Collimator Patents (Class 378/147)
  • Publication number: 20120163552
    Abstract: An X-ray lens is provided. The lens is located behind an X-ray tube and a collimator, the collimator located behind the X-ray tube, such that X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube pass through the collimator and then pass through the X-ray lens, wherein the X-ray lens is a monolithic capillary parallel lens configured to transform a cone emanant beam penetrating the collimator into parallel X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Wei jiang Ding
  • Patent number: 8199882
    Abstract: A radiation detector with an integrated collimator. The collimator may be deposited on an anode or cathode face of the radiation detector. An insulating material may be deposited between the collimator and the radiation detector if the collimator is deposited on the anode side. The collimator may be comprised of a single layer or of multiple layers. Patterning and etching may be used to create an aperture in the collimator to allow x-rays to impinge on a full charge collection region of the radiation detector intrinsic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Decker
  • Publication number: 20120140897
    Abstract: An X-ray optical configuration for irradiation of a sample (1) with an X-ray beam having a line-shaped cross-section, wherein the configuration contains an X-ray source (2) and a beam-conditioning X-ray optics, is characterized in that the X-ray source (2) comprises a brilliant point source (4) and the X-ray optics comprises an X-ray optical element (3) which conditions X-ray light emitted by the point source in such a fashion that the X-ray beam is rendered parallel in one direction perpendicular to the beam propagation direction and remains divergent in a direction which is perpendicular thereto and also to the beam propagation direction. An X-ray optical element of this type enables use of both point-shaped and line-shaped beam geometries without complicated and time-consuming conversion work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Bruker AXS GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Bruegemann, Carsten Michaelsen, Keisuke Saito
  • Publication number: 20120134476
    Abstract: A collimator for X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The collimator includes a collimator housing including a tube flange, a tube, a locating ring configured to be mounted at an outlet of the tube flange, and at least one tongue set fixed on the locating ring. An outstretching direction of the tongue is towards a center of the locating ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ping Yuan
  • Patent number: 8189743
    Abstract: A blade device for forming a hollow cone-like radiation includes a pair of blade members opposed to each other symmetrically at a fixed inclination angle in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of the cone, a pair of second blade members opposed to each other symmetrically at a variable inclination angle in a second direction perpendicular to the axis of the cone and also perpendicular to the first direction, a pair of lever members fixed respectively at one ends thereof to faces of the pair of second blade members on the side opposite to the mutually confronting side, and lever actuating unit for pivoting the pair of lever members about respective shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Ping Yuan
  • Patent number: 8184775
    Abstract: A CT scanner comprising a dynamic collimator disposed near an x-ray source and a controller configured to rotate the x-ray source about a subject, wherein imaging data is acquired from a single rotation of the x-ray source, the single rotation being divided into a first half-scan and a second half-scan. The controller is further configured to position the dynamic collimator after acquiring image data from one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan and simultaneous to commencement of acquiring image data from the other of the first half-scan and the second half-scan to obstruct a central portion of an x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray source during one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan. The CT scanner is further configured to reconstruct a CT image using the first set of imaging data and the second set of imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jiahua Fan, Roy-Arnulf Helge Nilsen
  • Patent number: 8175221
    Abstract: An x-ray beam processor system that includes an x-ray beam generator for generating x-ray beams; a collecting cone that includes multilayer waveguide optics; a condensing cone that includes multilayer waveguide optics; and polycapillary tubes with channels, where the polycapillary tubes link the collecting cone and the condensing cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Inspired Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Oosting
  • Publication number: 20120106714
    Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that beam flux incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Omar Al-Kofahi, Peter J. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20120087462
    Abstract: An x-ray collimator comprises a first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates having a width and a length, the length extending along a first direction, wherein the plates of the first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates are spaced apart from one another along a second direction. The collimator comprises a second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates having a width and a length, the length extending along the second direction, wherein the plates of the second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates are spaced apart from one another along the first direction and wherein the plates of the second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates extend through the plates of the first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates. The first and second directions are orthogonal, and the width of the plates of the first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates is greater than the width of the plates of the second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
  • Patent number: 8139717
    Abstract: A method for making a secondary collimator that includes at least one plate having a plurality of slits defined therein includes determining a gap thickness between plate positions of the secondary collimator based on at least one dimension of the at least one plate and fabricating a base plate from a base plate blank. The base plate includes at least two slots being spaced apart by the gap thickness. The at least one plate is inserted into a first slot of the at least two slots to form the secondary collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Helmut Rudolf Otto Strecker, Peter Michael Edic
  • Patent number: 8139718
    Abstract: Realtime beam shape adjustment in response to (for example) online CT scanning of a patient during treatment is assisted by the radiotherapy apparatus comprising a source adapted to emit a beam of therapeutic radiation, a collimator for delimiting the radiation beam, the collimator comprising a plurality of leaves arranged alongside each other and be moveable longitudinally so that the tips of the leaves define a variable edge of the collimator, the leaves being mounted on a support that is moveable laterally with respect to the leaves. In this way, movements of the tumor that are perpendicular to the direction of leaf motion can be accommodated by simply moving the collimator bodily so as to accommodate this. It is preferred that the apparatus also includes a control means adapted to receive information as to the location of the target volume, and, on the basis of that information, control the longitudinal positions of the leaves and the lateral position of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Ralph Streamer, Duncan Bourne
  • Patent number: 8135191
    Abstract: A method for automatically detecting a collimation edge or region includes reading an image captured by an X-ray imaging system, detecting intersection points between a foreground and a background and between a foreground and a tissue on the X-ray image, and performing a Hough transform or Radon transform on the detected intersection points to form collimation edge lines interconnecting the foreground and the background, and the foreground and the tissue, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuming Rao, Wenwu Sun
  • Patent number: 8130901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to limiting an x-ray beam used in connection with dental extra oral imaging by a plate mechanism (1) arranged to be operated by a drive mechanism including an actuator (3) arranged to move at least one plate element (2, 3) comprised in the mechanism (1). The plate mechanism (1) includes at least a first and a second plate element (2, 3) which include at least a first slot (12) and a second slot (13), respectively, and said drive mechanism is arranged to directly or indirectly move said first plate element (2) independently of location of said second plate element (3) and said second plate element (3) is arranged to be moved as dependent on the movements of said first plate element (2) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Timo Müller
  • Patent number: 8126119
    Abstract: A pair of holding plates formed with a plurality of grooves each wider than the thickness of each collimator plate are disposed in parallel so that the respective surfaces formed with the grooves confront each other. Urging members are disposed on the holding members. When the urging members slide in the arranged direction of the grooves along the grooves-formed surfaces of the holding members, the urging members urge individual collimator plates inserted in the grooves toward side walls of the grooves. The collimator plates are inserted into the grooves, then the urging members are slid and held in that slide position to urge individual collimator plates into close contact with side walls of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Haruo Kurochi
  • Patent number: 8126117
    Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rigaku Innovative Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Verman, Michael Young, Licai Jiang
  • Publication number: 20120039444
    Abstract: A device for use with a radiation machine includes a first cone collimator, wherein the first cone collimator has a first end for receiving a radiation beam, a collimating portion for changing the radiation beam, and a second end for emitting an output beam, and wherein the first cone collimator is configured to be detachably coupled to a coupling device that has a plurality of moveable switches, and has one or more engaging portions configured to engage with a first subset of the plurality of switches. A method of using a cone collimator includes receiving a portion of a cone collimator, determining a subset of a plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator, and determining an identity of the cone collimator based on the subset of the plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Dusan BAIC, Kevin GREENBERG
  • Publication number: 20120039445
    Abstract: A modular beam-limiting device for use with an x-ray machine includes a base portion and an attachment portion. The base portion includes at least one magnet. The attachment portion includes at least one magnet. The base portion is adapted to be received on an x-ray tubehead housing. The attachment portion is selectively removably couplable to said base portion. The modular beam-limiting device may further include a magnetic field modulator, which is operable to shape a magnetic field; an insert for configuring a size, a shape, or an orientation of an aperture of the beam-limiting device; or an adapter for increasing an axial length of the beam-limiting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arkady Kantor, Lyubomir Cekov
  • Patent number: 8107589
    Abstract: A detector having a collimator in a position at a specific angle with respect to a therapeutic X-ray beam is mounted to selectively detect only scattering radiation in the direction. To three-dimensionally obtain a distribution of places where scattering occurs in a patient body, a detector is rotated during irradiation and scattering radiation is measured from all of directions. After that, a reconstructing process is performed, and a distribution of occurrence of scattering radiation in the subject is three-dimensionally imaged. Since angles and amounts of X-rays scattered by Compton scattering are known theoretically, if scattering radiation at a certain angle can be detected, the number of scattering radiation at other angles can be also estimated. On the basis of the theory, images of distribution of scattering radiation sources are converted to images of distribution of absorption of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Sakurai, Shigeharu Ohyu, Kyojiro Nambu, Motoji Haragashira, Masahiro Kumakura, Mariko Shibata, Katsuhiko Fujimoto, Yoichi Takada
  • Publication number: 20120020454
    Abstract: A collimator unit includes a filter set for regulating a spectrum of X-rays emitted from an X-ray source, and a source grating having plural X-ray shielding portions and X-ray transmitting portions. The X-ray shielding portions and X-ray transmitting portions extend in a y direction parallel to a rotational axis of a rotating anode of the X-ray source, and are alternately arranged in an x direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction (z direction) of the X-rays. The intensity of the X-rays is reduced in the y direction by a heel effect. However, further reduction in the intensity of the X-rays by vignetting does not occur in the y direction. Since the filter set is disposed upstream from the source grating in an application direction of the X-rays, the source grating forms arrayed narrow focuses of X-ray beams from the X-rays disturbed by a filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Dai Murakoshi
  • Patent number: 8093572
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Gopinath R. Kuduvalli
  • Patent number: 8090089
    Abstract: An imaging method for imaging a region of investigation of an object comprises the steps of generating an energy input beam with an energy beam source, irradiating the region of investigation with energy input beam components of the energy input beam along a plurality of projection directions, the energy input beam components being formed with a frame mask being arranged between the energy input beam and the object and including frame mask windows, measuring first integrated attenuation values of the energy input beam components with an outer detector device arranged outside the frame mask, measuring second integrated attenuation values of the energy input beam components with a frame mask detector device being arranged on an inner surface of the frame mask, and reconstructing an image of the region of investigation based on the first and second integrated attenuation values. Furthermore, an imaging device for imaging a region of investigation of an object is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignees: State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on Behalf of the University of Oregon, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
    Inventors: Oleg Tischenko, Christoph Hoeschen, Yuan Xu
  • Patent number: 8090076
    Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprises a means for producing a beam of radiation directed along a beam axis and having a width in first and second directions transverse to the beam axis, a multi-leaf collimator for selectively limiting the width of the beam in at least the first direction, a block collimator for selectively limiting the width of the beam in at least the second direction, the block collimator comprising a diaphragm moveable into and out of the beam and having a thickness in the direction of the beam axis that varies. The diaphragm can have a front edge of greater thickness than at least one region behind the front edge. It can also have a spine region extending from a rear part thereof towards the front edge that is greater thickness than at least one region displaced laterally with respect thereto. Together, these can cover the areas that will not be fully shadowed by a dynamically moving MLC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Clifford William Perkins, Christopher Charles Knox
  • Publication number: 20110309250
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8080803
    Abstract: A detector module is disclosed including a plurality of directly converting detector submodules, each with a back contact, and a scattered radiation collimator spanning the detector submodules. For contacting the back contacts, a contacting unit is provided in at least one embodiment and designed so that a contact connection is established between the contacting unit and the counter-electrodes by way of assembly-related proximity of the scattered radiation collimator and the counter-electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Freund, Peter Hackenschmied, Peter Kämmerer, Claus Pohan
  • Publication number: 20110291016
    Abstract: This invention relates to a collimator. Specifically, the invention relates to a collimator comprising alternate layers of a foam and a radiation blocking elements, and methods for fabricating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Scott METZLER, Richard Freifelder
  • Patent number: 8067751
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a high resolution radiation treatment system which provide for projecting a field of radiation energy at targeted patient tissue. The system uses a multi-leaf collimator, which is positioned such that a significant clearance is provided between the multi-leaf collimator and the isocenter plane where the targeted tissue is located. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are designed to provide for high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape. Additionally, an embodiment of the system and method herein can provide for a high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape, and for a dose calculation matrix which has matrix units which coincide with the high step resolution in the projected radiation shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Mohr
  • Patent number: 8064568
    Abstract: In a radioscopic method and device to generate projections of the inside of an examination subject that is located in an examination space of a data acquisition unit, a number of ray beams are generated that are directed toward the examination space and that each exhibit a fan angle in a rotation plane. The number of ray beams are rotated in the rotation plane in a rotation direction the examination space, while the fan angle is varied during the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Von Der Haar
  • Patent number: 8059786
    Abstract: A scattered radiation collimator is disclosed for radiological radiation. In at least one embodiment, the scattered radiation collimator includes a multiplicity of absorber elements connected one behind the other in a collimation direction and at least two plate-like holding elements which are arranged substantially parallel with respect to one another and have absorber element holders for holding the absorber elements. In order to avoid erroneous positioning when transverse forces are acting, it is proposed in at least one embodiment, to connect the holding elements to each other by cross beams running along the end face of the absorber elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengellschaft
    Inventor: Claus Pohan
  • Patent number: 8049193
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first isogrid defining a first plurality of zones, each zone from said first plurality of zones comprising a plurality of ligaments, each zone from said first plurality of zones defining a plurality of spaces, each space bounded by a first sub-plurality of ligaments from said plurality of ligaments, each of said ligaments comprising a plurality of ligament surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, William T. Randolph, Jill E. Klinger
  • Publication number: 20110255662
    Abstract: A collimating device is described. The collimating device includes a housing defining an interior surface and an exterior surface of the collimating device. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet and a cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. The collimating device also includes a plurality of ridges extending from the interior surface of the housing toward a center of the cavity. The plurality of ridges form a plurality of slits within the cavity configured to collimate radiation entering the inlet and exiting the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BRUKER AXS HANDHELD, INC.
    Inventor: ROBERT F. SHANNON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110235778
    Abstract: Methods and systems for X-ray imaging enable inspection of an area of an object that is located separate and apart from a location of an X-ray generator. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray generator to generate X-rays. A collimator filters the generated X-rays to consolidate the generated X-rays and move the generated X-rays in a direction parallel to a centerline axis of the collimator. A small diameter tube transmits the directed X-rays and an end retainer emits the transmitted X-rays at an inspection object. A first filter of the collimator may initially filter the generated X-rays that are not parallel to the centerline axis of the collimator by passing the X-rays through a plurality of apertures. A second filter of the collimator may consolidate the generated X-rays and move the generated X-rays in a direction parallel to the centerline axis of the collimator by passing the generated X-rays through a channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Chin H. Toh, Maurice Peter Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20110222660
    Abstract: A method of irradiating a target tissue in a patient comprising positioning the patient on a patient support system so that the target tissue in the patient is within irradiating distance of at least one source of a beam of radiation and moving the patient support system relative to the at least one source of a beam of radiation and, coordinately with movement of the patient support system, rotating the at least one source of radiation relative to the target tissue, which comprises and/or is adjacent to a non-target tissue, so that the center of rotation of the beam of radiation is placed at one or more desired locations within the target tissue, while simultaneously and/or sequentially irradiating the target tissue; a collimator; a method of making such a collimator; a system for irradiating a target tissue in a patient; and a method of planning irradiation of a target tissue in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: XCISION MEDICAL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Chao Wang, Xinsheng Cedric Yu
  • Publication number: 20110188632
    Abstract: A detection system includes a multi-focus radiation source configured to generate X-ray radiation and a primary collimator defining a first row of apertures and a second row of apertures. The first row of apertures forms first X-ray beams within a first plane from the X-ray radiation, and the second row of apertures forms second X-ray beams within a second plane from the X-ray radiation. The first plane is different than the second plane. The detection system further includes a scatter detector including a first row of scatter detector elements and a second row of scatter detector elements. The first row of scatter detector elements is configured to detect scattered radiation from the first X-ray beams, and the second row of scatter detector elements is configured to detect scattered radiation from the second X-ray beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Stephan Olesinski, Dirk Kosciesza, Helmut Rudolf Strecker
  • Publication number: 20110188636
    Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Rigaku Innovative Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Verman, Michael Young, Licai Jiang
  • Patent number: 7983388
    Abstract: An X-ray analysis instrument, in particular, an X-ray diffractometer (21), has an X-ray source (22; SC) that emits an X-ray beam (23), an X-ray optics (24), in particular a multi-layer X-ray mirror, and a collimator mechanism (BM), wherein the collimator mechanism (BM) forms an aperture window (2, 2?) with an aperture opening (3, 3?) through which at least part (26) of the X-ray beam (23) passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: incoatec GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Michaelsen, Stefanie Belgard, Juergen Graf
  • Patent number: 7983389
    Abstract: An X-ray optical element (1, 1?, 1?) with a Soller slit comprising several lamellas for collimating an X-ray beam with respect to the direction of the axis (5, 15) of the Soller slit, and a further collimator for delimiting an X-ray (10), wherein the further collimator is rigidly connected to the Soller slit (2, 14) during operation, is characterized in that the X-ray beam (10) delimited by the further collimator intersects the axis (5, 15) of the Soller slit within the Soller slit, and the direction of the X-ray beam (10) subtends an angle ??10° with respect to the axis (5, 15) of the Soller slit. An X-ray optical element (1, 1?, 1?) with a Soller slit (2, 14) and a further collimator is thereby realized, which permits automatic change between the Soller slit (2, 14) and the further collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bruker AXS GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Ollinger, Norbert Kuhnmuench
  • Publication number: 20110158381
    Abstract: A two dimensional collimator assembly and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The collimator assembly includes a wall structure constructed to form a two dimensional array of channels to collimate x-rays. The wall structure further includes a first portion positioned proximate the object to be scanned and configured to absorb scattered x-rays and a second portion formed integrally with the first portion and extending out from the first portion away from the object to be scanned. The first portion of the wall structure has a height greater than a height of the second portion of the wall structure. The second portion of the wall structure includes a reflective material coated thereon in each of the channels forming the two dimensional array of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Zhaoping Wu, Haochuan Jiang, Joseph James Lacey, James S. Vartuli, Yunfeng Sun, Qun Deng, Xiaoye Wu, Kun Tao, Zhaohui Yang
  • Publication number: 20110135068
    Abstract: A radiation detector with an integrated collimator. The collimator may be deposited on an anode or cathode face of the radiation detector. An insulating material may be deposited between the collimator and the radiation detector if the collimator is deposited on the anode side. The collimator may be comprised of a single layer or of multiple layers. Patterning and etching may be used to create an aperture in the collimator to allow x-rays to impinge on a full charge collection region of the radiation detector intrinsic region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Decker
  • Patent number: 7957505
    Abstract: Arrangements of X-ray inspection systems are described for inspecting high-z materials in voluminous objects such as containers. Inspection methods may involve generating a radiographic image based on detected attenuation corresponding to a pulsed beams of radiation transmitted through a voluminous object. The pulsed beams of radiation are generated by a high-energy source and transmitted substantially downward along an incident angle, of approximately 1° to 30°, to a vertical axis extending through the voluminous object. The generated radiographic image may be analyzed to detect on localized high attenuation representative of high-z materials and to discriminate high-z materials from lower and intermediate-z materials on the basis of the high density and greater attenuation of high-z material for higher energy (3-10 MeV) X-rays, and the compact nature of threatening masses of fissionable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Katz, Christopher L. Morris
  • Publication number: 20110129069
    Abstract: A collimator module is disclosed for the modular assembly of a collimator for a radiation detector with a multiplicity of absorber elements, which are arranged one behind the other in a collimation direction and held by a carrier. In at least one embodiment, the carrier has at least one alignment device for aligning the collimator module in the collimation direction, which alignment device(s) interact with positioning device(s) in a detector mechanism of the radiation detector when they are integrated into the radiation detector. This provides the preconditions for integrating the collimator module in a fashion that is decoupled from a radiation convertor, and so this allows easy assembly of a collimator and adjustment to a position assumed between a radiation convertor and the collimator. Moreover, a radiation detector with such a collimator module is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Andreas FREUND
  • Publication number: 20110122993
    Abstract: An X-ray measurement apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray to irradiate a specimen with the X-ray, a collimator configured to shape a beam of the X-ray emitted from the X-ray source into a sliced fan-shaped beam x-ray, a flux shield configured to block a part of a flux of the fan-shaped beam X-ray so as to suppress beam hardening while adjusting an energy intensity distribution of the flux, the flux shield being placed between the collimator and the specimen, and an X-ray detector configured to detect a dose transmitted through the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi ICHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20110122994
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for x-ray imaging. In some embodiments, an aperture, or a plurality thereof, are configured to have image transfer functions lacking a zero within a usable spatial frequency range. In further embodiments, the image transfer function is determined according to the shape of the aperture and the usable spatial frequency range is deter mined according to a usable signal to noise ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Victor Grubsky, Tomasz Jannson, Edward Matthew Patton, Volodymyr Romanoov, Gennady Medvedkin, Paul Shnitser, Keith Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7947969
    Abstract: A stacked conformation radiotherapy system capable of homogenizing a radiation dose distribution, including an irradiation head and irradiation control means. The irradiation head projects a particle beam accelerated by an accelerator, toward an object to-be-irradiated, and it includes wobbler electromagnets for deflecting and scanning the particle beam. In carrying out stacked conformation radiotherapy by deflecting and scanning the particle beam, the irradiation control means subjects the wobbler electromagnets to magnetization controls so that the particle beam may depict a one-stroke revolving orbit which begins with a start point and returns to the start point, and it performs a control so that the irradiation period of the particle beam to be outputted from the irradiation head may become integral times a wobbler cycle which is required for the particle beam to make one revolution of the revolving orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yuehu Pu
  • Publication number: 20110096895
    Abstract: A collimator module (10A) comprises a plurality of collimator single plates (11) having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides and a pair of blocks (12) including a plurality of first grooves (125) extending along an irradiation direction of the X-rays. The short sides are inserted into the first grooves to support the collimator single plates. A supporting member is configured to cover the long sides from an incident side and an emission side of the X-rays. The supporting member includes an incident side fixing sheet (13) and an emission side fixing sheet (15) each having a plurality of second grooves into which the long sides are inserted to support the plurality of collimator single plates. The fixing sheets cover the first grooves and at least a portion of each of the long sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Haruo Kurochi
  • Publication number: 20110085644
    Abstract: An x-ray optical system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays, a first optical element which conditions the x-rays to form two beams and at least a second optical element which further conditions at least one of the two beams from the first optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Rigaku Innovative Technology
    Inventors: Boris Verman, Yuriy Platonov, Licai Jiang
  • Publication number: 20110081004
    Abstract: A method for making a secondary collimator that includes at least one plate having a plurality of slits defined therein includes determining a gap thickness between plate positions of the secondary collimator based on at least one dimension of the at least one plate and fabricating a base plate from a base plate blank. The base plate includes at least two slots being spaced apart by the gap thickness. The at least one plate is inserted into a first slot of the at least two slots to form the secondary collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Helmut Rudolf Otto Strecker, Peter Michael Edic
  • Patent number: 7916840
    Abstract: A radiation diaphragm apparatus, which is adapted to form a radiation field, which is an exposed area of an object to be examined by radiation from a radiation source, comprises a plurality of diaphragm elements which are closely arranged in a first direction and movable along a second direction substantially normal to the first direction and each of which has a hole of a given shape formed to penetrate through it in the first direction, a shaft penetrating through the hole of each of the diaphragm elements, and a wear-resistant surface member coating the shaft. The shaft supports each of the diaphragm elements at a point of contact with the periphery of the hole. The diaphragm elements move along the second direction with support by the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7916839
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collimator that comprises grooves or channels in the submicrometer to micrometer range. The present invention is also related to uses of a collimator and collimator holder as described herein as well as apparatuses comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: University De Geneva, Ecole Polytechnique Federal De Lausanne
    Inventors: Thanos D. Halazonetis, Andre Liani, Nathan Jenkins, Juergen Brugger, Kristopher Pataky
  • Patent number: 7906770
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Publication number: 20110051900
    Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20). An alternative guide arm (100) has more than one attachment site (101a, 101b) for removably affixing a sensor holder (102, 103, 104) to the guide arm (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis L. Steward, JR.