Nonrotating Source Or Detector Patents (Class 378/10)
  • Patent number: 11959570
    Abstract: Arranged in an examination room is a CT installation which can travel along a predetermined travel path between two installation limit positions. Arranged on the CT installation is a telescopic rod, which extends from a hinge point that is proximal with respect to the CT installation to a hinge point that is distal with respect to the CT installation. The telescopic rod is rotatably mounted in the two hinge points, and can telescope between a minimum length and a maximum length. Arranged on the telescopic rod (6) are a number of retaining elements that can travel along the telescopic rod. A number of lines are guided via the retaining elements, so that when the telescopic rod is of minimum length, the lines are guided in serpentine loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEATHINEERS AG
    Inventors: Moritz Weber, Wolfgang Neuber, Jan-Christoph Kiesel
  • Patent number: 11918393
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for stationary computed tomography (CT) imaging. In one embodiment, a stationary CT system includes one or more detector arrays extending around at least a portion of an imaging volume, a stationary distributed x-ray source unit comprising a plurality of emitters including a first set of emitters configured to operate at a first voltage and a second set of emitters configured to operate at a second voltage, different than the first voltage, and a source controller for triggering the first set of emitters for acquiring first projection data by the one or more detector arrays and triggering the second set of emitters for acquiring second projection data by the one or more detector arrays, the first projection data and the second projection data usable to reconstruct one or more basis material composition images or monochromatic images of an object within the imaging volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Peter Michael Edic, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Lin Fu, Robert Senzig
  • Patent number: 11789175
    Abstract: A multi-energy static security CT system comprises at least one N-stage image chain structure (5) and a baggage conveying belt (4) provided at an inner side at the bottom of the N-stage image chain structure (5). The N-stage image chain structure (5) and the baggage conveying belt (4) are fixed at a pre-configured positions by means of a machine frame (8). The N-stage image chain structures (5) are sequentially arranged in a forward direction of a baggage channel, and adjacent N-stage image chain structures (5) are offset relative to each other. By exposing radiation sources in the N-stage image chain structure (5) at different times, the static security CT system generates an image having a higher temporal resolution and more energy spectrum levels than an image generated by a spiral CT system. Also provided is an imaging method implemented by means of the static security CT system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: NANOVISION TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Baolei Li, Yantao Hu, Yunxiang Li, Zhili Cui, Jian Gao, Jie Luo
  • Patent number: 11690587
    Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray image processing apparatus including a data obtaining unit generating first to N-th images indicating an internal structure of an object and an image processing unit receiving the first to N-th images from the data obtaining unit, detecting a movement of the object, and generating a final image from the first to N-th images based on the movement of the object. The data obtaining unit actively controls an X-ray pulse irradiated based on the movement of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Jeong, Yoon-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 11636650
    Abstract: The technology relates to generating a three-dimensional point cloud model of an anatomical structure. A computer accessible memory stores a three-dimensional array of data elements describing multiple anatomical features of a subject, each of the data elements having associated therewith positional data and a separate parameter value. A processor may be configured to identify any data elements in the three-dimensional array having an associated parameter value satisfying a predefined threshold value associated with at least one anatomical feature. The processor may be further configured to generate a visually displayable three-dimensional point cloud model of at least one anatomical structure having a first plurality of points in the point cloud model which define an exterior perimeter of the at least one anatomical structure and a second plurality points in the point cloud model which define at least one feature interior of the exterior perimeter of the at least one anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schmidt, Jennifer McCool
  • Patent number: 11448605
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base plate, a first fixed post, a second fixed post, a first actuator, a second actuator, a third actuator, a first test sample grip, and a second test sample grip. The first fixed post and the second fixed post are coupled to the base plate at one side thereof. The first actuator, coupled to the first fixed post and the second fixed post, rotates a test sample along an axis that runs parallel to and halfway between the first fixed post and the second fixed post. The second actuator, coupled to the first fixed post and the second fixed post, displaces the test sample along the axis that runs parallel to and halfway between the first fixed post and the second fixed post. The third actuator, coupled to the first fixed post and the second fixed post, rotates the test sample along the axis that runs parallel to and halfway between the first fixed post and the second fixed post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: PSYLOTECH, INC.
    Inventors: G. Alexis Arzoumanidis, Andrew Panahon
  • Patent number: 11397276
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used to increase the penetration and reduce the exclusion zone of radiographic systems. An X-ray detection method irradiates an object with X-ray fanlets including vertically moving fan beams, each fanlet having an angular range smaller than the angular coverage of the object. The fanlets are produced by modulating an X-ray beam, synchronizing the X-ray beam and the fanlets, detecting the fanlets irradiating the object, collecting image slices from the detector array corresponding to a complete scan cycle of the fanlets, and processing the image slices collected for combining into a composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, James Ollier
  • Patent number: 11382574
    Abstract: A stationary in-vivo grating-enabled micro-CT (computed tomography) architecture (SIGMA) system includes CT scanner control circuitry and a number of imaging chains. Each imaging chain includes an x-ray source array, a phase grating, an analyzer grating and a detector array. Each imaging chain is stationary and each x-ray source array includes a plurality of x-ray source elements. Each imaging chain has a centerline, the centerlines of the number of imaging chains intersect at a center point and a first angle between the centerlines of a first adjacent pair of imaging chains equals a second angle between the centerlines of a second adjacent pair of imaging chains. A plurality of selected x-ray source elements of a first x-ray source array is configured to emit a plurality of x-ray beams in a multiplexing fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Wenxiang Cong, Qingsong Yang, Guang Li
  • Patent number: 11317881
    Abstract: An imaging system that is configured to automatically obtain and provide two and three-dimensional digital images of various types of objects (e.g., tissue specimens, animals, electrical devices, etc.) for use in analysis thereof in a manner free of manual repositioning of the objects between images and free of movement of an electromagnetic radiation source and detector within or relative to a cabinet housing of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FAXITRON BIOPTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Ciaran Purdy, Mikhail Viznyuk, Mehmet Akif Baysal
  • Patent number: 11224388
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image sensor comprising: a plurality of X-ray detectors; an actuator configured to move the plurality of X-ray detectors to a plurality of positions, wherein the image sensor is configured to capture, by using the detectors, images of portions of a scene at the positions, respectively, and configured to form an image of the scene by stitching the images of the portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN XPECTVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peiyan Cao, Yurun Liu
  • Patent number: 11160526
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to receive measured projection data in a primary region and measured scatter data in a shadow region and determine an estimated scatter in the primary region during a current rotation based on the measured scatter data in the shadow region from a neighboring rotation. Coverage of the shadow region during the neighboring rotation overlaps the primary region during the current rotation. A beamformer is configured to adjust a shape of the radiation beam to create the primary and shadow regions on the detector, including an embodiment to follow the Tam-Danielson window during a helical scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Accuray, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhicong Yu, Chuanyong Bai, Amit Jain, Daniel Gagnon
  • Patent number: 11152130
    Abstract: System and method for imaging an integrated circuit (IC). The imaging system comprises an x-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an x-ray detector arranged such that incident x-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the x-ray detector and a three-axis stage arranged between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector, the three-axis stage configured to have mounted thereon an integrated circuit through which x-rays generated by the x-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the three-axis stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the three-axis stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the x-ray detector as the three-axis stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Akintunde I. Akinwande, Berthold Klaus Paul Horn, Richard C. Lanza, George Barbastathis, Rajiv Gupta, Jonah Jacob
  • Patent number: 11145431
    Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging of biological specimen. The imaging system comprises an X-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an X-ray detector arranged such that incident X-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the X-ray detector and a stage arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, the stage configured to have mounted thereon a biological specimen through which X-rays generated by the X-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the X-ray detector as the stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard C. Lanza, Berthold Klaus Paul Horn, Akintunde I. Akinwande, George Barbastathis, Rajiv Gupta
  • Patent number: 11145481
    Abstract: An X-ray generation apparatus includes an electron gun emitting an electron beam having a circular cross-sectional shape, a magnetic focusing lens located downstream of the electron gun and focusing the electron beam while rotating the electron beam around an axis along a first direction, a magnetic quadrupole lens located downstream of the magnetic focusing lens and deforming the cross-sectional shape of the electron beam into an elliptical shape having a major axis along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and a minor axis along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and a target located downstream of the magnetic quadrupole lens and emitting an X-ray in response to incidence of the electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Shinya Hattori, Ryosuke Yabushita, Naofumi Kosugi
  • Patent number: 11109473
    Abstract: An X-ray source (10) for emitting an X-ray beam (101) is proposed. The X-ray source (10) comprises an anode (12) and an emitter arrangement (14) comprising a cathode (16) for emitting an electron beam (15) towards the anode (12) and an electron optics (18) for focusing the electron beam (15) at a focal spot (20) on the anode (12). The X-ray source (10) further comprises a controller (22) configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement (14) and to actuate the emitter arrangement (14) to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot (20) on the anode (12), a size of the focal spot (20), and a shape of the focal spot (20). The controller (22) is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot (20) expected after the switching action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Roger Steadman Booker, Gereon Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 11073485
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an extended length core sample scanning apparatus that enables the imaging of extended length core samples using medical-type CT scanners. The extended length core sample scanning apparatus has a frame that defines a U-shaped receptacle that receives core housing containing the core sample when the core sample is placed in a CT scanner. The extended length core sample scanning apparatus may have two or more rollers located in the U-shaped receptacle to enable translation of the extended length core sample through a CT scanner during scanning. The rollers may also provide for a minimum clearance between the core housing and the walls of the U-shaped receptacle. Methods of imaging an extended length core sample are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Sinan Caliskan, Abdullah Shebatalhamd
  • Patent number: 11071505
    Abstract: A system (SC) for controlling operation of a multi-focal-spot X-ray imager (IA). The system comprises a projection direction determiner (PDD) configured to determine a projection direction for an object (OB) to be imaged, based on a geometric structure of a model m(OB) for the object (OB). A selector (SX) of the system is configured to select, from the imager (IA)'s plurality of focal-spot-detector pairs (IPj) with different optical axes (OXj), at least one target pair whose optical axis corresponds to the determined projection direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Schaefer, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 11042987
    Abstract: A method for modelling a composition of an object of interest comprises segmenting object of interest image data provided by computer tomography image data resulting in a plurality of image segments. A determined Hounsfield density value is then extracted from the object of interest image data for each image segment. A component ratio of at least two component classes is defined for the object of interest, the at least two component classes having different component Hounsfield density values. At least one component class is assigned to each image segment based on the corresponding determined Hounsfield density value resulting in simulated image segments comprising the component Hounsfield density values. The simulated image segments define simulated image data of the object of interest, where a ratio of the assigned component classes corresponds to the component ratio. A deviation between the simulated image data and the object of interest image data is then determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Tobias Klinder, Heike Ruppertshofen, Nicole Schadewaldt
  • Patent number: 10902594
    Abstract: A medical X-ray image processing apparatus (1) includes a controller (12) configured to acquire positional information of an imaging system (7) based on positional information of positional references (60) and evaluate symmetry of imaging positions of a plurality of X-ray captured images (15) with respect to a reference position (18) on a movement path of the imaging system (7) based on the acquired positional information of the imaging system (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Junya Yamamoto, Takahiro Miyajima, Kazuyoshi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10881365
    Abstract: An interventional X-ray system is proposed, the system including a multi X-ray source unit positioned below a patient table. This ‘multiblock’ may comprise several x-ray sources with focal spot positions distributed along the x-y (table) plane. The x-ray sources are operable in a switching scheme in which certain x-ray sources may be activated in parallel and also sequential switching between such groups is intended. The switching may be carried out so that several images with different projection angles can be acquired in parallel. In other words, an optimal multi-beam X-ray exposure is suggested, wherein fast switching in one dimension and simultaneous exposure in the 2nd dimension is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Gereon Vogtmeier, Klaus Juergen Engel, Michael Grass, Bernd Menser, Heidrun Steinhauser, Alberto Fazzi, Herman Stegehuis, Dirk Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10878544
    Abstract: An image data processor (116) includes a high resolution restorer (218) configured to restore a voxel neighborhood of a voxel in first image data to a higher resolution, generating restored higher resolution image data, based on a corresponding voxel neighborhood of second higher resolution image data, wherein the second higher resolution image data has higher resolution than the first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Liran Goshen
  • Patent number: 10823874
    Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a security inspection equipment and a radiation detection method, and relates to the field of security inspection. The security inspection equipment according to the present disclosure includes: a ray emitter; and a radiation detector comprising a forescatter detector, the forescatter detector and the ray emitter located on opposite sides of an object to be detected; wherein the radiation detector further comprises at least one of the following detectors: a backscatter detector located between the ray emitter and the object to be detected; or a transmission detector wherein the transmission detector and the ray emitter located on opposite sides of an object to be detected. Such a security inspection equipment has a forescatter detector, which can be used in combination with backscatter detector, to reduce detection dead angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jin Cui, Dong Lin, Bin Hu, Xianshun Tan, Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 10809208
    Abstract: The X-ray inspection device includes a radiation source that irradiates X-rays toward a specimen that is rotated; a detector that detects transmitted X-rays irradiated by the radiation source, and passed through the specimen, and output a plurality of detection data for each angle of rotation; and a region extracting unit that extracts a region where the specimen is projected onto the detector, using the plurality of detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotomo Yashima, Takahiro Michimoto, Naoshi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 10799193
    Abstract: Described are anatomically specified conformation computed tomography (ASC-CT) systems, which are fully tomographic x-ray imaging systems configured to conform to the contour of the anatomy of interest and perform a near scatter-free image acquisition, thereby providing an enhanced contrast resolution in the reconstructed CT image volume. The apparatus comprises independently controlled, yet synchronized, x-ray generation and detection assemblies configured to perform a tomographic image acquisition. The method of image acquisition entails adjusting the layout of the x-ray panels within the detector assembly based on the shape of the anatomy, followed by capturing a collimated, narrow x-ray beam composed of primary photons while sweeping a circular trajectory around the anatomy placed in the field of view, resulting in a conforming sinogram of the anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MALCOVA LLC
    Inventors: Peymon Mirsaeid Ghazi, Tara Renee Ghazi
  • Patent number: 10788435
    Abstract: An inspection fixture includes a base member, a support member coupled to base member, and an intermediate member coupled to the support member or the base member. The support member includes a radiolucent material for limiting artifacts in imagery of an industrial article supported by the inspection fixture. Inspection arrangements and imaging methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Karlen, Daniel O. Ursenbach, Claire Victoria Brennan, Michael Hamilton Severson
  • Patent number: 10772579
    Abstract: A low-dose CT imaging system and method that operates according to a pulsed X-ray emission scheme according to a predefined sequence of rotation angles of the X-ray source, along with image reconstruction algorithms to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution for CT scans. The systems and methods involve high speed switching (on the order of milliseconds) to generate pulsed exposure of X-ray radiation to the patient, reducing radiation dose by 4-8 fold, or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Danny J J Wang, Thomas Martin, John M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10754049
    Abstract: A distance SRD can be obtained from sizes of projection images of a calibration instrument on a table at a first point (that is an imaging position) and a second point and a distance between rotation center axes of the table at the first point and the second point. Furthermore, a distance SDD can be obtained by adding up the distance SRD thus obtained and a distance between an X-ray detector and the rotation center axis of the table at the first point, and a ratio between the distances SRD, SDD is taken as an imaging magnification of imaging at the first point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Sato
  • Patent number: 10743826
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a stationary real-time CT imaging system, comprising an annular photon counting detector, an annular scanning x-ray source, and a scanning sequence controller. Under the control of the scanning sequence controller, the annular scanning x-ray source emits x-ray, and the x-ray penetrates the object being tested and projects onto the corresponding annular photon counting detector. The annular photon counting detector delivers the corresponding exposure information through the main scanning machine and the main controlling unit to a CT main machine and a human-machine interface unit. The image reconstruction is completed in the CT main machine and the human-machine interface unit. By electronically controlling and switching x-ray projection positions in order, the scanning speed is enhanced by tens of times, thereby obtaining dynamic 3D images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NANOVISION TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hongguang Cao, Yunxiang Li, Tong Chang, Zhili Cui, Hailiang Zheng
  • Patent number: 10737111
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing optogenetics using X-rays or ultrasound waves are provided. Visible-light-emitting nanophosphors can be provided to a sample, and X-ray stimulation can be used to stimulate the nanophosphors to emit visible light. Alternatively, ultrasonic waves can be provided to the sample to cause sonoluminescence, also resulting in emission of visible light, and this can be aided by the use of a chemiluminescent agent present in the sample. The emitted light can trigger changes in proteins that modulate membrane potentials in neuronal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Matthew Getzin, Rachel Berry, Lars Gjesteby
  • Patent number: 10720300
    Abstract: A two-dimensional X-ray scanner that includes a beam steerer for steering an electron beam to impinge upon a target; and a collimator further including an aperture adapted for travel in an aperture travel path for rotating the X-ray beam plane spanned by the electron beam impinging upon the target along a focal track for emitting a scanning X-ray beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Rommel, Jeffrey R. Schubert
  • Patent number: 10695079
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a therapy source (2) emitting radiation or waves, an ultrasound probe (14), a patient rest as well as a multi-axis positioning system (X, Y, Z) with several drives, by way of which the patient rest and the therapy source (2) can be moved to one another in all three spatial directions. A control device (26) is coupled to the ultrasound probe (14) and configured such that in at least one operating mode, the control device (26) simultaneously activates the drives of the multi-axis positioning system (X, Y, Z) such that the patient rest is moved relative to the therapy source along a selectable movement path (B) which lies within the plane of an ultrasound picture (20) which is currently recorded by the ultrasound probe (14). A method for positioning a patient rest relative to a therapy source is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: RICHARD WOLF GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Burkhardt, Francesco Messina, Jean-Georges Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 10653376
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, a beam-splitting grating having a plurality of structures arranged in a two-dimensional periodic array, a stage configured to hold an object to be imaged, and an x-ray detector having a two-dimensional array of x-ray detecting elements and positioned to detect x-rays diffracted by the beam-splitting grating and perturbed by the object to be imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Sigray, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenbing Yun, Sylvia Jia Yun Lewis, Janos Kirz, Alan Francis Lyon
  • Patent number: 10641716
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 10627353
    Abstract: In an X-ray inspection apparatus, X-ray images of an inspection object horizontally divided at a predetermined vertical position are acquired for each fixed rotational angle of the inspection object over 360° by a two-dimensional X-ray detector. Processing for synthesizing X-ray images acquired at the same rotational angle of the inspection object among the X-ray images taken in from the X-ray detector by horizontally joining the X-ray images together is executed for each fixed rotational angle of the inspection object. Processing for vertically dividing the synthesized X-ray image into a plurality of strip X-ray images is executed. Thereafter, processing for generating a CT image is executed by performing a computation based on the strip X-ray images for 360° that are at the same vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: JED CO., LTD
    Inventor: Osamu Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10598610
    Abstract: An X-ray system for analyzing materials includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a sample platform, and a controller configured to generate a radiograph of material on the sample platform by selectively energizing the X-ray source to emit X-rays through the material to the X-ray detector along a scanned length of the material, calculate a plurality of measured density values along the scanned length of the material, calculate a plurality of model density values of the material from one or more of settings of the X-ray system, characteristics of the material along the scanned length of the material, and a longitudinal density variation for a particular application, compute a difference between the measured density values and the model density values and determine if the longitudinal density variation has been exceeded, and provide an alert as to whether the longitudinal density variation has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: KUB Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Vikram Butani, Yan Chen, Chester Lowe, Vignesh Mandalapa-Bhoopathy, Edwin Maria-Selvaraj, Roberto Velasco, Peter Yasutake
  • Patent number: 10416096
    Abstract: A method of CT scanning a plurality of aerofoil blades. The method includes the steps of: providing a rotatable support arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation and within an energy beam; mounting a plurality of aerofoil blades to the support in spaced-apart relationship to one another so as to form at least one array around the axis of rotation; and rotating the support about the axis within the beam. Each blade has an aerofoil section and is mounted to the support such that the span of its aerofoil section is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, and the blades are arranged such that no line orthogonal to the axis of rotation intersects the aerofoil section of more than one blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Felicity Freeman, Richard House, Terence I Simpson, Bryan Webb
  • Patent number: 10405813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a panoramic image are provided. One system includes a gantry, an x-ray source, a receptor, and at least one controller. The x-ray source is mounted on the gantry and is configured to alternatively output x-ray radiation at a first energy level and x-ray radiation at a second energy level. The receptor is mounted on the gantry so that x-ray radiation from the x-ray source impinges on the receptor. The receptor is configured to output a plurality of frames of data including a first frame and a second frame sequential to the first frame. The controller is configured to control the x-ray source so that data in the first frame is generated based on x-ray radiation of the first energy level and data in the second frame is based on x-ray radiation of the second energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation, PaloDEx Group OY
    Inventors: Petri Jouhikainen, David Albert Sebok, Bradley S. Carlson, Hongjian Shi, Mike Parma, Edward Marandola, Robert Keating, Esa Suuronen, Scott Kravis
  • Patent number: 10412377
    Abstract: An augmented reality device used in a medical imaging laboratory housing a medical imaging device (10) includes a headset (30), cameras (32, 33) mounted in the medical imaging laboratory, and directional sensors (34, 35, 36, 37) mounted on the headset. The cameras generate a panorama image (54). Data collected by the directional sensors is processed to determine the viewing direction (60). The panorama image and the determined viewing direction are processed to generate an augmented patient view image (80) in which the medical imaging device is removed, replaced, or made partially transparent, the augmented image is presented on a display (40) of the headset. The directional sensors may include a headset camera (34) that provides a patient view image (50), which is augmented by removing or making partially transparent any portion of the medical imaging device in the patient view image by substituting corresponding portions of the panorama image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Forthmann, Glen Pfleiderer
  • Patent number: 10390774
    Abstract: A multiple-source CT system has an annular vacuum chamber surrounding a passage wherein lies an object. A target is in the chamber, the passage passing through an opening of the target. Multiple electron beam emitters are on an emitter gantry within the chamber, each emitting an electron beam towards the target to cause x-rays. An x-ray detector array is mounted on a detector gantry and feeds an image processing system configured to generate tomographic images of the object from detector data. In embodiments, multiple electron beam emitters energize simultaneously. In embodiments, target and emitter gantry counter-rotate. The method includes rotating electron-beam emitters with respect to the target to generate x-rays from the target while rotating a detector about a passage and acquiring data from the detector while multiple detector elements receive x-rays stimulated by multiple emitters, forming a sinogram, and processing the sinogram into a tomographic image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Guy M. Besson
  • Patent number: 10393678
    Abstract: Provided is a device capable of suppressing a drop in detection accuracy, and a manufacturing method of a structure. A detection device is a device that irradiates a subject with X-rays and detects the X-rays transmitting through the subject, and includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays, a table that holds the subject, a detector that detects at least a portion of the transmitted X-rays emitted from the X-ray source and transmitted through the subject, and a first guide device and a second guide device that guide movement of the table in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the X-ray source while supporting the table. In this detection device, a guide plane, which is parallel to the optical axis and is a plane to which the movement of the table is regulated, passes through the inside of a detection region of the transmitted X-rays of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Daniel Hilton, Sam Hawker
  • Patent number: 10383587
    Abstract: A radiation CT apparatus includes a rotation unit configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a radiation generation unit and a radiation detector which are fixed on either side of the rotation axis in the rotation unit, and a gantry cover containing the radiation generation unit and the radiation detector and including a breast insert portion configured to insert a breast of an object. An opening portion that can be opened and closed is placed on the gantry cover of the radiation CT apparatus. The radiation generation unit and the radiation detector are stopped to form a space that allows a user to access the breast insert portion from the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Tetsuo Shimada, Sakiko Yamaguchi, Takahiro Noguchi, Hitomi Ogasawara, Chifuyu Inagaki
  • Patent number: 10315050
    Abstract: A method of image guided radiation treatment (IGRT) is described. The method may include receiving a pre-acquired image data set of the body part acquired in a reference frame generally independent of a reference frame of an IGRT apparatus, processing a first population of x-ray cone beam projection images to compute therefrom a first tomosynthesis image volume; and operating a radiation treatment head of the IGRT apparatus to deliver treatment radiation to the body part based at least in part on a comparison between the first tomosynthesis image volume a pre-acquired image data set of the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ACCURAY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Calvin R. Maurer, Euan S. Thomson
  • Patent number: 10295483
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging inspection system for inspecting items comprises an X-ray source 10 extending around an imaging volume 16, and defining a plurality of source points 14 from which X-rays can be directed through the imaging volume. An X-ray detector array 12 also extends around the imaging volume 16 and is arranged to detect X-rays from the source points which have passed through the imaging volume, and to produce output signals dependent on the detected X-rays. A conveyor 20 is arranged to convey the items through the imaging volume 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10213177
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an extraction unit that acquires air data measured using the X-ray CT apparatus and the measurement data obtained by scanning the object, that extracts sensitivity variation data which is a sensitivity variation component of a detection element from the air data, and that extracts blank data from which the sensitivity variation component is removed, and a projection data generation unit that removes the sensitivity variation component and noise which are included in the measurement data, based on the sensitivity variation data, and that uses the blank data so as to perform a correction process of the measurement data from which the sensitivity variation component and the noise are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hisashi Takahashi, Taiga Goto, Koichi Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 10178980
    Abstract: A radiation system includes a first rotating unit that rotates about a first axis of rotation. The first rotating unit includes a first radiation source that generates radiation within a first radiation spectrum. The radiation system includes a second rotating unit that rotates about a second axis of rotation. The second rotating unit includes a detector array that detects at least a portion of the radiation generated by the first radiation source. The first and second rotating units may rotate, synchronously, asynchronously, at the same speed and/or at different speeds relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Guy M. Besson
  • Patent number: 10143427
    Abstract: The present approach includes, in one implementation, a direct drive motor for use in a CT gantry and having a segmented motor stator assembly. The stator segments are connected in series. The stator segments are not independently operable and are instead connected in series to, and operated by, a single frequency controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventors: Chad Allan Smith, James Charles Bartelsen
  • Patent number: 10092256
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging can include a plurality of x-ray sources disposed in a curve and a detector configured to revolve relative thereto. In one embodiment, a CBCT imaging method and/or apparatus can include performing a first scan at a first speed using stationary angularly distributed x-ray sources to acquire first CBCT projection data that impinge a detector of a first field of view (FOV), identifying an area of interest within the first FOV, and performing a second scan at a second speed using the x-ray sources acquire second CBCT projection data that impinge a portion of the detector of a second smaller FOV including the area of interest within the first FOV using second emissions by the x-ray sources, where the second speed is greater than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: John Yorkston, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 10076297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a phase contrast x-ray tomography device, comprising an electron gun (44) having a downstream deflector coil (52). The x-ray beam (56) is guided by the deflector coil (54) on a circular path over a target (58), which is marginally tilted towards a plane positioned vertically on the device axis. The x-ray beam (62) generated at focal spot F of the electron beam (56) crosses an object (70) and arrives at a detector line (68) via a phase grating (64) and an amplitude grating (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ARP ANGEWANDTE RADIOLOGISCHE PHYSIK UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT)
    Inventor: Walter Bauer
  • Patent number: 10064586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a projection data acquisition apparatus (14) for acquiring projection data for being used for reconstructing a computed tomography image. In acquisition intervals projection data are acquired only at certain acquisition rotational positions of a radiation source (2) relative to an object, wherein an acquisition rotational position of a current acquisition interval divides a largest non-acquisition angular region covering rotational positions, at which projection data have not already been acquired, into two smaller non-acquisition angular regions. Because of this acquisition of the projection data, after each acquisition interval the acquisition rotational positions, at which projection data have been acquired already, are relatively homogeneously distributed. This allows for an improved image quality of a computed tomography image which is reconstructed based on the acquired projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 10039505
    Abstract: An anatomical imaging system of the sort having a fixed gantry and a rotating disc, with an adjustable angle of tilt and increased structural integrity, and with improved power transmission and position sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Bailey, Andrew Tybinkowski, Pil Yong Oh