Plural Signalling Means Patents (Class 250/394)
  • Publication number: 20100181491
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method of digital imaging comprising sensing photons on at least one pixel within a pixel array of a radiation detector; counting the photons using photon counting to produce a digital signal representative of the sensed photons; monitoring a photon flux associated with the sensed photons; and using photon integration to produce a digital signal representative of the sensed photons when the photon flux is higher than a predetermined photon flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Karim S. KARIM, Amirhossein GOLDAN, Bahman HAJI-KHAMNEH
  • Publication number: 20100176305
    Abstract: A method includes determining a signal current based on an average current associated with one or more detectors. The method also includes determining a strip voltage based on the signal current. The method further includes biasing a strip resistance with the strip voltage. The biasing of the strip resistance creates a strip current. The method additionally includes biasing a detector array with a detector voltage. The biasing of the detector array creates a detector current. The method also includes determining levels of incident radiation from a scene based on the strip current and the detector current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Todd E. Sessler, Matthew T. Kuiken, Robert M. Stokes, William M. Bowser
  • Publication number: 20100172466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector, particularly an X-ray detector (100), comprising a counting circuitry (10, 20, 30) for counting electrical pulses generated by the (sub-)pixels (2) of the detector. In the counting circuitry, the results counted by a fast counting stage (10) are at intervals transferred to a slow counting stage (20). The fast counting stage (10) may for example comprise a fast counter (111) with a low bit-depth operating as a frequency divider in front of a slow counter (121) of high bit-depth in the slow counting stage (20). The counting circuitry (10, 20, 30) can optionally be fed via a multiplexer (4) with the signals of several (sub-)pixels (2). Furthermore, the pixels (1, 2) of the radiation device may optionally deliver energy resolved pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Roger Steadman, Guenter Zeitler, Christian Baeumer
  • Publication number: 20100171041
    Abstract: The invention provides a tomograph, and a tomography method, that is capable of providing reconstructed images of high resolution without truncation for large subjects such as a human body. The tomography 10 consists of first detecting unit 18 that is equipped with multiple radiation detectors, which are arranged in such a way that the view field centers of pinhole collimeters they own approximately match with each other, and is capable of moving around a subject 12 along first orbit C1, and a second detecting unit 22 that is equipped with a plurality of radiation detectors and is capable of moving around the subject 12 along a second orbit C2 that is placed further away from the subject 12 than the first orbit C1, and reconstructs images using image data obtained by the first detector 18 and the second detecting unit 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: JAPAN HEALTH SCIENCES FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Hidehiro Iida
  • Publication number: 20100163744
    Abstract: This application relates to radiation detection, and more particularly, to a method and device for the remote detection and localization of nuclear materials in an unknown background. A method and apparatus for long range neutron and gamma ray detection and imaging is disclosed wherein a panel of thin walled tube detectors are rotated to enhance detection performance. The method and apparatus have particular applicability to portable monitoring and homeland security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lacy
  • Publication number: 20100148080
    Abstract: First drive wirings electrically connected to output switching elements TT11 to TT63 in a plurality of n-th row pixels 111 and second drive wirings electrically connected to initializing switch elements TR11 to TR63 in a plurality of pixels 111 along a predetermined row are connected to a first drive circuit unit 121 arranged on a first side of a glass substrate 10. Third drive wirings electrically connected to output switching elements in a plurality of n+1-th row pixels 111 and fourth drive wirings electrically connected to initializing switch element in a plurality of pixels 111 along another row different from a predetermined row are connected to a second drive circuit unit 122 arranged along a second side in opposition to the first side of the glass substrate 10 sandwiching the converting unit 110 between the first and second sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20100148076
    Abstract: When a first image capturing apparatus installed in an image capturing room is selected and a power supply switch of a radiation converter used in the first image capturing apparatus is turned on, a controller generates an image capturing apparatus identification signal for specifying the image capturing apparatus, and sends the identification signal together with ID information of the selected image capturing apparatus stored in an ID memory to a console in the image capturing room via a transceiver by wireless communications. The console reads image capturing conditions for the selected image capturing apparatus from an image capturing condition storage unit, and supplies the conditions to a radiation generator for recording a radiographic image in the radiation converter. The radiation generator controls a radiation source according to the supplied conditions to emit radiation for recording a desired radiographic image on a radiation conversion panel of the radiation converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Keiji Tsubota, Yasunori Ohta, Yutaka Yoshida, Masato Hattori
  • Patent number: 7718975
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7711661
    Abstract: A system for identifying radionuclide emissions is described. The system includes at least one processor for processing output signals from a radionuclide detecting device, at least one training algorithm run by the at least one processor for analyzing data derived from at least one set of known sample data from the output signals, at least one classification algorithm derived from the training algorithm for classifying unknown sample data, wherein the at least one training algorithm analyzes the at least one sample data set to derive at least one rule used by said classification algorithm for identifying at least one radionuclide emission detected by the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Charles A. Gentile, Jason Perry, Stephen W. Langish, Kenneth Silber, William M. Davis, Dana Mastrovito
  • Publication number: 20100078573
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a flexible radiation detector for detecting radiation that has passed through a subject and converting the detected radiation into radiation image information. The flexible radiation detector includes a flexible substrate, and a plurality of solid block bodies mounted in a two-dimensional array on the flexible radiation detector. The radiation detecting apparatus is capable of avoiding excessive deformations in the radiation detector, and prevents image distortions of the radiation image information. The radiation detecting apparatus also prevents disconnections in the radiation detector. There is also provided a radiation image capturing system incorporating such a radiation detecting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta, Yasuhiro Seto, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida, Eiichi Kito, Shinji Imai
  • Publication number: 20100072385
    Abstract: Disclosed is an device for detecting and identifying a radioactive material, comprising: a first detector including a detection surface and generating first pulse signals when gamma rays are incident onto said detection surface; a second detector generating second pulse signals and provided in the front of the detection surface of the first detector, so that the gamma rays entering the second detector directly enter the first detector after passing through the second detector; and an identification unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Hua Peng, Kun Zhao, Yu He, Ming Ruan
  • Patent number: 7679066
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7671342
    Abstract: X-ray portal imaging detectors have multiple layers, such as multiple layers of phosphor screens and/or detectors. Some x-rays that pass through one layer are detected or converted into light energies in a different layer. For example, one phosphor screen is provided in front and another behind that panel detector circuitry. Light generated in each of the phosphor screens is detected by the same detector circuitry. As another example, multiple layers of phosphor screens and associated detector circuits are provided. Some x-rays passing through one layer may be detected in a different layer. High energy x-rays associated with Megavoltage sources as well as lower or higher energy x-rays may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Farhad A. Ghelmansarai
  • Publication number: 20100038548
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of a source (S) of photons from interactions of photons emitted by this source with a detector (2) of a gamma-camera, positioned behind a collimator (4), including: associating with each photon interaction with the detector, a piece of information relating to the depth in the detector, of this interaction, reconstructing an image of the source (S) of photons from said depth information in the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'energie Atomique
    Inventors: Lucie Guerin, Veronique Rebuffel, Loick Verger
  • Patent number: 7663120
    Abstract: A radiation detector 6 detects radiation that passed through a specimen 2 by discriminating it by a plurality of energy regions. The radiation detector 6 includes a radiation detecting section 10 which generates output signals corresponding to energy of the incident radiation, and a signal processing section 20 which discriminates output signals by first through N-th signal discrimination thresholds T1 through TN and acquires regional counts A1 through AN as radiation counts in the plurality of energy regions W1 through WN by counting the discriminated output signals. The first through N-th signal discrimination thresholds T1 through TN are set so that reference regional counts A1(B) through AN(B) as regional counts in the plurality of energy regions W1 through WN when the radiation detecting section 10 detects radiation (reference radiation) before passing through the specimen 2 become substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tomita, Yuji Shirayanagi, Shinjiro Matsui
  • Publication number: 20100020919
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Dumitru Dragan, Dean O. Bishop, Rizwan S. Hassan, Jorge I. Zapata
  • Patent number: 7649183
    Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring an item for radioactive material on or associated with the item, the apparatus including an enclosed volume, an item monitoring location, a detection location, ion detectors provided within the detection location, a mover of gas for providing a flow of gas past the item monitoring location to a detection location, so as to revel the level and/or presence of radioactive material on the item. The item may be supported within the monitoring location by one or more rollers to ease its insertion and/or removal. The item monitoring location may be extremely elongate so as to measure pipes and the like. Various designs of roller and gas flow controllers are provided to optimize monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: VT Nuclear Services Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Henry Orr
  • Patent number: 7649181
    Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7649180
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7649182
    Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100006764
    Abstract: A dynamic radiation monitor having a detector coupled to a computer to determine at any given location, the amount of time a person has before a pre-selected maximum permissible radiation exposure is received. The device dynamically calculates and outputs the user's permissible stay time for a given area based on a personalized maximum permissible dose, and adjusts in real time the output based on elapsed time and changing exposure rate. The device also provides the user audio and visual feedback such as varying background colors for different stay time ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jerrold T. Bushberg
