With Output System Patents (Class 250/369)
  • Patent number: 9817134
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are utilized to improve the timing performance of SiPM based PET detectors with light-sharing configuration. The universal readout design utilizes adaptive group readout to process noisy and slow signals generated by SiPM devices, and provides enhanced timing capabilities with simplified readout electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Geng Fu, Floribertus P M Heukensfeldt Jansen, Hua Qian, Xiao Jin, Jianjun Guo
  • Patent number: 9784784
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a signal processing device includes a first integrator, a second integrator, a switcher, and a calculator. The first integrator is configured to integrate a current represented by a reference waveform equivalent to a normal waveform in a case of no pileup phenomenon regarding the current to calculate a first electrical charge. The second integrator is configured to integrate a current output from a photoelectric converter to calculate a second electrical charge. The switcher is configured to, when a pileup phenomenon has occurred, perform switching either to a state in which the first and second electrical charges are output or to a state in which the first electrical charge and a reference charge are output. The calculator is configured to calculate a first difference charge between the first and second electrical charges, and calculate a second difference charge between the first electrical charge and the reference charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kimura, Hideyuki Funaki
  • Patent number: 9720112
    Abstract: A device having: a scintillator material, an optically transparent element containing a glass or polymer and gadolinium oxide, and one or more photomultiplier tubes adjacent to the scintillator material. The optically transparent element is surrounded by the scintillator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alan L. Huston, Brian L. Justus, Alan L. Justus
  • Patent number: 9702244
    Abstract: A system includes a light source, optical fiber coupled to the light source, one or more interferometers coupled to the optical fiber, wherein each interferometer of the one or more interferometers comprising a gauge length, a photodetector assembly coupled to the optical fiber, and an information handling system. The photodetector assembly is configured to detect backscattered light from the optical fiber and generate signals based on the detected backscattered light. The an information handling system is configured to receive the signals from the photodetector assembly, apply a de-convolution operation to the signals based on the gauge lengths of the one or more interferometers, and store the de-convolved signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Elliott Willis, Amit Padhi, David Barfoot
  • Patent number: 9659389
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a scatter simulation processor which processes measured sinograms generated from imaging data acquired for an imaging subject by an imaging apparatus to produce a scatter sinogram that represents a shape of scatter contribution. A scatter scaling processor utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to determine a scatter fraction and scales the scatter sinogram to generate a scaled scatter sinogram that matches the scatter contribution in the measured sinogram. A reconstruction processor reconstructs the imaging data into an image representation using the scaled scatter sinogram for scatter correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Jinghan Ye
  • Patent number: 9653505
    Abstract: A photo detector and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The photo detector includes a first substrate and a photo conversion element. The first substrate has a sensor element array for receiving a light with a spectrum in a specific wavelength range. The photo conversion element is disposed on the sensor element array, where the photo conversion element includes a photo conversion material layer and a doped photo conversion material column structure layer. A luminescent spectrum of the doped photo conversion material layer column structure layer is overlapped with the spectrum in a specific wavelength range, and a luminescent spectrum of the photo conversion material layer is non-overlapped with the spectrum in a specific wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Te-Ming Chen, Chin-Mao Lin
  • Patent number: 9632188
    Abstract: A method and a system for fissile content measurement that utilizes a detector configured to detect fast neutrons. An external radiation source may be used to induce fission in a sample to allow the measurement of a fissile material of the sample with a low spontaneous fission probability. Analyzing the sample may be based on the energy spectrum of emitted neutrons. That is, the energy information regarding the energy of the fast neutrons is obtained, and the fast neutrons as having a high likelihood of originating in a nuclear fission process as opposed to originating in an (alpha,n) reaction by utilizing the obtained energy information are classified to analyze the sample. Alternatively, a position of interaction in the detector of neutron emitted by the sample is measured, and this position is retraced back through intervening material(s) between the detector and the sample to determine the spacial geometry of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignees: RAYTHEON COMPANY, ARKTIS RADIATION DETECTORS LTD.
