Collimator Patents (Class 378/147)
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Patent number: 7177387Abstract: The present invention is directed to scintillator module for a CT detector as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing the same. The scintillator module is comprised of a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators aligned in parallel with respect to one another. A collimator assembly includes a comb having a number of teeth and a plurality of collimator plates positioned proximate to the scintillator array. The scintillator array includes at least one indexing pin extending therefrom. The indexing pin engages the comb and is constructed to improve alignment of the scintillator array relative to the collimator plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Takashi Yasunaga, Brian Graves, Gerhardt E. Schweinert
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Patent number: 7170975Abstract: In a method for operating a computed tomography apparatus, having an x-ray source rotatable around a system axis and a radiation detector with a detector-proximate beam-gating diaphragm, and a patient support, a spiral scan of a patient on the patient support is conducted by rotating the x-ray source around the system axis while moving the subject on the patient support substantially parallel to the system axis. The diaphragm have movable absorber elements that are curved, and are moved independently of each other toward and away from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the system axis during the spiral scan. The absorber elements are dynamically adjusted in an asymmetrical manner during the spiral scan to reduce overexposure of the examination subject to x-rays.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Friedrich Distler, Matthias Seufert, Christoph Süss
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Patent number: 7158608Abstract: An x-ray diffraction apparatus comprises an x-ray source for generating an x-ray beam, a monochromator for generating a monochromatic x-ray beam from the x-ray beam, and a collimator for collimating the monochromatic x-ray beam and directing it onto a sample, wherein the x-ray source and the monochromator are pre-assembled and fixed with respect to each other in an integrated unit such that in use the path length of the x-ray beam from the source to the monochromator is maintained substantially constant. X-ray flux at the sample is further enhanced by use of a partial monocapillary collimator arranged to direct part of the X-ray beam to the sample by a single grazing reflection.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Oxford Diffraction LimitedInventor: Damian Kucharczyk
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Patent number: 7149284Abstract: A detector assembly is provided comprising a collimator assembly. The collimator assembly comprises a first collimator segment having a first left end and a first right end. The first collimator segment includes a plurality of first segment longitudinal walls having a first segment depth. Each of the plurality of first segment longitudinal walls includes a first interlocking protrusion comprising only a portion of the first segment depth. The collimator assembly also includes a second collimator segment having a second left end and a second right end. The second collimator segment comprises a plurality of second segment longitudinal walls having a second segment depth. Each of the plurality of second segment longitudinal walls includes a second interlocking protrusion comprising only a portion of the second segment depth. Each of the second interlocking protrusions engages one of the first interlocking protrusions to form a continuous sidewall segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
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Patent number: 7141812Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising a cast collimator derived from a metallic foil stack lamination mold, said collimaxor defining a feature adapted to contain a plurality of radiation detection elements. In certain embodiments, the collimator can define a feature adapted to contain a plurality of radiation detection elements, such as scintillators. Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising a cast component derived from a metallic foil stack lamination mold. In various exemplary embodiments, the cast components can be a mechanical, electrical, electronic, optical, fluidic, biomedical, and/or biotechnological component.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
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Patent number: 7133491Abstract: An X-ray apparatus is provided for inspecting a cargo container. The apparatus includes a moveable platform with an X-ray source and X-ray detector disposed on the platform on opposing sides of a scanning zone where the scanning zone may be moved along a length of the cargo container to scan a volume of the cargo container, said X-ray source being disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the scanning zone. The X-ray apparatus also includes a precollimator disposed on the X-ray platform between the X-ray source and scanning zone, said precollimator being located proximate the scanning zone and an intermediate collimator disposed midway between the X-ray source and the precollimator, said intermediate collimator having a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the precollimator and to the X-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, John F. Moore
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Patent number: 7132674Abstract: The invention relates to a collimator (1) for defining a beam of energetic rays (2) which is emitted from an essentially punctiform radiation source (3) and is oriented onto an object (1) to be treated. The collimator is especially used for the stereotactic conformation radiotherapy of tumors. The collimator (1) is embodied in such a way that an irregular object (4) can be scanned by rays (2, 2?) which are defined by an opening in the collimator. The invention also relates to a program for controlling the collimator. In order to define the contours (29, 29?, 29?) of the objects (4) to be irradiated in a simple but highly accurate manner, especially with a precise definition of the irradiation fields, the collimator comprises a plurality of different sized openings (5, 5? 5?). One of the openings (5, 5?, 5?) can be selectively displaced in a polydirectional manner on a strip (6) having a spherical surface, and the central axis (7) thereof is oriented towards the radiation source (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung des Offentlichen RechtsInventors: Otto Pastyr, Gernot Echner, Wolfgang Schlegel, Günther Hartmann
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Patent number: 7127037Abstract: A Soller slit device is provided for collimation of high energy radiation, such as X-ray or EUV radiation, and has a low angle of divergence (less than 0.1°) and a high transmission efficiency (60 to 80% or greater). The Soller slit is made up of multiple, parallel blades of low-density material, such as glass, mica, or the like, which can be treated to reduce reflectivity. The Soller slit device of the invention advantageously provides an increased peak intensity and decreased peak width in diffraction patterns produced in high energy diffractometry applications, such as X-ray diffractometry.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Bede Scientific Instruments Ltd.Inventors: David Keith Bowen, Ladislav Pina, Adolf Inneman, Stephan Menzer
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Patent number: 7120224Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus for mammography. The apparatus places the focal spot of the x-ray source as close as possible to a compression paddle or into a desired region of tissue. The apparatus comprises an x-ray source, a collimator with conditioning optics which focus and direct x-ray radiation to a metal pseudo-target in the collimator or a needle placed along the x-ray beam, paddles for breast compression and a detector. The pseudo-target re-emits monochromatic x-ray radiation with an energy, intensity, and space distribution that are adjustable in accordance with a desired imaging procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Advanced X-Ray Technology, Inc.Inventor: George Gutman
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Patent number: 7116676Abstract: A system and method to provide continuity of service in a radio broadcasting system, wherein the radio broadcasting system includes at least one modem using the COFDM technique, and transmits N time-frequency cells modulated independently of one another. A number N1 of cells conveying digital audio signal S1 and a number N2 of cells conveying analog audio signal S2 are transmitted to a receiver. When the receiver cannot decode the signal in the N1 cells, the receiver replaces the digitized audio signal S1 with the analog signal S2.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: ThalesInventor: Pierre-André Laurent
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Patent number: 7114232Abstract: A collimator obtained by the alternate stacking of metal sheets 1 (40 ?m thick) having holes 4 with a width of 2200 ?m in the center thereof, and metal sheets 2 (10 ?m thick) devoid of holes (the metal sheets 1 with the holes 4 are shown in the state in which they exist before being cut in the manner described below, the metal sheets 1 in the upper portion of the figure and the metal sheets in the bottom portion are not connected with each other in the finished product). The opposite sides are held by metal pressing sheets 3 that are 2 mm thick. These metal sheets and pressing sheets are bonded by means of diffusion bonding based on thermocompression bonding. The portions with the vertical through-holes 4 (40 ?m×2000 ?m) thus become light-transmitting portions, the metal sheets 2 serve as partitions between adjacent holes 4, and light collimated to a width of 40 ?m can ultimately pass through. A compact collimator having high wavelength resolution without wavelength dependence can thus be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Nireco CorporationInventors: Takeo Yamada, Tomoyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7109506Abstract: “A micro beam collimator for compressing beams is described, where the collimator has channel means for providing a channel having a cross section and guiding the beams from an entrance end to an exit end of the channel. The invention provides a micro beam collimator for compressing beams which allows easy adjustment of the width of the cross section of the beams while making it possible at the same time to adjust the length of the cross section of the beams. The invention forms the channel means by at least three rod members each of which having at least one bordering surface for bordering the cross section, wherein the rod members are moveable against each other along the bordering surfaces so that the geometry of the cross action is variable.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: EuratomInventors: Dimitrios Papaioannou, Christos Papaioannou, Heinz Stutz
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Patent number: 7108423Abstract: A multileaf collimator (1) of an X-ray diagnostic device has a housing (2) that is provided for the passage of an X-ray beam (S), collimator leaves (3) arranged in said housing for limiting the X-ray beam (S), and a light source (5) and a mirror (4) for identifying the X-ray beam (S) by visible light. A plurality of collimator leaves (3) at a time are arranged in front of the mirror (4) and behind the mirror (4) in the direction of radiation (R) of the X-ray beam (S), and are rigidly coupled together, the individual collimator leaves (3) each being arranged in collimation planes (E1–E14) which are orientated at least approximately normal to the direction of radiation (R) of the X-ray beam (S).Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Schmitt
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Patent number: 7095823Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator is disclosed which alleviates the problems of inter-leaf leakage and pixellation. The collimator comprises a first multi-leaf collimator set, a second multi-leaf collimator set at an acute angle to the first, and a third multi-leaf collimator set at an acute angle to the second. Each multi-leaf collimator set will usually include a pair of leaf banks mutually opposed to each other. The acute angle between the first and the second multi-leaf collimator set is preferably the same as the acute angle between the second and the third set. A suitable angle is about 60°.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)Inventors: Rajko Topolnjak, Uulke van der Heide, Jan Lagendijk
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Patent number: 7092489Abstract: With a view to providing an X-ray irradiator superior in workability in mounting a collimator box to an X-ray tube, the X-ray irradiator includes: a ring provided on an entry plate of the collimator box so as to surround an X-ray incidence window, the ring receiving therein a flange of the X-ray tube and having plural slots formed radially through the ring; plural tongue pieces inserted through the slots from outside to inside of the ring and holding down the back side of the flange; and a pair of half-rings which holds the plural tongue pieces at positions outside the ring and which, when one ends and opposite ends thereof are respectively opposed to each other, surrounds the ring with the plural tongue pieces inserted respectively into the plural slots.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Yuqing Li
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Patent number: 7085355Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a collimator has one or more varying physical characteristics that have the effect of varying the absorption of electromagnetic energy from a low extent of absorption at a leading edge to the same extent of absorption as the remainder of the collimator. In some embodiments, the collimator has a tapered knife-edge. The varying absorption of electromagnetic energy at different points along the collimator reduce abrupt transitions of projection of the electromagnetic energy onto an electromagnetic energy detector, thereby reducing erroneous artifacts in an image generated by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Douglas Albagli, Ping Xue
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Patent number: 7085345Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the influence by scatter rays and improving image quality of a tomographic image. The apparatus includes an X-ray detector and a calculation/control apparatus for generating tomographic image data for a tomographic image of the subject based on the projection data. The X-ray detector includes a plurality of detector channels for detecting the radiation, extending in a two-dimensional manner in two arrangement directions, i.e., in channel and column directions, the channel direction being contained in a plane of rotation of the X-ray source, the column direction being orthogonal to the channel direction and aligned along the axis of rotation; and collimators for confining an angle at which X-rays impinge upon the detector channels, provided at borders between the detector channels adjoining in the column direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Masatake Nukui
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Patent number: 7082186Abstract: A container inspection equipment with cobalt-60 ?-ray source and cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate detector includes a cobalt-60 ?-ray source, a cask, a front collimator, a rear collimator, a cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate detector, signal and image processing systems, container trailer system, and automatic control system. The cask of the cobalt-60 ?-ray source, the beam shutter, and the front collimator are fixed on the same chassis to form an integration and placed in the source room. The rear collimator, cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate array detector and the radiation catcher are fixed on the same chassis to form an integration and placed in the detector room. A container inspection tunnel is formed between the source room and the detector room. The equipment is mainly used for inspecting smuggling goods and contrabands etc., in large containers, container trucks, train carriage and air containers.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Beijing Isotope Nuclear Electronic Machine Co. Ltd.Inventors: Jinggi Zhao, Huimin Chen, Qifang Han, Zhicheng Huang, Li Chen, Yongging Li, Bo Meng, Hancheng Sun, Jinhan Luo, Yishan Wang, Hong Li, Chuan Jin, Guoping Dong, Xiaoyuan Huang, Mingwen Dong, Junqing Liu, Yonghong Yang, Dong Li, Xiaodong Yao, Quan Zhou
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Patent number: 7075073Abstract: An apparatus for detecting properties of a sample. An electron beam generator produces an electron beam and directs the electron beam at a desired point on the sample. The sample thereby emits characteristic x-rays at takeoff angles. A collimator receives and parallelizes the x-rays and converts the takeoff angles of the x-rays to positional differences between the parallelized x-rays. A diffractor receives and deflects the x-rays. A position sensitive detector receives the deflected x-rays and detects the positional differences between the x-rays, and generates signals that are characteristic of the received x-rays. An analyzer receives the signals from the detector and determines the properties of the sample based at least in part on the positional differences between the x-rays.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies CorporationInventors: Gary R. Janik, Jeffrey A. Moore, Edward M. James
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Patent number: 7054413Abstract: A rotatable multi-element beam shaping device according to embodiments of the invention includes a first assembly, rotatable about a central axis through which a beam passes. The first assembly has a first and a second jaw adapted to move across the central axis to shape the beam. A second assembly, positioned below the first assembly, is also rotatable about the central axis, and has a third and a fourth jaw adapted to move across the central axis to further shape the beam. The first and the second assemblies, according to the invention, are separately controllable.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Todd Howard Steinberg
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Patent number: 7046768Abstract: A shutter-shield system for radiation protection is applied to a an x-ray generator in a shielded station for inspecting products moving through the station on a conveyor. Deployed in a sliding attachment on a collimator housing of the x-ray generator, a shutter plate is made movable by an actuator and is configured with an aperture that, in the absence of power applied to the actuator, is made to align with a fixed aperture of the collimator so as to allow emission of the x-ray beam as required for normal inspection purposes. Whenever an anomaly in the product loading on the conveyer creates a gap that could otherwise cause an increase in environmental radiation levels, powering the actuator moves the shutter plate to an offset location that offsets the apertures to an effectively closed state to initiate a standby condition wherein x-ray radiation is substantially confined to the interior region of the collimator, without having to shut down the x-ray generator itself.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: InspX LLCInventor: Alexander I. Gilevich
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Patent number: 7042982Abstract: A micro-miniature x-ray apparatus comprises: a first chip subassembly including a source of x-rays including both Bremsstrahlung photons and characteristic x-rays; a second chip subassembly including a filter for transmitting the characteristic x-rays and blocking the Bremsstrahlung photons; a third chip subassembly including a movable element for focusing or collimating the transmitted characteristic x-rays into a beam and means for controlling the position of the focusing element. In one embodiment, the controlling means include a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). In another embodiment, the position of the movable element determines how the x-ray beam is steered to the focal area. In still another embodiment, the x-ray source includes a field emitter electron source and a target responsive to the electrons for generating x-rays. In this case, the x-ray beam is also steered by selectively energizing the anode segments.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Stanley Pau, Donald Milan Tennant
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Patent number: 7031434Abstract: A method of manufacturing a collimator mandrel having variable attenuation characteristics is presented. The manufacturing process includes the placement of a layer of attenuating material on a core of base material. The layer of attenuating material is relatively thin and varies in thickness circumferentially around the core. The collimator mandrel may be manufactured by placing a cast about a core of non-attenuating material, filling a void between the cast and the core with an attenuating material, allowing the material to cure, and removing the cast from the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rowland Saunders, Steven Ross, Thomas Toth
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Patent number: 7023955Abstract: Measurement technique and apparatus for examining a region of a patterned surface such as an integrated circuit (IC). Excitation x-ray, neutron, particle-beam or gamma ray radiation is directed toward a two-dimensional sample area of the IC. Emissions (e.g., x-ray fluorescence—XRF) from the sample area are detected. A mask is placed in a planar radiation path formed by the source, detector and the sample area, and in one embodiment moveable relative to the sample area. The mask includes an elongate aperture to substantially confine the excitation radiation directed to the sample area, and the emissions from the sample area, to the planar radiation path when arranged parallel to a first axis of the two-dimensional sample area. The invention allows predictive measurement of feature characteristics in active circuit regions of the IC, using sample areas outside of these regions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: X-Ray Optical System, Inc.Inventors: Zewu Chen, Shinichi Terada
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Patent number: 7023962Abstract: A collimator comprises a pair of first plate members having X-ray absorbability and a pair of second plate members having X-ray absorbability. The pair of first plate members are movable in a direction parallel to surfaces thereof, and have respective end faces opposed to each other with an X-ray passing aperture being defined by a spacing between the opposed end faces of the first plate members. The pair of second plate members are capable of being folded in a zigzag fashion through hinges, and in order to intercept other X-rays than the X-ray passing through the aperture, each of the second plate members is connected at one end thereof to each end of the first plate members on the side opposite to the opposed end faces of the first plate members and is connected at the other end thereof to each of fixing portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Xiaodong Xu, Xiaojie Wang, Denis Perrillat
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Patent number: 7009194Abstract: The present invention provides processes and apparatuses for mounting radiation treatment blocks on a radiation treatment block mounting plate, adjusting a radiation treatment block in a radiation treatment beam and forming a radiation treatment block. The present invention provides a method of mounting a radiation treatment block on a radiation treatment block mounting plate that minimizes or eliminates the creation of toxic and hazardous dust and waste and radiation treatment block misalignment problems. The apparatuses and processes of the present invention also provide an adjustable radiation treatment block mounting tray and method for easily and precisely adjusting a radiation treatment block to a radiation beam for the prescribed treatment of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Clifford J. Merlo
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Patent number: 6992313Abstract: An x-ray or neutron apparatus for the transmission of x-ray or neutron images is described, which includes x-ray- or neutron-three-dimensional (3-D) arrays or mosaics, including a plurality of x-ray or neutron lenses positioned so that they form a two-dimensional (2-D) mosaic of compound refractive lenses to provide a plurality of separate x-ray or neutron paths between an object and an image at an x-ray- or neutron-detector. The apparatus is so constructed that it permits separate parts of an object to be imaged such that a total composite image is formed from these various parts. An imaging apparatus of the detection of carcinoma in breast tissue is formed using such an apparatus. Methods of microscopy and imaging are obtained using this apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Adelphi Technology Inc.Inventor: Melvin A. Piestrup
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Patent number: 6987836Abstract: Grids and collimators, for use with electromagnetic energy emitting devices, include at least a metal layer that is formed, for example, by electroplating/electroforming or casting. The metal layer includes top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of solid integrated walls. Each of the solid integrated walls extends from the top to bottom surface and has a plurality of side surfaces. The side surfaces of the solid integrated walls are arranged to define a plurality of openings extending entirely through the layer. At least some of the walls also can include projections extending into the respective openings formed by the walls.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Creatv Microtech, Inc.Inventors: Cha-Mei Tang, Olga V. Makarova
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Patent number: 6984835Abstract: An irradiation apparatus has a large irradiation field and is capable of ensuring the uniformity of a dose distribution without strengthening the performance of an irradiation field enlarging device. The irradiation apparatus includes a beam interruption part for performing a plurality of irradiations of a radiation beam, a position control part for controlling a location to be irradiated in such a manner that the entire surface of the target can be irradiated in a plurality of irradiation zones including an overlapping area formed by the plurality of irradiations, and a multileaf collimator control part for providing a slope to a dose distribution in the overlapping area of the respective irradiation zones, so that the dose distribution over the entire surface of the target including the overlapping area is made flat or uniform by the plurality of irradiations of the radiation beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisashi Harada
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Patent number: 6968040Abstract: An X-ray device and method of improving the quality of an image formed by an X-ray device are provided. The X-ray device comprises a source emitting a beam of X-rays toward an object to be examined. A detector for receiving the X-rays that pass through the object is connected to an image processor. An X-ray collimator comprising a translatable element and at least one aperture for narrowing the beam of X-rays is arranged between the X-ray source and the examined object. A method of improving the quality of an image formed by the X-ray device comprises the steps of narrowing the X-ray beam using the aperture of the collimator, moving the aperture through the X-ray beam to expose the object to be examined to the narrowed X-ray beam, and forming an image of the examined object based upon the highest intensity value received for each pixel of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Johannes Theodorus Maria Van Woezik
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Patent number: 6934363Abstract: A radiation diaphragm for an X-ray apparatus has an absorber element that can be swiveled around a swiveling axis for the variable limitation of a ray bundle. The swiveling axis is oriented transversely to the ray bundle. A swivel arm that can be swiveled around the swiveling axis and that carries the absorber element. The absorber element can comprise a curved shape. Such a radiation diaphragm allows an especially effective radiation dose limitation for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Matthias Seufert
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Patent number: 6920203Abstract: A technique for selectively attenuating a radiation exposure in which a configurable collimator is employed between the radiation source and the radiation target. The configurable collimator typically comprises an array of independently addressable elements each of which has at least a high and a low attenuation state, though intermediate states may also be accommodated. The elements of the array may be selectively addressed to determine their state and to determine the attenuation profile of the collimator. One embodiment of the technique employs an array of microactuated attenuating louvers which may be selectively actuated to determine their radiation transmittance. A second embodiment of the technique employs a suspension of attenuating nematic colloids which may be ordered by the application of an electric or magnetic field. The ordered state of the nematic colloids within an element determine the radiation transmittance of that element.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan Short, John Eric Tkaczyk, Brian David Yanoff, Loucas Tsakalakos
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Patent number: 6898270Abstract: An X-ray optical system with an X-ray source (Q) and a first graded multi-layer mirror (A), wherein the extension Qx of the X-ray source (Q) in an x direction perpendicular to the connecting line in the z direction between the X-ray source (Q) and the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) is larger than the region of acceptance (F) of the mirror (A) at a focus (Oa) of the mirror (A) in the x direction, is characterized in that a first collimator (bl) is disposed at a focus of the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) between the X-ray source (Q) and the mirror (A) whose opening in the x direction corresponds to the region of acceptance of the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) and the separation qzA between first collimator (bl) and X-ray source (Q) is: qzA=Qx/tan ?x, wherein ?x is the angle subtended by the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) in the x direction, as viewed from the first collimator (bl).Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Bruker Axs GmbHInventors: Joachim Lange, Detlef Bahr, Kurt Erlacher
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Patent number: 6895079Abstract: An X-ray inspection system includes an X-ray source that generates more than one beam defining an inspection plane, the beams being substantially parallel to each other; an X-ray detector having a plurality of detector arrays, each of which is aligned with one of the beams, and structure for supporting an object between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The X-ray source includes an electron gun and a device for steering an electron beam generated by the gun to multiple focal spots on a target.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas William Birdwell, John Robert Brehm, Andrew Joseph Galish
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Patent number: 6895080Abstract: The present invention provides an x-ray measuring apparatus for diagnosis having high spatial resolution and high sensitivity, which includes: an x-ray source for emitting x-rays from an x-ray focal spot; an x-ray detector in which a plurality of sensing elements each having a sensitive part and a blind part surrounding the sensitive part are arranged two-dimensionally; data processing means for collecting output signals of the sensing elements and performing data processing; and an anti-scatter grid disposed between the x-ray focal spot and the x-ray detector with predetermined distance from the position of the x-ray focal spot and in which an x-ray transmitting member and an x-ray shielding member are alternately arranged in a first direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Rika Baba, Ken Ueda
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Patent number: 6891178Abstract: A method is provided for determining the positional accuracy of leaves of a multileaf collimator for delivering doses of radiation to a particular spatial location for treatment purpose. The method could be implemented as routine quality assurance check of the multileaf collimator leaf positioning errors. The method includes producing a first field and producing a second field, which is different from the first field. A dosimeter means is included for measuring a radiation dose difference or ratio between the first field and the second field at at least one spatial location. The dose difference or ratio is then used to determine the positional accuracy of the leaves by comparing with a known relationship between leaf positional errors and relative dosimeter outputs. The method provides a more simplified, accurate, efficient and reliable method over currently used methods.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Lealand Stanford Junior UniversityInventor: Lei Xing
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Patent number: 6865251Abstract: A lithography device including a soft X-ray source 1 transforming to a quasi-parallel radiation apparatus for placing a mask 3 and a plate-substrate 4 coated with a resist 5, and an absorbing filter 6 for smoothing of intensity decreasing as from the center to the periphery of a beam. The filter 6 is placed between the source 1 and the input face of the half-lens 2. The half-lens has an enlarged capture angle. This angle is chosen depending on radiation energy (0.6-6 keV) of the source 1. As a result, there is an opportunity to increase the size of the plate-substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Muradin Abubekirovich Kumakhov
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Patent number: 6859515Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for light having wavelengths ?193 nm. The system includes (a) a first raster element for receiving a first diverging portion of the light and directing a first beam of the light, (b) a second raster element for receiving a second diverging portion of the light and directing a second beam of the light, where the first raster element is oriented at an angle with respect to the second raster element to cause a center ray of the first beam to intersect with a center ray of the second beam at an image plane, and (c) an optical element for imaging secondary sources of the light in an exit pupil, where the optical element is situated in a path of the light after the first and second raster elements and before the image plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung TradingInventors: Jörg Schultz, Johannes Wangler
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Patent number: 6850596Abstract: 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 arrangement and of being connected to a control unit. The collimation device includes the ability for testing operation of the assembly formed by the energy beam generating arrangement the collimation device and the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignees: GE Medical Systems, Global Technology Company LLCInventors: Dietmar Sundermann, Lionel Desponds, Jean-Luc Duflot
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Patent number: 6845145Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of high quality semi-conductor devices created at speeds and in sizes that far exceed current x-ray lithography capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: SAL, Inc.Inventors: Robert Allen Selzer, Franz Ludwig Rauch, Heinz Siegert, Klaus Simon, William Rudolf Friml, Joe Baker Gagnon, Robert Harrison Macklin
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Publication number: 20040240620Abstract: An X-ray optical diaphragm (3; 4) which is provided with at least one passage opening (3a; 4a) for rays is constructed in such a manner that the edge zone (9; 10) of the X-ray optical diaphragm (3; 4) which faces the passage opening (3a; 4a) is angulated at least partly relative to the direction of propagation (7) of the rays.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Waltherus W Hoogenhof, Hendrik A. Van Sprang
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Patent number: 6819743Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kohei Kato, Hiroshi Akiyama, Masaki Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 6813336Abstract: A method for delivering radiation from radiation source to a treatment area. A multi-leaf collimator is positioned between the radiation source and the treatment area to block a portion of the radiation and to define a first treatment field. The collimator is positioned with leaves of the collimator extending longitudinally in a first direction. The collimator is first moved through an arc while delivering radiation through the first treatment field to the treatment area. The multi-leaf collimator is rotated about a central axis extending generally perpendicular to a plane containing at least a portion of the leaves such that the leaves define a second treatment field. The multi-leaf collimator is then moved through a second arc while delivering radiation through the second treatment field to the treatment area.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
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Publication number: 20040190680Abstract: In a method for sequentially generating segment fields for use in delivering intensity modulated radiotherapy an input continuous intensity map is generated. A segment field is generated directly from the input intensity map. A residual continuous intensity map is generated that is based on the respective photon fluence contributions from the input intensity map and a fractionally intensity map corresponding to the segment field. These steps are repeated for a number of iterations to generate a like number of additional segment fields and residual maps derived therefrom. In each iteration, the residual map generated in the previous iteration is used as the input intensity map.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventor: Sha Chang
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Patent number: 6795527Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detection of radiation comprising at least a first collimator arranged to transmitted radiation through at least a first slit in a Z-direction and prevent radiation in said Z-direction apart from through said at least first slit.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: XCounter ABInventor: Tom Francke
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Patent number: 6795523Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a plurality of sets of segment data include inputting treatment data into a planning computer, the treatment data defining a radiation therapy treatment to be delivered by a radiation therapy device having independently rotatable X- and Y-collimator jaws in which the X-collimator jaws have a plurality of elements which may be independently moved across a beam axis. A plurality of sets of segment data are generated based on the treatment data. Each of the plurality of sets of segment data include data for positioning the X- and Y-collimator jaws and the plurality of elements in order to deliver a portion of the radiation therapy treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Todd Howard Steinberg
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Patent number: 6792077Abstract: An electron beam tomography (EBT) scanning system comprising an electron source generating an electron beam, a target ring that receives the electron beam and emits an x-ray fan beam upon impingement of the electron beam on the target ring, a pair of detector arrays arranged opposite the target ring, and a collimator arranged concentrically between the target ring and the pair of detector arrays. The collimator has interior and exterior walls concentrically arranged with one another and surrounding a patient examination area. The interior and exterior walls have a first set of apertures aligned to collimate the x-ray fan beam into a first collimated beam having a first width and a second collimated beam having a second width. Each collimated beam may form a single or double tomographic slice. The collimated beams are detected by the pair of detector arrays.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Roy E. Rand
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Patent number: 6792078Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kohei Kato, Hiroshi Akiyama, Masaki Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 6786393Abstract: A plurality of pinhole disks are superposed, fixed in position with the pinholes brought into alignment with the aid of a wire, a pin or light, and bonded or welded together to form a pinhole disk laminate. The laminate has an untapered deep enough center through-hole and is suitable as an order sorting aperture (OSA) in hard x-ray microscopy using a FZP.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignees: Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, National Institue of Advanced Industrial ScienceInventors: Mitsuhiro Awaji, Nagao Kamijo, Shigeharu Tamura, Masato Yasumoto
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Patent number: 6778636Abstract: An adjustable collimator for reducing the emission of off-focus radiation and for use in selectively altering the size of an x-ray beam produced by an x-ray tube is disclosed. The collimator comprises a base member supporting a collimator plate that defines a first x-ray passing region. A radiation blocking member is operably attached to a moveable block that is disposed in the base member such that selective movement of the block causes the blocking member to obstruct and thereby reduce the size of the first region and create a smaller-dimensioned second region through which x-rays can pass.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews