Plural Signalling Means Patents (Class 250/394)
  • Publication number: 20110303854
    Abstract: A probe for determining direction to a radiation source emitting gamma rays with radiation detectors arranged around a scattering element. Incoming gamma rays are deflected by Compton scattering within the scattering element. Scattered radiation is detected in the radiation detectors. The detected pattern of secondary scatter into the detectors is dependent on the location of the source. The analog outputs from the processing electronics are routed from the detectors to a digital processing unit. A directional filter algorithm that combines rates at different detectors decodes the direction to the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Raymond DeVito
  • Publication number: 20110297840
    Abstract: One purpose of this invention is to provide radiation tomography apparatus with easier maintenance. A specific approach for this purpose is as follows. That is, a detector ring in the radiation tomography apparatus includes two or more rings. Moreover, a ring moves as to approach a next ring, whereby both the rings are connected. If radiation tomography is conducted while a clearance is provided between the rings, detection sensitivity of the detector ring decreases due to the clearance. On the other hand, according to this invention, the ring moves as to approach the next ring, which results in a narrower clearance. Accordingly, radiation that is not observed may be reduced as much as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Kazumi Tanaka, Yoshihiro Inoue, Masaharu Amano, Tetsuro Mizuta, Atsushi Ohtani
  • Publication number: 20110291020
    Abstract: A two dimensional radiation detector array includes a plurality of detector cards, each of the detector cards including: a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in a linear array; and a plurality of amplifiers, each of the amplifiers being electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of radiation detectors; and a separator between first and second detector cards of the plurality of detector cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jan S. Iwanczyk, Einar Nygard, Valeri D. Saveliev
  • Publication number: 20110272569
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing a directional radiation detection tool are disclosed. One such method involves receiving outputs from several radiation sensors (e.g., gamma ray sensors), which are each facing a different direction. The received outputs are then combined, such that a directional error in one of the outputs is reduced, based upon another one of the outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Paul L. Sinclair, Christopher A. Schnoor
  • Patent number: 8053740
    Abstract: An implantable medical apparatus comprises a solid state electronic circuit, an ionizing radiation exposure sensor, an ionizing radiation dose rate sensor, and a controller circuit. The ionizing radiation exposure sensor is configured to detect an exposure of the solid state electronic circuit to ionizing radiation, and generate an indication of a non-single-event-upset (non-SEU) effect to the solid state electronic circuit from the exposure to ionizing radiation, wherein the sensor comprises an accumulated ionizing radiation exposure sensor. The controller circuit is configured to blank the indication from the accumulated ionizing radiation exposure sensor when the radiation dose rate sensor indicates that flux ionizing radiation exceeds a flux ionizing radiation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, William J. Linder, Scott R. Stubbs, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20110240873
    Abstract: On control charge information, which is obtained from an on-controlled detection element, is acquired with respect to each of the detection elements of a radiation detector, and off control charge information, which corresponds to the on-controlled detection element, is acquired with respect to each of predetermined detection element intervals. Element interpolated off control charge information representing the off control charge information having not been acquired is formed by performing an interpolating operation in accordance with the off control charge information having been acquired with respect to each of the predetermined detection element intervals. The on control charge information is corrected with the corresponding off control charge information or the corresponding element interpolated off control charge information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuya TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20110235017
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a physical information acquisition device including an electromagnetic wave output section, a first detection section, and a signal processing section. The electromagnetic wave output section is adapted to generate electromagnetic wave at a wavelength equivalent to a specific wavelength when, for a first wavelength range of electromagnetic wave, a wavelength where electromagnetic wave energy is lower than at other wavelengths is determined to be the specific wavelength. The first detection section is adapted to detect electromagnetic wave at the specific wavelength. The signal processing section is adapted to perform signal processing based on detection information acquired from the first detection section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanori Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20110237941
    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) (38) within the body. The method includes providing single photon counting detector modules (40), 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 (54), 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 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Orbotech Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Shahar, Uri El-Hanany, Zeev Gutman, Shimon Cohen, Dan Zemer, Aharon Amrami
  • Publication number: 20110233418
    Abstract: A radiation detector is disclosed. The detector includes a detector element on which electrodes are formed. First and second electrodes are provided at a first surface of the detector element, and are arranged such that, on application of an electric field between the first and second electrodes, a first detector region is formed adjacent the first surface of the detector element. A third electrode is provided on a second surface of the detector element, and is arranged such that, on application of an electric field between the first and third electrodes, a second detection region is formed between the first and second surfaces of the detector element. The first and second detection regions are differently sized for the detection of different types of radiation. Device for detecting radiation, and handheld devices containing such device, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Alton Barrett Horsfall, Jonathon Alexander Silvie
  • Patent number: 8022370
    Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110220806
    Abstract: A radiation detector detects radiation. The radiation detector includes a plurality of Faraday cups. Each Faraday cup being provided with a cover. Each cover comprising a window arrangement through which the radiation may pass into the Faraday cup. The window arrangement of each cover being different for each Faraday cup. Each Faraday cup housing a target configured to emit photoelectrons if the radiation is incident upon the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Jacobus Maria Rooijakkers, Martijn Gerard Dominique Wehrens
  • Publication number: 20110215255
    Abstract: A method for investigating a volume of material at an investigation location for radioactive material includes: detecting signals from a first detector caused by the interaction of one or more types of emission from the radioactive material with the first detector; detecting signals from a second detector caused by the interaction of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays with the second detector; processing the signals from the first detector to provide information on the amount of radioactive material associated with the volume of material; processing the signals from the second detector to provide information on the amount of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays incident on the investigation location; and correcting the information on the amount of radioactive material associated with the volume of material using the amount of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays incident on the investigation locati
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: VT NUCLEAR SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110215254
    Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Tomoyuki Seino
  • Publication number: 20110215253
    Abstract: A method for detecting contamination on a moving object moving in a longitudinal direction past a plurality of detectors, wherein a count rate is captured repeatedly by each of the detectors during the movement of the object past the detectors, the captured count rates are weighted in that the count rates of the detector(s) that have a greater separation distance from the object to be measures are weighted lower than the count rates of the detector(s) that have a smaller separation distance from the object to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MIRION TECHNOLOGIES (RADOS) GMBH
    Inventors: Daan van Bree, Ingo Koelln
  • Publication number: 20110211669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) comprising a converter element (113) with an array (120) of first electrodes (121) for sampling electrical signals generated by incident radiation (X). With a connection circuit (130), at least two first electrodes (121) can selectively be coupled to a common readout unit (141) according to a given connection pattern (CP1). The effective pixel size along the path of incident radiation (X) can thus be adapted to the distribution of electrical signals, which is usually determined by the spectral composition of the incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Christian Baeumer, Roger Steadman Booker
  • Publication number: 20110210258
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20110210262
    Abstract: An apparatus for spatially correcting an image frame is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus stores a frame of pixel values and scans a multi-pixel correction window across the frame. Spatial correction is performed on pixels within the window at correction positions during the scan. The spatial correction comprises estimating pixel values at value estimation positions based on one or more pixel values within the window for pixels satisfying a logical condition. The value estimation positions correspond to pixel values which do not fall within the window again during the scan. Further disclosed is an apparatus for detecting high-energy radiation, in which integration circuitry is used for integrating charge responsive to radiation photon interaction events. The circuits are controllable in accordance with an exposure control signal to vary an exposure window duration according to an operating parameter of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Radiation Watch Limited
    Inventors: David Prendergast, Michael Anderson, Paul Downes, William Croydon, Christopher Boyce, Wayne Cranwell, Trevor McAlister, Zhuo Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110211668
    Abstract: The invention relates to converter element (100) for a radiation detector, particularly for a Spectral CT scanner. The converter element (100) comprises at least two conversion cells (131) that are at least partially separated from each other by intermediate separation walls (135) which affect the spreading of electrical signals generated by incident radiation (X). The conversion cells (131) may particularly consist of a crystal of CdTe and/or CdZnTe. Said crystal is preferably grown by e.g. vapor deposition between preformed separation walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Roger Steadman Booker, Matthias Simon, Christoph Herrmann, Bernd Menser, Jens Wiegert, Klaus Juergen Engel, Christian Baeumer, Oliver Muelhens
  • Publication number: 20110198510
    Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: David Maier Neustadter, Giora Kornblau
  • Patent number: 7994482
    Abstract: A system and method determine a direction associated with gamma and/or neutron radiation emissions. A first radiation photon count associated with a first detector in a detector set is received from the first detector. The first radiation photon count is associated with at least one radiation source. A second radiation photon count associated with a second detector in the detector set is received from the second detector. The first radiation photon count is compared to the second radiation photon count. One of the first detector and the second detector is identified to have detected a larger number of radiation photons than the other. The at least one radiation source is determined to be substantially in a direction in which the one of the first detector and the second detector that has detected the larger number of radiation photons is facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Frank