    Inventors: Rico S. Chandrasekharan, Michael V. Hynes, Donald D. Flechtner
  • Patent number: 9609446
    Abstract: A sensor system is provided. The sensor system includes a control device and a sensor device. The control device has an audio combo jack and selectively provides an audio signal to the audio combo jack. The sensor device is connected with the audio combo jack. The sensor device includes a transformer, a rectifier, a power supply circuit, and a sensor. The transformer receives the audio signal through the audio combo jack and amplifies the audio signal to generate an amplified audio signal. The rectifier, coupled to the transformer, receives the amplified audio signal and rectifies the amplified audio signal to generate a rectified voltage signal. The power supply circuit is controlled by the rectified voltage signal to provide a supply voltage. The sensor is powered by the supply voltage to perform a sensing operation. An output signal which carries information related the sensing operation is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Lin Hsieh, Hsin-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 9606245
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging gamma- and x-ray, and charged particles sources employing a three dimensional array of scintillation elements arranged surrounding an emission source. According to a preferred embodiment, each element of the array comprises a scintillator element, a solid-state photon detector, and processing electronics to output an electronic signal. The elements may be efficiently packed in both the X-Y plane and stacked in the Z-axis, to provide depth of interaction information. The elements of the array are preferably hierarchically arranged with control electronics provided together for subarray modules (e.g., an n×m×1 module), and synchronization electronics provided at a larger scale. The modules preferably communicate with a control system through a shared addressable packet switched digital communication network with a control and imaging system, and receive control information from that system through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of South Carolina, Cornell University
    Inventors: Steve Czarnecki, Andrzej Krol, Krishna Mandal, Mark D. Poliks, C. Ross Schmidtlein, Michael Thompson, James Turner
  • Patent number: 9588236
    Abstract: A radioactivity analyzing apparatus for analyzing a radionuclide contained in a sample material. The apparatus includes a radiation detector that detects a radiation to be detected emitted from the sample material and a radiation analyzer configured to analyze the radiation based on an output from the radiation detector. The radiation analyzer includes a pulse-height analyzer configured to extract a pulse-height distribution from a pulse signal being output from the radiation detector and depending on the radiation, an inverse-problem operator configured to perform an inverse-problem solution of the pulse-height distribution to extract an energy spectrum of the radiation, and a deterioration detector configured to determine a deterioration state of the radiation detector based on the extracted energy spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsushi Azuma, Masateru Hayashi, Hiroshi Nishizawa, Hajime Nakajima, Kenji Inomata, Masakazu Nakanishi, Toshihide Aiba
  • Patent number: 9528970
    Abstract: The multiplexed connection circuit (100) comprises a plurality of channels furnished with p channels (101), in particular configured so as to detect at least one particle, and a plurality of output pathways furnished with n output pathways (102), with p>n, each channel being connected to a lone output pathway (102). The circuit furthermore comprises groups of adjacent channels, each channel (101) of the connection circuit (100) belonging to at least one group of adjacent channels and each group of adjacent channels being defined by an assembly formed by the connections of the channels (101) of the group of adjacent channels to the corresponding output pathways (102), this assembly forming a group of output pathways which is associated with the group of adjacent channels, and each group of adjacent channels is associated with a single group of output pathways, different from that of the other groups of adjacent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Sebastien Procureur, Stefan Aune, Raphael Dupre
  • Patent number: 9423511
    Abstract: When designing detector arrays for diagnostic imaging devices, such as PET or SPECT devices, a virtual detector, or pixel, combines scintillator crystals (10, 20, 40) with photodetectors (12) in ratios that deviate from the conventional 1:1 ratio. For instance, multiple photodetectors can be glued to a single crystal to create a virtual pixel (10, 20, 40) which can be software-based or hardware-based. Light energy and time stamp information for a gamma ray hit on the crystal can be calculated using a virtualizer processor or using a trigger line network and time-to-digital converter logic. Additionally or alternatively, multiple crystals (54) can be associated with each of a plurality of photodetectors (52). A gamma ray hit on a specific crystal is then determined by a table lookup of adjacent photodetectors (52) that register equal light intensities, and the crystal (54) common to such photodetectors (52) is identified as the location of the hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Andreas Thon
  • Patent number: 9423514
