Scanner Patents (Class 378/146)
  • Patent number: 10049449
    Abstract: A system and method relating to image processing are provided. The method may include the following operations. First data at a first bed position and second data at a second bed position may be received. The first bed position and the second bed position may have an overlapping region. A first image and a second image may be reconstructed based on the first data and the second data, respectively. Third data and fourth data corresponding to the overlapping region may be extracted from the first data and the second data, respectively. Merged data may be generated by merging the third data and the fourth data. A third image may be reconstructed based on the merged data. A fourth image may be generated through image composition based on the first image, the second image, and the third image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yang Lyu
  • Patent number: 10026517
    Abstract: A multileaf collimator assembly employs one or more static blocks to significantly reduce extra focal leakage or out of field dose. The multileaf collimator assembly includes a plurality of pairs of beam shaping leaves. The leaves of each pair are movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction. The one or more static blocks are disposed adjacent to the outermost pair of beam shaping leaves and unmovable in the longitudinal direction. The material composition and geometric characteristics of the static blocks may be chosen based on the pre-determined leakage specification for a particular radiation apparatus in the patient plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Magdalena Constantin, HsinLu Hsu, Jonathan Evans, Robert Kopels
  • Patent number: 10022099
    Abstract: A change of X-ray radiation quality due to a material existing between an X-ray source and a detection element is estimated and corrected. Accordingly, deterioration of material discrimination ability in a dual energy imaging method can be prevented. An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with an inherent filtration calculator configured to use measured data obtained by imaging air at two or more types of different tube voltages to calculate a deviation from a reference radiation quality, as a transmission length (inherent filtration) of a predetermined reference material. A reference-material transmission-length conversion is applied to the measured data according to the dual energy imaging method, thereby calculating the reference material transmission length (inherent filtration). When a subject is imaged, the dual energy imaging is performed by adding the inherent filtration calculated as to each detection element, and this produces an image with the change of radiation quality having been corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yushi Tsubota, Fumito Watanabe, Yasutaka Konno, Shinichi Kojima, Keisuke Yamakawa, Shinji Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9989669
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to scanning intermodal containers and system and methods thereof. In particular, this disclosure relates to screening intermodal container without disconnecting it from a straddle carrier use to move them about a port or intermodal area. In embodiments, a system includes one or more scanners position on a side of a pair of track opposite a side used to support the straddle carrier. The respective tracks are spaced sufficiently apart so an intermodal container can be positioned (lowered) between the tracks to be passed by the scanners while it remains attached to the straddle carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventor: Gregory C. Slovik
  • Patent number: 9915752
    Abstract: This invention is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo, and fluorescence detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristian R. Peschmann
  • Patent number: 9857317
    Abstract: The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system of the present invention comprises: an inspection passage; an electron accelerator; a shielding collimator apparatus comprising a shielding structure, and a first collimator for extracting a low energy planar sector X-ray beam and a second collimator for extracting a high energy planar sector X-ray beam which are disposed within the shielding structure; a low energy detector array for receiving the X-ray beam from the first collimator; and a high energy detector array for receiving the X-ray beam from the second collimator. The first collimator, the low energy detector array and the target point bombarded by the electron beam are located in a first plane; and the second collimator, the high energy detector array and the target point bombarded by the electron beam are located in a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huaping Tang, Zhiqiang Chen, Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen, Yuanjing Li, Ziran Zhao, Yaohong Liu, Shangmin Sun, Xinshui Yan, Zhanfeng Qin
  • Patent number: 9775572
    Abstract: An imaging system (500) includes a focal spot (510) that rotates along a path around an examination region (506) and emits radiation. A collimator (512) collimates the radiation, producing a radiation beam (516) that traverses a field of view (520) of the examination region and a subject or object therein. A detector array (522), located opposite the radiation source, across the examination region, detects radiation traversing the field of view and produces a signal indicative of the detected radiation. A beam shaper (524), located between the radiation source and the collimator, rotates in coordination with the focal spot and defines an intensity profile of the radiation beam. The beam shaper includes a plurality of elongate x-ray absorbing elements (606) arranged parallel to each other along a transverse direction with respect to a direction of the beam, separated from each other by a plurality of material free regions (604).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Tsvi Katchalski, Ewald Roessl, Reuven Levinson
  • Patent number: 9750465
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of X-ray differential phase contrast imaging. For scanning large objects and for an improved contrast to noise ratio, an X-ray device (10) for imaging an object (18) is provided. The X-ray device (10) comprises an X-ray emitter arrangement (12) and an X-ray detector arrangement (14), wherein the X-ray emitter arrangement (14) is adapted to emit an X-ray beam (16) through the object (18) onto the X-ray detector arrangement (14). The X-ray beam (16) is at least partial spatial coherent and fan-shaped. The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises a phase grating (50) and an absorber grating (52). The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises an area detector (54) for detecting X-rays, wherein the X-ray device is adapted to generate image data from the detected X-rays and to extract phase information from the X-ray image data, the phase information relating to a phase shift of X-rays caused by the object (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Klaus Juergen Engel, Dieter Geller, Gereon Vogtmeier, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9724058
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 9724062
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source configured to transmit X-rays; an X-ray detection assembly configured to detect the X-rays, and to convert the detected X-rays into an electrical signal; an image processor configured to generate an X-ray image based on the electrical signal; and a controller configured to process the X-ray image by changing shades of the X-ray image, and set a region of non-interest of the X-ray image based on the X-ray image and the processed X-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Kwon, Sungsu Kim, Young Hun Sung, Hyunhwa Oh
  • Patent number: 9693438
    Abstract: X-ray apparatus, with a collimator arrangement (12a, 18, 28a) positioned between the focus point (12b) and the detector (28b), mechanics (43) for enabling motion of the collimator arrangement, the detector and the x-ray source along a scan trajectory (30) in a x-z plane (83) and also along curved scan trajectory (45), which partly extents along a y-axis (35) perpendicular to the x-z plane. By using this invention better tissue coverage of objects with curved edges can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Dominik Benjamin Kutra, Thomas Buelow, Gerhard Martens, Hanns-Ingo Maack, Kirsten Regina Meetz
  • Patent number: 9629589
    Abstract: Techniques for moving a component of an imaging system are described herein. The techniques may include an apparatus having a component bracket to attach to an imaging system component disposed within a gantry of the imaging system. The apparatus may include a platform bracket to attach to a movable platform of the imaging system, wherein the component bracket and the platform bracket are to be coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas Demianovich, Daniel Alvin Kleewein, Haley Boyd, Logan Rose
  • Patent number: 9618648
    Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 9545234
    Abstract: A method to optimally set a position of a form filter in an x-ray image recording apparatus is proposed. The x-ray image recording apparatus has an x-ray radiation source and an x-ray radiation detector. An x-ray image is firstly recorded in a first position of the form filter. A new position of the filter is then calculated and automatically set with the aid of the x-ray image. A new x-ray image is then recorded. With a minimal dose of a patient, the method enables low contrast images to be recorded for a minimal main dose of the patient, in particular in a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Stefan Böhm, Richard Obler
  • Patent number: 9535186
    Abstract: Among other things, computed tomography (CT) systems and/or techniques for generating projections images of an object(s) under examination via a CT system are provided. A surface about which the projection image is focused is defined and data yielded from vertical rays of radiation intersecting the surface and data yielded from non-vertical rays intersecting the surface are used to generate the projection image. In some embodiments, the projection image is assembled from one or more projection lines, which are respectively associated with a line-path contacting the surface and extend in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation for a radiation source. A projection line is indicative of a degree of attenuation experienced by rays intersecting a line-path associated with the projection line and emitted while the radiation source was at a particular segment of a radiation source trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ANALOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Litvin, Ram Naidu, Sergey Simanovsky
  • Patent number: 9518931
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: an imaging section for capturing a first reference image by simultaneously turning on three or more illumination sections, and a second reference image at imaging timing temporally after the first reference image; a tracking target image designating section for designating a tracking target image in the first reference image and is used for tracking a position of the workpiece; a corresponding position estimating section for searching a position of the tracking target image designated by the tracking target image designating section from the second reference image, and specifying a position including the tracking target image in the second reference image, to estimate a corresponding relation of pixels that correspond among each of the partial illumination images; and an inspection image generating section for generating an inspection image for photometric stereo based on the corresponding relation of each of the pixels of the partial illumination images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Kido
  • Patent number: 9401383
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed at a photoconductive element for a digital X-ray imaging system which consists of a detector element comprising a semiconducting layer for absorbing photons, an insulator layer on at least one surface of said semiconducting layer and at least two electrodes on one surface of said insulator layer; and a switching element wherein at least one layer within said switching element is in the same plane as at least one said layer within said detector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Karim Sallaudin Karim
  • Patent number: 9386956
    Abstract: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays to an object at different original-view positions, an X-ray detector that acquires original-view images by detecting X-rays having passed through the object, and an image controller that reconstructs a 3D volume image representation of the object from the original-view images and generates close-view images by virtually emitting X-rays to the 3D volume image representation of the object at a shorter distance than a distance between the X-ray source and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hak Lee, Young Hun Sung, Kang Eui Lee, Jong Ha Lee, Kwang Eun Jang
  • Patent number: 9360439
    Abstract: An imaging system used for material discrimination of an objet is provided. The imaging system includes an X-ray source and an imaging sensor. The X-ray source generates multienergy polychromatic X-ray, wherein there is an integral-multiple relationship between the multi-energy-band of the X-ray. The object is placed between the X-ray source and the imaging sensor. The X-ray is transmitted toward and imaged by the imaging sensor through the object. An imaging multi-energy-band of the imaging sensor corresponds to the multi-energy-band of the X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hui-Hsin Lu, Jiun-Lin Guo, Wei-Hsin Wang, Ting-Hsuan Chen, Tsung-Ter Kuo
  • Patent number: 9348055
    Abstract: A scanner (200) includes a radiation source (202) that emits radiation that traverses a scanning region and a detector array (204), including a line of detectors (302), that detects radiation traversing the scanning region, wherein the radiation source and the detector array are located on opposing sides of the scanning region. The scanner further includes a mover (208) configured to move an object through the scanning region when scanning the object. The line of detectors (302) is configured to move in a plane, which is substantially parallel to the scanning region, in coordination with the mover moving the object, thereby creating a plane of detection for scanning the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Abenaim, Charles H. Shaughnessy
  • Patent number: 9316645
    Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided herein for preparing and using a nanoparticle composition and spatial frequency heterodyne imaging for visualizing cells or tissues. In various embodiments, the nanoparticle composition includes at least one of: a nanoparticle, a polymer layer, and a binding agent, such that the polymer layer coats the nanoparticle and is for example a polyethylene glycol, a polyelectrolyte, an anionic polymer, or a cationic polymer, and such that the binding agent that specifically binds the cells or the tissue. Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided for identifying potential therapeutic agents in a model using the nanoparticle composition and spatial frequency heterodyne imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignees: BROWN UNIVERSITY, RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Christoph Rose-Petruck, Jack R. Wands, Danielle Rand, Zoltan Derdak, Vivian Ortiz
  • Patent number: 9245658
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an emission device to emit X-rays and a detection device to detect X-rays. A detector collimator is located between the patient space and the detection device. The emission device and detection device operate while translating along a displacement axis, to take a plurality of acquisitions. The imaging apparatus has a setting device to modify a dimension of a collimator slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: EOS IMAGING
    Inventor: Pascal Desaute
  • Patent number: 9223051
    Abstract: The present application discloses a system for scanning a shoe for illegal materials. The system includes an X-ray source for projecting a beam of X-rays onto the shoe, a detector array for detecting X-rays transmitted through the shoe and at least one metal detector coil for detecting metals within the shoe. The system produces a radiographic image of the shoe by processing the detected X-rays and data obtained from the at least one metal detector coil. Other embodiments are directed toward other screening technologies, including millimeter wave screening technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 9078620
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes: a source for emitting X-rays to an object; a detector for detecting the X-rays penetrating the object; an arm for connecting the source to the detector and moving the detector up and down according to a rotation of the source; and a controller for controlling an imaging of the object by driving the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-woo Shin, Jeong-hwan Kim, Do-kwan Oh, Dong-jae Lee, Sang-chul Lee
  • Patent number: 9058909
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a beam chopping apparatus, and more specifically, a helical shutter for an electron beam system that is employed in radiation-based scanning systems, and more specifically, a beam chopping apparatus that allows for variability in both velocity and beam spot size by modifying the physical characteristics or geometry of the beam chopper apparatus. The present specification also discloses a beam chopping apparatus which provides a vertically moving beam spot with substantially constant size and velocity to allow for substantially equal illumination of the target. In addition, the present specification is a beam chopping apparatus that is lightweight and does not cause an X-ray source assembly employing the beam chopper to become heavy and difficult to deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 9020100
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: America Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Dean Fleury, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Joseph DiMare, Richard Schueller, Alexander Chalmers
  • Patent number: 9020103
    Abstract: A versatile beam scanner for generating a far-field scanned pencil beam, and, alternatively, a far-field pencil beam. An angle selector limits the angular extent of an inner fan beam emitted by a source of penetrating radiation. The source and angle selector may be translated, along a direction parallel to a central axis of a multi-aperture unit, in such a manner as to generate a scanned far-field pencil beam, when rings of apertures are interposed between the source and an inspected target, or, alternatively, a far-field fan beam, when no ring of apertures is interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Grodzins
  • Patent number: 9014339
    Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that beam flux incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9008269
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an X-ray system is provided. The method comprises: capturing an image of a patient on an examining table of the system by an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is placed at a predetermined position in the system; displaying the captured image on a display for selection of a region of interest or a point of interest by a user on the image; automatically determining a target position of an X-ray source in response to the selection of the region of interest or the point of interest on the image, wherein a desired field of view for exposure covering the region of interest or the point of interest is obtained when the X-ray source is located at the target position; and automatically locating the X-ray source at the target position in response to the determination of the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Bin Ye, Yannan Huang, Yonghui Han
  • Patent number: 8989348
    Abstract: An x-ray scanner includes an x-ray source producing a fan of x-rays, an x-ray detector array, a collimator between the source and array, fixed to the source, and defining one or more slits collimating the x-ray fan into a linear x-ray beam. The array is spaced from the source such that a linear extent of the linear x-ray beam is no greater than a detector dimension of the array. An x-ray processing unit processes detection of the linear x-ray beam by the array. A processor-controlled motor moves the x-ray source about a source movement axis to pan the linear x-ray beam and create an x-ray emission cone and moves the array correspondingly with the source. The x-ray processing unit form an x-ray scanned image of an object disposed between the collimator and the array within the x-ray emission cone when the linear x-ray beam is panned across the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Visuum, LLC
    Inventor: John D. Cox
  • Patent number: 8971486
    Abstract: Methods and systems for x-ray inspection are provided. The system can include a source of radiant energy configured so that the radiant energy traverses a scanning volume. The system can further include a filter between the source and the scanning volume, a conveying apparatus configured to impart relative motion between an exposure-limited subject and the scanning volume, a conveyance monitor configured to generate conveyance data reflecting a conveyance state of the exposure-limited subject, a radiant energy sensing apparatus configured to sense radiant energy from the source and to generate source radiant energy data, and a dose controller configured to acquire conveyance data, source radiant energy data, and a signal related to subject dose data, and to generate a measure that a portion of the exposure-limited subject has acquired a dose of radiant energy above a dose threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Scholling
  • Publication number: 20140233707
    Abstract: A versatile beam scanner for generating a far-field scanned pencil beam, and, alternatively, a far-field pencil beam. An angle selector limits the angular extent of an inner fan beam emitted by a source of penetrating radiation. The source and angle selector may be translated, along a direction parallel to a central axis of a multi-aperture unit, in such a manner as to generate a scanned far-field pencil beam, when rings of apertures are interposed between the source and an inspected target, or, alternatively, a far-field fan beam, when no ring of apertures is interposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 8734013
    Abstract: This invention describes a method of inspecting unidentified packages placed on the floor or ground, or on desktops or counters. The method uses a transmissive x-ray system mounted on a small mobile platform such as robots. X-ray is emitted from the source directed away from the platform and detected by a detector arm supported on an extended member attached to a vertical member such that the object to be inspected can pass in between the detector arm and the x-ray source. To scan portions of the object close to the ground, the height of the x-ray source is lowered close to the ground, and during transportation, it is raised up so that there is more clearance from the ground. To scan objects located on higher levels such as desks, the detector arm has an angular movement greater than ninety degrees with respect to an axis that has a vertical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Satpal Singh
  • Publication number: 20140112431
    Abstract: An imaging system (300) includes a radiation source (308) that emits radiation from a focal spot (312) in a direction of an examination region. The imaging system further includes a beam shaper (314), located between the focal spot and the examination region, that shapes an x-ray transmission profile of the radiation emitted from the source and incident on the beam shaper such that the radiation leaving the beam shaper has a pre-determined transmission profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rodney Arnold Mattson, Randall Peter Luhta
  • Publication number: 20140093048
    Abstract: An active vibration absorber is provided for damping vibrations of a cantilevered portion of a support structure. The vibration absorber comprises a mass, wherein the mass is coupled without using a spring and through a drive that is controlled by a control device of the vibration absorber to a fastening means for fastening the drive to a support structure to be damped, so that upon a movement of the mass relative to the fastening means an inertial force caused by this movement is directly transmitted through the drive to the fastening means, and wherein the control device comprises a motion sensor and the control device is adapted to control the drive in function of the signals from the motion sensor. The active vibration isolator has a purpose of damping especially low-frequency vibrating structures including more than one mass-spring element so that the vibration amplitude thereof is significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter A. Kropp, Wolfram Sinn
  • Patent number: 8681933
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, X-ray detector to detect the X-rays transmitted through an object, top to place the object, rotation driving unit to rotate a rotating frame with the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector around the object, movement driving unit to relatively reciprocate the rotating frame and the top over a plurality of times along a long-axis direction of the top, and scan control unit to control the movement driving unit in the relative reciprocal movement such that moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective forward movements are matched with each other and moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective backward movements are matched with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140072106
    Abstract: A multilayer Laue Lens includes a compensation layer formed in between a first multilayer section and a second multilayer section. Each of the first and second multilayer sections includes a plurality of alternating layers made of a pair of different materials. Also, the thickness of layers of the first multilayer section is monotonically increased so that a layer adjacent the substrate has a minimum thickness, and the thickness of layers of the second multilayer section is monotonically decreased so that a layer adjacent the compensation layer has a maximum thickness. In particular, the compensation layer of the multilayer Laue lens has an in-plane thickness gradient laterally offset by 90° as compared to other layers in the first and second multilayer sections, thereby eliminating the strict requirement of the placement error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATES
    Inventors: Raymond P. Conley, Chian Qian Liu, Albert T. Macrander, Hanfei Yan, Jorg Maser, Hyon Chol Kang, Gregory Brian Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8660239
    Abstract: A detector apparatus is described for scanning of and obtaining radiation data from an object and generating an image therefrom. The apparatus comprises a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone and to collect a dataset of information about radiation incident at the detector after interaction with an object and to resolve collected information spatially in two dimensions across a scan area and spectroscopically across a plurality of frequency bands in the spectrum of the source. A detector exhibits a spectroscopically variable response across at least a part of the spectrum of the source and to resolve collected information spatially with a rastering module configured to divide the scanning area into a plurality of pixels two dimensions; and a control to move the detector to scan such pixels successively and thereby collect a dataset for each pixel. A method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kromek Limited
    Inventor: Ian Radley
  • Publication number: 20140029731
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detector; a field modulator that modulates the radiation that reaches the detector and is defined by a transmission function; a scanner system for changing the pose of at least the field modulator; and an image reconstruction section that receives a radiation reading from the radiation detector for each of a plurality of angular orientations of the field modulator, and is configured to process the received readings to derive an image representing the amount of radiation originating from each point in an image domain, wherein the transmission function of the field modulator comprises a low transmission region that attenuates radiation incident toward the detector from angular directions defined by that low transmission region, and a high transmission region that transmits to the detector radiation that is incident toward the detector from angular directions defined by that high transmission region, wherein said regions are arranged such that: for each incid
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Paul Mellor
  • Patent number: 8625742
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a plurality of imaging apparatuses, each of the imaging apparatuses includes a detector for performing an imaging operation for outputting image data corresponding to applied radiation or light and a controller for controlling the operation of the detector. The imaging apparatuses can independently perform an imaging operation and are movable in accordance with a relative positional relationship thereof. Sensing means obtain information indicative of the relative positional relationship between the imaging apparatuses. A control computer sends a control signal for determining operations of the imaging apparatuses to the controller. The control computer determines the operations of the imaging apparatuses by using the information obtained from the sensing means; and sets an appropriate scanning direction of each of the imaging apparatuses in accordance with the positional relationship thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Iwashita, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
  • Patent number: 8611502
    Abstract: A material preferably in crystal form having a low atomic number such as beryllium (Z=4) provides for the focusing of x-rays in a continuously variable manner. The material is provided with plural spaced curvilinear, optically matched slots and/or recesses through which an x-ray beam is directed. The focal length of the material may be decreased or increased by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the number of slots (or recesses) through which the x-ray beam is directed, while fine tuning of the focal length is accomplished by rotation of the material so as to change the path length of the x-ray beam through the aligned cylindrical slots. X-ray analysis of a fixed point in a solid material may be performed by scanning the energy of the x-ray beam while rotating the material to maintain the beam's focal point at a fixed point in the specimen undergoing analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Bernhard W. Adams, Matthieu C. Chollet
  • Patent number: 8605859
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Dean Fleury, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Joseph DiMare, Richard Schueller, Alexander Chalmers
  • Patent number: 8515005
    Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew Smith, Tom Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 8509387
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with a multi X-ray source and a collimator in which a plurality of slits for X-rays to pass through are two-dimensionally formed, the size and position of the slits being adjustable. A control unit, as a first control mode, controls the size and position of the slits to move an examination region in parallel, when an X-ray source is changed to a different X-ray source, such that the examination directions are parallel before and after the change. Also, the control unit, as a second control mode, controls the size and position of the slits to rotate the examination direction, when an X-ray source is changed to a different X-ray source, such that the center of the examination regions is the same before and after the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Makoto Sato, Masahiko Okunuki, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
  • Publication number: 20130108025
    Abstract: The following precise optical slit design was analyzed in order to optimize the actuator loads, flexure stresses and heat transfer characteristics. It was shown, that monolithic flexure (made out of GlidCop) with out of vacuum water cooling piping shows adequate performance. Even for a minimal flow conditions (1.0 gal/min without spring inserts), the maximum temperature of the flexure does not exceed 90° C. for 60 W deposited power and following the same design principles 150 W power load is visible, as a Von Mises thermal stress does not exceed even half of a fatigue strength for GlidCop. Steady state thermal loads reduce the blade clearance by 50 ?m (total) at the worst case scenario, but such load does not lead to blade clash, and maximum angular deviation of the slit blades at full stroke is less than 16 ?rad per blade, well within the +/?2 mrad requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Alex K. Deyhim, Eric C. Van Every
  • Patent number: 8416919
    Abstract: One facilitates capturing samples as pertain to an object to be imaged by providing N pulsed sampling chains (where N is an integer greater than 1) where these sampling chains are in planes substantially parallel to one another and are substantially equidistant from adjacent others by a given distance. By one approach, the ratio of this given distance to a desired sample interval is approximately an integer that is relatively prime to N. So configured, a complete set of samples of the object can be captured by the sampling chains in a single pass notwithstanding that the object and the sampling chains are moving quickly with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Fox, David T. Nisius
  • Patent number: 8355551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes determining an internal motion for of two regions of the object, each region having a different level of motion, scanning the first region using a first scan protocol based on the motion, scanning a second region using a second different scan protocol based on the motion, and generating an image of the object based on the first and second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Hammersmith Imanet Ltd.
    Inventors: Kris Filip Johan Jules Thielemans, Scott David Wollenweber, Alexander Ganin, Anja Brau, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Evren Asma, Rakesh Mullick, Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Ajit Shankaranarayanan
  • Patent number: 8340246
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and method for reducing X-ray scattering are provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, a collimator, a detector, and a controller. The X-ray source emits X-rays, the collimator collimates the X-rays into an X-ray beam, and the detector may include a two-dimensional array of pixels. The controller controls the collimator such that the X-ray beam scans a subject while moving over time. In addition, the controller operates the detector to only operate pixels at an exposure area of the detector where the X-ray beam arrives without scattering such that photocharges generated due to the X-ray exposure can be accumulated and stored in the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Goo Kang, Seong-Deok Lee, Young-Hun Sung, Jong-Ha Lee, Sung-Su Kim, Seok-Min Han
  • Publication number: 20120288066
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scanning device using radiation beam for backscatter imaging. The scanning device includes a radiation source; a stationary shield plate and a rotary shield body positioned respectively between the radiation source and the subject to be scanned, wherein the stationary shield plate is fixed relative to the radiation source, and the rotary shield body is rotatable relative to the stationary shield plate. The ray passing area permitting the rays from the radiation source to pass through the stationary shield plate is provided on the stationary shield plate, and ray incidence area and ray exit area are respectively provided on the rotary shield body. During the process of the rotating and scanning of the rotary shield body, the ray passing area of the stationary shield plate intersects consecutively with the ray incidence area and the ray exit area of the rotary shield body to form scanning collimation holes. Further, a scanning method using radiation beam for backscatter imaging is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kejun Kang, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Ziran Zhao, Yinong Liu, Wanlong Wu, Dong Lin, Le Tang, Chao Tu, Zongjun Shen, Guangwei Ding, Yingkang Jin, Xilei Luo, Shuo Cao
  • Publication number: 20120269319
    Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that the total beam fluence incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild