Collimator Patents (Class 378/147)
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Patent number: 6459769Abstract: A method and system for shaping a beam from a radiation delivery device includes a moving miniature multi-leaf collimator which can be moved into the field of radiation from the radiation device to shape the beam or moved out of the radiation field of the radiation device so that a second collimator can shape the beam. The movable miniature multi-leaf collimator comprises opposing banks of movable leaves to form a conformal shape when the collimator is within the radiation field. A translation or rotation mechanism can move the left and right leaf banks at the collimator away from and displaced significantly from the radiation beam of the radiation delivery device so that they will not intercept the radiation field. A second collimator device is then used to produce another independent beam shaping within the radiation field of the radiation device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventor: Eric R. Cosman
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Patent number: 6459770Abstract: An assembly including a base and first and second spaced-apart shafts secured to the base and extending generally perpendicular to an elongated aperture of the base. A carrier includes a first support member slidingly receiving the first shaft, a second support member receiving the second shaft, and an elongated opening extending between the support members and generally perpendicular to the shafts. The elongated opening of the carrier is for aligning with the aperture of the base and an elongated slit of a collimator supported on the carrier for passage of an x-ray beam therethrough. A backlash-resistant nut assembly is threadingly received on a threaded portion of the second shaft and secured to the second support member.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Ronald E. Swain, Brian M. McDermott, Jonna A. Gillis
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Patent number: 6449335Abstract: A method for sequencing treatment fields defined by leaves of a multi-leaf collimator positioned to block radiation from a radiation source and define an opening between the radiation source and a treatment area. The multi-leaf collimator is operable to rotate relative to the treatment area to define a plurality of treatment ports. Each of the ports has at least one treatment field. The method includes ordering the collimator ports based on direction of travel of the collimator relative to the treatment area such that each port has at least one corresponding adjacent port. The method further includes selecting a sequence of treatment fields for each collimator port based on the treatment fields within adjacent ports to optimize delivery of radiation.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
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Patent number: 6438199Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination system, particularly for microlithography with wavelengths ≦193 nm, comprising a light source, a first optical component, a second optical component, an image plane and an exit pupil. The first optical component transforms the light source into a plurality of secondary light sources being imaged by the second optical component in said exit pupil. The first optical component comprises a first optical element having a plurality of first raster elements, which are imaged into said image plane producing a plurality of images being superimposed at least partially on a field in said image plane. The first raster elements deflect incoming ray bundles with first deflection angles, wherein at least two of the first deflection angles are different. The first raster elements are preferably rectangular, wherein the field is a segment of an annulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-StiftungInventors: Jörg Schultz, Johannes Wangler, Karl-Heinz Schuster, Udo Dinger, Wolfgang Singer, Martin Antoni
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Publication number: 20020080922Abstract: In a digital x-ray imager alignment method, a low exposure x-ray image of an object is taken. The dose is sufficient to create an image of an object and alignment bars on an antiscatter grid. The relative position of the alignment bars on the image is measured. The relative angle of the detector to the x-ray source is adjusted. This adjustment brings the grid into alignment with the x-ray source. A diagnostic x-ray exposure image of the object is then taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Robert Forrest Kwasnick, Paul Richard Granfors
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Patent number: 6411677Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, a method for determining tracking control parameters for positioning an x-ray beam of a computed tomography imaging system having a movable collimator positionable in steps and a detector array including a plurality of rows of detector elements. The method includes steps of obtaining detector samples at a series of collimator step positions while determining a position of a focal spot of the x-ray beam; determining a beam position for each detector element at each collimator step utilizing the determined focal spot positions, a nominal focal spot length, and geometric parameters of the x-ray beam, collimator, and detector array; and determining a calibration parameter utilizing information so obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas L. Toth, George E. Seidenschnur, Neil B. Bromberg
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Publication number: 20020071522Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
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Patent number: 6400794Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination system for wavelengths (193 nm, particularly for EUV lithography with at least one light source, which has an illumination A in one surface; at least one device for producing secondary light sources; at least one mirror or lens device, comprising at least one mirror or one lens, which is (are) divided into raster elements; one or more optical elements, which are arranged between the mirror or lens device that comprises at least one mirror or one lens, which is (are) divided into raster elements, and the reticle plane, wherein the optical elements image the secondary light sources in the exit pupil of the illumination system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-StiftungInventors: Jörg Schultz, Johannes Wangler
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Patent number: 6393100Abstract: Collimator apparatus is provided for an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray tube disposed to project an X-ray beam, and a detector spaced apart from the X-ray tube for receiving X-rays of the beam within an Active Imaging Area (AIA). The apparatus comprises a first collimator positioned along the path of the beam, the first collimator being vertically adjustable, and being operable to symmetrically collimate the beam. The apparatus further comprises a second collimating device positioned between the first collimator and the detector. The second collimating device limits the uppermost rays of the symmetrically collimated beam which reach the detector to a predetermined upper boundary. Thus, the second collimating device serves to fix the upper edge of the AIA on the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas M. Leeds, Michael J. Pajerski
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Publication number: 20020057761Abstract: The invention relates to a scanned-slot x-ray imaging system, having a first collimator and a second collimator arranged in a first distance (a) and a second distance (b), respectively, from a radiation source and each provided with a slot and a detector located under the second collimator slot, said slot of said second collimator being wider than the said slot of said first collimator and said detector under the second slot is wider than the first collimator slot and the second collimator slot. The slot of said second collimator has a width (y′) not less than a safety margin and the product of the width (x) of the slot of said first collimator and said second distance (b) divided with the said first distance (a) for allowing a misalignment with respect to a central symmetry line of said slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Mats Danielsson
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Patent number: 6389108Abstract: A collimator system including a plurality of revolvable plates stacked one above another, the plates being constructed of a material substantially impervious to passage therethrough of radiation in a predetermined range of wavelengths, and at least one collimator aperture formed in each of the plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
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Patent number: 6388816Abstract: A collimator for a therapeutic linear accelerator comprising first and second opposed arrays of individually longitudinally moveable elongate leaves, and a blocking element arranged transverse to the two arrays and moveable in that transverse direction, thereby to move into a gap between the tips of a leaf from the first array and a leaf from the second array. The blocking element and the two arrays can be in the same plane, thereby reducing the overall height of the device. As the tips of the leaves are usually profiled, it is preferred that the side edges of the blocking element are profiled to a complementary shape. The side edges of the leaves are usually non-vertical in order to allow for the divergence of the radiation beam. Each leaf will have a different angle. Accordingly, it is preferred that the tip of the blocking element has a variable angle, in order to match the angle of whichever leaf is adjacent.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Elekta ABInventors: Kevin John Brown, Christopher John Snook, William Richard Harwood
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Patent number: 6377661Abstract: A collimator 100 for use in a radiation imaging system 10, and a method for making such collimators, are provided, wherein the collimator 100 is capable of collimating radiation in two orthogonal planes. The collimator in one embodiment includes a block 101 of radiation absorbing material having a plurality of focally aligned channels 102 extending therethrough; in a second embodiment, the collimator includes first and second collimation 204, 212 sections having a respective first plurality of focally aligned plate sets 201 and a respective second plurality of focally aligned plate sets 203 disposed orthogonally to the first plurality of plate sets. The method for making the collimator includes generating a CAD drawing, generating from the CAD drawing one or more stereo-lithographic files, and using the stereo-lithographic files to control an electro-deposition machining machine which creates the channels in the block.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shankar Visvanathan Guru, Peter Michael Edic, Reinhold Franz Wirth
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Patent number: 6370227Abstract: A collimator 100 for use in a radiation imaging system 10, and a method for making such collimators, are provided, wherein the collimator 100 is capable of collimating radiation in two orthogonal planes. The collimator in one embodiment includes a block 101 of radiation absorbing material having a plurality of focally aligned channels 102 extending therethrough; in a second embodiment, the collimator includes first and second collimation 204, 212 sections having a respective first plurality of focally aligned plate sets 201 and a respective second plurality of focally aligned plate sets 203 disposed orthogonally to the first plurality of plate sets. The method for making the collimator includes generating a CAD drawing, generating from the CAD drawing one or more stereo-lithographic files, and using the stereo-lithographic files to control an electro-deposition machining machine which creates the channels in the block.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shankar Visvanathan Guru, Peter Michael Edic, Reinhold Franz Wirth
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Patent number: 6365900Abstract: A detection head and collimator for a gamma camera. The detection head includes several elementary detectors with semiconductors adjacent to each other to form a detection plane. The collimator is placed in front of the detection plane and includes a number of ducts laid out in a repetition pattern. The shape of the elementary detectors and the repetition pattern are rectangular in the detection plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Corinne Mestais, Raymond Campagnolo, Robert Allemand
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Patent number: 6363136Abstract: In order to increase the ruggedness and the scattered radiation attenuation quality, a grid (3) with comb elements (12) which absorb electromagnetic radiation and are intended to form a grid is constructed, in such a manner that comb lamellae (11) extend transversely of an associated comb base surface which supports the comb lamellae (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Peter Flisikowski, Stefan Schneider, Josef Lauter, Herfried Karl Wieczorek
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Publication number: 20020025024Abstract: A backlash-resistant sliding assembly for supporting a collimator. The assembly includes a base having an elongated aperture for passage of an x-ray beam therethrough, a first shaft secured to the base and extending generally perpendicular to the aperture of the base, a second shaft spaced from, and extending substantially parallel to the first shaft, the second shaft rotatably secured to the base and having a threaded portion and at least one non-threaded portion. The assembly also includes a carrier adapted to support a collimator having at least one elongated slit, the carrier including a first support member having a bore slidingly receiving the first shaft, a second support member having a bore receiving the non-threaded portion of the second shaft, and an elongated opening extending between the support members and generally perpendicular to the shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Ronald E. Swain, Brian M. McDermott, Jonna A. Gillis
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Publication number: 20020021785Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, a method for determining tracking control parameters for positioning an x-ray beam of a computed tomography imaging system having a movable collimator positionable in steps and a detector array including a plurality of rows of detector elements. The method includes steps of obtaining detector samples at a series of collimator step positions while determining a position of a focal spot of the x-ray beam; determining a beam position for each detector element at each collimator step utilizing the determined focal spot positions, a nominal focal spot length, and geometric parameters of the x-ray beam, collimator, and detector array; and determining a calibration parameter utilizing information so obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Thomas L. Toth, George E. Seidenschnur, Neil B. Bromberg
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Publication number: 20020015474Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collimator having slits of varied widths, wherein each slit includes a curved side profile having a common axis of curvature for providing a cross-section of an emitted beam of energy with a substantially uniform width when the common axis of curvature of the slit intersects a focal spot of a source of the beam. The collimator is curved about a rotation axis substantially normal to the common axis of curvature, such that rotating the collimator about the rotation axis will sequentially position the slits to collimate the emitted beam. An assembly for selecting one of the collimator slits includes a selection motor having a rotatable shaft, and a gear mechanism coupling the motor shaft to the collimator for rotating the collimator about its rotation axis to select a slit. Preferably, resilient material is seated in a circumferential groove of at least one gear of the gear mechanism for absorbing shock.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: Analogic CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Michael J. Duffy, Lidia Nemirovsky, Eric M. Bailey
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Publication number: 20020003859Abstract: The parallel radiation (12) emanating from a sample 4 in a known apparatus for X-ray analysis (for example, for diffraction) is analyzed according to wavelength and focused in a focus 20 by a parabolic multilayer mirror 14. A collimator 28 is positioned around said focus. The resolution of the apparatus can be enhanced by making the angular passage width of the collimator smaller than the maximum range of its reflection angle &agr;max. In accordance with the invention the resolution of the apparatus will be better defined and hence enhanced by implementing the exit collimator 28 in such a way that the angular value for the passage width from every reflecting point A or B of the mirror surface is substantially independent of the position of the reflecting points. Preferably, the exit collimator 28 is implemented in the form of two mutually parallel knife edges which are situated at different distances from the reflecting points of the multilayer mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: Vladimir Kogan
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Publication number: 20010053199Abstract: Collimation device of the type intended to direct an energy beam in a given direction and at a given solid angle, the collimation device being capable of being installed on output of an energy beam generating means and of being connected to a control unit. The collimation device includes means for testing operation of the assembly formed by the energy beam generating means, the collimation device 1 and the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Dietmar Sundermann, Lionel Desponds, Jean-Luc Duflot
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Patent number: 6330300Abstract: A method for controlling radiation delivery from a radiation source to a treatment area with a multi-leaf collimator. The method includes dividing the treatment area into a plurality of cells each having a predefined treatment intensity level and defining an edge margin on a portion of the cells. The method further includes defining one or more treatment fields by longitudinally positioning leaves of the multi-leaf collimator to block radiation from some of the cells. The edge margin has an intensity level different than the predeined intensity level of the cell. The longitudinal positions of leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are adjusted so that the leaves cover the edge margins of the cells in at least one of the treatment fields to deliver less radiation to said edge margin than the rest of the cell. A system for controlling radiation delivery to the treatment area from the radiation source is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
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Publication number: 20010043669Abstract: A multileaf collimator for use in a radiation system providing a radiation beam in a given beam direction, including a first layer of a plurality of radiation blocking leaves, the leaves being arranged adjacent one another so as to form two opposed rows of adjacently positioned leaves and being movable in a longitudinal direction (Y) which is generally transverse to the beam direction, defining a radiation beam shaping field between the opposed ends of the leaves, a second layer of a plurality of radiation blocking leave, the leaves of the second layer being arraigned adjacent one another as to form two opposed rows of adjacently positioned leaves and being movable in a cross-over direction (X) which is generally transverse to the beam direction and angled with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y), defining a radiation beam shaping field between the opposed ends of the leaves of the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
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Patent number: 6320936Abstract: A beam limiting apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of off-focus radiation in the image-forming beam emitted from an x-ray tube assembly. The x-ray tube assembly has a housing with an x-ray port for the passage of x-rays therethrough, a mounting boss defining the x-ray port, an x-ray tube mounted within the housing and defining a glass envelope, an anode mounted within the glass envelope, and a cathode spaced relative to the anode within the glass envelope. A peripheral flange of the beam limiting apparatus is mountable to the mounting boss of the x-ray tube housing, and a radiation-absorbing body of the beam limiting apparatus projects downwardly from the peripheral flange through the x-ray port.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Parker Medical, Inc.Inventors: William P. Holland, Sr., Timothy J. Holland, Matthew J. Holland, Michael L. Holland
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Publication number: 20010038684Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray fluorescence analysis apparatus in which the collimator, which defines a range of passing X-rays, can be attached to and detached from a housing, an X-ray generator, or an X-ray detector. The collimator has a left-hand thread on a side opposite to the thread and being coaxial with the thread, so that it can be attached to and detached from a thread of an object. It is also capable of being attached and detached easily to and from the housing, the X-ray generator, and the X-ray detector with respect to the inner shape of the housing using a cylindrical jig provided with the left-hand thread.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Yoshiki Matoba, Mitsuo Naito
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Publication number: 20010036250Abstract: A collimator for an X-ray testing machine and a method for adjusting the collimator with the aid of a detection system disposed in the collimator that includes at least two spatially separate detection devices, disposed and spacing one behind the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Martin Hartick, Frank Cordes
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Patent number: 6310938Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, a method for determining tracking control parameters for positioning an x-ray beam of a computed tomography imaging system having a movable collimator positionable in steps and a detector array including a plurality of rows of detector elements. The method includes steps of obtaining detector samples at a series of collimator step positions while determining a position of a focal spot of the x-ray beam; determining a beam position for each detector element at each collimator step utilizing the determined focal spot positions, a nominal focal spot length, and geometric parameters of the x-ray beam, collimator, and detector array; and determining a calibration parameter utilizing information so obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas L. Toth, George E. Seidenschnur, Neil B. Bromberg
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Patent number: 6307917Abstract: A soller slit includes a plurality of metal foils and a plurality of spacers. The spacers are laminated alternatively with the metal foils to support one end portions of the metal foils with a space between adjacent metal foils. The other end portions of the metal foils are opened to be unsupported as a free end. When the soller slit is used in an X-ray apparatus, other X-ray optical components, such as monochromator or a specimen to be analyzed, then the soller slit can be arranged in contact with or in the vicinity of the unsupported end portions of the soller slit. That is, it is possible to unify the soller slit and other X-ray optical components in an assembled state. Therefore, a space dedicated to the soller slit becomes unnecessary. Further, since it is possible to shorten a passage of X-rays correspondingly, attenuation of X-rays to be detected by the X-ray detector can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Rigaku CorporationInventors: Katsuhiko Shimizu, Kazuhiko Omote, Go Fujinawa
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Patent number: 6305842Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus which includes an X-ray source and a diaphragm unit which is connected to the X-ray source and is provided with shutters for limiting a radiation cone beam emanating from the focal spot of the X-ray source, and also includes a light source for generating a light cone beam which traverses the shutters via a mirror. When the dimensions of the light-emitting parts of the light source are significantly larger than the focal spot, the irradiation field irradiated by the radiation cone beam is smaller than the illuminated field illuminated by the light cone beam. In order to match the irradiation field with the illuminated field, the shutters are provided with correction shutters which are transparent to X-rays but impervious to light and limit the light cone beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Heinz-Peter Kunert
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Publication number: 20010028698Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an open chamber-type X-ray fluorescence analysis apparatus capable of qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing light elements within a sample in a stable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventors: Yoshiki Matoba, Mitsuo Naito, Koichi Tamura
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Patent number: 6301334Abstract: A drive assembly for a collimator of an X-ray imaging device includes a carrier which is adapted for translation in the z-direction along two parallel shafts. One of the shafts is coupled to a driver, such as a motor, by a backlash-resistant nut assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Ronald E. Swain, Brian M. McDermott, Jonna A. Gillis
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Patent number: 6298117Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dose reduction in a computed tomography (CT) system are described. In one embodiment, the CT system includes a pre-patient collimator and a configurable multislice detector array. The pre-patient collimator includes a plurality of eccentric cams and a filtration device for altering the x-ray beam radiated from a x-ray source. The eccentric cams are positioned to collimate the x-ray beam and may be independently positioned to provide z-axis correction of the x-ray beam. The filtration device includes a plurality of filters for altering the x-ray beam. In operation, an operator selects the type of test and the quantity and thickness of the slices. After altering the detector and collimator configuration, slice data for each slice is gathered.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Willi W. Hampel, Russell W. Hum, Carmine F. Vara, Jr., Steven J. Woloschek
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Patent number: 6278766Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Hanne M. Kooy, Fred L. Hacker, Marc R. Bellerive
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Publication number: 20010014772Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with a patient's breathing cycle. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms. By coordinating certain medical treatments and diagnostic procedures with a patient's breathing cycle, the subject invention improves the quality of medical care received by the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 1998Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: SAMSUN LAMPOTANG, PAUL B. LANGEVIN
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Patent number: 6266393Abstract: A multileaf collimator (12) for use in a radiation system (10) providing a radiation beam (20) in a given beam direction, including a first layer (30) of a plurality of radiation blocking leaves (32), the leaves (32) being arranged adjacent one another so as to form two opposed rows of adjacently positioned leaves (32) and being movable in a longitudinal direction (Y) (34) which is generally traverse to the beam direction so as to define a radiation beam shaping field (36) between the opposed ends of the leaves (32), a second layer (40) of a plurality of radiation blocking leaves (42), the leaves (42) of the second layer (40) being arranged adjacent one another so as to form two opposed rows of adjacently positioned leaves (42) and being movable in a cross-over direction (X) (44) which is generally traverse to the beam direction and angled with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y) (34) so as to define a radiation beam shaping field (46) between the opposed ends of the leaves (42) of the second layer (40)Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
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Patent number: 6266392Abstract: A soller slit is disclosed, which includes a plurality of metal foils and functions to restrict divergence of X-rays when arranged on an X-ray optical path. The metal foils are prepared by sintering a metal material such that surface thereof have high harmonic surface roughness. Alternatively, the metal foil has oxides formed by oxidation on the surfaces thereof such that the oxides can provide the high harmonic surface roughness. The high harmonic surface roughness of the metal foil restricts total reflection of X-rays at the metal foil. Therefore, it is possible to form high precision parallel X-ray beams by the soller slit to thereby improve resolution in an X-ray measurement.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Rigaku CorporationInventors: Go Fujinawa, Shiro Umegaki
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Patent number: 6259766Abstract: The computer tomography device includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam and a detector system for measuring density profiles of cross-sections of an object. The detector system includes a two-dimensional matrix of detector elements. The detector elements positioned along a direction transversely of the cross-sections have the same effective surface and detector elements positioned parallel to the cross-sections have different effective surfaces. Furthermore, the computer tomography device includes an adjustable X-ray collimator for limiting the X-ray beam transversely of the cross-sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Johannes J. M. Cuppen
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Patent number: 6215853Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for calibrating the size and alignment of a collimator. The method includes the step of acquiring a digital image showing collimator blades in front of a region of interest. The method then determines the position of one or more of the collimator blades or collimator assembly shown in the digital image. The method subsequently adjusts the position of one or more collimator blades toward a predetermined position with respect to the region of interest. Calibration may iterate until the collimator exposes a region of interest to within a predetermined tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kenneth Scott Kump, John Edward Dwyer, Jr., Richard Aufrichtig, Dale T. Duemer, John E. Bechthold
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Patent number: 6208712Abstract: Method and system aspects for utilizing portal images in a virtual wedge treatment during radiation treatment by a radiation-emitting device are described. In a method aspect, and system for achieving same, the method includes utilizing an image dose with a static jaw gap position to initiate a virtual wedge treatment with portal imaging. The method further includes continuing with the virtual wedge treatment from a reduced jaw gap position with a dynamic dose and dynamic jaw positioning. In addition, the virtual wedge treatment in completed with a static dose in the static jaw gap position.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Francisco M. Hernandez-Guerra
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Patent number: 6198793Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination system for wavelengths ≦193 nm, particularly for EUV lithography, with at least one light source, which has an illumination A in a predetermined surface; at least one device for producing secondary light sources; at least one mirror or lens device comprising at least one mirror or one lens, which is or are organized into raster elements; one or more optical elements, which are arranged between the mirror or lens device comprising at least one mirror or one lens, which is or are organized into raster elements and the reticle plane, whereby the optical elements image the secondary light sources in the exit pupil of the illumination system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Trading As Carl ZeissInventors: Jörg Schultz, Johannes Wangler, Karl-Heinz Schuster, Udo Dinger
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Patent number: 6175615Abstract: A collimator 100 for use in a radiation imaging system 10, and a method for making such collimators, are provided, wherein the collimator 100 is capable of collimating radiation in two orthogonal planes. The collimator in one embodiment includes a block 101 of radiation absorbing material having a plurality of focally aligned channels 102 extending therethrough; in a second embodiment, the collimator includes first and second collimation204, 212 sections having a respective first plurality of focally aligned plate sets 201 and a respective second plurality of focally aligned plate sets 203 disposed orthogonally to the first plurality of plate sets. The method for making the collimator includes generating a CAD drawing, generating from the CAD drawing one or more stereo-lithographic files, and using the stereo-lithographic files to control an electro-deposition machining machine which creates the channels in the block.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shankar Visvanathan Guru, Peter Michael Edic, Reinhold Franz Wirth
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Patent number: 6173039Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dose reduction in a computed tomography (CT) system are described. In one embodiment, the CT system includes a pre-patient collimator and a configurable multislice detector array. The pre-patient collimator includes a plurality of eccentric cams and a filtration device for altering the x-ray beam radiated from a x-ray source. The eccentric cams are positioned to collimate the x-ray beam and may be independently positioned to provide z-axis correction of the x-ray beam. The filtration device includes a plurality of filters for altering the x-ray beam. In operation, an operator selects the type of test and the quantity and thickness of the slices. After altering the detector and collimator configuration, slice data for each slice is gathered.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Willi W. Hampel, Russell W. Hum, Carmine F. Vara, Jr., Steven J. Woloschek
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Patent number: 6134301Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a scatter collimator for a computed tomography system including an x-ray source. The scatter collimator is positioned between a detector array and an object to be imaged. The scatter collimator includes a housing, a plurality of attenuating blades and a plurality of attenuating wires. The blades and wires are mounted to the housing, and oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Particularly, the blades and wires form a two-dimensional shielding grid. The blades also are oriented so that they are radially and focally aligned with the x-ray source. A detector element of the detector array is secured to the housing so that the blades and wires are between the detector element and the x-ray source. The detector element, in one form, includes a scintillation element which is coated with a light-retaining material.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Mruzek, David M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6134297Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing scatter from x-ray images acquired by two-dimensional digital detectors. The apparatus consists of, in physical order, an x-ray source, a front two-dimensional x-ray detector, a beam selector, and a rear two-dimensional x-ray detector. The subject is located between the x-ray source and front detector. There two types of beam selectors, one allowing only primary x-rays to reach selected locations of the rear detector, and the other allowing primary x-rays and scatter to reach selected locations of the rear detector while allowing only scatter x-rays to reach shadowed locations of the rear detector. The method includes determining a low-resolution primary x-ray rear detector image, calculating an approximate low-resolution primary x-ray front detector image, calculating a high-resolution primary image at the front detector, and applying one or more of several correction procedures for achieving higher accuracy from the approximations.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Yong-Sheng Chao
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Patent number: 6108400Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast and accurate method for calculating fluence of a calculation plane over a patient. According to an embodiment of the present invention, only a subset of the collimator leaves are analyzed for the fluence calculation, thus reducing the number of calculations required. Additionally, pre-integrated values of scatter strips, associated with each point of the calculation plane, may be referenced in a lookup table. The use of these pre-integrated values allows the avoidance of adding the fluence contribution of each square on the scattering plane. Rather, pre-calculated values of a subset of the scattering plane (scatter strip) may be referenced and combined, thus reducing the number of calculations required for a final scatter contribution to a point on the calculation plane. Further, the thickness of the collimator leaves is considered in the fluence calculation, thus providing a more accurate model for the scatter contributions of points on the scattering plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
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Patent number: 6080992Abstract: A bolus and final collimators are inserted into an apparatus for fixing radiation beam irradiation field forming member, fixed on the front end of radiation beam irradiating section within a rotation gantry, through grooves of a frame, and pushed in by a door until they reach a specified position determined by the existence of a back panel. Through this arrangement it is possible to easily perform an exchange of boluses and final collimators which is required each time therapy is renewed for a patient, and to accurately determine the position of new bolus and final collimators.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Nonaka, Nobutaka Manabe
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Patent number: 6075840Abstract: Air cross grids, for absorbing scattered secondary radiation and improving radiation imaging in general radiography and in mammography, are provided with a large plurality of open air passages extending through each grid panel. These passages are defined by two large pluralities of substantially parallel partition walls, respectively extending transverse to each other. Each grid panel is made by laminating a plurality of thin metal foil sheets photo-etched to create through openings defined by partition segments. The etched sheets are aligned and bonded to form the laminated grid panel, which is moved edgewise during the radiation exposure to pass primary radiation through the air passages while absorbing scattered secondary radiation arriving along slanted paths.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Trex Medical CorporationInventors: Anthony J. Pellegrino, Daniel N Lyke, David P. Lieb, Joseph A. Buturlia, Michael P. Appleby
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Patent number: 6054708Abstract: The methods and apparatuses for the control of neutron beams are herewith presented. Through the application of the methods and apparatuses presented one can manipulate various characteristics of neutron beams such as shape, velocity, density, polarization and other traits. In general three sequential operations are performed on the neutron beam, although variations of these steps are described to suit various purposes. First, a neutron beam is passed through a gradient magnet field which causes rotation of the beam in phase space. Second, the spin direction of a neutron beam is reversed through the application of a spin flipper. Third, the neutron beam is compressed in the longitudinal direction of the neutron beam in phase space. This produces a neutron beam having small divergence in phase space. The resultant neutron beam corresponds to a thin dense beam in real space. Variations of this paradigm allow for the manipulation of many characteristics of neutron beams to suit ones purpose.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: The Institute of Physical and Chemical ResearchInventor: Hirohiko Shimizu
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Patent number: 6052433Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing dual-energy x-ray imaging using two-dimensional detectors. The apparatus consists of, in physical order, an x-ray source, a front two-dimensional x-ray detector, a beam selector, and a rear two-dimensional x-ray detector. The subject is located between the x-ray source and front detector. The beam selector prevents primary x-rays from reaching selected locations of the rear detector. A pair of primary dual-energy images is obtained at the rear detector. Using a dual-energy data decomposition method, a low-resolution primary x-ray front detector image is calculated, from which a high-resolution primary dual-energy image pair is calculated. In addition, the data decomposition method can be used to calculate a pair of high-spatial-resolution material composition images.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Yong-Sheng Chao
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Patent number: 6049588Abstract: An x-ray collimator for use primarily in x-ray lithography for semiconductor fabrication provides a multi-channel collimator to produce a series of collimated beams from an x-ray source. Each channel in the array gathers photons from a small solid angle of the x-ray source and employs at least two pairs of orthogonal spherical mirrors in grazing incidence to produce a collimated beam. An array of flat mirrors steer the collimated beams into a slightly converging geometry. A beam assembler then combines the beams to create a single, large collimated beam that can be used to expose the die.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Focused X-RaysInventor: Webster C. Cash, Jr.