Radiation Controlling Means Patents (Class 250/505.1)
  • Patent number: 8143606
    Abstract: An extreme ultra violet light source device of a laser produced plasma type, in which charged particles such as ions emitted from plasma can be efficiently ejected. The extreme ultra violet light source device includes: a target nozzle that supplies a target material; a laser oscillator that applies a laser beam to the target material supplied from the target nozzle to generate plasma; collector optics that collects extreme ultra violet light radiated from the plasma; and a magnetic field forming unit that forms an asymmetric magnetic field in a position where the laser beam is applied to the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Komori, Yoshifumi Ueno, Georg Soumagne
  • Patent number: 8137981
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a nanowire waveguide with first and second ends, the second end comprising a nanoparticle, the nanowire waveguide configured to transmit radiation from the first end to the second end to illuminate the nanoparticle, the apparatus configured such that the nanoparticle is capable of being in close proximity to an analyte to allow for detection of said analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Piers Andrew, Jani Kivioja, Hongwei Li, Marc Bailey, Richard White
  • Patent number: 8139718
    Abstract: Realtime beam shape adjustment in response to (for example) online CT scanning of a patient during treatment is assisted by the radiotherapy apparatus comprising a source adapted to emit a beam of therapeutic radiation, a collimator for delimiting the radiation beam, the collimator comprising a plurality of leaves arranged alongside each other and be moveable longitudinally so that the tips of the leaves define a variable edge of the collimator, the leaves being mounted on a support that is moveable laterally with respect to the leaves. In this way, movements of the tumor that are perpendicular to the direction of leaf motion can be accommodated by simply moving the collimator bodily so as to accommodate this. It is preferred that the apparatus also includes a control means adapted to receive information as to the location of the target volume, and, on the basis of that information, control the longitudinal positions of the leaves and the lateral position of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Ralph Streamer, Duncan Bourne
  • Publication number: 20120056095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collimation apparatus for use in biomedical imaging systems. Specifically, the invention relates to a collimation apparatus that blocks a portion of its crystal with a radiation blocking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Scott METZLER, Joel S. Karp
  • Patent number: 8129701
    Abstract: A modulator for radiation therapy provides modulation of an area beam to decrease treatment time. Separate channels passing modulated “beamlets” are possible by spacing the channels such that spreading of the beams and multiple angles of treatment eliminate cold spots. The space between the channels allows well-defined channel walls and space for modulator mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jihad H. Al-Sadah, David C. Westerly, Patrick M. Hill, Thomas R. Mackie
  • Publication number: 20120049090
    Abstract: A terahertz (THz) anti-reflection device, for example, a broadband tunable THz anti-reflection device, includes a silicon substrate having a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses having a plurality of cavities of decreasing dimension. The cavities may be nested polygonal cavities, for example, having a square or rectangular cross section. The recesses having the cavities may be positioned at regular periods, for example, periods ranging from 10 ?m to 20 ?m. The devices may be fabricated by conventional lithographic methods. Also disclosed are methods for modifying terahertz radiation and methods for fabricating anti-reflection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Xi-Cheng ZHANG, Pengyu HAN, Yuting W. CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120043482
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Prince, Stanley Mansfield
  • Publication number: 20120043481
    Abstract: A collimation assembly includes a multileaf collimator and motion assembly. The multileaf collimator includes a support body and a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves supported by the support body. The beam blocking leaves are longitudinally movable in a first direction. The motion assembly includes an actuator and a guide assembly operable to move the support body and thereby allowing the plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves to move in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Mansfield, Steven W. Prince
  • Patent number: 8121253
    Abstract: A method for making a beam modifier to be used in radiation therapy includes defining a region of interest in a patient that is to receive radiation, with the region of interest being defined using an anatomy coordinate system format. Radiation treatment parameters are defined for the defined region of interest, and correspond to an initial type beam modifier to be coupled to an output of a radiation device. Design data on a beam modifier to be placed on the skin of the patient is generated, with the design data being based on the defined region of interest and the defined radiation treatment parameters for the defined region of interest. The design data is in the same anatomy coordinate system format as the defined region of interest that is to receive the radiation. The design data is treated as a new region of interest, and the radiation dosage to be applied to the new region of interest is re-calculated while taking into account the beam modifier to be placed on the skin of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: .Decimal, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin E. Nelms
  • Publication number: 20120039444
    Abstract: A device for use with a radiation machine includes a first cone collimator, wherein the first cone collimator has a first end for receiving a radiation beam, a collimating portion for changing the radiation beam, and a second end for emitting an output beam, and wherein the first cone collimator is configured to be detachably coupled to a coupling device that has a plurality of moveable switches, and has one or more engaging portions configured to engage with a first subset of the plurality of switches. A method of using a cone collimator includes receiving a portion of a cone collimator, determining a subset of a plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator, and determining an identity of the cone collimator based on the subset of the plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Dusan BAIC, Kevin GREENBERG
  • Patent number: 8110821
    Abstract: A container for transporting a receptacle (2) containing a radioactive substance for medical use. includes a shielded body made up of a belt of side walls connected to a base element and defining a top opening, and a shielded closing lid attachable to the top opening by locking elements shaped so as to be activated by a translational movement of the lid in the top opening, this “locking movement” taking place along the axis of the opening and towards the opposing base element. The lid is further equipped with elements for deactivating the locking elements to enable it to be separated from the container body. In one advantageous embodiment, the lid has a plurality of retractable projecting studs designed to fit by a snap-action type phenomenon into at least one complementary housing formed in the opening of the container body during the locking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lemer Protection Anti-X Par Abreviation Societe Lemer Pax
    Inventor: Pierre-Marie Lemer
  • Publication number: 20120025110
    Abstract: An x-ray window comprising a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphene. The carbon nanotubes and/or graphene can be embedded in the polymer. Multiple layers of polymer, carbon nanotubes, and/or graphene may be used. The polymer with carbon nanotubes and/or graphene can be used as an x-ray window support structure and/or thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Steven D. Liddiard, Lei Pei, Richard R. Vanfleet, Charles R. Jensen, Michael Zappe, Keith W. Decker
  • Patent number: 8107583
    Abstract: Sealing means comprising a seal carrier and a seal connected thereto, wherein the seal carrier is removably fixable between two areas insulated from each other, and a transfer device between two chambers, which are separated by a wall, wherein said transfer device comprises a transfer mechanism and at least one sealing means according to the invention which is positioned between the wall and the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Areva NC
    Inventor: Pierre Bouzon
  • Patent number: 8106366
    Abstract: Provided are an ion beam control apparatus and a control method for controlling an ion beam energy expansion level and an ion beam size in a radial direction. An ion beam control apparatus Sa is provided with an ion beam generating unit 2, and an ion beam control unit 1a in which a generated ion beam (IB) is input and controlled to be output with the prescribed level of energy expansion and the prescribed diameter in the radial direction. In the ion beam control unit 1a, phase rotation by a radio frequency electric field that increases existing probability with the prescribed level of energy is at least used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Kyoto University, National Institute of Radiological Sciences
    Inventors: Akira Noda, Toshiyuki Shirai, Masahiro Ikegami, Shu Nakamura, Hiroyuki Daido, Kouji Noda
  • Publication number: 20120018653
    Abstract: An apparatus to modify an incident free space electromagnetic wave includes a block of an artificially structured material having an adjustable spatial distribution of electromagnetic parameters (e.g., ?, ?, ?, ?, and n). A controller applies control signals to dynamically adjust the spatial distribution of electromagnetic parameters in the material to introduce a time-varying path delay d(t) in the modified electromagnetic wave relative to the incident electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan Kundtz, Bruce Marshall McWilliams, John Brian Pendry, David Schurig, David R. Smith, Anthony F. Starr, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8101932
    Abstract: A radiation attenuation corridor couples a radiation therapy room and a control room. The radiation attenuation corridor is made of a material that substantially absorbs ionizing radiation and substantially blocks the transmission of the ionizing radiation. Specific wall portions at the entrance of the corridor are covered with borated polyethylene (BPE). Specific wall portions diverge from an axis defined by the corridor by from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees. The corridor thus leads out of the room and angles laterally across the wall of the therapy room, before angling again and opening to a safe room. The added angles in the radiation corridor increase the distance of radiation travel, and make the path more indirect, thereby increasing the contact of the radiation emissions with the radiation shielding and further attenuating the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Trinity Health-Michigan
    Inventor: Tewfik J. Bichay
  • Patent number: 8101930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the operation lifetime of an optical collector unit (33)) arranged in an irradiation device. The irradiation device at least comprises a radiation source (1) emitting optical radiation, in particular extreme ultraviolet radiation or soft X-rays, said radiation source (1) generating substances and/or particles colliding with optical surfaces of the optical collector unit (33), which forms a radiation beam of a portion of said radiation emitted by said radiation source (1), and a debris mitigation unit (37) arranged between the radiation source (1) and said optical collector unit (33). In the proposed method the optical collector unit (33) is moved during operation and/or in operation pauses of the device such that deposits or degradation effects caused by collision of said substances and/or particles with said optical surfaces of the collector unit (33) are distributed more homogeneously on said optical surfaces than without such a movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Zink
  • Publication number: 20120012763
    Abstract: These various embodiments are employed in conjunction with the use of both a multi-leaf collimator and jaws that are interposed between a source of radiation and a treatment target while sourcing radiation from the source of radiation towards the treatment target. Generally speaking, during some portion of the aforementioned treatment, these teachings provide for manipulating the jaws to more tightly constrain, in at least one dimension, a beam-shaping aperture as is formed by the multi-leaf collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Esa Kuusela, Sami Siljamäki
  • Publication number: 20120007003
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Gregory S. Simmons, Brian D. Riggs, Robert Harrison, Dan Castro, Bin Huang
  • Patent number: 8093568
    Abstract: A radiation therapy system for heavy ions employs a rocking motion of a fan beam used to treat the patient, the fan beam having individually modulated beamlets, the rocking limited in angular extent to provide improved conformance of the dose to a tumor while shielding distal tissue from radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mackie, Michael William Kissick, Ryan Thomas Flynn
  • Patent number: 8093572
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Gopinath R. Kuduvalli
  • Patent number: 8094378
    Abstract: A design method, apparatus, and fabrication method for structures for controlling the flow of electromagnetic energy at a sub-wavelength scale is disclosed. Transformational optics principles are used as a starting point for the design of structures that operate as, for example, hyperlenses or concentrators such that evanescent waves at a first surface are radiated in the far field at a second surface. Plane waves incident at a first surface may be focused to a spot size substantially smaller than a wavelength, so as to interact with objects at the focal point, or be re-radiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alexander V. Kildishev, Vladimir M. Shalaev
  • Publication number: 20110303824
    Abstract: Planar sub-wavelength structures provide superlensing, i.e., electromagnetic focusing beyond the diffraction limit. The planar structures use diffraction to force the input field to converge to a spot on the focal plane. The sub-wavelength patterned structures manipulate the output wave in such a manner as to form a sub-wavelength focus in the near field. In some examples, the sub-wavelength structures may be linear grating-like structures that can focus electromagnetic radiation to lines of arbitrarily small sub-wavelength dimension, or two dimensional grating-like structures and Bessel (azimuthally symmetric) structures that can focus to spots of arbitrarily small sub-wavelength dimensions. The particular pattern for the sub-wavelength structures may be derived from the desired focus. Some examples describe sub-wavelength structures that have been implemented to focus microwave radiation to sub-wavelength dimensions in the near field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Anthony Grbic, Roberto D. Merlin
  • Patent number: 8076634
    Abstract: A downhole tool for performing measurement of a formation. The tool comprising a housing surrounding a source for generating neutrons and a detector for detecting the neutrons. A shield is located outside of, or embedded in, the housing and focuses the neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Stoller
  • Patent number: 8071942
    Abstract: A sample holder apparatus and method for reducing the energy of charged particles entering an annular-acceptance analyzer includes use of an electrically isolated sample support member having a sample receiving surface configured to receive a sample and electrically connect the sample to the sample support member (e.g., wherein the sample support member is configured for application of a retarding bias potential). A grounded sample aperture member defining an aperture relative to the sample support member but electrically isolated therefrom is provided such that the aperture is proximate the sample receiving surface to expose at least a portion of a surface of a sample received thereon to be analyzed (e.g., wherein applying a retarding bias potential to the sample support member produces an electrical retarding field about the aperture that reduces the energy of emitted particles from a sample before they enter an annular-acceptance analyzer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Physical Electronics USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Watson, Paul E. Larson, Dennis F. Paul, Ronald E. Negri
  • Patent number: 8071966
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a control device for controlling an irradiation procedure, which is designed in such a way that a target volume is irradiated by at least two irradiation procedures. In each irradiation procedure, an energy of a particle beam is varied in such a way that the target volume is irradiated layer-wise in layers that are spatially arranged one behind another. A sequence in which the layers of the target volume are irradiated in one of the irradiation procedures is varied from irradiation procedure to irradiation procedure, in terms of a direction of incidence of the particle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Kaiser, Peter van Haβelt
  • Patent number: 8067751
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a high resolution radiation treatment system which provide for projecting a field of radiation energy at targeted patient tissue. The system uses a multi-leaf collimator, which is positioned such that a significant clearance is provided between the multi-leaf collimator and the isocenter plane where the targeted tissue is located. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are designed to provide for high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape. Additionally, an embodiment of the system and method herein can provide for a high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape, and for a dose calculation matrix which has matrix units which coincide with the high step resolution in the projected radiation shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Mohr
  • Patent number: 8067758
    Abstract: The present (or current) nuclear shielding is bulky and difficult to handle due to the reduced stopping power of the neutral radiations (X, gamma, n) in materials. It is proven that these radiations are reflecting at grazing incidence angles on special substrates called super-mirrors that contain nano-layers of various materials. The usage of nano-structures in an ordered manner or of nano-tubes may create inside the nano-structure the super-mirror reflection conditions and makes these nano-structures act like wave-guide for this neutral radiation driving it and turning at angles greater than 90 degrees requiring a total thickness a few microns only. The usage of ferro or piezo electric nano-structures generates a “shield” structure that has the wave-guides inside with the path dependent on a control voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Liviu Popa-Simil, Claudiu Iulian Muntele
  • Patent number: 8063381
    Abstract: A medical gantry that focus the beam from the beginning of the gantry to the exit of the gantry independent of the rotation angle of the gantry by keeping the beam achromatic and uncoupled, thus, avoiding the use of collimators or rotators, or additional equipment to control the beam divergence, which may cause beam intensity loss or additional time in irradiation of the patient, or disadvantageously increase the overall gantry size inapplicable for the use in the medical treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaos Tsoupas, Dmitry Kayran, Vladimir Litvinenko, William W. MacKay
  • Patent number: 8058632
    Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Balestracci, James A. Melchore, Jr., Jo Anna Monteferrante, Irene Kucharewicz Ropiak, Ernst Schramm, Julius P. Zodda, Charles R. Quirico
  • Publication number: 20110266469
    Abstract: A structure includes a channel waveguide and a pocket adjacent to an input facet of the channel waveguide. A laser having an output facet is positioned in the pocket. The structure includes a stop on either the laser or a wall of the pocket. The stop is positioned at an interface between the laser and the wall of the pocket such that the output facet of the laser and the input facet of the waveguide are separated by a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Arkadi Goulakov, Thomas R. Boonstra, Jon P. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8049188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface at least partly covered with contaminant or undesired material by applying atomic hydrogen. The invention also proposes an irradiation unit adapted to perform the cleaning method. In the present method the atomic hydrogen is generated by dissociation of molecular hydrogen directed to a surface containing catalytic material, which causes the dissociation of at least a part of the molecular hydrogen to atomic hydrogen. The surface with the catalytic material is arranged close to the surface to be cleaned and is dimensioned such that its total surface area is at least twice the surface area of the to be cleaned surface region. The method allows for the cleaning of the surface region in a constructive simple and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Christof Metzmacher, Achim Weber
  • Patent number: 8049192
    Abstract: An ion beam blocking array configured to provide a mechanical means for adjusting the beam current profile of an ion ribbon beam by blocking the beam current at one or more locations across the ribbon beam. The ion beam blocking array includes a drive motor, an axle connected to the drive motor and a plurality of profile wheels disposed along the axle where each of the profile wheels is configured to rotate when the axle rotates. Each of the profile wheels is disposed across a width of the ribbon beam and has a position corresponding to a location along the width of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Bassom, Leo V. Klos, Joseph C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8049193
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first isogrid defining a first plurality of zones, each zone from said first plurality of zones comprising a plurality of ligaments, each zone from said first plurality of zones defining a plurality of spaces, each space bounded by a first sub-plurality of ligaments from said plurality of ligaments, each of said ligaments comprising a plurality of ligament surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, William T. Randolph, Jill E. Klinger
  • Publication number: 20110261441
    Abstract: This invention relates to use of metamaterials for creating spectral selectors of electromagnetic radiation. Planar metamaterial films patterned on the sub-wavelength scale can be used in polarization filters instead of natural and synthesized bulk crystals. Characteristics and the quality factor of metamaterial filters is controlled by the geometry of the pattern. Various types of metamaterials and filter configurations are proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Nikolay I. Zheludev, Eric Plum, Vassili A. Fedotov
  • Patent number: 8044376
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods that protect against exposure to remote sources of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). As such, the devices provide protection against a plurality of electrical equipment used in ordinary households and employment settings. The device includes a housing, a solenoid operably connected to a driver and a polymer. The solenoid generates incident radiation which results in the polymer emitting electromagnetic oscillations at frequencies that counter adverse effects associated with the subject's exposure to the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Igor Smimov
  • Patent number: 8044377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that may be magnetically picked and placed, assembled and dis-assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, Michael T. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8039819
    Abstract: A device and a method for creating a spatial dose distribution in a medium volume (22) are described. A laser system produces laser pulses (12) with a pulse length shorter than 200 fs (femtoseconds) and is capable to be focused to peak intensities greater than 10^18 W/cm^2 (watts per centimeter squared). An electron source (18) is capable of releasing a high-energy electron pulse (20), in particular the electrons having an energy greater than 100 MeV, upon irradiation with said laser pulses (12) propagating into the medium volume (22). The light paths (52, 56,58) of at least some of the laser pulses (12) are adjustable in such a way that high-energy electron pulses (20) are emitted from the irradiated at least one electron source on different trajectories (20,28,60,62) through the medium volume (22) thereby depositing their dose in the medium volume (22) according to a provided pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Ecole Polytechnique, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
    Inventors: Jérôme Faure, Yannick Glinec, Victor Malka, Thomas Fuchs, Hanitra Szymanowski, Uwe Oelfke
  • Publication number: 20110240849
    Abstract: A method of mounting rods in quadrupole, hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries is described. First and second dies are used to hold the rods in the required configuration with the plurality of rods extending through each of the two dies. A coupling arrangement is used to separate the first and second dies, and also prevents motion in the plane of the dies. The rods are seated and retained against individual supports and arranged circumferentially about an intended ion beam axis. The supports are desirably fabricated from silicon bonded to a glass substrate, a support for a first rod being electrically isolated from a support for a second adjacent rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Microsaic Systems Limited
    Inventor: Steven Wright
  • Patent number: 8030629
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive optical device for the reflection of impinging radiation, the adaptive optical device comprising at least one actuator and at least one partially reflective volume. The at least one partially reflective volume has a first surface that is oriented to the impinging radiation. The at least one partially reflective volume is at least partially deformable by said at least one actuator such that the impinging radiation is reflected at the at least one partially reflective volume substantially in accordance with Bragg's law. Further, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the shape of an adaptive optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
    Inventors: Zacharias Helmut, Martin Silles
  • Patent number: 8030604
    Abstract: A near-field detection optical component operating in transmission. It includes at least one portion (11b) forming at least one grating (11) of diffraction microstructures (11a) succeeding one another over several periods (p), this grating (11) being capable of converting evanescent waves (16), which are established between the component and an object (12) located in the near field, when it reflects or emits radiation having a wavelength, into propagating waves (16?) by a diffraction effect during transmission through the portion (11b) forming the grating (11) of diffraction microstructures (11a). The period (p) of the grating (11) being of the order of magnitude of the wavelength of the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Salim Mimouni, Ludovic Poupinet
  • Publication number: 20110233412
    Abstract: A collimator, a radiological imaging apparatus and a nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus which are able to improve the sensitivity are provided. The radiological imaging apparatus has a collimator 11 disposed to oppose a radiological detection device 12 and having through-holes 11a for passing to the radiological detection device 12 gamma rays in a specified direction out of those radiated from an object to be examined. The collimator 11 is produced by mutually coupling a plurality of metal tubular members 11A each having the through-hole 11a with the help of a bonding agent S in alignment with a plurality of detectors 12a constituting the radiological detection device 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Kawaguchi, Masatoshi Tanaka, Shigeru Kimura, Katsutoshi Tsuchiya, Masami Murayama, Junichi Katogi
  • Publication number: 20110229055
    Abstract: A phantom for determining the alignment of two or more imaging apparatuses. The phantom comprises a vessel, wherein a cavity is defined by the inner surfaces of the vessel. The cavity is for holding a fluid therein. Two or more rods extend through the cavity, the rods being non-parallel with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
    Inventor: Gillian Clarke
  • Publication number: 20110220817
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for minimizing the distortion (or “regularizing”) of the electromagnetic field (EMF) associated with a subject caused by higher frequency electromagnetic fields surrounding the subject by imprinting objects placed in contact with the subject. The methods of the invention provide, inter alia, improvements in strength, stress potentiation, flexibility, stability, and sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Moore
  • Patent number: 8017926
    Abstract: A collimator including a housing having disposed therein a shield element surrounding a converter core in which a photon beam is generated from electrons emanating from a linear accelerator. A beam channeler longitudinally adjacent the shield element has a beam aperture therethrough coaxially aligned with, and of the same diameter as, an exit bore of the converter core. A larger entry bore in the converter core is coaxial with, and longitudinally separated from, the exit bore thereof. Systems incorporating the collimator are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Allliance, LLC
    Inventors: Daren R. Norman, Woo Y. Yoon, James L. Jones, Kevin J. Haskell, Brion D. Bennett, Charles W. Tschaggeny, Warren F. Jones
  • Patent number: 8018574
    Abstract: A foil trap is located in a path of a radiation beam. The foil trap includes an array of conductive strips. A voltage application circuit is coupled to the strips to apply voltage differences between pairs of adjacent ones of the strips. The voltage application circuit includes a current limiting circuit arranged to limit currents to the strips to values below a threshold value above which self-sustained arc discharge may arise in the foil trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Robert Rafilevitch Gayazov, Vadim Yevgenyevich Banine, Vladimir Vitalevitch Ivanov, Evgenii Dmitreevitch Korob, Konstantin Nikolaevitch Koshelev, Givi Georgievitch Zukavishvili, Yurii Victorovitch Sidelnikov
  • Patent number: 8017217
    Abstract: A material of variable emissivity includes a first metallic layer having a first aperture, a second metallic layer having a second aperture, and a variable dielectric layer interposed between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gregoire, Deborah J. Kirby
  • Patent number: 8013316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for near-field focusing of an incident wave, over a range of frequencies from microwaves to optical frequencies, into a sub-wavelength spot having a peak-to-null beamwidth of ?/10. The screen may be made out of closely spaced, unequal slots cut on a metallic sheet. Nano-scale focusing capability may be achieved with a simple structure of three slots on a metallic sheet, which can be readily implemented using current nanofabrication technologies. Unlike negative-refractive-index focusing implementations, this “meta-screen” does not suffer from image degradation when losses are introduced and is easily scalable from microwave to Terahertz frequencies and beyond. The slotted geometry is designed using a theory of shifted beams to determine the necessary weighting factors for each slot element, which are then converted to appropriate slot dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: George V. Eleftheriades
  • Publication number: 20110205848
    Abstract: A beam forming system (10) for acoustic or electromagnetic beams comprising one or more beam forming elements (2) that are arranged to provide a doubly ruled radiation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene Stytsenko, Neil Scott, Mark Poletti
  • Patent number: 8003964
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a yoke having a first end and a second end. The yoke is configured to hold a device that includes an aperture and a range compensation structure. A catch arm is pivotally secured to the first end of the yoke. The catch arm includes a locking feature. The locking feature and the second end of the yoke interface, respectively, to a first retention feature and a second retention feature defined by the aperture and the range compensation structure. The locking feature is configured to interface to the first retention feature and the second end of the yoke is configured to interface to the second retention feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Still River Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Stark, Stanley J. Rosenthal, Miles S. Wagner, Michael J. Ahearn