  • Patent number: 7991115
    Abstract: In a medical image diagnostic device, wherein X-Ray CT devices and PET devices are longitudinally disposed, and which has a tubular imaging part for positioning a subject who is placed on the top surface of a bed and collecting image data, an illumination part is provided for producing a suitable level of brightness to the display part, which is for providing information to the subject without having to adopt every imaging position within the tubular imaging part, and to the imaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yohei Matsuzawa, Makoto Nakano
  • Publication number: 20110174982
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Tell A. Gates, John W. Peel
  • Patent number: 7973287
    Abstract: A system and method for detection of alpha particles generated by a test material in proximity to a light atomic weight element. The system includes a neutron detector that is configured to detect a rate of generation of neutrons produced by an (alpha, n) reaction between the test material and the light atomic weight element. There is also at least one gamma-ray detector configured to measure a rate of generation of 511 keV gamma rays produced by an annihilation reaction triggered by a positron emission from a daughter product of the light atomic weight element. A comparator is configured to compare the rate of generation of neutrons and the rate of generation of 511 keV gamma rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nucsafe, Inc
    Inventors: Richard A. Craig, Richard S. Seymour
  • Publication number: 20110147596
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device is provided and includes: a photoelectric conversion panel in which light detection portions each having a charge storage portion storing light as electric charges are two-dimensionally arranged; a reading control unit that reads the electric charges stored in the charge storage portions of the photoelectric conversion panel for each reading signal line; and a reset unit that is connected to the reading signal lines and discharges residual charges of the charge storage portions for each reading signal line. The reading control unit and the reset unit are arranged at different end portions of the photoelectric conversion panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukimasa Ishida, Takashi Sato, Yasushi Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20110147594
    Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus, the method comprising collecting detector output data from a radiation detector positioned near a subject provided with a radio-active tracer, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The acceptable subject to detector distance is reduced or increased, spatial resolution is improved, tracer dose or concentration is reduced, subject radiation exposure is reduced and/or scanning time is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Basil Scoullar, Robin John Evans, Christopher Charles McLean
  • Publication number: 20110133094
    Abstract: A radiation projection detector includes a conversion layer configured to generate light photons in response to a radiation, the conversion layer having a plurality of first conversion elements and a plurality of second conversion elements, and a photo detector array aligned with the conversion panel, wherein each of the first conversion elements has a first radiation conversion characteristic, and each of the second conversion elements has a second radiation conversion characteristic. A radiation projection detector includes a photoconductor layer configured to generate charges in response to radiation, the photoconductor layer having a plurality of first photoconductor elements and a plurality of second photoconductor elements, and a detector array aligned with the photoconductor layer, wherein each of the first photoconductor elements has a first charge generating characteristic, and each of the second photoconductor elements has a second charge generating characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. SEPPI, Larry PARTAIN, George ZENTAI
  • Patent number: 7952079
    Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; and circuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation, wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Navotek Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: David Maier Neustadter, Giora Kornblau
  • Publication number: 20110103544
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system and method using multiple types of imaging detectors are provided. The imaging system includes a gantry having a rotor and a stator and a pair of gamma detectors coupled to the rotor. The imaging system further includes a gamma detector coupled to the stator. The gamma detector coupled to the stator is different than the pair of gamma detectors coupled to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan Hermony
  • Patent number: 7935936
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an implantable apparatus comprising a plurality of solid state electronic circuits disposed at a plurality of different locations in the apparatus, a plurality of ionizing radiation exposure sensors disposed at the different locations and configured to generate an indication of a non-single-event-upset (non-SEU) effect to the solid state electronic circuit from an exposure to ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation exposure sensors respectively monitor at least two different types of operating parameters of respectively correspondingly located solid state circuits, and a controller circuit communicatively coupled to the ionizing radiation exposure sensors, wherein the controller circuit is configured to quantify the effect to the solid state electronic circuits using the different monitored operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, William J. Linder, Scott R. Stubbs, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20110062344
    Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: GIORA KORNBLAU, Shloml Ben-Ari
  • Publication number: 20110049381
    Abstract: An imaging detector includes a radiation sensitive region having first and second opposing sides. One of the first or second sides senses impinging radiation. The detector further includes electronics located on the other of the first or second sides of the radiation sensitive region. The electronics includes a thermal controller that regulates a temperature of the imaging detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Randall P. LUHTA, Marc A. CHAPPO, Roland PROKSA, Douglas B. MCKNIGHT
  • Publication number: 20110044493
    Abstract: One facilitates capturing samples as pertain to an object to be imaged by providing N pulsed sampling chains (where N is an integer greater than 1) where these sampling chains are in planes substantially parallel to one another and are substantially equidistant from adjacent others by a given distance. By one approach, the ratio of this given distance to a desired sample interval is approximately an integer that is relatively prime to N. So configured, a complete set of samples of the object can be captured by the sampling chains in a single pass notwithstanding that the object and the sampling chains are moving quickly with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Fox, David T. Nisius
  • Patent number: 7877340
    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: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Princeton University
    Inventors: Charles A. Gentile, Jason Perry, Stephen W. Langish, Kenneth Silber, William M. Davis, Dana Mastrovito
  • Publication number: 20100327176
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a detection unit in which a matrix of pixels converts radiation or light into analog electrical signals, a reading circuit configured to perform signal processing operation by reading the analog electric signals on a row-by-row basis, an A/D converter configured to convert a pixel signal output from the reading circuit into pixel data, and a correction processing unit configured to correct the pixel data. A control unit performs control processing so that the reading circuit outputs reset signals to the A/D converter in a period in which the signal processing operation of a predetermined row is performed, the A/D converter converts the reset signals into pieces of reset data in the period, and the correction processing unit averages the pieces of reset data output from the A/D converter and performs subtraction with the averaged reset data and the pixel data output from the A/D converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Daisuke Yoshida, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
  • Publication number: 20100320265
    Abstract: A manipulation device (5) for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing it therefrom or both, the device (5) comprising engagement means (20) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom; a support member (15) disposed above the engagement means (20), the support member (15) being arranged to receive and support a mid region of the twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the member to be engagable with the engagement means (20), said support member (15) being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the plate; wherein said support member (15) is selectively movable out of alignment with an axis of rotation of the twist-lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Cameron Hay
  • Patent number: 7855365
    Abstract: A method and apparatus, such as a spectrometer, are provided for facilitating the detection of an gamma signal in a manner that effectively discriminates the gamma signal from noise. A spectrometer may be provided which includes an gamma converter for converting gamma signals which impinge thereupon into corresponding pairs of electrons and positrons. The spectrometer also includes a deflector for separately deflecting the electrons and the positrons as well as electron and positron detectors for separately detecting the deflected electrons and positrons, respectively. As such, an gamma signal can be identified in instances in which the deflected electrons and positrons are detected in coincidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John L. Adamski
  • Patent number: 7838838
    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: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Haim Melman, Michael Nagler, Yoel Zilberstien, Sajed Haj-Yahya
  • Patent number: 7838844
    Abstract: The invention, in one characterization, may be said to be directed to a radiopharmaceutical system. In some embodiments, the system may include a radioisotope elution component and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the radioisotope elution component. Other embodiments may include a radiation shielded enclosure having an interior, an exterior, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) communication transmission passage extending between the interior and the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Chad M. Gibson, Frank M. Fago
  • Publication number: 20100282977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved detectors for use in SPECT cameras. The improved detectors use pinhole apertures and surfaces calculated to provide improved sensitivity and resolution. In some embodiments, the detectors have non-planar surfaces. In some embodiments, the surfaces are spherical, conical, parabolic, or other non-planar forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Joyoni Dey, Stephen J. Glick
  • Patent number: 7829860
    Abstract: An imaging detector system includes a radiation detector having a plurality of pixels for generating a plurality of detection signals in response to radiation. Each of the pixels is used to generate a corresponding one of the detection signals. The imaging detector system includes a plurality of photon counting channels. Each photon counting channel is coupled to a corresponding one of the pixels to receive and process the corresponding one of the detection signals. Each photon integrating channel is coupled to a corresponding one of the pixels to receive and process the corresponding one of the detection signals. An image processor receives outputs from the photon counting channels and the photon integrating channels, wherein the image processor is adapted to generate an image using the received outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: DxRay, Inc.
    Inventors: Einar Nygard, Jan S. Iwanczyk, William C. Barber
  • Publication number: 20100264325
    Abstract: A detector for electromagnetic radiation such as millimeter wave and infrared employs a ring-shaped ferroelectric element having a temperature affected by an absorber for the radiation. The dielectric constant of the ferroelectric material is a strong function of the temperature near its Curie temperature. The resonant frequency of the ferroelectric element is detected by applying a swept-frequency signal to the circuit and detecting the frequency which enhances the energy of the pulse. A two-dimensional camera for the radiation employs a two-dimensional array of these ferroelectric resonant circuits and a system for rapidly interrogating their resonant frequencies on a sequential basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Steven C. Tidrow, Frank Crowne, Daniel Potrepka, Bernard J. Rod
  • Publication number: 20100243875
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a water phantom for measuring and determining the dose distribution of radiation produced by a particle beam or photon radiation beam comprising: a water tank; means for varying the water level in said water tank; an acquisition detector positioned in a fixed position related to the water tank opposite to the beam, wherein said acquisition detector is a two dimensional detector comprising a plurality of sensors and capable of simultaneously measuring the dose in a plurality of points in an area. Subsequent measurements are performed varying each time the water level within the water tank, until the dose distribution in the entire volume of the water tank is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ION BEAM APPLICATIONS S.A.
    Inventors: Rob Plompen, Lutz Muller
  • Publication number: 20100232568
    Abstract: An X-ray or gamma ray detector array is disclosed, with at least one row of detector elements including at least one layer made of an X-ray or gamma radiation absorbing conversion material. In at least one embodiment, the conversion material is at least in part composed of a chemical element with an atomic number ?72, preferably >82. Such an X-ray or gamma ray detector array allows an increased spatial and spectral resolution and better dose usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Björn HEISMANN, Jürgen LEPPERT
  • Patent number: 7786449
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Tomas Unfors
  • Patent number: 7781741
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an imaging system including a detector and a data acquisition system are provided. The data acquisition system includes a plurality of terminations, at least one of the terminations coupled to a signal lead of a respective detector element, the circuit board connector positioned proximate the detector to facilitate reducing an input capacitance of the respective detector element signal leads, and at least one connector slot configured to receive a single analog to digital converter board (A/D board), the connector slot further configured to receive two A/D boards in a back-to-back configuration with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Swaminathan Narasimhan, Koji Bessho
  • Publication number: 20100208970
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes a plurality of image capturing apparatus for detecting, in a radiographic image capturing process, radiation that has passed through a subject and converting the detected radiation into radiographic image information, and a plurality of consoles for controlling the image capturing apparatus. The radiographic image capturing system also includes an image capture control commander for outputting an image capture control command signal to one of the consoles to enable the console to control the corresponding image capturing apparatus, and an image processing commander for outputting an image processing command signal to at least one of the consoles to enable the console to perform an image processing process to process the radiographic image information from the image capturing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hattori, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino
  • Publication number: 20100193691
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to realize a light radiation-detecting apparatus including a step of preparing a matrix array including a substrate, an insulating layer arranged on the substrate, a plurality of pixels arranged on the insulating layer, wherein the pixel includes a conversion element converting an incident radiation into an electric signal, and connection electrode arranged at a periphery of the plurality of pixels, fixing a flexible supporting member for covering the plurality of pixels to the matrix array at a side opposite to the substrate, and releasing the substrate from the matrix array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takamasa Ishii, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100193698
    Abstract: The following relates to an integrated patient scanner system. The system includes a stationary gantry with first and second sides and a rotating gantry mounted to rotate in the stationary gantry around a patient receiving aperture, which is defined by the rotating gantry. The system further includes at least one detector mounted to the rotating gantry and extending from the first side around the patient receiving aperture. A patient table having a pedestal and a pallet is mounted to the stationary gantry. The pedestal mounts to and extends from the second side of the stationary gantry opposite to the at least one detector such that the pedestal and the stationary gantry define a common T-shaped supporting surface adapted to rest on the floor. The patient pallet mounts to the pedestal for movement to extend cantilevered through the patient aperture and out the first side past the at least one detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventor: Rizwan S. Hassan
  • Publication number: 20100193688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of two dimensional (2D) radiometric imaging. The present invention especially relates to a sensor unit. The sensor unit according to the present invention comprises a reflecting element mounted so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and a line sensor operating in the microwave, millimeter wave and/or terahertz frequency range and having its field of view directed towards the reflecting element, whereby the axis of rotation intersects with a reflection plane of the reflecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefan KOCH, Marc Guthoerl
  • Publication number: 20100193699
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus establishes a communication link with one console and transmits obtained radiographic image information to the one console. The one console includes a backup unit therein. The backup unit includes means (network monitoring unit, backup data storage unit) for monitoring a network, reading the radiographic image information during transmission thereof via the network, and temporarily storing the read radiographic image information as backup data, and means (supplementary data extraction unit, supplementary data transmitter) for transmitting to another console as supplementary data a portion or all of the backup data, in accordance with a data supplementing request from the other console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hattori, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino