Scanner Patents (Class 378/146)
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Patent number: 10049449Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Yang Lyu
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Patent number: 10026517Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Magdalena Constantin, HsinLu Hsu, Jonathan Evans, Robert Kopels
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Patent number: 10022099Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yushi Tsubota, Fumito Watanabe, Yasutaka Konno, Shinichi Kojima, Keisuke Yamakawa, Shinji Kurokawa
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Patent number: 9989669Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland SecurityInventor: Gregory C. Slovik
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Patent number: 9915752Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kristian R. Peschmann
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Patent number: 9857317Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Huaping Tang, Zhiqiang Chen, Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen, Yuanjing Li, Ziran Zhao, Yaohong Liu, Shangmin Sun, Xinshui Yan, Zhanfeng Qin
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Patent number: 9775572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Tsvi Katchalski, Ewald Roessl, Reuven Levinson
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Patent number: 9750465Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Klaus Juergen Engel, Dieter Geller, Gereon Vogtmeier, Thomas Koehler
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Patent number: 9724058Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
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Patent number: 9724062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae-Hyun Kwon, Sungsu Kim, Young Hun Sung, Hyunhwa Oh
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Patent number: 9693438Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Dominik Benjamin Kutra, Thomas Buelow, Gerhard Martens, Hanns-Ingo Maack, Kirsten Regina Meetz
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Patent number: 9629589Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nicholas Demianovich, Daniel Alvin Kleewein, Haley Boyd, Logan Rose
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Patent number: 9618648Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 9545234Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Stefan Böhm, Richard Obler
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Patent number: 9535186Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: ANALOGIC CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Litvin, Ram Naidu, Sergey Simanovsky
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Patent number: 9518931Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Keyence CorporationInventor: Manabu Kido
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Patent number: 9401383Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Inventor: Karim Sallaudin Karim
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Patent number: 9386956Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Hak Lee, Young Hun Sung, Kang Eui Lee, Jong Ha Lee, Kwang Eun Jang
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Patent number: 9360439Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Hui-Hsin Lu, Jiun-Lin Guo, Wei-Hsin Wang, Ting-Hsuan Chen, Tsung-Ter Kuo
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Patent number: 9348055Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Daniel Abenaim, Charles H. Shaughnessy
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Patent number: 9316645Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignees: BROWN UNIVERSITY, RHODE ISLAND HOSPITALInventors: Christoph Rose-Petruck, Jack R. Wands, Danielle Rand, Zoltan Derdak, Vivian Ortiz
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Patent number: 9245658Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: EOS IMAGINGInventor: Pascal Desaute
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Patent number: 9223051Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
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Patent number: 9078620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung-woo Shin, Jeong-hwan Kim, Do-kwan Oh, Dong-jae Lee, Sang-chul Lee
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Patent number: 9058909Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Joseph W. Kaminski
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Patent number: 9020100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: America Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Dean Fleury, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Joseph DiMare, Richard Schueller, Alexander Chalmers
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Patent number: 9020103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Lee Grodzins
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Patent number: 9014339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 9008269Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Jian Wang, Bin Ye, Yannan Huang, Yonghui Han
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Patent number: 8989348Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Visuum, LLCInventor: John D. Cox
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Patent number: 8971486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbHInventor: Axel Scholling
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Publication number: 20140233707Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 8734013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Satpal Singh
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Publication number: 20140112431Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Rodney Arnold Mattson, Randall Peter Luhta
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Publication number: 20140093048Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbHInventors: Peter A. Kropp, Wolfram Sinn
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Patent number: 8681933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Tatsuro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20140072106Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATESInventors: Raymond P. Conley, Chian Qian Liu, Albert T. Macrander, Hanfei Yan, Jorg Maser, Hyon Chol Kang, Gregory Brian Stephenson
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Patent number: 8660239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Kromek LimitedInventor: Ian Radley
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Publication number: 20140029731Abstract: 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 incidType: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Matthew Paul Mellor
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Patent number: 8625742Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Iwashita, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
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Patent number: 8611502Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Bernhard W. Adams, Matthieu C. Chollet
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Patent number: 8605859Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Dean Fleury, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Joseph DiMare, Richard Schueller, Alexander Chalmers
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Patent number: 8515005Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Hologic Inc.Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew Smith, Tom Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
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Patent number: 8509387Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Tsujii, Makoto Sato, Masahiko Okunuki, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
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Publication number: 20130108025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Alex K. Deyhim, Eric C. Van Every
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Patent number: 8416919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Fox, David T. Nisius
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Patent number: 8355551Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignees: 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
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Patent number: 8340246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-Goo Kang, Seong-Deok Lee, Young-Hun Sung, Jong-Ha Lee, Sung-Su Kim, Seok-Min Han
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Publication number: 20120288066Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20120269319Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild