Methods Patents (Class 250/395)
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Patent number: 8354648Abstract: Device for locating and imaging gamma or X-radiation sources, comprising: (a) a detection assembly comprising at least two gamma or X-radiation detectors sensitive to position, as well as a coded mask made of a radiation opaque material; and (b) electronic means for processing the electrical pulses provided by said detectors, so as to locate the source and form a bi- or tri- dimensional image thereof. The device is characterized in that the electronic means are suitable for reconstructing a bi- or tri- dimensional image of an X or gamma radiation source by applying a data processing method which combines the principles of Compton imaging and coded-mask imaging.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Philippe Laurent, Olivier Limousin
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Patent number: 8354641Abstract: A system for detecting radiation using an array of cells containing a metastable material together with sensing apparatus and display apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: Ivan M. Lorkovic
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Publication number: 20130001431Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of nuclear physics and can be used in system for identifying nuclear explosions based on the measured activities in the atmosphere of naturally-occurring radioactive gases (NORG). The technical result is an increase in the determination efficiency and in the reliability of punctual estimations of deposits from various types of fission in the global activity for each krypton and xenon isotope.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: Federal State Budgetary Institution, BAUMAN MOSCOW STATE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY (BMSTU)Inventors: Anatoly Antonovich Greshilov, Aleksey Leonidovich Lebedev
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Publication number: 20130001430Abstract: An inspection method and apparatus for shielding container for high-activity waste is mainly to design the inspection depth of a radiation source in a shielding container and the inspection zone outside the shielding container. It employs a sticking lifting buckle ring at the container cover bottom and a flexible pull string to hang a radiation source inside the shielding container. Between the shielding container and the container cover, there is a compression resistant tube to allow the flexible pull string to pass through and extend outside the shielding container. The flexible pull string allows descending and ascending operation of the radiation source to different height inside the shielding container. The method also includes measuring and recording surface dose rate in each inspection zone outside the shielding container. With the measured surface dose rate from each inspection zone, the method uses a radiation shielding estimation and verification procedure to determine defected shielding container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: KUO-YUAN CHANG
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Publication number: 20130006035Abstract: The present invention relates to a phantom for use in the auditing or verification of a proposed radiation therapy regime for administration to a patient. The phantom comprises a housing which is shaped to simulate the anatomical shape of a human head and neck; and a radiation detector module configured to receive at least one radiation detector. The housing defines a cavity in which the radiation detector module can be removeably received such that the radiation detector module occupies a predetermined location within the simulated head and neck of the housing. Said predetermined location encompasses areas of the housing which simulate a target site to which it is proposed to administer radiation to the patient and a location of at least one organ that is susceptible to harm by administration of said radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: The Christie NHS Foundation TrustInventors: Adam H. AITKENHEAD, Ranald Mackay, Carl G. Rowbottom
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Publication number: 20130001429Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor having an imaging area with a plurality of pixels arranged therein, each pixel having a photoelectric conversion unit and pixel amplifiers, a control unit configured to perform control for shifting the timing of activating the pixel amplifiers for each of sub areas in the imaging area, and control for reading an electrical signal from each pixel acquired via the activated pixel amplifiers, and a generation unit configured to generate an image based on the read electrical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kanako Dowaki, Kazumasa Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20120330083Abstract: The present invention relates to a phantom for use in the auditing or verification of a proposed radiation therapy regime for administration to a patient. The phantom comprises a housing which is shaped to simulate the anatomical shape of a human head and neck; and a radiation detector module configured to receive at least one radiation detector. The housing defines a cavity in which the radiation detector module can be removeably received such that the radiation detector module occupies a predetermined location within the simulated head and neck of the housing. Said predetermined location encompasses areas of the housing which simulate a target site to which it is proposed to administer radiation to the patient and a location of at least one organ that is susceptible to harm by administration of said radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: The Christie NHS Foundation TrustInventors: Adam H. Aitkenhead, Ranald Mackay, Carl G. Rowbottom
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Publication number: 20120327231Abstract: A method includes receiving radiation sensor data from two radiation sensors that are positioned separately from each other about a path. Position information identifying a source of radiation as it passes by the two radiation sensors is received. The sensor data from the two radiation sensors is time shifted to correlate the sensor data to the identified source of radiation. The time shifted sensor signals are summed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Edward L. Cochran, Kwong Wing Au
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Publication number: 20120326050Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection of high energy radiation. The present invention relates more particularly to the film bulk acoustic wave resonator-based devices, and their use in the detection of high energy radiation. One aspect of the invention is a method for detecting high energy radiation, the method comprising providing a film bulk acoustic wave resonator having a zinc oxide piezoelectric layer in substantial contact with a dielectric layer; exposing the film bulk acoustic wave resonator to the high energy radiation; determining the resonant frequency of the film bulk acoustic wave resonator; and determining the dose of high energy radiation using the resonant frequency of the film bulk acoustic wave resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, A Body Corporate of the State of Arizona Acting for and on Behalf ASUInventors: Hongyu Yu, Jonathon Keith Oiler, Hugh James Barnaby
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Publication number: 20120318999Abstract: Disclosed is a two-dimensional X-ray detector array inspection method capable of recognizing two-dimensional X-ray detector arrays unsuitable for X-ray imaging by means of identifying quickly growing defective pixels. The two-dimensional X-ray detector array inspection method involves a bias voltage step for repeated supply and stopping of a bias voltage from a common electrode; a dark current value measurement step for measuring the pixel values of pixels in a non-X-ray-irradiating state; a defective pixel identification step for identifying defective pixels on the basis of the pixel values of the pixels measured in the dark current value measurement step; and a determination step for determining whether or not the two-dimensional X-ray array detector is suitable on the basis of the size of the missing pixel chunks or the total number of defective pixels identified in defective pixel identification step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Kenji Sato
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Publication number: 20120318998Abstract: A smoothing method associated with the on-line measurement of a signal output by an ionizing radiation detector comprising the following steps: detect pulses contained in successive samples of said signal, count the numbers Ni of pulses detected, apply non-destructive filtering to said signal using a variable detection threshold, and apply adaptive smoothing to the filtered signal using non-linear processing as a function of the state of change of said signal so as to obtain a smoothed count rate for said pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Vladimir Kondrasovs, Romain Coulon, Stephane Normand
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Patent number: 8334515Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes an image capturing apparatus for applying radiation to a subject, an electronic cassette serving as a radiation detecting apparatus for detecting radiation X transmitted through the subject, a power feeder for supplying electric power contactlessly to a contactless power receiver of the electronic cassette, an image-capturing-state determining unit for determining whether image-capturing by the radiation is being performed or not, and a signal generator for generating a feeding inhibition signal to inhibit the power feeder from supplying electric power contactlessly to the electronic cassette if the image-capturing-state determining unit judges that the image-capturing is being performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Keiji Tsubota, Masato Hattori, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino
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Patent number: 8334516Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes an image capturing apparatus for applying radiation to a subject, a radiation detecting apparatus for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, a power feeder for supplying electric power contactlessly to a contactless power receiver of the radiation detecting apparatus, a feeding-state determining unit for determining whether power-feeding by the power feeder is being performed or not, and a signal generator for generating an image-capturing inhibition signal for inhibiting radiographic image-capturing by the image capturing apparatus if the feeding-state determining unit judges that the power-feeding is being performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Keiji Tsubota, Masato Hattori, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino
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Patent number: 8330117Abstract: Test samples for use in conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing, processes for preparing test samples for use in conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing, and processes for conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing using the test samples, are described. The approach takes into account the effects of the relative physical positions of the respective components within a final integrated circuit package, and takes into account the effect of contamination of individual components or of the integrated circuit package as a whole due to conditions and/or processes performed during the production process. The described approach relates to test sample preparation and integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing for integrated circuits in which the alpha particle emission levels are extremely low, i.e., in the ultra low alpha region, for example, alpha particle emissions less than 0.002 cph/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Marvell Israel (M.I.S.L.) Ltd.Inventors: Eli Kurin, Ran Manor, Gil Weisman, Yair Faiershtein
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Publication number: 20120305788Abstract: A flux detection apparatus can include a radioactive sample having a decay rate capable of changing in response to interaction with a first particle or a field, and a detector associated with the radioactive sample. The detector is responsive to a second particle or radiation formed by decay of the radioactive sample. The rate of decay of the radioactive sample can be correlated to flux of the first particle or the field. Detection of the first particle or the field can provide an early warning for an impending solar event.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Ephraim Fischbach, Jere Jenkins
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Publication number: 20120305784Abstract: Systems, devices, processes, and algorithms for adaptively filtering a signal output from a radiation detector and adaptively sampling the signal. A count rate of events detected by the radiation detector is estimated by a processing unit. An RC time constant of the filter and a sampling rate of an analog-to-digital converter are adjusted based on the estimated count rate. Events are continuously detected by the radiation detector and counted by the processing unit while the adjustable parameters (the RC time constant and the sampling rate) of the filter and the analog-to-digital converter are adjusted on the fly (in real time) to optimize an energy resolution of the detected events, while reducing degradation due to pile-up effects and improving efficiency of the analog-to-digital converter. The filter can be implemented through analog filters, digital filters, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Gin-Chung Wang
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Publication number: 20120305794Abstract: An apparatus for counting the number of ions emitted by an ion source of a handheld domestic appliance is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collector housing for collecting ions impinging on the inner surface of the collector housing and a determining means coupled with the collector housing for determining the number of ions collected by the collector housing. The collector housing has an input opening dimensioned such that the domestic appliance is at least partially insertable into the collector housing via input opening. A method for counting the number of ions emitted by an ion source of a handheld domestic appliance is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Sven BEUTNER, Michael KLOEPPEL-RIECH
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Publication number: 20120305792Abstract: An x-ray image detector monitors the intensity of incident x-rays to detect an end of radiation from an x-ray source when the x-ray intensity decreases to a threshold level or less. The x-ray intensity gets down to zero with a variable time lag from the start of decreasing, called radiation wave tail. Depending on the gradient of declivity in time curve of the decreasing x-ray intensity, calculated at the time when the end of radiation is detected, the x-ray image detector decides a delay time from the end-of-radiation detection time to a reading start time to start reading signal charges from the image detector. Thus, the reading start time may be adjusted to the point when the x-ray intensity gets down to zero, which will improve S/N ratio and prevent shading artifacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi KUWABARA, Keita WATANABE, Jun ENOMOTO, Yasufumi ODA, Takeshi KOISHI
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Publication number: 20120305791Abstract: A flat panel detector has an imaging area, in which pixels are arrayed in a matrix and signal lines for reading out electric signals from the pixels are provided, to detect an image of a subject from x-rays which are incident on the imaging area after penetrating the subject. Detective elements are arranged in the imaging area, to output electric signals corresponding to incident x-rays. Based on previously stored sensitivity data on the detective elements, high-sensitivity elements are selected from among the detective elements. The start of radiation and the end of radiation of x-rays toward the imaging area are detected by monitoring the electric signals from the selected high-sensitivity elements, to control operation of the imaging device on the basis of the detected start and end of radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Keita WATANABE, Takeshi KUWABARA, Yasufumi ODA, Jun ENOMOTO, Takeshi KOISHI
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Patent number: 8324589Abstract: Digital images or the charge from pixels in light sensitive semiconductor based imagers may be used to detect gamma rays and energetic particles emitted by radioactive materials. Methods may be used to identify pixel-scale artifacts introduced into digital images and video images by high energy gamma rays. Statistical tests and other comparisons on the artifacts in the images or pixels may be used to prevent false-positive detection of gamma rays. The sensitivity of the system may be used to detect radiological material at distances in excess of 50 meters. Advanced processing techniques allow for gradient searches to more accurately determine the source's location, while other acts may be used to identify the specific isotope. Coordination of different imagers and network alerts permit the system to separate non-radioactive objects from radioactive objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.Inventor: Eric P. Rubenstein
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Publication number: 20120298875Abstract: In a radiation measurement apparatus, an analog pulse signal output from a semiconductor radiation detector is converted to a plurality of digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter for each analog pulse signal. A threshold circuit for inputting these digital signals discriminates digital signals exceeding a threshold value. A digital signal integration circuit integrates the plurality of discriminated digital signals for each analog pulse signal and obtains an integrated value for each analog pulse signal. A spectrum generation circuit for inputting the respective integrated values generates a radiation energy spectrum using the integrated values and accurately performs the quantitative analysis and energy analysis of a radioactive nuclide using the radiation energy spectrum. A quantitative analysis and an energy analysis of a radioactive nuclide can be accurately performed while a time resolution of a radiation detector can be maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori UENO, Takahiro Tadokoro, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Mizuho Tsuyuki, Nobuyuki Ota, Makoto Nagase
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Publication number: 20120299735Abstract: Methods and corresponding systems are provided for determining a ply count of a multilayer material is provided that includes: placing the multilayer material between an emitter and a detector of a gauge; emitting at least one pulse of ionized radiation from a source associated with the emitter; detecting a number of particles emitted from the emitter passing through the multilayer material placed between the emitter and the detector; and translating the number of particles detected into a ply count using a computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: David B. Smith, Jeffrey Ortiz, Charles Taylor, Jun Seok Lee, Brandon Williamson
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Publication number: 20120298861Abstract: A photoelectron microscope uses the vector potential field as a spatial reference. The microscope can be used with a source of photons to image surface chemistry.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Raymond Browning
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Publication number: 20120292523Abstract: A device for detection of pluggage in an ash hopper of a coal fired boiler to identify when the opening in the bottom of the ash hopper becomes blocked by obstructions, so that timely and effective measures can be taken to remove the blockage without incurring economic loss in the operation of the boiler. At least one microwave or Terahertz transmitter unit configured to produce a microwave beam in either X or K band frequencies or at Terahertz frequencies (300 GHz to 3 THz), and at least one microwave receiver unit or beams that are interrupted by a blockage in the ash hopper, and produce an output to indicate obstruction of the beam or beams by the blockage. When the beam is interrupted, an output signal is produced to indicate obstruction of the beam by the blockage. The output signal is to notify process operators of the need to remove said blockage, and to control a blockage removal process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Enertechnix, Inc.Inventors: Kychakoff George, Hogle Richard
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Publication number: 20120286165Abstract: The invention relates to a single-crystal scintillator material comprising at least 50 wt % of rare-earth halide and comprising a polished first face. This material is integrated into an ionizing-radiation detector comprising a photoreceiver, the photoreceiver being optically coupled to the material via a face other than the polished first face. The material provides a good energy resolution and a high light intensity. The polishing may be carried out whatever the crystal orientation of the crystal. Loss of material due to this orientation is therefore prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Saint-Gobain Cristaux et DetecteursInventors: Guillaume Gautier, Dominique Richaud, Patrick Champeaux
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Patent number: 8309932Abstract: A method for estimating the start time of an electronic pulse generated in response to a detected event, for example the start time for pulses received in response to photon detection in positron emission tomography, includes providing a detector that detects an external event and generates an electronic analog pulse signal. A composite reference pulse curve is calculated to represent analog pulse signals generated by the detector. Upon receiving an analog pulse signal, it may be filtered, and then digitized, and normalized based on the area of the digital signal. Using at least one point of the normalized digital pulse signal, the composite reference pulse curve shape is used to estimate the pulse start time.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Michael Haselman, Robert S. Miyaoka, Thomas K. Lewellen, Scott Hauck
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Publication number: 20120280130Abstract: Occlusion sensor systems and methods of using the occlusion sensor systems are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sensor device includes a tube and an infra-red reflective sensor comprising an infra-red light emitter and an infra-red photo-transistor receiver or photo-diode. The infra-red reflective sensor and the infra-red phototransistor receiver or photo-diode are positioned at or near the tube so that an infra-red light can be transmitted to a portion of the tube and at least a portion of the infra-red light reflected off the portion of the tube can be detected by the infra-red phototransistor receiver or photo-diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: David Charles Cummings, Andrew Peter Nelson, Russell Paul Meyer
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Publication number: 20120280135Abstract: A radiation therapy system includes a diagnostic image scanner (12) which acquires a multidimensional dataset of a subject that is reconstructed into at least one image representation of an object of interest. An image processing apparatus (72), of radiation therapy system, includes a segmentation unit (74) which identifies a surface contour of the object of interest, or other critical structures. A masking unit (82) determines a non-constant margin, based on the identified surface contour and appends the determined non-constant margin to the identified surface contour. The non-constant margin is based on at least one of anisotropic motion, surface morphology, positional uncertainty, proximity to other organs, and probability of dose distribution. A planning processor (70) generates a radiation therapy plan which limits the delivery of therapeutic radiation to anatomy associated with the surface contour and appended non-constant margin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Matthieu Bal
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Publication number: 20120280134Abstract: A monitoring device has a first flame detector, to receive a first batch of radiation, which is emitted by the first flame, a second flame detector, to receive a second batch of radiation, which is emitted by the second flame, a voltage supplying device to apply an alternating voltage with a first half wave and a second half wave to the two flame detectors and an evaluation circuit that is connected to the two flame detectors via a signal input. A first measurement signal that is present at the common signal input during the first half wave is indicative of the intensity of the first batch of radiation. A second measurement signal that is present at the common signal input during the second half wave is indicative of the intensity of the second batch of radiation. The evaluation circuit independently evaluates the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Alexander DIEBOLD, Ulrich Hofmann, Erik Lang, Josef Lelle
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Publication number: 20120273686Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates a method of detecting a patterned electron beam. The patterned electron beam is focused onto a grating with a pattern that has a same pitch as the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating un-scattered are detected. Another embodiment relates to focusing the patterned electron beam onto a grating with a pattern that has a second pitch that is different than a first pitch of the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating form a Moiré pattern that is detected using a position-sensitive detector. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Shinichi KOJIMA, Christopher F. BEVIS, Joseph MAURINO, William M. TONG
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Patent number: 8299713Abstract: A method of accelerating charged particles using a laser pulse fired through a plasma channel contained in a capillary, wherein the plasma waveguide has deviations along its length that cause deviations in the plasma density contained therein, the deviations in plasma density acting to promote charged particle injection into a wake of a passing laser pulse. A radiation source based on a laser-driven plasma accelerator in a plasma waveguide in which the plasma waveguide and/or laser injection process is/are controlled so as to produce an undulating path for the laser pulse through the waveguide, the undulation exerting a periodic transverse force on charged particles being accelerated in the wake of the laser pulse, the resulting charged particle motion causing controlled emission of high frequency radiation pulses.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Isis Innovation LimitedInventors: Simon Martin Hooker, Anthony Joseph Gonsalves, Dino Anthony Jaroszynski, Wim Pieter Leemans
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Publication number: 20120267541Abstract: Two and three dimensional position sensing systems and sensors for use in such systems are disclosed. The sensors incorporate linear array sensors and an aperture plate to block light or other radiation from reaching most elements of the sensors. A direction of a radiation source relative is determined based on illuminated sensor elements in each sensor. The sensors are combined in systems to allow the position of a radiation source to be estimated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Avanindra Utukuri, Jonathan Clarke, Stephen McFadyen
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Publication number: 20120267542Abstract: A pallet (10) for use with a gamma camera includes a rigid sheet (30) having a thickness (d) of less than six millimeters and a strength-enhancing curvature transverse to an axial direction (DA). At least a portion of an edge (32) of the rigid sheet has a bevel (B) with a length (x) along the sheet of at least about ten millimeters and a height (y) of at least about four-fifths of the sheet thickness. A protective covering (34) is disposed over the beveled edge. In a nuclear imaging method, a subject is disposed on the rigid sheet and a radiological image is acquired of at least a portion of the subject disposed on the sheet with at least one radiation detector head (8) positioned underneath or at an oblique angle below the subject. The bevel is effective to reduce or blur an edge artifact in the acquired image.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Jason S. Wiener, Merlene Robergeau, Jody L. Garrard, Raymond C. D'Ambrosio
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Publication number: 20120257049Abstract: In a measuring apparatus (8) having a measuring unit (1) according to the invention a spatially resolved measurement result detected using the measuring unit (1) of an object (16) is converted into a false-color image, and the false-color image is cast back or projected onto the object (16) by a display device (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: TESTO AGInventor: Martin Schnell
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Publication number: 20120248313Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a material detection system. The system includes a sensor system configured to collect radiation from a region of interest. The collected radiation can include a plurality of frequency bands. The system also includes a processing unit configured to detect a material of interest. The material of interest can be a concealed dielectric material, and the processing unit can be configured to decompose the collected radiation into natural resonance signals to analyze the natural resonance signals to detect an anomaly corresponding to the concealed dielectric material based on wave characteristics of the natural resonance signals. The processing unit could also include processing layers associated with the plurality of frequency bands for detecting and identifying the material of interest based on wave characteristics associated with each of the plurality of frequency bands of the collected radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: MOSTAFA A. KARAM, A. Douglas Meyer, Charles H. Volk, Raj K. Shori, Hector Macias
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Publication number: 20120248321Abstract: Embodiments of secondary backscatter indicia; digital radiography detectors and radiographic imaging apparatus using the same; and methods for using the same can detect a secondary backscatter condition for a radiation exposure. In one embodiment, a DR detector can include a housing having first and second surfaces and a plurality of walls to form a cavity; a detector array mounted within the cavity to form an electronic radiographic image; and backscatter absorbing indicia distributed in a prescribed arrangement. Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus according to the application can detect secondary backscatter radiation, can notify a technician when secondary backscatter radiation is detected in an x-ray image or can detect and/or identify portions of an active imaging area of an x-ray detector subjected to secondary backscatter radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventor: Jeffery R. Hawver
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Publication number: 20120248323Abstract: In a method for calibrating at least one detector array formed by a plurality of detectors that is exposed to a high-energy, fan-shaped expanding radiation emanating from an approximately point-like energy source, serving the penetration of a material for measuring physical properties due to the absorption capacity of the material, it is provided that at least two in each case homogeneously formed calibration bodies whose gradually differing absorption is designed in a way that the absorption capacity of the one calibration body is lower and the one of the other calibration body is higher than the absorbance capacity of the material to be measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: FAGUS-GRECON GRETEN GMBH & CO., KGInventor: Bernd Bergmann
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Patent number: 8278633Abstract: A method of delivering radiation in a session includes delivering radiation towards a patient using a radiation system, wherein the radiation is delivered based at least in part on a physiological phase or a position of the patient, after the radiation is delivered, changing a configuration of the radiation system, wherein the act of changing the configuration is performed independent of at least one motion of the patient, and delivering additional radiation towards the patient after the configuration of the radiation system is changed, wherein the acts of delivering radiation and the act of changing the configuration are performed in response to a processor executing a treatment plan that prescribes a plurality of packages and a transition, the transition prescribing the act of changing the configuration of the radiation system when no radiation is being delivered by the radiation system.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Janne Nord, Jarkko Peltola
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Publication number: 20120241639Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a detector that includes a detection unit having a plurality of pixels in which conversion elements are included and a driving circuit that drives the detection unit and that executes an image pickup operation for outputting electrical signals, and a temperature control unit that includes a heating section that heats the conversion elements and that controls, before the image pickup operation begins, the temperature of the conversion elements by controlling the heating section such that the heating section heats the conversion elements in order to cause the temperature of the conversion elements before the image pickup operation begins to be higher than the temperature of the conversion elements during the image pickup operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoyuki Yagi, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Atsushi Iwashita
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Publication number: 20120241635Abstract: A method actuates a device for irradiating an object that has at least one target volume to be irradiated and at least one volume to be protected. The method includes defining at least one signal dose value for the volume to be protected and irradiating the object at least one of at least at times and at least in part with hadron irradiation. A dose introduced into the volume to be protected during the irradiation of the object is determined and at least one signal is emitted as soon as the introduced dose exceeds at least one signal dose value in at least one point of the volume to be protected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GSI HELMHOLTZZENTRUM FÜR SCHWERIONENFORSCHUNG GMBHInventors: Robert Luechtenborg, Christoph Bert, Daniel Richter
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Publication number: 20120235052Abstract: A method and a detector system are disclosed for the photon-counting detection of x-ray radiation with direct conversion detectors. In at least one embodiment of the method, as a function of the existing radiation energy, current and/or voltage pulses which are largely proportional thereto are generated, and the generated current and voltage pulses are counted in the detector when a predetermined current and/or voltage source is exceeded, whereby a threshold is used as a predetermined current and/or voltage threshold, which corresponds to a detection of a photon with an energy which is less than the k-edge of the detector material used.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Edgar Kraft, Daniel Niederlöhner, Christian Schröter
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Publication number: 20120235051Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: GEOFORCE, INCInventors: James S. MacLean, III, Brandon C. Taylor
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Publication number: 20120228486Abstract: A radiation detector assembly (20) includes a detector array module (40) configured to convert radiation particles to electrical detection pulses, and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (42) operatively connected with the detector array. The ASIC includes signal processing circuitry (60) configured to digitize an electrical detection pulse received from the detector array, and test circuitry (80) configured to inject a test electrical pulse into the signal processing circuitry. The test circuitry includes a current meter (84) configured to measure the test electrical pulse injected into the signal processing circuitry, and a charge pulse generator (82) configured to generate a test electrical pulse that is injected into the signal processing circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Roger Steadman, Oliver Muelhens
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Publication number: 20120217413Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a detector having pixels divided into first and second pixel groups, a signal processor including a reading circuit unit including first and second reading circuits, an A/D conversion unit including first and second A/D converters, a digital data processing circuit, and a controller. The controller instructs the signal processor to perform a signal processing operation several times of adding direct current potentials to analog electric signals of pixels from the reading circuit unit, supplying the signals to the A/D conversion unit, and outputting digital data to the digital data processing circuit while the direct current potentials are changed, and an average processing operation of averaging the digital data for the pixels using the digital data processing circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
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Publication number: 20120211665Abstract: A system and method for identifying a pulsed radiation source may include an imaging sensor having a frame rate that is less than a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the pulsed radiation source. A processing unit may be in communication with the imaging sensor, and be configured to (i) process a sequence of image data of a scene captured by the imaging sensor to determine whether radiation of the pulsed radiation source is detected, (ii) determine a PRF code of the pulsed radiation source from possible multiple different PRF codes based on the processed sequence of image data, and (iii) notify a user of the PRF code or information associated with the PRF code.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: DRS RSTA, INC.Inventors: Eugene L. Cloud, Alan Rakes, John Bailey
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Publication number: 20120211664Abstract: A radiation failure inspecting method includes acquiring read data when a scanner reads a radiation surface of a radiation unit in a state where a reading surface of the scanner faces the radiation surface of the radiation unit and the radiation unit emits light; acquiring a value corresponding to a radiation energy of the light from the radiation unit by integrating the read data in a direction corresponding to a predetermined direction on the read data; and determining that a radiation failure occurs in the radiation unit when the value corresponding to the radiation energy of the light is equal to or less than a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Mikito NAKAJIMA
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Publication number: 20120205549Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a detector unit 301 for detecting electro-magnetic radiation may be provided. The detector unit 301 may comprise a conversion material 332 adapted for converting impinging electro-magnetic radiation into electric charge carriers. Moreover, the detector unit 301 may comprise a charge collection electrode 331 adapted for collecting the converted electric 321 charge carriers and an evaluation circuit 312, 313, 314 adapted for evaluating the electro-magnetic radiation based on the collected electric charge carriers. Moreover, the detector unit 301 may comprise a semiconductor 373 which may be electrically coupled between the charge 331 collection electrode 331 and the evaluation circuit 312, 313, 314.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Matthias Simon, Walter Ruetten
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Publication number: 20120205547Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of total organic carbon content in an aqueous stream is disclosed. Absorbance of electromagnetic energy by the aqueous stream is measured in an optical sample cell with pulsed light at a wavelength of 190 nm±10 nm. A value of total organic carbon from the measured absorbance is calculated without absorbance or fluorescence measurement at any other wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: ZAPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: GARY P. KLINKHAMMER, PAUL H. MCCLELLAND, DON JACKSON, Chris J. Russo
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Publication number: 20120199755Abstract: A method and system are provided for making a quantitative measurement of an electric field. A plurality of antennas separated from one another by known distances are arrayed in a region that extends in at least one dimension. A voltage difference between at least one selected pair of antennas is measured. Each voltage difference is divided by the known distance associated with the selected pair of antennas corresponding thereto to generate a resulting quantity. The plurality of resulting quantities defined over the region quantitatively describe an electric field therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicants: Space Admi.Inventor: Edward R. Generazio
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Publication number: 20120193547Abstract: An EUV light source is disclosed which may comprise a plurality of targets, e.g., tin droplets, and a system generating pre-pulses and main-pulses with the pre-pulses for irradiating targets to produce expanded targets. The system may further comprise a continuously pumped laser device generating the main pulses with the main pulses for irradiating expanded targets to produce a burst of EUV light pulses. The system may also have a controller varying at least one pre-pulse parameter during the burst of EUV light pulses. In addition, the EUV light source may also include an instrument measuring an intensity of at least one EUV light pulse within a burst of EUV light pulses and providing a feedback signal to the controller to vary at least one pre-pulse parameter during the burst of EUV light pulses to produce a burst of EUV pulses having a pre-selected dose.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Bjorn A. M. Hansson, Alexander N. Bykanov, Igor V. Fomenkov, David C. Brandt