  • Publication number: 20100001200
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided for radioimaging a region of interest (ROI) of a subject. The system includes a housing, a support structure, which is movably coupled to the housing, and at least one motor assembly, coupled to the housing and the support structure, and configured to move the support structure with respect to the housing. The system also includes at least two detector assemblies, fixed to the support structure, and comprising respective radiation detectors and angular orientators. A control unit drives the motor assembly to position the support structure in a plurality of positions with respect to the housing, and, while the support structure is positioned in each of the plurality of positions, drives the orientators to orient the respective detectors in a plurality of rotational orientations with respect to the ROI, and to detect radiation from the ROI at the rotational orientations. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Haim Melman, Michael Nagler, Benny Rousso, Yoel Zilberstien, Sajed Haj-Yahya
  • Publication number: 20090302232
    Abstract: A radiation detection and counting system (2) includes a radiation detector element (5) for outputting a signal related to an energy of a radiation event received thereby and an amplifier (8) for amplifying the signal output by the detector element (5). A gain equalization circuit (10) adjusts the gain of the amplified output signal and a plurality of comparators (12) compare the gain adjusted amplified output signal to a like plurality of different valued threshold signals that are independently adjustable of each other A plurality of counters (20) is operative whereupon only the counter associated with the one comparator (12) that changes state in response to the peak of the gain adjusted amplified output signal exceeding the value of the trigger threshold signal thereof is incremented. A storage (24) stores the incremented value of each counter (20) accumulated over a sample time interval and data output logic circuit (26) transfers the stored accumulated counts out of the storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicants: II-VI INCORPORATED, BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Grosholz, JR., Paul O'Connor, Gianluigi Degeronimo
  • Patent number: 7615757
    Abstract: The semiconductor radiological detector 1 minimizes a dead space resulting from the draw-out of a signal line from an electrode and which allows a number of semiconductor devices to be densely arranged to improve sensitivity and spatial resolution. The semiconductor radiological detector 1 comprises a semiconductor device 2, an anode 3 attached to one surface of the semiconductor device 2, and a cathode 4 attached to the other surface of the semiconductor device 2. A signal line 5 is provided on the anode 3; the signal line 5 extends straight from the anode 3 and is connected to an X axis wire 12. Another signal line 13 is provided on the cathode 4; the signal line 13 extends straight from the cathode 4 and is connected to a Y axis wire 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuma Yokoi, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Kensuke Amemiya, Yuuichirou Ueno, Katsutoshi Tsuchiya, Norihito Yanagita, Shinichi Kojima
  • Patent number: 7601966
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided for radioimaging a region of interest (ROI) of a subject. The system includes a housing, a support structure, which is movably coupled to the housing, and at least one motor assembly, coupled to the housing and the support structure, and configured to move the support structure with respect to the housing. The system also includes at least two detector assemblies, fixed to the support structure, and comprising respective radiation detectors and angular orientators. A control unit drives the motor assembly to position the support structure in a plurality of positions with respect to the housing, and, while the support structure is positioned in each of the plurality of positions, drives the orientators to orient the respective detectors in a plurality of rotational orientations with respect to the ROI, and to detect radiation from the ROI at the rotational orientations. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Haim Melman, Michael Nagler, Benny Rousso, Yoel Zilberstien, Sajed Haj-Yahya
  • Patent number: 7601967
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090248365
    Abstract: In a real time container monitoring system, a data collection computer is in communication with the control computer of a container crane. The electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units carried by the spreader of the container crane is applied to the data collection computer to store as digital data information commensurate with the electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units in response to the control signal being indicative that the container has been engaged by the twist locks. A data analysis computer is in network communication with the data collection computer to download the digital data from the data collection computer and analyze the digital data to determine whether the threat material is present in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: John I. Alioto, Matthew T. Alioto
  • Patent number: 7595494
    Abstract: A radiation detection system and method suitable for use by a first responder to detect a radiological source. The system includes a container that encloses a chamber containing a pressurized inert gas. Incident gamma rays pass through walls of the container to interact with inert gas atoms within the chamber. Wavelength-shifting fiber elements are disposed within scintillator bars oriented parallel to and radially spaced from the chamber axis. At least one sensor is interconnected with the fiber elements to receive first signals therefrom in response to the scattered gamma rays. An electrically-charged wire is disposed within the container along the axis thereof. The wire is adapted to attract electrons released from atoms of the inert gas that are ionized from being impacted by an incident gamma ray, and then produce second signals in response to the released electrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: David S. Koltick, Ivan S. Novikov, Howard M. Harmless, Aaron B. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20090236537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiographic examination and radioactive material inspection, and provides a system and a method capable of simultaneous radiographic examination and radioactive material inspection. The system comprises a radiographic examination system and a radiation monitor; wherein the radiographic examination system comprises an accelerator and a synchronization controller, and the radiation monitor comprises a detector, a front end circuit, a signal transmission controller, a data collecting, analyzing and processing computer, an alarm device and so on. The present invention combines the radiographic examination system and the radiation monitor tightly so that the radioactive material inspection can be executed while the radiographic examination is performed, thereby the examination efficiency is improved and the occupied area of the system is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Xiaobing Wang, Yu He, Kun Zhao, Qingjun Zhang, Hua Peng
  • Publication number: 20090236538
    Abstract: A system, method, and mobile vehicle, identify materials associated with radiation that has been detected. A set of radiation data associated with radiation from at least one radiation source is received from a set of radiation sensors mechanically coupled to the mobile vehicle. At least one histogram is generated based on the set of radiation data. The at least one histogram represents a spectral image of radiation from the radiation source. The at least one histogram is compared to multiple spectral images associated with known materials. The at least one histogram is determined to substantially match at least one of the multiple spectral images. A determination is made as to whether the material is a hazardous material. Personnel are notified that the at least one radiation source is a hazardous material in response to determining that the material associated with the at least one of the multiple spectral images is a hazardous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Frank
  • Patent number: 7592603
    Abstract: A radiation detector can perform both rate and dose measurements for personal safety and also to provide measurements that are sufficiently sensitive for security applications. In one embodiment, a radiation detector has a first measurement channel and a second measurement channel, where the second measurement channel can measure radiation at levels that would saturate the first measurement channel. The detector can automatically switch between the high and low sensitivity channels while continuously integrating the measured rates to determine a radiation dose. The detector can also conserve power by automatically shutting off the unused measurement channel and still give a personal safety warning when the radiation rate or the dose reaches respective alarm thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: RAE Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Hsi, Yuzhong June Wang
  • Patent number: 7573039
    Abstract: An approach for the selection of Compton camera shapes, configurations, positions, orientations, trajectory paths, and detector element sets is provided for collecting data for analysis using the surface integral and integral-of-line-integral methods of reconstruction Compton data. Methods are introduced for (1) selecting one or more imaging lines through a radioactive distribution for which approximations of integrals of radioactivity are to be derived, (2) selecting and using Compton camera relative positions, relative orientations, and detector element sets that “correspond to” the selected imaging lines to collect the needed data; and (3) deriving approximations of integrals of radioactivity along those imaging lines. This methodological approach is used to reconstruct line integrals, cross-sections, local volumes, parallel projections, and cone-beam projections of radioactive distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7566881
    Abstract: An interactive combination of Phoswich detector array (PDA) and differential absorption lidar (DIAL) is proposed to trace the unknown radioactive plumes released into the atmosphere from a reactor stack, containment of the nuclear power plants, radioisotope separation laboratories, reprocessing plants or the uranium conversion facilities. The hybrid system represents a powerful technique for the prompt identification and quantification of the effluents with various radionuclide contents to determine the corresponding external dose rate accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Parviz Parvin, Gholamreza Shayeganrad
  • Publication number: 20090166540
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting orientation of a radioactive material to determine presence and position of the radioactive material, comprising: at least one first radiation detector; at least one second radiation detector, each of said at least one second radiation detector and each of said at least one first radiation detector being arranged side by side and in pairs, detection surfaces of said first and second radiation detector being in the same plane to receive radiation from the same direction in the same manner and to generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal, respectively; a shielding plate, said shielding plate being arranged between said first radiation detector and said second radiation detector arranged in a pair and extending forward beyond said detection surfaces; and a determination device for receiving the first and second detection signals from said first and second radiation detector, and determining whether a radioactive material exists or not according to said fi
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Hua Peng, Kun Zhao, Yu He, Ming Ruan
  • Publication number: 20090140159
    Abstract: A radiation detector 6 detects radiation that passed through a specimen 2 by discriminating it by a plurality of energy regions. The radiation detector 6 includes a radiation detecting section 10 which generates output signals corresponding to energy of the incident radiation, and a signal processing section 20 which discriminates output signals by first through N-th signal discrimination thresholds T1 through TN and acquires regional counts A1 through AN as radiation counts in the plurality of energy regions W1 through WN by counting the discriminated output signals. The first through N-th signal discrimination thresholds T1 through TN are set so that reference regional counts A1(B) through AN(B) as regional counts in the plurality of energy regions W1 through WN when the radiation detecting section 10 detects radiation (reference radiation) before passing through the specimen 2 become substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tomita, Yuji Shirayanagi, Shinjiro Matsui
  • Publication number: 20090134337
    Abstract: A system for combining the spectral data from multiple ionizing radiation detectors of different types and having different photopeak energy resolutions. First, baseline estimation is performed on each spectral histogram separately, discerning peak regions from underlying continuum using respective peak response functions. All spectra are subsequently rebinned to the same energy calibration and the peak spectra are convolved to produce a single convolution spectrum. All peak counts are redistributed locally according to the convolution spectrum in energy regions proportional to respective local energy resolution. The summation of these redistributed peak spectra can then be analyzed as a single spectrum using a common photopeak response and energy calibration. This process can be embodied in software or firmware. A preferred hybrid system might include a combination of lower resolution, higher efficiency detectors and higher resolution, lower efficiency detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: William Robert Russ, Massimo Morichi
  • Publication number: 20090078882
    Abstract: An arrangement for detecting and initiating indication of doses of radiation includes radiation dose receiving elements and function handling elements for storing and displaying received radiations/radiation doses. The arrangement is operable by one or several power sources, and includes one or several portable meters exhibiting miniature external dimensions and having internal power sources. The respective meter is provided with radiation receiving elements and function handling elements. Each meter includes one or several preferably continuously connected first components, requiring low power, and temporarily connectable second components, requiring increased or increasing power in relation to the low power. One or several third components, handling the temporary connection and disconnection of the second component or components, is/are included. The first components are activated at low radiation intensities and the second components are connected when high radiation intensities are occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Tomas Unfors
  • Patent number: 7485871
    Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention utilizing a first radiation monitoring module, radiation information associated with the first radiation monitoring module within a tunnel is wirelessly transmitted to a second radiation monitoring module. The second radiation monitoring module is able to receive radiation information from the first radiation monitoring module for relay of the received radiation information to a central monitoring system. The radiation monitoring modules of the present invention allow long term monitoring of a tunnel's radiation levels with maintenance simply requiring replacement of a non-operational tunnel monitoring module by a robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Celestech, Inc.
    Inventors: Tell A. Gates, John W. Peel
  • Patent number: 7479642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) having a matrix array of electronic field elements (Fij), which may for example be sensor elements of an X-ray detector or pixels of a display. The field elements (Fij) are connected to access lines (Al, Dk) which, starting from a driver circuit (2, 3) at the border of the array, are routed in zigzag fashion along diagonals. In this way it is possible to provide address lines (Al) and data lines (Dk) which are locally orthogonal to one another and make it possible for individual field elements (Fij) to be addressed unambiguously. The associated driver circuits (2, 3) may be arranged at the same border or at opposite borders of the matrix, so that an array of almost any desired length can be put together from the device (1) without gaps in one dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Publication number: 20090008565
    Abstract: A combined format gamma-ray detector (D) for measuring impinging gamma-rays (10) includes an active upper level coded aperture detector plane member (12) that is suitable for detecting an impinging gamma-ray (10). An active lower level gamma ray detector plane member (14) that is spaced apart from the upper level coded aperture (12) detects an impinging gamma-ray (10). At low gamma-ray energies, the combined format gamma-ray detector device (D) operates as a conventional coded aperture system and at higher gamma-ray energies, the combined format gamma-ray detector device operates as a Compton scattering detector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stephen R. Gottesman
  • Publication number: 20090008567
    Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 7470914
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dual array detector module adapted to radiation-imaging, comprising: a first detector array consisting of a plurality of first detectors and arranged on a first surface of a heavy metal plate; a second detector array consisting of a plurality of second detectors and arranged on a second surface of the heavy metal plate opposite to the first surface; and a mounting frame, in which the first detector away and the second detector array arranged on the first and second surfaces of the heavy metal plate respectively are mounted in the mounting frame, a housing which has a substantially elbow shape in cross-section, wherein an electronic circuit board having an output terminal and an input terminal is disposed inside the housing, in which the input terminal of the electronic circuit board is connected to signal output terminals of the first and second detector arrays and the output terminal of the electronic circuit board is connected to a socket mounted on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Yuanjing Li, Shuwei Li, Qingjun Zhang, Qingwen Miao, Wenhuan Gao, Zhude Dai, Nianming Jiang
  • Publication number: 20080315110
    Abstract: An improved radiation detection device measures a broad range of dose rate levels. According to one arrangement, the radiation detection device calculates a radiation value based on, gamma count information representing counts for different energy levels of radiation in a radiation field as well as a radiation intensity indicator value (e.g., photomultiplier tube anode DC current, measured directly by conventional Analog to Digital Converters or indirectly by power or current consumption information indicating how much energy is required to maintain a photomultiplier tube at a constant voltage) that is at least proportional to an amount of overall radiation energy detected in the radiation sample. Based on a combination of the gamma count information and the radiation intensity indicator value, a controller associated with a corresponding radiation detection device can calculate a radiation dose rate associated with the received radiation sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Iwatschenko-Borho, Norbert Trost, Ralf Pijahn
  • Publication number: 20080302971
    Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080283765
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 7453076
    Abstract: A system for treating target cells with both positive and negative ions comprises a bi-polar beam delivery system configured to create and deliver both positive ion beams and negative ion beams. The bi-polar beam delivery system comprises a bi-polar accelerator configured to accelerate positive and negative ions in the same direction making such a bi-polar beam delivery system practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nanolife Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Welch, Ray Winn
  • Publication number: 20080277591
    Abstract: A method for imaging a body, including scanning the body so as to generate a tomographic image thereof, and analyzing the tomographic image to determine a location of a region of interest (ROI) within the body. The method includes providing single photon counting detector modules, each of the modules being configured to receive photons from a respective direction and to generate a signal in response thereto. The method further includes coupling each of the modules to a respective adjustable mount, adjusting each of the adjustable mounts so that the direction of the module coupled thereto is aligned with respect to the location so as to receive radiation from the ROI, operating each of the modules to receive the photons from the ROI, and, in response to the signal generated by each of the modules, generating a single photon counting image of the ROI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Arie Shahar, Uri El-Hanany, Zeev Gutman
  • Publication number: 20080272309
    Abstract: The invention refers to X-ray devices, an X-ray detector and a method of correcting intensity signals. An X-ray detector then comprises for determining the intensity of X-rays, which comprise a proportion of primary radiation having an irradiation direction and a proportion of scattered radiation, at least a first sensor elements, which are each provided for converting the X-rays into first and second intensity signals, and a filter element, which is provided for decreasing the proportion of scattered radiation in the intensity of the X-rays, wherein the second sensor elements are arranged in irradiation direction behind the filter element and wherein the first sensor element fastened to the filter element is provided for determining the intensity of the X-rays before leaving the filter element. The proportion of the scattered radiation calculated from the measuring data of the first and second sensor elements is provided for correcting the second intensity signals for the following image generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Schweizer, Gereon Vogtmeier, Klaus Juergen Engel
  • Publication number: 20080251733
    Abstract: A detection system operable at millimetre or sub-millimetre wavelengths includes detection means adapted to detect radiation at two distinct wavebands, wherein a first waveband is chosen such that it has a relatively high atmospheric absorbency to electromagnetic radiation, and the second waveband is chosen to have a relatively low atmospheric absorbency to electromagnetic radiation. The system is further adapted to take measurements from at least two different regions on a target, and to process the measurements to give an indication that the target contains an object of interest. The processing may comprise comparing measurement differences at a given waveband to reference data obtained from test measurements, or from computer models of targets. The detection system provides the ability to detect objects of interest without the need to provide a millimetric or sub-millimetric image of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventor: Rupert N. Anderton
  • Publication number: 20080237482
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting radiation emitted from a number of volume elements of a body. The apparatus includes a first plurality of detector elements, each detector element being configured to output signals indicative of an intensity of radiation that is incident thereon. The apparatus also includes a first plurality of adjustable collimator channels, each adjustable collimator channel being associated with and being positioned between a respective detector element and the body, each adjustable collimator channel having a second plurality of dimensional configurations defining respective different sets of the volume elements from which emitted radiation impinges on the respective detector element. A processor computes a radiation intensity from at least a portion of the volume elements in response to the signals output by the detector elements in at least two of the dimensional configurations of the adjustable collimator channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Arie Shahar, Uri El-Hanany, Eliezer Traub, Zeev Gutman, Alexander Cherlin