szerviz Kft.
    Inventors: Istvan Bagamery, Adam Billing, Tamas Bukki, Ferenc Kovacs, Zoltan Nyitrai, Andras Wirth
  • Patent number: 9144408
    Abstract: Collimators for two-dimensional scans of a radiation sources and methods of scanning are provided. One system includes a scan unit for scanning and collecting ionizing radiation emitted from a radiation emitting object is provided. The scan unit includes an array of at least one pixelated radiation detector having an imaging surface including a two-dimensional (2D) array of pixels. The scan unit also includes a collimator positioned between the radiation detector and the radiation emitting object, with the collimator including a 2D array of columns having openings and septa forming bores, wherein the columns are arranged in groups along rows of the 2D array of columns and the bores within one of the groups have a different aspect ratios than the bores in another one of the groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arie Shahar, Eliezer Traub, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • Patent number: 9138196
    Abstract: An X-ray collimator used in a CT system is provided, including: a first guide rail and a second guide rail disposed in parallel with each other; and a first gate assembling unit and a second gate assembling unit disposed in parallel with each other. The first gate assembling unit has one end provided with a driving mechanism and fixedly connected with the first guide rail, and another end connected with the second guide rail in a slidable connection. The second gate assembling unit has one end provided with a driving mechanism and fixedly connected with the second guide rail, and another end connected with the first guide rail in a slidable connection. And blocks for supporting and position limiting are provided on two ends of the first guide rail and two ends of the second guide rail. Sheltering effect on X-rays may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yiming Zhu
  • Patent number: 9074986
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned, a generator configured to energize an x-ray source to generate x-rays, a detector positioned to receive the x-rays that pass through the object, and a computer. The computer is programmed to obtain knowledge of a metal within the object, scan the object using system scanning parameters, reconstruct an image of the object using a reconstruction algorithm, and automatically select at least one of the system scanning parameters and the reconstruction algorithm based on the obtained knowledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debashish Pal, Jiang Hsieh, Paavana Sainath, Girijesh Yadava, Brian Edward Nett
  • Patent number: 9046610
    Abstract: A mechanical device for supporting and attaching at least one ionizing radiation detection probe. For each detection probe it includes one probe-holder ending in a collimator-holder able to support a collimator intended to delimit a field of observation of the detection probe, and an attachment device intended to be attached to a glove port of a glove box, where the probe-holder, or each probe-holder, cooperates with the said attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Christophe Brenneis, Christian Ducros, Fabrice Lamadie, Philippe Girones
  • Patent number: 9031204
    Abstract: A leaf module for a multi-leaf collimator comprises a leaf unit and a leaf drive unit. The leaf unit comprises a leaf for shielding beams from a selected area. The leaf unit is mounted displaceably in an adjusting direction with relation to the leaf drive unit. The leaf drive unit is designed to displace the leaf unit linearly in the adjusting direction. The leaf drive unit comprises at least one drive mechanism which operates based on piezoelectric actuation, being designed such that the leaf drive unit thoroughly encloses the leaf unit within a plane being oriented substantially perpendicularly related to the adjusting direction. The multi-leaf collimator can comprise a plurality of leaf modules while being shaped as compact as possible. Both precise and stable adjustability of the leaf unit is achieved with the leaf module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
    Inventors: Gernot Echner, Steffen Seeber, Klaus Schewiola
  • Patent number: 9014340
    Abstract: A radiation tomography system is provided. The radiation tomography system includes a radiation source configured to rotate around a subject and apply radiation to the subject, a plurality of radiation detecting elements disposed opposite the radiation source, a plurality of collimator plates partitioning the radiation detecting elements in a channel direction, the collimator plates erected such that plate surfaces of each of the plurality of collimator plates extend along a direction of radiation from the radiation source, and an aperture-width changing unit configured to change a width of each aperture formed by the plurality of collimator plates by moving a plurality of radiation absorbing members along respective end sides of the collimator plates close to the radiation source, the plurality of radiation absorbing members moveable between a first position at which the end sides are covered and a second position at which the end sides are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Haruo Kurochi
  • Patent number: 8987675
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus is provided. The radiation detecting apparatus includes a pair of rails extending in a channel direction, a plurality of collimator modules provided in the pair of rails and arranged in the channel direction, each collimator module having a plurality of collimator plates arranged in the channel direction, and a plurality of detector modules provided on a radiation outgoing side of the collimator modules and arranged in the channel direction, wherein each of the collimator modules has a pair of alignment pins extending along an irradiation direction, wherein the rails include a surface of placement for each collimator module, the surface of placement formed with one of concave holes and grooves in which first ends of the alignment pins are fitted, and wherein each of the detector modules has one of concave holes and through holes in which second ends of the alignment pins are fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mai Kato
  • Patent number: 8976935
    Abstract: A collimator grid and a method of fabricating the collimator grid are disclosed. The method includes molding a plurality of plates, each plate includes a plurality of grooves in a first surface, a plurality of fin tips in a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, plurality of ribs on a first pair of peripheral sides, a plurality of first fiducials formed on the plurality of ribs, and a plurality of second fiducials formed on a second pair of peripheral sides. The method includes machining the second surface to form the plurality of fins having predefined dimensions. Further, the method includes stacking the plurality of plates overlapping each other based on the plurality of first fiducials, and machining the plurality of ribs and first fiducials to form the collimator grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Prabhjot Singh, Garth M Nelson, Brian David Yanoff, Juan Pablo Cilia
  • Patent number: 8890079
    Abstract: A radiation detection device is provided. The radiation detection device includes a pair of rails spaced in a slice direction and extending parallel to a channel direction, and a plurality of collimator modules arranged along the channel direction on a radiation exit side of the pair of rails, wherein at least one of the pair of rails extending along the channel direction includes a plate member with a plurality of notches formed along the radiation exit side, and wherein the collimator modules each include a first pin protruding on a radiation incidence side and attached to the pair of rails with the first pin fitted in one of the notches of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Haruo Kurochi, Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph James Lacey, Richard P. Vandeweghe
  • Patent number: 8884235
    Abstract: A system and method for collimation in diagnostic imaging systems is provided. One collimator includes a plurality of parallel hole segments and a plurality of collimator bores within each of the plurality of parallel hole segments. Additionally, all of the plurality of collimator bores in at least one of the plurality of parallel hole segments have a first pointing direction and all of the plurality of collimator bores in at least one other of the plurality of parallel hole segments have a second pointing direction, wherein the plurality of parallel hole segments are arranged in a fanbeam collimation configuration. Further, the first pointing direction is different than the second pointing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 8865473
    Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gambini, Jeff Levi, John Voyta, Bruce E. DeSimas, II, Edward Lakatos, Israel Metal, George Sabak, Yongdong Wang, Susan A. Atwood-Stone
  • Patent number: 8853636
    Abstract: The primary collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus can be made up of several layers, each comprising several apertures, and each layer being moveable so as to select a specific aperture to build up the primary collimator shape. In this way, the shape of the primary collimator can be tailored and/or the beam filters incorporated into the primary collimator assembly. This saves space in the radiation head whilst also allowing filters to be easily interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventor: Clifford William Perkins
  • Patent number: 8837793
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing the reconstruction of an imaged volume is presented. The method includes the steps of performing an analysis of the reliability of reconstruction of a radioactive-emission density distribution of the volume from radiation detected over a specified set of views, and defining modifications to the reconstruction process and/or data collection process to improve the reliability of reconstruction, in accordance with the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Biosensors International Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Benny Rousso, Eli Dichterman, Omer Ziv, Shlomo Ben-Haim
  • Patent number: 8822934
    Abstract: An automatic collimator changer of a radiation treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventors: Sohail Sayeh, Gopinath R. Kuduvalli, Hendricus J. Wolters, Kenneth W. Schulze, Michael J. Stratford-Collins, Monica A. Condit
  • Patent number: 8735837
    Abstract: A gamma radiation detecting apparatus includes a gamma radiation collimator, a scintillation crystal, a charge coupled device, and an electronic device. The collimator receives and collimates gamma radiation. The scintillation crystal receives the gamma radiation from the gamma radiation collimator and converts the gamma radiation into visible light. The charge coupled device receives the visible light from the scintillation crystal and converts the visible light into an electrical charge. The electronic device converts the electrical charge into a digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: John D. Idoine, Kelly E. Statham
  • Patent number: 8653464
    Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method for simultaneously determining in vivo distributions of bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers and radioactive markers at identical projection angles, the distribution of the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers being determined by separate detection of photons having a first average energy, which are emitted by the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers, by means of at least one first detector and the distribution of the radioactive markers being determined by simultaneous separate detection of photons having a second average energy, which are emitted by the radioactive markers, by means of at least one second detector. Furthermore, it also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the imaging method, containing at least one micro lens array optical tomographic imaging system as first detector, at least one single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) detector as second detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung des Oeffentlichen Rechts
    Inventor: Joerg Peter
  • Patent number: 8633445
    Abstract: An imaging method includes obtaining a first image data for a subset of a target region, the subset of the target region having a first metallic object, obtaining a second image data for the target region, and using the first and second image data to determine a composite image. A imaging system includes a first detector configured to provide a first projection data using a first radiation having high energy, and a second detector configured to provide a second projection data using a second radiation having low energy, wherein the first detector has a first length, the second detector has a second length, and the first length is less than 75% of the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Josh Star-Lack, Michael Green, Heinrich Riem, Timothy Guertin
  • Patent number: 8586932
    Abstract: A method of radioactive-emission-measurement. The method comprises providing a camera for the detection of single emissions, which defines proximal and distal ends. The camera is configured for enabling a reconstruction of a volumetric image having a line spread function of less than 7 mm Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) when given a substantially line source of radioactive emission, with an activity of 5 mCi, within a region-of-interest volume, at a distance of at least 100 mm from said distal end, with air being substantially the only operating medium. The method further comprises detecting at least 1 of every 5000 photons, emitted from at least one radioactive-emission source, located within a certain region-of-interest volume, using the camera, and reconstructing a volumetric radioactive-emission image from the detected photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Michael Nagler, Omer Ziv, Ran Ravhon, Dalia Dickman, Yoel Zilberstein, Eli Dichterman, Simona Ben-Haim, Shankar Vallabhajosula, Daniel Berman, Zohar Bronshtine, Ziv Popper, Nir Weissberg, Nathaniel Roth, Haim Melman
  • Patent number: 8558181
    Abstract: A gamma ray detection system includes a plurality of detector modules having a same length, where each detector module is configured to detect gamma rays generated from positron annihilation events. A first detector module of the plurality of detector modules is shifted by a predetermined distance in an axial direction from a second detector module of the plurality of detector modules that is adjacent to the first detector module, where the predetermined distance is less than the length of the detector modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Wenli Wang
  • Patent number: 8552389
    Abstract: A system and method for collimation in diagnostic imaging systems is provided. One collimation system includes a collimator for a radiation imaging detector having a plurality of adjustable segments and a plurality of collimator holes within each of the plurality of adjustable segments. The plurality of adjustable segments are configured to move independently of a detector to adjust a field of view of the collimator holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Yaron Hefetz