Nonrotating Source Or Detector Patents (Class 378/10)
  • Patent number: 8594272
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Funk, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Waldo Stephen Hinshaw, Edward Gerald Solomon, Brian Patrick Wilfley
  • Publication number: 20130266114
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing front and rear surfaces, a cathode electrode located on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate configured so as to receive radiation, and a plurality of anode electrodes formed on the rear surface of said semiconductor substrate. A work function of the cathode electrode material contacting the front surface of the semiconductor substrate is lower than a work function of the anode electrode material contacting the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Henry CHEN, Salah AWADALLA, Pinghe LU, Pramodha MARTHANDAM
  • Publication number: 20130251098
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system with a non-rotating X-ray scanner that generates scanning data defining a tomographic X-ray image of the object and a processor executing programmatic instructions where the executing processor analyzes the scanning data to extract at least one parameter of the tomographic X-ray image and where the processor is configured to determine if the object comprises a liquid, sharp object, narcotic, currency, nuclear materials, cigarettes or fire-arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20130202078
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for analyzing internal density of material by using X-ray computed tomography, comprising the steps of installing a cylinder-shaped jig between an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector, inserting a material to be analyzed and a plurality of standard specimens whose densities are known into the inside of the cylinder-shaped jig, performing X-ray computed tomography while rotating the cylinder-shaped jig through 360°, and calculating the internal density of distribution of the material to be analyzed by using the X-ray intensities shown in the x-ray tomography image. By using the method of the present invention, X-ray tomography image is converted to the image showing the internal density distribution of the material, improving the qualitative decision by naked eye by providing quantitative decision method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jae Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 8451974
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8422626
    Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus for geological resource core analysis, more particularly to a computed tomography apparatus for geological resource core analysis in that it can conveniently utilize a computed tomography apparatus for industrial use, the movement between the CT beam transmitter and the detector is decreased, thereby performing an accurate measurement and breaking down infrequently, and especially, it can easily perform a CT scan on a cylinder type (or rod shape) sample having a very long major axis such as a geological resource core sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Jae Hwa Jin, Jun Ho Kim, Min Jun Kim, Han Seok Kim, Chin Kun Park, Young Duck Jin, Myoung Hun Yoon
  • Patent number: 8401143
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to specify an arrangement for X-ray computed tomography, which allows continuous three-dimensional imaging of the examination object or a partial volume of the examination object at a high temporal and spatial resolution, wherein a high spatial resolution defines both a high resolution within the slice plane and also in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf E.V.
    Inventor: Uwe Hampel
  • Publication number: 20130064344
    Abstract: A CT scanning system for patients is provided comprising a nonrotating x-ray source and detector array bracketing a turntable on which stands or sits the patient that is being imaged. As the patient rotates between the x-ray source and the detector array that move along the vertical axis in tandem for each angular position of the patient, imaging data is collected of the patient from multiple angles at multiple levels that are reconstructed to form computed tomographic images that cover the entire region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Carol
  • Patent number: 8345817
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional representation of an object is obtained in that first and second pictures of the object illuminated using an X-ray source are created using a sensor that is located, in relation to the X-ray source, behind the object in a preferential direction defined by the relative positions of the object and of the sensor. A distance in the preferential direction between the X-ray source and the object is different in the first picture than in the second picture. The multi-dimensional representation of the object is obtained by combining the first and second pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Theobald Fuchs, Tobias Schoen, Randolf Hanke
  • Publication number: 20120307965
    Abstract: A method for obtaining an intraoral x-ray image determines an initial spatial position and angular orientation of an x-ray source relative to a detector. A first x-ray image is obtained with the x-ray source at the initial spatial position and angular orientation and stored, associating the initial spatial position and angular orientation to the first x-ray image. A sequence repeats that calculates a next spatial position and angular orientation for the x-ray source, provides positional adjustment information between the x-ray source and detector for obtaining a next x-ray image, measures and records the actual spatial position and angular orientation of the x-ray source relative to the detector and obtains and stores the next x-ray image at the measured spatial position and angular orientation, and forms a composite image using image data from the first and from the one or more next x-ray images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Sylvie Bothorel, Edward R. Shellard, Jean-Marc Inglese
  • Patent number: 8320659
    Abstract: A method and system of inspecting baggage to be transported from a location of origin to a destination is provided that includes generating scan data representative of a piece of baggage while the baggage is at the location of origin, and storing the scan data in a database. A rendered view representative of a content of the baggage is provided where the rendered views are based on the scan data retrieved from the database over a network. The rendered views are presented at a destination different from the origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: TeleSecurity Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Moon-Ho Song, Douglas Perry Boyd
  • Publication number: 20120243656
    Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus for geological resource core analysis, more particularly to a computed tomography apparatus for geological resource core analysis in that it can conveniently utilize a computed tomography apparatus for industrial use, the movement between the CT beam transmitter and the detector is decreased, thereby performing an accurate measurement and breaking down infrequently, and especially, it can easily perform a CT scan on a cylinder type (or rod shape) sample having a very long major axis such as a geological resource core sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Jae Hwa Jin, Jun Ho Kim, Min Jun Kim, Han Seok Kim, Chin Kun Park, Young Duck Jin, Myoung Hun Yoon
  • Patent number: 8213567
    Abstract: In the radiographic apparatus of this invention, when obtaining long images in a longitudinal direction, a correcting device corrects radiographic images based on overlapping areas of a plurality of radiographic images based on the radiation detected whenever a relative movement is made in the same direction, an image decomposing device decomposes corrected radiographic images for every predetermined distance, and an image composing device composes the decomposed images for each of the same projection angles to obtain a projection image for each projection angle. Thus, with a reconstruction processing device carrying out a reconstruction process based on the composed projection images, sectional images having a long field of view in the longitudinal direction can be obtained, while reducing luminance differences among different radiographic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Takihito Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120128119
    Abstract: One object of this invention is to provide radiography apparatus with suppressed exposure to a subject in tomography mode. An FPD provided in X-ray apparatus according to this invention converts X-rays into electric signals, and thereafter amplifies the signals to output them to an image generation section. According to this invention, an amplification factor is higher in a tomography mode than in a spot radiography mode. A tomographic image is obtained through superimposing two or more fluoroscopic image. In comparison of the fluoroscopic images, they differ from one another in appearance of the false image. Accordingly, superimposing the images may achieve cancel of the false images. In this way, the tomographic image finally obtained has no false image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Daisuke Notohara, Koichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8155272
    Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Eilbert, Boris Oreper, Nikolay Rolshud
  • Patent number: 8148695
    Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Tomoyuki Seino
  • Patent number: 8144832
    Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Patent number: 8135110
    Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray scanning system with an X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, a second set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays scattered within the scanning region, and a processor arranged to process outputs from the detectors to generate image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8130899
    Abstract: An assembly for electron beam tomography affords continuous and simultaneous recording of two-dimensional slice images of an object in different irradiation planes with a high temporal and spatial resolution. Targets are penetrated by openings of a given width and with a regular arrangement in the circumferential direction. The openings in the targets are respectively situated on a path formed by the cross section of the shell of the electron beam cone with the respective target. The successive targets in the beam direction respectively are arranged with a small angular offset with respect to the optical axis to the respective target situated in front, and so an electron beam circulating along the shell of the electron beam cone successively irradiates the material webs between the openings of all targets with at least part of its cross section and an X-ray detector arc is arranged for each target in coplanar radial fashion in front of or behind the respective target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf E.V.
    Inventor: Uwe Hampel
  • Publication number: 20120051498
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is for irradiating a subject with X ray from an X-ray source at a plurality of different angles to acquire X-ray images, and reconstructing an X-ray tomographic image from the X-ray images. The system comprising a region setting unit for setting a region of interest on a pre-shot image or a previously acquired X-ray tomographic image, an imaging control unit for continuously varying an aperture formed by collimator blades according to a position of the X-ray source to image the region of interest and acquiring projection data of the X-ray images in accordance with the position of the X-ray source, and an image reconstructing unit for reconstructing the X-ray tomographic image from the projection data of the X-ray images of the region of interest. The aperture formed by the collimator blades are varied so that all the X-ray images formed on the X-ray detector is rectangular regardless of the position of the X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi KOISHI
  • Publication number: 20120014500
    Abstract: A method and a computed tomography scanner are disclosed for carrying out an angiographic examination of a patient, wherein the utilized computed tomography scanner includes at least one recording system mounted on a gantry such that it can rotate about a z-axis. Projection data is acquired from at least one prescribed angular position of the gantry for at least two different energies of X-ray radiation. The projection data is subsequently combined to form a resulting projection image by evaluating the projection data corresponding to the respective angular position, in which projection image at least one substance, which should be displayed selectively, is imaged with a high image contrast compared to the respective individual projection data. This procedure extends the field of application of the computed tomography scanner to projection-based angiography examinations, which were previously restricted to C-arm systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Michael Grasruck, Bernhard Schmidt, Martin Sedlmair
  • Patent number: 8085897
    Abstract: An X-ray scanner comprises an array (12) of X-ray detectors (16) arranged in cylindrical configuration around an imaging volume (28), and a multi-focus X-ray source (20) which extends in a helical configuration around the outside of the detector array (12). A helical gap (24) in the detector array (12) allows X-rays from the source (20) to pass through the patient (26) in the imaging volume (28), and onto the detectors (16) on the opposite side of the scanner. The source (20) is controlled so that the X-rays are produced from a number of source points along the helical locus (23) to produce a tomographic image. As the patient is stationary and the source point varied electrically, the scanning rate is sufficient to produce a series of images which can be displayed as a real time three-dimensional video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20110274239
    Abstract: Method for scanning the internal quality of logs envisaging the irradiation of at least a longitudinal section (4) of a log (1) with a beam (2) of electromagnetic radiations while this is made to move forward axially along a movement trajectory while at the same time creating a relative helical movement between the log (1) and the beam (2) of electromagnetic radiations. For a plurality of distinct positions of the log (1) the residual intensity is detected of the electromagnetic radiations that have crossed the longitudinal section (4) and the reciprocal position and spatial orientation of the longitudinal section (4) itself and the beam (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: MICROTEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Federico GIUDICEANDREA
  • Patent number: 8053746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an irradiation device for irradiating an irradiation object with heavy charged particles at an irradiation station, comprising a particle accelerator for providing a particle beam and a swivelling device for swivelling the particle beam impinging on the irradiation object, wherein the swivelling device comprises a carrier pivotable about an axis. In accordance with the invention, the irradiation device is characterized in that the particle accelerator is mounted on the pivotable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Hein Timmer, Holger Goebel, Stefan Schmidt, Juergen Heese, Michael Schillo
  • Publication number: 20110228900
    Abstract: In the radiographic apparatus of this invention, when obtaining long images in a longitudinal direction, a correcting device corrects radiographic images based on overlapping areas of a plurality of radiographic images based on the radiation detected whenever a relative movement is made in the same direction, an image decomposing device decomposes corrected radiographic images for every predetermined distance, and an image composing device composes the decomposed images for each of the same projection angles to obtain a projection image for each projection angle. Thus, with a reconstruction processing device carrying out a reconstruction process based on the composed projection images, sectional images having a long field of view in the longitudinal direction can be obtained, while reducing luminance differences among different radiographic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Takihito Sakai
  • Patent number: 8009052
    Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring the power state of an x-ray emitter and/or an x-ray detector, the x-ray emitter is operated according to a set of test parameters, so as to emit x-rays that strike at least a portion of the detector region of the x-ray detector. At least one value characterizing the operation of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined, and this detected parameter is compared with a comparable reference parameter value. The power state of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined based on deviation of the detected parameter from the reference parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Hörnig, Thomas Mertelmeier, Phillip Thaler
  • Patent number: 7983384
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce an x-ray computed tomography arrangement in which there is no axial offset between the path of the focal spot and the x-ray detector arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Hampel, Frank Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110147608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for treatment of a solid tumor. More particularly, the invention comprises a multi-axis and/or multi-field charged particle cancer therapy system. In one embodiment, the tumor is imaged from multiple directions in phase with patient respiration. The two-dimensional images are combined to produce a three-dimensional picture of the tumor relative to patient features. The resulting three-dimensional image is used in generation of a radiation treatment plan and subsequent radiation therapy with the radiation beam in terms of control of two-dimensional beam trajectory, delivered beam energy, delivered beam intensity, and/or beam velocity each as a function of patient vertical translation position, patient rotation position, and/or patient respiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Patent number: 7964849
    Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Tomoyuki Seino
  • Publication number: 20110122991
    Abstract: The present invention features a pinhole detection system of a fuel cell that preferably includes a stage on which a fuel cell element unit is disposed to be detected, a drive portion that is configured to move the stage so as to rotate the fuel cell element unit, a X-ray source that is disposed at one side of the stage to apply X-ray to the fuel cell element unit that rotates, an image detector that detects X-ray penetrating the fuel cell element unit, and a computer tomography that reconstructs tormogram that is detected by the image detector to a three dimension. Preferably, the fuel cell element unit is rotated on the stage, X-ray is applied to the rotating unit to gain the tomogram thereof, and the tomogram is reconstructed to be a three-dimensional image through a computerized tomography (CT scanning) such that the pinhole formed within the unit can be effectively detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Yeoul Ahn, Keun Je Lee, Sang Hyun Cho, Jea Suk Park, Sung Keun Lee, Byung Ki Ahn, Tae Won Lim
  • Publication number: 20110110487
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional representation of an object is obtained in that first and second pictures of the object illuminated using an X-ray source are created using a sensor that is located, in relation to the X-ray source, behind the object in a preferential direction defined by the relative positions of the object and of the sensor. A distance in the preferential direction between the X-ray source and the object is different in the first picture than in the second picture. The multi-dimensional representation of the object is obtained by combining the first and second pictures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Theobald Fuchs, Tobias Schoen, Randolf Hanke
  • Patent number: 7929663
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 7912174
    Abstract: A computed tomography system having a fixed X-ray source [10] for producing a fan beam [20], a fixed digital detector [12] and a manipulator [14] for holding and rotating an object [16] to be inspected. Left and right projections of the rotated object on the fixed digital detector are used to determine a central ray, reconstruction of an image of the object being based on the central ray position. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Agency For Science, Technology and Research
    Inventor: Tong Liu
  • Patent number: 7903789
    Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an emitter wire enclosed in a suppressor. An extraction grid comprises a number of parallel wires extending perpendicular to the emitter wire, and a focusing grid comprises a number of wires parallel to the grid wires and spaced apart at equal spacing to the grid wires. The grid wire are connected by means of switches to a positive extracting potential or a negative inhibiting potential, and the switches are controlled so that at any one time a pair of adjacent grid wires are connected together to form an extracting pair, which produce an electron beam. The position of the beam is moved by switching different pairs of grid wires to the extracting potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Russell David Luggar, Paul De Antonis
  • Patent number: 7889835
    Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the identity of an object within an enclosed article. The system includes an acquisition subsystem, a reconstruction subsystem, a computer-aided detection (CAD) subsystem, and an alarm resolution subsystem. The acquisition subsystem communicates view data to the reconstruction subsystem, which reconstructs it into image data and communicates it to the CAD subsystem. The CAD subsystem analyzes the image data to ascertain whether it contains any area of interest. A feedback loop between the reconstruction and CAD subsystems allows for continued, more extensive analysis of the object. Other information, such as risk variables or trace chemical detection information may be communicated to the CAD subsystem to dynamically adjust the computational load of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert August Kaucic, Ricardo Scott Avila, Samit Kumar Basu, Forrest Frank Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7876881
    Abstract: A system according to some embodiments may include a treatment head to emit a megavoltage radiation beam toward a volume, a plurality of X-ray sources to emit a respective kilovoltage radiation beam toward the volume while the plurality of X-ray sources are substantially stationary with respect to the volume, a detector to receive the plurality of kilovoltage radiation beams after having passed through the volume, and a processor to generate a three-dimensional image of the volume based only on the plurality of kilovoltage radiation beams received by the detector while the plurality of X-ray sources were substantially stationary with respect to the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Jeffery
  • Patent number: 7876875
    Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) systems and related methods involving multi-target inspection are provided are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: simultaneously directing X-rays toward multiple targets from an X-ray source; during the directing of the X-rays, independently reorienting the targets with respect to the X-ray source; and obtaining information corresponding to attenuation of the X-rays attributable to the multiple targets for producing computed tomography images of the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Warner, Royce McKim
  • Patent number: 7872241
    Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly includes a vacuum chamber, a beam source, and a target. The target has an active section and an inactive section. The active section is adapted to generate x-rays when the beam impinges on the x-ray producing section. The electron beam production and control assembly also includes a focusing unit positioned along the chamber at a location intermediate the rearward end and the forward end. The focusing unit directs the beam towards the target in a converging manner to impinge on the target. The focusing unit sweeps the beam along a scanning path over the active section of the target. The focusing unit moves the beam to a retrace path on the inactive section of the target between sweeps of the scanning path to maintain ion accumulation in the beam between sweeps over the active section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Telesecurity Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy E. Rand
  • Patent number: 7864917
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a multi-dimensional assembly supporting a plurality of x-ray sources that are individually addressable. The plurality of x-ray sources is further configurable to simultaneously emit x-ray spectra at different mean energies. Furthermore, the multi-dimensional assembly includes a plurality of x-ray detectors that are arranged to detect at least a part of the x-rays that are emitted from at least one of the x-ray sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Carolina Ribbing, Peter Klaus Bachmann, Matthijs Adriaansz, Han Kroon, Herman Stegehuis, Hans Nikol
  • Patent number: 7839967
    Abstract: There is provided an electron computer tomography method for recording a moving object (27), in which an electron beam is deflected onto an anode arc (14) in order to generate X-ray radiation which passes through an object (27) and is picked up by a detector device (28), wherein the X-ray radiation leaves the anode arc (14) in the form of a fan-shaped beam having a source trajectory (40) in the form of a circle segment around the object (27) and the starting point (41) of the source trajectory (40) can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 7835487
    Abstract: Imaging apparatus, for analyzing an object, comprising: a radiation source for transmission of radiation through said object in a section plane of said object; a radiation detector for detecting said radiation in said section plane of said object after transmission through said object; and a masking device for masking out a part of said radiation, wherein said masked part of said radiation is movable in said section plane relative to said radiation detector during said analysis of said object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum Mü Deutsches Forscshungszentrum fur Gesundheit and Umwelt (GmbH)
    Inventors: Oleg Tischenko, Christoph Hoeschen
  • Patent number: 7835486
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data that is mathematically complete or sufficient using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a distributed source is provided as arcuate segments offset in the X-Y plane and along the Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samit Kumar Basu, Bruno De Man, Jed Douglas Pack, Xiaoye Wu, Zhye Yin, Peter Michael Edic
  • Patent number: 7826594
    Abstract: A system and method for addressing individual electron emitters in an emitter array is disclosed. The system includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular layout and configured to generate at least one electron beam and a plurality of extraction grids positioned adjacent to the emitter array, each extraction grid being associated with at least one emitter element to extract the at least one electron beam therefrom. The field emitter array system also includes a plurality of voltage control channels connected to the plurality of emitter elements and the plurality of extraction grids such that each of the emitter elements and each of the extraction grids is individually addressable. In the field emitter array system, the number of voltage control channels is equal to the sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Mark E. Vermilyea, Louis Paul Inzinna, Antonio Caiafa
  • Patent number: 7795590
    Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Tomoyuki Seino
  • Publication number: 20100195788
    Abstract: An X-ray scanner comprises an array (12) of X-ray detectors (16) arranged in cylindrical configuration around an imaging volume (28), and a multi-focus X-ray source (20) which extends in a helical configuration around the outside of the detector array (12). A helical gap (24) in the detector array (12) allows X-rays from the source (20) to pass through the patient (26) in the imaging volume (28), and onto the detectors (16) on the opposite side of the scanner. The source (20) is controlled so that the X-rays are produced from a number of source points along the helical locus (23) to produce a tomographic image. As the patient is stationary and the source point varied electrically, the scanning rate is sufficient to produce a series of images which can be displayed as a real time three-dimensional video image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 7729468
    Abstract: An X-ray tomograph comprises an X-ray generator having a function of moving the focal position and radiating X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray image receiving element for receiving transmission images created by X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator, and an image processing section for creating a tomographic image by processing the transmission images of the subject received by the X-ray image receiving element. A stereoradioscopic image constructing equipment comprises the X-ray tomograph and a stereoradioscopic image constructing section for creating a stereoradioscopic image by subjecting the created tomographic images to image processing. By using the X-ray tomograph, a tomographic image can be created without providing any high-precision movable mechanism, and a tomographic image of even a soft subject can be correctly created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shimono
  • Patent number: 7729469
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7724868
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 7722251
    Abstract: A device for inspecting contraband in an aviation cargo container includes: a turntable and a scanning system, the scanning system including a radiation source; a detector; a radiation source mounting structure; and a detector mounting structure for mounting the detector. Each of said radiation source mounting structure and said detector mounting structure includes at least one column assembly. The radiation source and the detector are mounted on the column assembly and allowed to synchronously ascend and descend along said column assembly. By combining different movement modes of the turntable and the scanning system, the device of the present invention can scan the object in various scanning modes. The device is stable in structure, convenient in installation, and occupies a small space. The device can inspect aviation containers over two meters long and/or over two meters wide and achieve a relatively high passing rate of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Kejun Kang, Ziran Zhao, Hua Peng, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu, Li Zhang, Yaohong Liu, Zhizhong Liang, Dongmao Li, Cong Liu, Huabin Tan, Yongpeng Liu, Xinhui Duan, Xueyou Zhou
  • Patent number: 7706499
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a non-sequential activation of X-ray source locations on an annular source is employed to acquire projection data. In another embodiment, a distributed source is tilted relative to an axis of the scanner to acquire the projection data. In a further embodiment, a plurality of X-ray source locations on an annular source are activated such that the aggregated signals correspond to two or more sets of spatially interleaved helical scan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jed Douglas Pack, Zhye Yin, Samit Kumar Basu, John Charles Hill, Peter Michael Edic