    Abstract: Detection apparatus for detecting radiation The invention relates to a detection apparatus for detecting radiation. The detection apparatus comprises at least two scintillators (14, 15) having different temporal behaviors, each generating scintillation light upon reception of radiation, wherein the generated scintillation light is commonly detected by a scintillation light detection unit (16), thereby generating a common light detection signal. A detection values determining unit determines first detection values by applying a first determination process and second detection values by applying a second determination process, which is different to the first determination process, on the detection signal. The first determination process includes frequency filtering the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Axel Thran, Roland Proksa
  • Patent number: 9417334
    Abstract: Preprocessing is conducted on a unipolar pulse output from a photomultiplier tube, to thereby generate a bipolar signal (bipolar pulse). In the bipolar signal, the falling waveform portion (back slope) of the initial peak waveform is steep, and also cuts across the baseline, whereby it is possible to accurately identify the falling point as the zero crossing point. The accuracy of identification of the pulse width “t” can be improved thereby. In addition to the pulse width, further reference may be made to the crest value of the unipolar pulse, the crest value of the bipolar signal, and the like, when determining line type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI ALOKA MEDICAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiraku Katsuyama, Toru Kato, Toshiro Obata
  • Patent number: 9370670
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a radioactive source tracking system adapted to determine in real time a spatial position of a gamma source in a volume, including a set of spatially distributed position sensitive detectors operable in real time arranged about the volume. The system includes a real time computer system adapted to calculate the spatial position per time stamp of the gamma source in the volume based on respective signals generated by the position sensitive detectors. In addition, the radioactive source is represented by a 3D or 4D data stream in real time. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for tracking a radioactive gamma source and a computer program product for causing a processor to determine a real time 3D or a 4D spatial position of a gamma source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NUCLETRON OPERATIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Henning, Bas Woudstra, Jeroen Schuurman
  • Patent number: 9310491
    Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing, and a scintillator body carried within the housing and including a proximal portion defining a proximal end, a distal portion defining a distal end, and a medial portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The scintillator body may have a constant diameter along the proximal portion, and a decreasing diameter along the distal portion from the medial portion to the distal end. The radiation detector may further include a photodetector coupled to the distal end of the scintillator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth Stephenson
  • Patent number: 9251605
    Abstract: In a method for correcting for residual activity due to an earlier tracer in a later PET or SPECT scan image at reconstruction, thereby generating a residual-corrected later image the residual activity is estimated by detecting the time of an introduction of a tracer for the later PET or SPECT scan; and separating the residual activity from the true counts during iterative reconstruction of the PET or SPECT scan image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Inki Hong, Xiao-Bo Pan
  • Patent number: 9234967
    Abstract: System and method for linearization of photometric response of an imaging sensor of a multi-camera flat panel X-Ray detector. The linearization includes acquiring by the imaging sensor, during a linearization phase, at least two images related to detectable radiation radiated by a scintillator in response to X-Ray radiation generated by an X-Ray source at a field of view of the imaging sensor, wherein the intensity of the X-Ray radiation generated by the X-Ray source is different for each of the images, measuring by a light energy measurement unit, substantially simultaneously with the acquiring of each of the images, at least two corresponding levels of energy of the detectable radiation, wherein the light energy measurement unit is substantially linear at the range of operation, and calculating an inverse response function to the imaging sensor based on the images and on the corresponding levels of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GENERIC IMAGING LTD
    Inventors: Eduard Batkilin, Irina Karelin, Alex Feldman
  • Patent number: 9182500
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for amplitude digitization of nuclear radiation pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHINA
    Inventors: Yonggang Wang, Wensong Zhu, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 9167681
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for operating a traveling wave linear accelerator to generate stable electron beams at two or more different intensities by varying the number of electrons injected into the accelerator structure during each pulse by varying the electron beam current applied to an electron gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Accuray, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Cheung, Roger H. Miller, Juwen Wang
  • Patent number: 9029791
    Abstract: A customizable and upgradable imaging system is provided. Imaging detector columns are installed in a gantry to receive imaging information about a subject. Imaging detector columns can extend and retract radially as well as be rotated orbitally around the gantry. The gantry can be partially populated with detector columns and the detector columns can be partially populated with detector elements. The system can automatically adjust an imaging operation based on installation information related to partial population or other factors such as scan type or subject specific information. This system can be a Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging system to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gil Kovalski, Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Jonathan Sachs, Yariv Grobshtein, Yulim Zingerman, Arie Eshco, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 9030675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a distance between charged particle beamlets in a multi-beamlet exposure apparatus. The apparatus is provided with a sensor comprising a converter element for converting charged particle energy into light and a light sensitive detector provided with a two-dimensional pattern of beamlet blocking and non-blocking regions. The method comprises scanning a first beamlet over the pattern, receiving light generated by the converter element, and converting the received light into a first signal. Then the two-dimensional pattern and the first beamlet are moved relatively with respect to each other over a predetermined distance. Subsequently, the method comprises scanning a second beamlet over the pattern, receiving light generated by the converter element, and converting the received light into a second signal. Finally, the distance between the first beamlet and second beamlet is determined based on the first signal, the second signal and the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Mapper Lithography IP B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Andries Meijer
  • Publication number: 20150108355
    Abstract: Disclosed are a charge sensitive amplifier, a detector and an X-ray photographing apparatus including the same. The charge sensitive amplifier includes an amplification unit that amplifies an electric charge input thereto, a capacitor that has one end of the capacitor, connected to an input terminal of the amplification unit, and the other end connected to an output terminal of the amplification unit, and a buffer unit that has an input terminal and an output terminal which is connected to the input terminal of the amplification unit and the one end of the capacitor. Impedance at the input terminal of the buffer unit is lower than impedance at the output terminal of the buffer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Kang-Ho LEE, Jin-Myoung KIM, Jae-chul PARK
  • Patent number: 9006669
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radiation detector includes a photodetector including a fluorescent film configured to convert radiation into light, and a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert light into an electrical signal, a circuit board configured to electrically drives the photodetector, and electronically processes an output signal from the photodetector, and a connection board configured to electrically connect the photodetector and circuit board, and including a flexible circuit board, and an IC mounting board connected to the flexible circuit board, less flexible than the flexible circuit board, and including an IC semiconductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hitoshi Chiyoma, Hiroshi Iwata
  • Patent number: 9006670
    Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a top receiving container in which one or more subjects are disposed, an X-ray detection unit that detects shadow images of the one or more subjects when X-rays are radiated to the one or more subjects and calculates an X-ray radiation angle of the radiated X-rays based on the shadow images of the one or more subjects, and a bottom receiving container having a receiving space in which the X-ray detection unit is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Ik Kim
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8981307
    Abstract: With a pulse-height analyzer, a reference-pulse generator generates a reference pulse of a given pulse height for a given period of time when an analog radiation pulse inputted to a comparator is higher than an initial threshold. A capacitor and a resistor receive the reference pulse, and then increase an increment threshold for the given period of time from the initial threshold to the given pulse height. Then the increment threshold is set as a reference voltage of the comparator. A pulse time width of the analog radiation pulse is determined through measuring a period of time from timing where the analog radiation pulse exceeds the initial threshold to timing where the analog radiation pulse being attenuated falls below the increment threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Shimadzu Corporation, The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Junichi Ohi, Tetsuo Furumiya, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Kenji Shimazoe
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150034831
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging device that can correct an output value of a pixel circuit. The imaging device includes a pixel circuit, a current detection circuit, an A/D converter, one or more memory circuit portions, and an arithmetic circuit portion. The pixel circuit includes a transistor, a charge accumulation portion, and a light-receiving element. The memory circuit portion includes a first look-up table, a second look-up table, and a region where image data output from the arithmetic circuit portion is stored. The first look-up table stores data of potentials of the charge accumulation portion, which depends on the intensity of light. The second look-up table stores output data of the transistor, which depends on the potentials of the charge accumulation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroyuki MIYAKE, Hideaki SHISHIDO
  • Publication number: 20150034830
    Abstract: A method for acquiring a PET image with ultra high resolution using movement of a PET device is provided. In the related art, there is a limit in lowering of the resolution below a half (d/2) of the width of a detector. According to the provided method, an image with ultra high resolution, which can jump over the limit, can be acquired. Further, since utilization of larger detectors becomes possible without a loss of the resolution, the sensitivity of the PET can be improved, and thus an image of higher quality can be acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Hang Keun Kim, Young Don Son, Zhang Hee Cho, Young Bo Kim, Dae Hyuk Kwon, Yo Han Joo
  • Patent number: 8946644
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a housing and a radiation detector accommodated in the housing. The radiation detector includes a scintillator for converting radiation into visible light and photodiodes for converting the visible light into electric charges. If it is assumed that a temperature-dependent rate of change in sensitivity of the scintillator with respect to the radiation is represented by A [%/K] and a temperature-dependent rate of change in sensitivity of the photodiodes with respect to visible light is represented by B [%/K], a scintillator and photodiodes are selected having temperature-dependent rates of change A and B that satisfy the following inequality (1): ?0.35 [%/K]<A+B<0.35 [%/K]??(1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Fumito Nariyuki, Toshitaka Agano, Yasunori Ohta, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 8933411
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device includes a signal processing circuit (22) processes signals from a detector array (16) which detects radiation from an imaging region (20). The hit signals are indicative of a corresponding detector (18) being hit by a radiation photon. The signal processing circuit (22) includes a plurality of input channels (321, 322, 323, 324), each input channel receiving hit signals from a corresponding detector element (18) such that each input channel (321, 322, 323, 324) corresponds to a location at which each hit signal is received. A plurality of integrators (42) integrate signals from the input channels (32) to determine an energy value associated with each radiation hit. A plurality of analog-to-digital converters (441, 442, 443, 444) convert the integrated energy value into a digital energy value. A plurality of time to digital converters (40) receive the hit signals and generate a digital time stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Torsten Solf
  • Publication number: 20150001406
    Abstract: An instrument for assaying radiation includes a flat panel detector having a first side opposed to a second side. A collimated aperture covers at least a portion of the first side of the flat panel detector. At least one of a display screen or a radiation shield may cover at least a portion of the second side of the flat panel detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jody Rustyn Coleman, Eduardo B. Farfan
  • 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: 8901505
    Abstract: A cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiological image recording medium that detects radiation, a base portion that supports the radiological image recording medium, and a case that accommodates the radiological image recording medium and the base portion. The case includes a front member and a back member. The front member includes a top plate part to which radiation is incident and a side wall part which is vertically formed around an entire circumference of the edges of the top plate part, where the top plate part and the side wall part are integrally formed by the same material. The back member is configured to close a bottom part opening of the front member. The base portion is fixed to the front member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeyasu Kobayashi, Akihito Bettouyashiki
  • Publication number: 20140339431
    Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes a substrate that permits visible light to pass therethrough, a converting element that includes a pixel electrode, an impurity semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor layer arranged in that order from a side adjacent to the substrate and is configured to convert radiation or light into charge, and a light source configured to emit the visible light through the substrate to the converting element. The pixel electrode includes a metal layer that permits the visible light to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Minoru Watanabe, Keigo Yokoyama, Masato Ofuji, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Patent number: 8890081
    Abstract: A continuous imaging system for recording low levels of light typically extending over small distances with high-frame rates and with a large number of frames is described. Photodiode pixels disposed in an array having a chosen geometry, each pixel having a dedicated amplifier, analog-to-digital convertor, and memory, provide parallel operation of the system. When combined with a plurality of scintillators responsive to a selected source of radiation, in a scintillator array, the light from each scintillator being directed to a single corresponding photodiode in close proximity or lens-coupled thereto, embodiments of the present imaging system may provide images of x-ray, gamma ray, proton, and neutron sources with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: Scott A. Watson, Howard A. Bender, III
  • Publication number: 20140312237
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a radiation source and a radiation image detecting device. The radiation image detecting device includes a solid-state detector and a wavelength conversion layer disposed in this order from a radiation incident side. The wavelength conversion layer has a first phosphor layer having first phosphor particles dispersed in a binder, and a second phosphor layer having second phosphor particles dispersed in a binder. The average particle diameter of the second phosphor particles is smaller than that of the first phosphor particles. The first phosphor layer is disposed on the side of the solid-state detector relative to the second phosphor layer, and joined to or pressed against the solid-state detector. The first and second phosphor particles are distributed in the first and second phosphor layers, respectively, such that the weight of the binder per unit thickness is gradually decreased to the side of the solid-state detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Yuichi HOSOI, Masaharu NAKATSU, Takafumi HIRONAKA, Hideyuki NOUMURA, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Patent number: 8866092
    Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a scintillator that is capable of emitting scintillating light in response to capturing different types of targeted radiation, a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator, and a control module electrically coupled to the photosensor. The control module can be configured to analyze state information of the radiation detection system, and select a first technique to determine which type of targeted radiation is captured by the scintillator, wherein the first technique is a particular technique of a plurality of techniques to determine which type of targeted radiation was captured by the scintillator, and the selection is based at least in part on the analysis. In an embodiment, the radiation detection system can be used to change from one technique to another in real time or near real time to allow the radiation detection system to respond to changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Artan Duraj, Peter R. Menge
  • Publication number: 20140291532
    Abstract: A composition of matter includes an organic molecule having a composition different than stilbene. The organic molecule is embodied as a crystal, and exhibits: an optical response signature for neutrons; an optical response signature for gamma rays, and performance comparable to or superior to stilbene in terms of distinguishing neutrons from gamma rays. The optical response signature for neutrons is different than the optical response signature for gamma rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Payne, Wolfgang Stoeffl, Natalia P. Zaitseva, Nerine J. Cherepy, M. Leslie Carman
  • Patent number: 8829445
    Abstract: Strontium halide scintillators, calcium halide scintillators, cerium halide scintillators, cesium barium halide scintillators, and related devices and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Vivek Nagarkar
  • Publication number: 20140246595
    Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a photosensor to receive light from a scintillator via an input and to send an electrical pulse at an output in response to receiving the light. The radiation detection system can also include a pulse analyzer that can determine whether the electrical pulse corresponds to a neutron-induced pulse, based on a ratio of an integral of a particular portion of the electrical pulse to an integral of a combination of a decay portion and a rise portion of the electrical pulse. Each of the integrals can be integrated over time. In a particular embodiment, the pulse analyzer can be configured to compare the ratio with a predetermined value and to identify the electrical pulse as a neutron-induced pulse when the ratio is at least the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Peter R. Menge, Clarisse Tur
  • Publication number: 20140246596
    Abstract: A radiation sensor including a scintillation layer configured to emit photons upon interaction with ionizing radiation and a photodetector including in order a first electrode, a photosensitive layer, and a photon-transmissive second electrode disposed in proximity to the scintillation layer. The photosensitive layer is configured to generate electron-hole pairs upon interaction with a part of the photons. The radiation sensor includes pixel circuitry electrically connected to the first electrode and configured to measure an imaging signal indicative of the electron-hole pairs generated in the photosensitive layer and a planarization layer disposed on the pixel circuitry between the first electrode and the pixel circuitry such that the first electrode is above a plane including the pixel circuitry. A surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode at least partially overlaps the pixel circuitry and has a surface inflection above features of the pixel circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Larry E. Antonuk
  • Publication number: 20140246594
    Abstract: A Gamma Detector (25) comprises a scintillation crystal block (26) and a set of Geigermode Avalanche Photodiode (G-APD) sensor elements (11) optically coupled to at least a first surface (27) of the scintillation crystal block (26). The G-APD sensor elements (11) are arranged in at least one elongate strip (10) of G-APD sensor elements (11), said G-APD strip (10) coupled to a readout circuit at one, preferably at both of its ends (FIG. 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bernd PICHLER, Armin KOLB, Eckart LORENZ
  • Patent number: 8822935
    Abstract: A radiation detector module (10) for use in a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanner (8) generates a trigger signal indicative of a detected radiation event. A timing circuit (22) including a first time-to-digital converter (TDC) (30) and a second TDC (31) is configured to output a corrected timestamp for the detected radiation event based on a first timestamp determined by the first TDC (30) and a second timestamp determined by the second TDC (31). The first TDC is synchronized to a first reference clock signal (40, 53) and the second TDC is synchronized to a second reference clock signal (42, 54), the first and second reference clock signals being asynchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Gordian Prescher
  • Publication number: 20140233700
    Abstract: A radiation detection device has: a scintillator for converting radiation into fluorescence; a photoelectric conversion unit for converting the fluorescence into an electric signal; and a reset light source unit for exposing reset light to the photoelectric conversion unit. A system control unit has an optical reset disabling unit for, based on a reset disabling instruction, disabling the exposure of the reset light output from the reset light source unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki NISHINO, Yasunori OHTA, Kouichi KITANO, Naoto IWAKIRI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Patent number: 8809790
    Abstract: A method and system for nuclear imaging normally involves detection of energy by producing bursts of photons in response to interactions involving incident gamma radiation. The detector sensitivity is increased by as much as two orders of magnitude, so that some excess sensitivity can be exchanged to achieve unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratio comparable to those in CT and MRI. Misplaced pileup events due to scattered radiation are rejected for each of the central groups to reduce image blurring, thereby further improving image quality. The reduction in detector thickness minimizes depth-of-interaction (DOI) blurring as well as blurring due to Compton-scattered radiation. The spatial sampling of the detector can be further increased using fiber optic coupling to reduce effective photodetector size. Fiber-optic coupling also enables to increase the packing fraction of PMTs to 100% by effectively removing the glass walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Tilahun Woldeselassie Woldemichael
  • Patent number: 8796632
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for radiation analysis, comprising a pulse discrimination module arranged to receive a signal corresponding to a pulse output by a scintillator and to determine a discrimination value indicative of one or more characteristics of the pulse, and a radiation type determination module for determining a type of radiation responsible for the pulse according to the discrimination value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hybrid Instruments Limited
    Inventors: Michael Aspinall, Malcolm Joyce
  • Patent number: 8779369
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus comprising a sensor panel and a scintillator panel is provided. The scintillator panel including a substrate, a scintillator disposed on the substrate, and a scintillator protective film that has a first organic protective layer and an inorganic protective layer, and covers the scintillator. The scintillator protective film is located between the sensor panel and the scintillator. The first organic protective layer is located on a scintillator side from the inorganic protective layer. A surface on a sensor panel side of the scintillator is partially in contact with the inorganic protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoaki Ichimura, Satoshi Okada, Kazumi Nagano, Keiichi Nomura, Yohei Ishida, Yoshito Sasaki, Akiya Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8772727
    Abstract: The application describes an X-ray detector for use in a medical equipment, wherein the detector comprises an unit for transforming X-ray radiation into electrical charge, a first capacitor for being charged by an electrical charge, wherein the first capacitor is electrically connected to the unit for transforming, a second capacitor for being charged by an electrical charge, and a first gain switching gate, wherein the second capacitor is electrically connected with the unit for transforming if the first gain switching gate is in on-state, wherein the detector is adapted to switch on the first gain switching gate for short periods. Further the application describes an X-ray system comprising a detector according to the invention, wherein the system is adapted for gain selection, wherein the detector is adapted to switch on the first gain switching gate for short periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Trixell
    Inventors: Walter Ruetten, Rainer Kiewitt, Olaf Wischhusen