Radiation Controlling Means Patents (Class 250/505.1)
  • Publication number: 20140209820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing a vacuum device, such as an electron emitter, that includes a foil exit window palced over and joined to a support grid. In one particular method, the vacuum chamber of an electron emitter has a thin foil forming an exit window at one end. The thin foil may be titanium or any suitable material and the foil will typically enlarge during a bonding process that attaches the foil to the support grid. In one manufacturing process, the support grid is provided with a surface that has contours, typically being smooth recessed surfaces, that the foil once enlarged can lie against as the vacuum pulls the foil against the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Barry, Mark T. Brown, Michael L. Bufano, Gerald M. Friedman, Peter M. King, Matthew A. Medford, Anne L. Testoni, Steven R. Walther, Tzvi Avnery
  • Patent number: 8791416
    Abstract: The present invention provides an on-chip thin film phase plate for a releasing charging, comprising a chip substrate having one or more apertures; and a thin film layer attached to the top surface of the chip substrate. The present invention also provides a method for observing organic material by TEM, which uses the above-mentioned on-chip thin film phase plate in a TEM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Yunn-Shin Shiue, Pai-Chia Kuo, Chih-Ting Chen, Yuh-Lin Wang, Yong-Fen Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140205065
    Abstract: A radiation generator, an anti-scatter grid, and a radiation imaging apparatus including at least one of the radiation generator and the anti-scatter grid are provided. The radiation generator includes: a radiation source which includes a radioisotope and is configured to generate radiation; a first opening configured to pass radiation among the generated radiation irradiated in a specified direction; and a converger configured to converge the radiation irradiated from the radiation source into the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min-kook CHO, Jeong-a BAE, Yukio SAKAI
  • Patent number: 8785840
    Abstract: An apparatus which includes a plurality of sub-atmospheric vehicular devices; a substantially high power microwave transmitter located on each of the vehicular devices; and a waveguide for directing microwave energy from the high power microwave transmitter to a point in free space. The microwave energy from the microwave transmitters is directed from each of the plurality of vehicular devices to the point in free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: David Joseph Schulte
  • Publication number: 20140191141
    Abstract: Controlling electromagnetic (‘EM’) radiation in a data center having a number EM sections, including: receiving, by an EM controller, a specification of preferred EM radiation characteristics for the data center; and setting, by the EM controller, a state of each EM section in accordance with the specification, where the state of each EM section may be one of: an absorption state in which the EM section absorbs EM radiation or a reflection state in which the EM section reflects EM radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: MILTON COBO, JAMES E. HUGHES, THOMAS D. PAHEL, JR., PRAVIN S. PATEL, CHALLIS L. PURRINGTON, JACK P. WONG
  • Patent number: 8772716
    Abstract: A phase plate, specifically a Zernike type phase plate, for use in an electron microscope comprises a central hole, and a thin film causing a phase shift of the electrons passing through said film. This phase shift causes the Contrast Transfer Function (CTF) to change from a sine-like function to a cosine-like function. The phase plate is equipped with a film in the form of an annulus, carried by a much thinner film. As a result only in a small spatial frequency range (for low frequencies) the phase is changed (and thus the CTF), and for other spatial frequencies the phase shift is negligible, and thus the CTF remains unchanged. Due to the much smaller thickness of the carrier film the scattering of electrons is negligible as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventor: Bart Buijsse
  • Patent number: 8772745
    Abstract: An X-ray obscuration (XRO) film comprising one or more metallic wire mesh layers and an adjacent layer of indium foil having portions which extend into openings of the wire mesh and in contact with metallic portions thereof. The XRO film can be capable of absorbing at least a portion of X-ray energy thereby creating an interference pattern when the XRO film is coupled with an electronic circuit and placed between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector and subjected to radiographic inspection. The interference pattern can create sufficient visual static to effectively obscure circuit lines in the electronic circuit when subjected to radiographic inspection techniques. The XRO film can be substantially thinner than existing solutions for preventing X-ray inspection with an exemplary embodiment being no more than 5 mils thick. The metallic XRO film can also provide electromagnetic shielding and/or heat dissipation for electronic circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Gonya, Jesse Iannon
  • Patent number: 8754387
    Abstract: A radioactive material handling assembly (10) includes an outer housing (12) and an inner cell (14). The inner cell defines a radioactive material containment/handling chamber (16) and is removably mountable inside the outer housing. Handling means is operable from outside the inner cell to handle radioactive materials located in the containment/handling chamber. At least one of the outer housing and the inner cell is predominantly of a shielding material which is opaque to radioactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Johannes Samuel Frederik Botha
  • Patent number: 8754388
    Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: ControlRad Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allon Guez
  • Patent number: 8754386
    Abstract: There are provided a leaf row (5C) in which a plurality of leaf plates (5L) are arranged in the thickness direction of the row (5C) in such a way that respective end faces (EL) of the leaf plates (5L) are trued up, and a leaf plate drive mechanism (5D) that drives each of the plurality of leaf plates (5L) in such a way that the end face (EL) approaches or departs from a beam axis (XB). In each of the leaf plates (5L), a facing side (PL) facing a leaf plate that is adjacent to that leaf plate in the thickness direction is formed of a plane (Psa) including a first axis (Asa) on the beam axis (XB); the leaf plate drive mechanism (5D) drives the leaf plate (5L) along a circumferential orbit (OL) around the second axis (Asb), on the beam axis (XB), that is perpendicular to the beam axis (XB) and the first axis (Asa).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Iwata
  • Patent number: 8752701
    Abstract: A brachytherapy packaging system is disclosed including an inner tray containing a plurality of recesses, each recess for holding a strand of linked radiological seeds separated by spacers. An inner tray cover may also contain a plurality of recesses that coincide with the recesses of the inner tray when placed over the inner tray. The inner tray and inner tray cover may be supported by and enclosed in a container made out of a metal such as pewter. A retainer may also be supportable on the top of the container, shaped for holding a forceps or tweezers. An outer tray may be used for supporting and enclosing the container and optional retainer. The outer tray may be sealed with a removable sheet adhesively attached to a rim of the outer tray. Different configurations of the inner tray and inner tray cover may be used for different packaging configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jacobs, Russell Riescher, Christopher D. Drobnik
  • Patent number: 8748855
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8742383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the protection of medical patients and personnel from harmful radiation. More specifically, this invention provides a compact, light-weight article to be worn in areas of the body most sensitive to radiation. These include, for example, the pelvic area, the genital and gonad areas, the breast area to guard against radiation to the mammary gland, the neck and throat to protect the thyroid gland, the eye area to protect the crystalline lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Surikat S.A.
    Inventors: Max Raúl Johansson Fuenzalida, Jorge Andres Bustamante Grant, Miguel Enrique San Martin Cancino
  • Patent number: 8742382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a neutron reflector block. The neutron reflector block comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first end face and oppositely located intermediate shoulders which are spaced from the first end face. The first end face and the intermediate shoulders are bounded by spaced side faces and spaced upper and lower faces. The second portion protrudes from the first portion between the intermediate shoulders and has spaced side faces and spaced upper and lower faces. The second portion side faces are more narrowly spaced relative to the first portion side faces. The second portion also has a second end face located oppositely to the first end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Soc Ltd
    Inventors: Michael Philip Hindley, Christiaan Erasmus
  • Patent number: 8736198
    Abstract: A circular accelerator comprises a target current value memory which stores a target current value of a beam current of charged particle which is extracted from an extracting device; and a frequency determination part in which a frequency change ratio is obtained by performing a feedback control based on an error signal between a detection signal of a beam current detector and a target current value which is stored in a target current value memory, and determines a subsequent frequency from the obtained frequency change ratio and a current frequency, wherein the subsequent frequency which is determined by the frequency determination part is stored in a frequency memory and a radio-frequency generator generates the subsequent radio-frequency of frequency which is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Haruna, Katsuhisa Yoshida, Masahiro Ikeda, Kengo Sugahara, Hirofumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8731142
    Abstract: An X-ray collimator for controlling an X-ray radiation field, having a lower base member, a pair of regulating members, a pair of surrounding members having substantially U-shaped forms in planar view, N columnar members surrounded by the pair of surrounding members (where N is 4, 6, or 8), a guiding member, a pair of moving members moving parallel to the opposed surfaces of the regulating members, an upper base member, a first motor for horizontally moving the pair of moving members, and a second motor for moving the columnar members. The first motor is driven to horizontally move the pair of moving members over the same distance in opposite directions. The second motor is configured to move one of the columnar members along an internal surface of the surrounding member surrounding the columnar member, thereby moving the other N?1 columnar members sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Accuthera Inc.
    Inventors: Eiji Tanabe, Masaaki Ito
  • Patent number: 8721844
    Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mohammad Al Rifai
  • Patent number: 8723148
    Abstract: A safety net system for blocking electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from electronic devices is provided. The safety net system comprises a hair net for covering at least a portion of a head and a body net having a back portion for covering an upper back and shoulders, a first front portion for covering a right breast, and a second front portion covering a left breast. A first anti-EMF chip is mounted to the hair net, a second anti-EMF chip is mounted to the back portion, a third anti-EMF chip is mounted to the first front portion, and a fourth anti-EMF chip mounted to the second front portion. Upon positioning the hair net over the at least a portion of the head and upon draping the body net over the shoulders thereby covering the upper back and breasts, the anti-EMF chips block and shield EMF radiation from reaching the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Norma Francois
  • Patent number: 8718234
    Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator includes leaf drives and two sets of displaceable leaves arranged side by side and facing each other to impress a high-energy beam with the shape of an irregularly formed treatment object. Each of the leaves assumes a position oriented along the shape of the treatment object by means of a leaf drive and each are equipped with a gear rod-like drive engagement in the direction of the displacement. A leaf-side pivotable gear segment is located, together with a motor-side gear segment, on a segment disk that engages with the gear rod-like drive engagement. A pinion drivable by a motor engages with the motor-side gear segment. The segment discs are arranged side by side for each set of leaves as a package on one axis. The motor-side gear segments of two segment disks located next to each other are staggered so that they will not abut each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
    Inventor: Gernot Echner
  • Patent number: 8718220
    Abstract: A system and method for storing multiple canisters containing high level waste below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a ventilated system for storing high level waste emitting heat, the system comprising: an air-intake shell forming an air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a storage cavity; a lid positioned atop each of the storage shells; an outlet vent forming a passageway between an ambient environment and a top portion of each of the storage cavities; and a network of pipes forming hermetically sealed passageways between a bottom portion of the air-intake cavity and at least two different openings at a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities such that blockage of a first one of the openings does not prohibit air from flowing from the air-intake cavity into the storage cavity via a second one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 8718221
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inter-unit transfer of spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is a method of transferring high level radioactive waste comprising: a) loading high level radioactive waste into a water-filled cavity of a canister body having an open top end at a first location; b) coupling a lid to the canister body to enclose the open top end; c) removing a volume of water from the cavity so that a water level of the water within the cavity is above a top end of the high level radioactive waste and a space exists between the water level and a bottom surface of the lid; d) hermetically sealing the cavity; and e) transferring the canister to a second location, the water level remaining above the top end of the high level radioactive waste during the transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, John D. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8712001
    Abstract: A fuel basket spacer, and system and method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving radioactive materials; a basket positioned in the cavity comprising a plurality of cells; and a structure having an outer surface and an inner surface forming a central passageway; the structure positioned in the cavity so that the basket extends through the central passageway of the structure; and wherein the internal perimeter of the structure corresponds to the external perimeter of the basket in size and shape and the external perimeter of the structure corresponds to the perimeter of the cavity in size and shape. Circumferential clearances are provided between structure and the basket and the structure and the body that are eliminated when exposed to a residual heat load of the radioactive waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Krishna Singh, Stephen Agace
  • Patent number: 8710476
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Philip A. Eckhoff, William H. Gates, III, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8704197
    Abstract: A device operable to accelerate a particle beam to an energy for irradiating a target volume. The device includes a particle accelerator operable in a first working phase in which particles of the particle beam are accelerated to the energy and a second working phase in which the particles of the particle beam are provided and extracted for irradiating the target volume. The device further includes a control device operable to interrupt an irradiation of the target volume if the target volume assumes a predetermined state. The control device is also operable to control the particle accelerator as a function of a comparison between a residual particle number stored in the accelerator and a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alexander Gemmel
  • Patent number: 8705683
    Abstract: A plurality of first plate members 10 is stacked with long side ends 10LT1 and 10LT2 thereof abutting to each other. Plate member joint bodies 100 are formed by attaching connecting members 30 to side surfaces 10S of the stacked first plate members 10, and connecting the first plate members 10. Further, the plate member joint bodies 100 are so disposed to face each other, and the connecting members 30 projecting from the side surfaces 10S of the first plate members 10 are inserted into recesses formed at both long side ends of second plate members 20. A recycled fuel assembly storage basket 1 is thus formed. Recycled fuel assemblies are stored in spaces surrounded by the first plate members 10 and the second plate members 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 8704201
    Abstract: An energy filter allows, particularly at lower beam energies, a determined spread of the beam energies in order to preserve the beam edges and to spread the Bragg peak at each individual beam energy. The energy filter behaves similarly to a ridge filter and spreads out the Bragg peak of a low energy proton beam (70-100 MeV) so that energy modulation of the beam can be done with steps of 5 mm in one go over the full range of 235-70 MeV. Due to its mechanical flexibility, the energy filter can be placed on the skin of the patient which minimizes the effect of scattering in the filter due to the short distance behind a layer of a plurality of metal particles within a flexible soft plastic sheet to the skin of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventor: Jacobus Maarten Schippers
  • Patent number: 8698108
    Abstract: A system of measuring ion beam current in a process chamber using conductive liners is disclosed. A conductive liner is used to shield the walls of the process chamber. An ion measuring device, such as an ammeter, is used to measure the current created by the ions that impact the conductive liner. In some embodiments, a mechanism to contain secondary electrons generated in the process chamber is employed. Additionally, the ions that impact the scan system or workpiece may also be measured, thereby allowing the current of the entire ion beam to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Dzengeleski, Eric Hermanson, Robert J. Mitchell, Tyler Rockwell, James W. Wilkinson, James Paul Buonodono, Frank Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20140091238
    Abstract: An energy degrader includes a plurality of attenuating members configured to attenuate the energy of an incident charged particle beam, the plurality of attenuating members having different amounts of energy to be attenuated. A low-energy-side attenuating member that is the attenuating member with a larger amount of energy to be attenuated is made of a material having a higher transmittance of the charged particle beam than that of a high-energy-side attenuating member that is the attenuating member with a smaller amount of energy to be attenuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Miyashita, Takamasa Ueda
  • Patent number: 8686379
    Abstract: Systems for preparing solid samples for microscopic examination in cross section or planametric orientation. The sample preparation systems include a sample support, an excitation beam to remove material from the surface of the sample, and a beam shield that protects the sample from the excitation beam, where sequential vertical adjustment of the beam shield permits the selective exposure of a series of substantially planar sample surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8681924
    Abstract: A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack and method of manufacturing the same. In ones aspect, the invention is a neutron absorbing apparatus comprising: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Evan Rosenbaum, Thomas G. Haynes, III, Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 8680497
    Abstract: A superhydrophobic electromagnetic field shielding material includes a curable resin and a carbon material, the superhydrophobic electromagnetic field shielding material including at least two depression patterns on an exposed surface. The at least two depression patterns may include a first depression pattern including a plurality of grooves having a same shape and a second depression pattern including a plurality of grooves having a same shape. The carbon material may be about 3 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the superhydrophobic electromagnetic field shielding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-Hyoung Cho, Jin Seung Sohn, Sung Hoon Park, Chang Youl Moon, Ha Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20140077102
    Abstract: A replacement light apparatus includes a base plate, a grip plate, a bearing member, and a light source. The grip plate extends from a first surface of the base plate. The bearing member extends from a second surface of the base plate that is opposite the first surface. The bearing member includes a bearing surface disposed in a first plane that is perpendicular to a second plane, in which the base plate is disposed. The light source is mounted on the bearing surface of the bearing member and adapted to project a cone of light centered on an illumination axis that extends perpendicular to the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Southern Linac, LLC
    Inventors: Clark Bowlsbey, Edward Q. Castle, JR., Kyle Bowlsbey
  • Publication number: 20140077095
    Abstract: A collimating system for collimating radiation received under different angles for performing tomography includes a static collimator having a plurality of collimating apertures, and shutters for separately and temporarily shutting at least two of the collimating apertures. The shutters have a shutting element for blocking the at least two collimating apertures, and at least one collimating element distinct from the shutting element for collimating radiation passing through non-shutted collimating apertures in a direction so as to control overlap between radiation stemming from different non-shutted collimating apertures. An imaging system includes a collimating system, and a method for collimating and a corresponding controller and software related products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Karel Deprez, Karen Van Audenhaege, Roel Van Holen, Stefaan Vandenberghe
  • Publication number: 20140070117
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electromagnetic wave beam splitter, comprising a functional layer made of at least one metamaterial sheet, wherein different metamaterial sheets have the same refractive index distribution; the metamaterial sheet may be divided into a circular region and an annular region concentric to the circular region; a refractive index increases continuously as a radius increases and refractive indices at the same radius are the same within the circular region; and a refractive index decreases continuously as a radius increases and refractive indices are the same at the same radius within the annular region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: KUANG-CHI INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Ruopeng Liu, Chunlin Ji, Yutao Yue, Yunnan Hong
  • Patent number: 8669541
    Abstract: Treatment planning methods are provided that determine the variability of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a beam line and calculate, among other things, what intensity of hadron beam such as a proton or a carbon ion beam should be applied to achieve a desired biological dose at treatment site of a patient afflicted with a medical condition. Typically, three or four RBE values at three or four corresponding spacially-dispersed intervals along the beam line are calculated. In one embodiment, two RBE values for the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) region of the treatment site; one for the proximal section and one for the declining distal section is calculated. A third and different RBE value may be determined for the distal edge region of the SOBP. A fourth value may also be calculated for a pre-SOBP region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hampton University
    Inventors: Cythnia E. Keppel, Richard A. Britten, Vahagn R. Nazaryan
  • Patent number: 8664630
    Abstract: A thermal neutron shield comprising boron shielding panels with a high percentage of the element Boron. The panel is least 46% Boron by weight which maximizes the effectiveness of the shielding against thermal neutrons. The accompanying method discloses the manufacture of boron shielding panels which includes enriching the pre-cursor mixture with varying grit sizes of Boron Carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Bert Clayton Metzger, Paul Daniel Brindza
  • Patent number: 8658993
    Abstract: A self-powered ‘near field’ lithographic system 100 includes three primary components, namely, a thin film or emitter substrate 110 including a radioactive material (e.g., a radioisotope 112), a target substrate 120 which carries an energy-modifiable layer 122 (e.g., photo-resist) and a stencil (e.g., 130) that is either positioned between the emitter and target substrates fabricated upon and defined in the emitter substrate. The stencil is made from a material capable of blocking particles emitted through radioactive decay from the radioisotope of the emitter substrate. The stencil includes openings or vias 132 patterned to permit selective transmission of the particles emitted through radioactive decay from the radioisotope of the emitter substrate 110, and the stencil is preferably placed up against (or very close to) the target substrate 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventor: Amit Lal
  • Patent number: 8660231
    Abstract: A storage rack arrangement (10) for the storage of nuclear fuel elements in a storage pool includes at least two storage racks (1.1-1.3) which each contain a plurality of vertical channels (9) arranged next to one another for the reception of the fuel elements, with positioning elements (6) being provided at the storage racks at the bottom. The storage racks are connected to one another at the top and the storage rack arrangement (10) additionally includes one or more base plates (2.1-2.3) which are provided with positioning members (8) which fit with the positioning elements (6) of the storage racks (1.1-1.3) and which, together with the positioning elements, position the storage racks with respect to the base plate or base plates (2.1-2.3) to prevent a displacement of the storage racks on the base plate or plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: CCI AG
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kielbowicz
  • Publication number: 20140048727
    Abstract: A beam filter positioning device includes a first and a second axes operable to move a body supporting one or more collimators, one or more photon flattening filters, one or more electron foils, and field light mirror etc. The collimators may be configured to collimate radiation to define a treatment beam suitable for radiosurgery. A controller is programmed to control the servo motor of the first and second axes to accurately position the beam filters. Radiation apparatuses and systems incorporating the beam filter positioning device or assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin J. Huntzinger, David K. Jensen, William A. Strachan
  • Publication number: 20140048728
    Abstract: Various electromagnetically-countered systems are provided and include at least one wave source irradiating harmful electromagnetic waves and at least one counter unit emitting counter electromagnetic waves for countering the harmful waves. Various generic counter units of such systems and various mechanisms are provided to counter the harmful waves by the counter units by matching configurations of the counter units with those of the wave sources, matching shapes of such counter waves with shapes of the harmful waves, etc. Various methods are provided for countering the harmful waves with the counter waves by such source or wave matching. Various methods are also provided for the counter units as well as counter waves. Various processes are provided for providing such systems and counter units. Various electric and/or magnetic shields may be used alone or in conjunction with such counter units to minimize irradiation of the harmful waves from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Youngtack SHIM
  • Patent number: 8648315
    Abstract: An ion accelerator includes a plasma ion source and a micro-collimator. The micro-collimator has a plurality of channels. The length-to-width ratio of each channel is greater than five, and the channel width is less than one micron. The ion source is coupled to the micro-collimator such that ions from the ion source pass into the channels, and then through the plurality of channels. In one specific example, the ion source produces cold ions that have only a small amount of lateral momentum. Each channel is an individually gated acceleration channel that is formed into a solid dielectric material. Ions are accelerated down the acceleration channel. The ion accelerator forms a part of an ionjet head of a Direct Write On Wafer (DWOW) printing system. The DWOW printing system is useful in semiconductor processing in that it can direct write an image onto a 300 mm diameter wafer in one minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Transmute, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim L. Hailey, Robert O. Conn
  • Patent number: 8641592
    Abstract: A method and device for image guided dynamic radiation treatment of prostate cancer and other pelvic lesions including: 1) a unique fan geometry of radiation sources; 2) a special collimation method and apparatus to sculpt the radiation borders; 3) an integrated three-dimensional imager and a special tissue interface imaging system to locate and track critical boundaries in real-time; 4) a dynamic patient support system, which is shared by the said imager and the irradiation system; and 5) motorized custom shielding filters to further protect neighboring normal tissues such as the kidneys and femoral heads. The fan geometry utilizes a plural number of radiation sources arranged specifically for irradiating tumors in the human pelvis while not harming critical structures, and the collimation sculpts the radiation borders using motorized shields for different sensitive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Xinsheng Yu
  • Patent number: 8637841
    Abstract: A multilevel MLC includes a first set and a second set of a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves arranged adjacent one another. Leaves of each pair in the first set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a first direction. Leaves of each pair in the second set are disposed in an opposed relationship and longitudinally movable relative to each other in a second direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first and second sets of pairs of leaves are disposed in different planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8633461
    Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, David W. Wilson, Gary S. Wagner, Ralph E. Pollard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8634514
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vessel for processing, transfer, accumulation and/or transfer of material containing civilian or military origin plutonium, in the form of plutonium oxide, carbide and/or nitride. The plutonium is preferably present in a concentration not higher than a guaranteed maximum between 20 and 50% wt. in said material, possibly with other actinides such as americium, neptunium, or curium. Said material is preferably in form of powder, granulate and/or tablets. The vessel comprises a volume of 20 to 70 liters for containing said material, demarcated at least by two substantially parallel walls, these two walls being separated by a distance e between 8 and 15 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Belgonucleaire SA
    Inventor: Alain Vandergheynst
  • Publication number: 20140014829
    Abstract: A contrast phantom for an active millimeter wave imaging system is made from different materials or sections having different reflectivities. The reflectivities incrementally increase in discrete steps so that the phantom is useable to calibrate the active millimeter wave imaging system. The reflectivities preferably range from 0% to 100% and incrementally and linearly increase in equal steps. A method of producing the contrast phantom for the active millimeter wave imaging system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Barber, James C. Weatherall
  • Patent number: 8624211
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a neutron shielding material is formed of boron-adding stainless steel of either austenite-ferrite two-phase stainless steel or ferritic stainless steel, the austenite-ferrite two-phase stainless steel containing, in mass %, B: 0.5% to 2.0%, Ni: 3.0 to 10.0%, and Cr: 21.00 to 32.00%, the ferritic stainless steel containing, in mass %, B: 0.5% to 2.0%, Ni: 4.0% or less, and Cr: 11.00 to 32.00%, and the boron-adding stainless steel being well in ductility and thermal conduction property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masanori Kibata, Yuuji Saito, Motoji Tsubota, Yoshitaka Doken, Makoto Sato, Shunichi Hatano, Masanori Ishiga, Go Ono
  • Patent number: 8624212
    Abstract: A radiation resistant clothing includes a first radiation resistant layer for directly reflecting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and a second radiation resistant layer for absorbing EMR which penetrates through or under the edges of clothing worn over the human body. The second radiation resistant layer is positioned on an inside of the first radiation resistant layer and has radiation absorbing material which dissipates indirect EMR in the form of heat or other energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Sheng Yang, Xiao-Lian He
  • Publication number: 20140001371
    Abstract: A radiation detection device is provided. The radiation detection device includes a pair of rails spaced in a slice direction and extending parallel to a channel direction, and a plurality of collimator modules arranged along the channel direction on a radiation exit side of the pair of rails, wherein at least one of the pair of rails extending along the channel direction includes a plate member with a plurality of notches formed along the radiation exit side, and wherein the collimator modules each include a first pin protruding on a radiation incidence side and attached to the pair of rails with the first pin fitted in one of the notches of the plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Haruo Kurochi, Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph James Lacey, Richard P. VanDeWeghe
  • Patent number: 8619249
    Abstract: This invention relates to a light angle selecting light detector device comprising a detector unit which is arranged to receive light selected by a selector unit. The device comprising at least one set of light passing areas. Each set of light passing areas consists of a first light passing area having a first size, which first light passing area is located on a first surface, and a second light passing area having a second size, which second light passing area is located on a second surface. The first light passing area and the second light passing area are arranged with a lateral displacement and form a light path from the first surface to the second surface for light having an incident angle between a maximum angle and a minimum angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Eduard Johannes Meijer, Peter Vergeer, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet