Antiscatter Grid Patents (Class 378/154)
  • Patent number: 8964935
    Abstract: An apparatus for tomosynthesis and/or mammography includes: an X-ray detector, for receiving and detecting X-rays in a first, detection plane; an X-ray source, which can be activated individually and is positioned to emit a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane; a processing and control unit, for activating the X-ray source and receiving a signal relating to X-rays which passed through the breast and were detected by the detector to derive a radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the breast; a grille for removing diffuse radiation, interposed between the source and the detector to receive X-rays which passed through the breast. The grille including plates positioned opposite the chest of the patient when the breast is positioned in a positioning region, and which are angled to converge towards the same region proximal to the X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: I.M.S. Internazionale Medico Scientifica S.r.l.
    Inventors: Achille Albanese, Bruno Toniolo, Sara Vecchio, Paolo Vignoli, Giovanni Borasi
  • Publication number: 20140334604
    Abstract: A microstructure includes a substrate, and a grating provided in the substrate and made of metal. The grating is provided with a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes are arranged in a first direction. In a plane containing the first direction, the maximum value of the distance between the center of gravity of a grating region composed of the grating and the plurality of holes and the outer edge of the grating region is less than 1.39 times the minimum value of the distance between the center of gravity of the grating region and the outer edge of the grating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Takayuki Teshima, Takahisa Kato
  • Patent number: 8861686
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system that generates a large amount of X-rays sufficient for X-ray imaging and collimates X-rays in a direction parallel to each other at high density. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray generating apparatus to generate and emit X-rays, a detector to detect the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus, and at least one collimator disposed between the X-ray generating apparatus and the detector to prevent dispersion of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Yeo Kim
  • Patent number: 8861685
    Abstract: A scattered-radiation collimator is disclosed for radiological radiation with a multiplicity of absorber elements that are arranged one behind the other in a collimation direction and held in a support frame. In at least one embodiment, the support frame includes a holding device for holding the absorber elements on opposite sides across the collimation direction, and at least one strip-like holding element spans the absorber elements in a collimation direction on the radiation entry side and/or the radiation exit side of the scattered-radiation collimator and additionally fixes the absorber elements on the longitudinal edges thereof in a mechanical fashion. In at least one embodiment, the holding elements prevent deformations of long absorber elements caused by centrifugal forces to a large extent. This affords the possibility of implementing scattered-radiation collimators with a large Z-coverage that meet the demand on the absorber elements in respect of dimensional stability and positional accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Claus Pohan
  • Patent number: 8848876
    Abstract: According to a radiographic apparatus of this invention, parameters obtained on an assumption that an X-ray tube 2 is moved Wd×m, which is an integral multiple of pixel pitch Wd, in a B? direction opposite to B+ direction which is a direction of movement by Y-direction adjust screws of a moving mechanism, are corrected as parameters obtained when X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 2 in a state of a grid 6 having been moved Wd×m by the Y-direction adjust screws. This allows only the grid 6 to be moved without moving the X-ray tube 2. Therefore, parameters equivalent to the parameters which should be obtained when the X-ray tube 2 is moved are obtained by moving the grid 6, and position shifting can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 8842809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for x-ray radiography and apparatus for use in x-ray radiography. Specific embodiments can utilize a grid having a plurality of apertures therethrough with optical waveguides positioned in the apertures. The optical waveguides can incorporate a scintillating material, preferably throughout, that absorbs incident x-ray radiation and emits light that is then guided by the optical waveguide. In a specific embodiment, x-ray radiation incident on a first end of the aperture is absorbed by the scintillating material in the optical waveguide and light is emitted by the same scintillating material, a portion of which is guided by the optical waveguide to a second end of the aperture. In addition, secondary electrons created by absorption of the x-ray radiation by the scintillating material can be absorbed by the scintillating material to create more light such that a magnification effect can occur. The light exiting the second end of the aperture can then be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjiv Singh Samant, Arun Gopal
  • Patent number: 8831181
    Abstract: A grid module of a scattered-radiation grid is disclosed. The scattered-radiation grid includes a number of grid modules disposed next to one another with a plurality of webs, especially for use in conjunction with a CT detector, a CT detector and a CT system with such a detector. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at the joining surfaces of the grid modules, the webs located there are provided with breakthroughs to compensate for a disproportionate reduction in scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Björn Kreisler, Thomas Reichel, Bodo Reitz, Helmut Winkelmann, Stefan Wirth, Jan Wrege
  • Patent number: 8824636
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bi-directional image receptor assembly capable of receiving an image receptor in either a lengthways (or longitudinal) or crossways (or transverse) orientation, while maintaining the axis of an anti-scatter grid in a fixed position. The axis of the anti-scatter grid can be placed in a fixed orientation (such as a parallel orientation) to a subject's craniocaudal axis regardless of whether the image receptor is inserted in the lengthways or crossways orientation. Methods of using the bi-directional image receptor assembly in mobile radiography are also disclosed. The present disclosure further provides for an X-ray image receptor comprising a portion of an automatic position measurement system. Still further, the present disclosure provides for a cover comprising a reinforcing geometry that maximizes the strength of the cover while minimizing the thickness of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Gary T. Barnes, David M. Gauntt, Roger J. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 8761333
    Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object, and a detector array configured to detect x-rays passing through the object. The detector array includes a first array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays that pass to the detector array outside a first field-of-view (FOV) to a second FOV, the first array of pixels providing a first resolution, and a second array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays passing through the first FOV, the second array of pixels providing a second resolution that is different from the first resolution. The system includes a data acquisition system (DAS) configured to receive outputs from the detector array, and a computer programmed to acquire projections of imaging data of the object, and generate an image of the object using the imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, David Michael Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8762146
    Abstract: A system, including a processor to define opportunities for encoding a watermark into an audio stream having sections, each section, when represented in the frequency domain, including a signal of amplitude against frequency, the processor being operative to, for each one of the sections, identify a fundamental frequency, f being the frequency with the largest amplitude of the signal in the one section, the fundamental frequency f defining harmonic frequencies, each harmonic frequency being at a frequency f/2n or 2fn, n being a positive integer, and define the one section as an opportunity for encoding at least part of the watermark if the amplitude of the signal of the one section is less than a value v for all frequencies in one or more different frequency ranges, each of the different frequency ranges being centered around different ones of the harmonic frequencies. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Zeev Geyzel
  • Patent number: 8748855
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8744049
    Abstract: A radiation grid comprises an absorber including absorbing foil strips extending in a direction of extension for absorbing radiation, the absorbing foil strips being arranged in a direction of arrangement perpendicular to the direction of extension; a first covering member for covering one planar surface of the absorber; a second covering member for covering a surface at the opposite side of the one surface of the absorber; first joint members each provided in an area of adjacence between the first covering member and one of the absorbing foil strips forming the absorber, for integrating the two parts; second joint members each provided in an area of adjacence between the second covering member and one of the absorbing foil strips forming the absorber, for integrating the two parts; and connecting members provided to connect ends in the direction of extension of the absorbing foil strips. The connecting members are disposed clear of a middle portion in the direction of extension of each absorbing foil strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 8737568
    Abstract: An extracting step (step S1) extracts uninfluenced pixels with a relatively high degree of certainty, while avoiding influences of random quantum noise as much as possible. An approximate fluoroscopic image is obtained based on such uninfluenced pixels (step S2). Thus, accuracy of the approximate fluoroscopic image can be improved over that of the prior art. Therefore, a grid foil shadow image (step S3) and a foil shadow standard image (step S4) calculated successively based on the approximate fluoroscopic image have improved accuracy over the prior art. As a result, while inhibiting influences of random quantum noise, a foil shadow removed image can be obtained which is free from artifacts due to distortion of a synchronous grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Akinori Fujita
  • Patent number: 8681944
    Abstract: A grid module of a scattered-radiation grid is disclosed. The scattered-radiation grid includes a number of grid modules disposed next to one another with a plurality of webs, especially for use in conjunction with a CT detector, a CT detector and a CT system with such a detector. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at the joining surfaces of the grid modules, the webs located there, compensating for an excessive reduction in scattered radiation, are embodied lower in their height than the maximum height of the other webs to be found in the grid module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Wirth
  • Patent number: 8666025
    Abstract: An anti-scatter grid for an x-ray imaging system. The grid has substrate having a first face and a second face. The substrate has a plurality of grooves opening onto the first face of the substrate and not opening onto the second face. The substrate has high X-ray absorption properties. Each groove has an orientation such that the planes of all the grooves are convergent and intersect along a line situated on the side of the second face where the grooves do not open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Remy Andre Klausz
  • Patent number: 8634517
    Abstract: It is described a portable X-ray system (200), which has sensing means for detecting whether an anti scatter grid (230) is attached to a portable detector (240) or not. The system is able to automatically change the default exposure settings (265 a, 265b, 265 c, 265 d), when a grid (230) is removed or attached to the portable detector (240). Thus, the risk of an under- or an over-exposure of the image will be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Publication number: 20130329862
    Abstract: A backscatter reduction device has a lead or lead-equivalent density sheet or foil inside a cover, such as a rigid or semirigid plastic cover. The device is placed behind an x-ray imaging plate without backscatter protective measures, thereby significantly reducing and/or eliminating backscatter radiation from backscattering objects such as the patient's bed frame. The backscatter reduction device can be combined with a radiographic grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Blake SAMPSON
  • Patent number: 8598553
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8588366
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus for obtaining information on a phase shift of an X-ray caused by an object comprises: an splitting element for splitting spatially an X-ray emitted from an X-ray generator unit into X-ray beams; an attenuator unit having an arrangement of attenuating elements for receiving the X-ray beams split by the splitting element; and an intensity detector unit for detecting intensities of X-ray beams attenuated by the attenuator unit; and the attenuating element changing continuously the transmission amount of the X-ray depending on the X-ray incident position on the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taihei Mukaide, Kazuhiro Takada, Kazunori Fukuda, Masatoshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130272505
    Abstract: A device for, and method of manufacture of, a focused anti-scatter grid for improving the image contrast of x-ray images produced in medical, veterinary or industrial applications. The grid comprising a series of modular units so juxtaposed with each other as to form a series of focused channels for the passage of the focused imaging x-rays. The modules comprise a series of focusing ribbons of a heavy metal or a series of mating solid arcuate forms, formed of a polymer and having on at least one side surface a layer of heavy metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Beck
  • Patent number: 8532252
    Abstract: A two-dimensional X-ray shield grating which may be manufactured more easily and to a manufacturing method to provide therefor is provided. The method of manufacturing the X-ray shield grating includes: a first step of forming a plurality of columnar structures periodically arranged in two directions; and a second step of forming a film which surrounds at least side surfaces of the respective plurality of columnar structures, in which, in the second step, portions of the film formed on side surfaces of columnar structures which are adjacent to each other in the two directions among the plurality of columnar structures are connected to each other in the two directions, and in which the film is formed so that a columnar aperture is formed between columnar structures which are diagonally adjacent to each other with respect to the two directions among the plurality of columnar structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8515013
    Abstract: A grid (1) for selective transmission of electromagnetic radiation and a method for manufacturing such grid is proposed. Therein, the grid (1) comprises a structural element with walls (3) comprising a plurality of particles (19) of a radiation-absorbing material wherein the particles (19) are sintered together such that pores (21) are present between neighboring particles (19). The pores (21) are at least partially filled with a second solid material. The filling of the pores (21) can be done by inserting the second material in a liquid, preferably molten form into the pores. The second material can be itself radiation-absorbing as well and may help to both, increase the mechanical stability of the grid and to enhance the radiation-absorbing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Gereon Vogtmeier, Ralf Dorscheid
  • Publication number: 20130121475
    Abstract: Anti-scatter plates are used to attenuate secondary radiation so that it is not detected by a detector array. However, anti-scatter plates often cast dynamic shadows on the detector array which results in noise in signals produced by the detector array. As disclosed herein, an anti-scatter grid comprises at least two anti-scatter plates. A percentage difference in the shadows cast by the first and the second anti-scatter plates is substantially zero (e.g., causing uniform percentage change in shadows cast on the detector array). Additionally, the shadows that are cast by the anti-scatter plates may be substantially static. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by having a top surface of an anti-scatter plate that has a transverse dimension that is less than a bottom surface of the anti-scatter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Ruvin Deych, Ben Tuval
  • Patent number: 8418348
    Abstract: Problems Solved The information solves the problem of how to provide a structure and a manufacturing method that can inexpensively and stably obtain a scattered X-ray eliminating grid wherein air serves as an intermediate substance even as X-ray absorbing substance parts are accurately positioned and held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Tonami
  • Patent number: 8411823
    Abstract: This invention has an object to provide an X-ray grid without obstructing travel of direct X-rays by arranging regularly absorbing foil strips having a maintained linear shape. The X-ray grid of this invention has an absorber. The absorber maintains its shape through integration with the first seat cover via the first joining member. Moreover, the X-ray grid of this invention has sufficient strength. That is because the first joining member has a thickness larger at both ends thereof in the x-direction than the center portion between the both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Tonami
  • Publication number: 20130077760
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detector, and a grid unit configured to be combined with the radiation detector. The radiation detector includes a radiation sensor configured to convert incident radiation into an electrical signal to obtain an image, a casing configured to accommodate the radiation sensor, and a first gripping portion formed on the casing. The grid unit includes a grid, a combining portion configured to combine the grid unit with the radiation detector, and a second gripping portion configured to form a gripping portion together with the first gripping portion of the radiation detector in a state where the grid unit is combined with the radiation detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Motoki Tagawa
  • Patent number: 8391577
    Abstract: A radiation image processing apparatus which improves contrast and sharpness of radiation images is provided. According to this radiation image processing apparatus, comparison is made between a first image data obtained by radiation imaging without going through the subject but through a grid for removing scattered radiation from a subject, and a second image data which is obtained by radiation imaging through the subject and the grid, and a two-dimensional distribution of abundance of scattered component is calculated. Using this two-dimensional distribution of scattered component, abundance of scattered radiation is locally determined at each position, and a sharpening process is performed with sharpening intensities that are increased in response to abundance of scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8385508
    Abstract: A scattered radiation collimator element is disclosed for producing a scattered radiation collimator for absorbing scattered radiation which is generated during an examination of an object by interaction of x-ray or gamma radiation used for this purpose. For the purposes of simplification and reducing costs during production, in at least one embodiment, the scattered radiation collimator element includes a plurality of absorber elements, designed in a strip-like or filament-like fashion and arranged adjacent to one another to form an absorber surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludwig Danzer
  • Patent number: 8385499
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhaoping Wu, Haochuan Jiang, Joseph James Lacey, James S. Vartuli, Yunfeng Sun, Qun Deng, Xiaoye Wu, Kun Tao, Zhaohui Yang
  • Publication number: 20130039478
    Abstract: A method for producing a scattered radiation grid for x-ray radiation by stacking strips and an associated scattered radiation grid are provided. The strips are cut out of a laminate that includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer is formed from a first material that absorbs x-ray radiation, and the second layer is formed from a second material that is permeable to the x-ray radiation. A second material that is highly permeable to the x-ray radiation and reduces the attenuation of the scattered radiate on grid may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mario Bechtold, Peter Strattner
  • Publication number: 20130003937
    Abstract: A grid employs dynamic and adjustable grid lines that communicates with a transmitting object and/or a receiving object. The grid lines may be but not limited to liner, crosshatched or pinwheel shaped. The grid may switch between opaque and translucent and the grid lines may target, calibrate to and track an object either transmitting or receiving. The grid may be employed as a filter or a privacy screen on a computer screen for instance. The grid lines are angled to match an angle of a user's position with respect to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Zachary A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8331536
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including an x-ray detector unit that includes an anti-scatter grid free of at least one of a top cover and a bottom cover, a flat panel x-ray detector having an x-ray conversion layer, and an integrated anti-scatter grid assembly configured to provide structural support to the anti-scatter grid and to provide mechanical protection to the flat panel x-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid is configured to absorb a plurality of scattered x-rays impinging on the anti-scatter grid while substantially allowing un-scattered x-rays to pass through the anti-scatter grid. The x-ray conversion layer is configured to convert an x-ray into visible light or an electronic signal. The flat panel x-ray detector is fixed relative to the anti-scatter grid such that the anti-scatter grid remains stationary relative to the flat panel x-ray detector during operation of the x-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jon Shaw, Kevin Matthew Durocher, Kenneth S. Kump, Henri Souchay
  • Publication number: 20120300907
    Abstract: A grid module of a scattered-radiation grid is disclosed. The scattered-radiation grid includes a number of grid modules disposed next to one another with a plurality of webs, especially for use in conjunction with a CT detector, a CT detector and a CT system with such a detector. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at the joining surfaces of the grid modules, the webs located there, compensating for an excessive reduction in scattered radiation, are embodied lower in their height than the maximum height of the other webs to be found in the grid module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stefan Wirth
  • Patent number: 8314412
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a grid (1) for selective transmission of electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-ray radiation, is proposed. The method comprises: providing a support element (3) having self-supporting stability, wherein the support element (3) is made with a material which essentially absorbs no electromagnetic radiation to be selectively transmitted through the grid; applying a metal layer (5) at a surface of the support element (3); and building a selective transmission structure (7) at a surface of the metal layer (5) with a material which absorbs electromagnetic radiation to be selectively transmitted through the grid, wherein the transmission structure is build using selective laser sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electrnics N.V.
    Inventor: Geroen Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 8287187
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of an x-ray source of an x-ray machine and adjusting grid lines in an anti-scatter grid are disclosed. An ideal beam path is obtained and is used to adjust grid lines in the anti-scatter grid. In one embodiment, the invention uses a source locator to locate the x-ray source, communicate this location to the said adjustable anti-scatter grid which could align the grid lines mechanically, by means of servos attached to the grid lines, to the ideal x-ray beam path. In other embodiment electrical currents are used to align grid lines with the beam source. By aligning the grid lines with the beam path, images with increased contrast and reduced noise can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Zachary A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8265228
    Abstract: A method of making an anti-scatter X-ray grid device, and the X-ray grid device made therefrom, includes providing a substrate made of a material substantially non-absorbent of X-rays that includes channels therein; applying a layer, also of a substantially non-absorbent of X-rays material, onto a sidewall(s) of the channels, wherein the layer comprises a second material; and then applying a material substantially absorbent of X-rays into a portion of the channels, so as to define a plurality of X-ray absorbing elements. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jon Shaw, Kevin Matthew Durocher
  • Patent number: 8262288
    Abstract: One or more systems and/or techniques are disclosed herein for determining the orientation of a focal spot of a radiation source based upon shadows that are imposed on channels of a detector array from an anti-scatter grid. The anti-scatter grid is comprised of one or more anti-scatter plates that are focused on a point other than an intended focal spot of the radiation source. Such anti-scatters plates cast shadows on the detector array (even when the focal spot is located at the intended focal spot). By measuring changes in the signals generated by channels of the detector array that detect the shadows, it may be determined how the orientation of the focal spot has changed throughout an examination or between a calibration scan and an examination scan, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Shaughnessy
  • Patent number: 8256957
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bi-directional image receptor assembly capable of receiving an image receptor in either a lengthways (or longitudinal) or crossways (or transverse) orientation, while maintaining the axis of an anti-scatter grid in a fixed position. The axis of the anti-scatter grid can be placed in a fixed orientation (such as a parallel orientation) to a subject's craniocaudal axis regardless of whether the image receptor is inserted in the lengthways or crossways orientation. Methods of using the bi-directional image receptor assembly in mobile radiography are also disclosed. The present disclosure further provides for an X-ray image receptor comprising a portion of an automatic position measurement system. Still further, the present disclosure provides for a cover comprising a reinforcing geometry that maximizes the strength of the cover while minimizing the thickness of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: X-Ray Imaging Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary T. Barnes, David M. Gauntt, Roger J. Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20120207275
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure includes a step of preparing a substrate including a silicon section, recessed sections and protruding sections formed by etching the silicon section, and a first insulating layer disposed on top portions of the protruding sections; a step of forming second insulating layers on sidewalls and bottom portions of the recessed sections; a step of forming seed layers containing metal above the bottom portions of the recessed sections; and a step of forming plating layers in such a manner that the recessed sections are filled with metal by electroplating. The second insulating layers contain an organopolysiloxane having at least one of a partial structure represented by the following formula (1) and a partial structure represented by the following formula (2): where R1, R2, and R3 represent alkyl groups identical to or different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Teshima, Yutaka Setomoto
  • Publication number: 20120183124
    Abstract: Periodic electrodes in a pattern of many lines are formed on a first surface of a nonlinear single crystal substrate. The nonlinear single crystal substrate is put in a vacuum chamber, and heated with a heater. Then, high voltage is applied to the nonlinear single crystal substrate. Thus, the direction of spontaneous polarization of the nonlinear single crystal substrate is reversed in portions facing to the periodic electrodes, which are referred to as reversed portions. After the nonlinear single crystal substrate is bonded to a support substrate, only non-reversed portions of the nonlinear single crystal substrate are removed by wet etching, and grooves with a high aspect ratio are left between the remaining reversed portions. The grooves are filled with an X-ray absorbing material such as gold. The grooves filled with the gold compose X-ray absorbing portions of a grid, while the reversed portions compose X-ray transparent portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhisa KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20120163554
    Abstract: A radiological image detection apparatus includes a first grating unit, a grating pattern unit, a radiological image detector, and an anti-scatter grating. The grating pattern unit has a period that substantially coincides with a pattern period of a radiological image formed by radiation having passed through the first grating unit. The radiological image detector detects the radiological image masked by the grating pattern unit. The anti-scatter grating is arranged on a path of the radiation incident onto the radiological image detector and removes scattered radiation. A smoothing process is performed for at least one of a surface and a backside of the anti-scatter grating intersecting with a traveling direction of the radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takuji Tada
  • Publication number: 20120163535
    Abstract: In a second grid, X-ray absorbing portions and X-ray transparent portions extending in a Y direction are alternately arranged in an X direction. After the manufacture of the second grid, a defective portion is detected in the second grid. A rectangular area to be cut out is set along the X and Y directions so as to enclose this defective portion. By cutting out the rectangular area, a cutout is formed. A micro grid, which is smaller than the cutout, is fitted into the cutout such that two adjoining sides of the micro grid are in contact with two adjoining sides of the cutout. A gap left between an outline of the cutout and the micro grid is filled with Sn—Pb as an X-ray absorbing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhisa KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20120163555
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprising a detection unit for detecting a radiation distribution transmitted through an object, an imaging unit which includes the detection unit, and a grid for suppressing scattered light which is detachably mounted on an outside of the imaging unit, wherein the imaging unit includes a buffer member on a side surface facing a surface side which radiation strikes, the grid includes a grid body placed on the surface side which the radiation strikes, and a fixing unit for fixing the grid body to the imaging unit, and sides constituting the fixing unit include a side which does not protrude from an outer shape of the imaging unit when viewed from the surface side which the radiation strikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120163553
    Abstract: One or more metal printing techniques are described for generating a three-dimensional metal structure, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional anti-scatter grid. The techniques comprise applying a thin layer of powdered metal onto a printing area and using a binder (which is printed onto the printing area according to a specified pattern) to bind the powdered metal particles together. The acts of applying powdered metal and a binder may be repeated a plurality of times until a three-dimensional metal structure having a specified height is created. Moreover, in one embodiment, once the layering is complete, another binder is applied to the one or more layers to provide strength and/or support. While heat may be used in some embodiments to activate one or more of the applied binders the three-dimensional metal structure is generally not heated to a melting point of the powdered metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Ruvin Deych, Daniel Abenaim
  • Publication number: 20120148029
    Abstract: First and second grids are arranged between an X-ray source and an X-ray image detector. The first and second grids have the similar configuration except for width, pitch, and thickness of X-ray absorbing sections. The first grid is composed of subdivision grids arranged with substantially no space between each other on a flat surface of a substrate made of glass, for example. Each subdivision grid has a shape of a regular hexagon. Each subdivision grid has the X-ray absorbing sections and X-ray transmitting sections extending in Y direction and arranged alternately in X direction. The X-ray absorbing sections of the adjacent subdivision grids are aligned substantially parallel to each other. The X-ray transmitting sections of the adjacent subdivision grids are aligned substantially parallel to each other. No side of the subdivision grid is parallel to an extending direction of the X-ray absorbing sections and the X-ray transmitting sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhisa KANEKO
  • Patent number: 8184767
    Abstract: An imaging technique is provided for acquiring scatter free images of an object. The technique includes acquiring a plurality of projection images of the object using a source and a detector oriented at a plurality of projection angles relative to the object, and generating a plurality of scatter free projection images by correcting the plurality of projection images based on respective ones of a plurality of stored scatter images. The scatter images are generated and stored for each of the projection angles by positioning a scatter rejection plate between the object and the detector. The technique further includes reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the object based on the scatter free projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debasish Mishra, William Robert Ross, Thomas James Batzinger, Manoharan Venugopal, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Nityanand Gopalika, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy, Rajashekar Venkatachalam, Prasad Thapa
  • Patent number: 8172461
    Abstract: An x-ray grid alignment circuit for coupling an x-ray grid to a detector includes a marker configured to be mounted to the x-ray grid, a sensor configured to be mounted to the detector, the sensor generating an alignment signal based on a position of the marker, and an alignment module configured to receive the alignment signal from the sensor and utilize the alignment signal to determine if the x-ray grid is coupled to a detecting face of the detector. A detector assembly including the x-ray grid alignment circuit and a method of coupling an x-ray grid to a detector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Rowland Frederick Saunders, Jon Charles Omernick, Rajendra Shirish Jadhav, Huayi Wang, Gary Vernon McBroom
  • Publication number: 20120099706
    Abstract: In an X-ray imaging system, first and second grids are disposed between an X-ray source and an X-ray image detector, and produce fringe images. From the fringe images, phase change information of X-rays is obtained. The phase change information provides contrast for an X-ray image. The first and second grids have similar configuration. Each grid is constituted of a grid layer and a support member. The grid layer includes X-ray absorbing portions and X-ray transparent portions arranged alternately in one direction. Each X-ray transparent portion contains hollow space having air trapped therein, for the purpose of reducing an X-ray absorption loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhisa KANEKO
  • Patent number: 8160207
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprising a detection unit for detecting a radiation distribution transmitted through an object, an imaging unit which includes the detection unit, and a grid for suppressing scattered light which is detachably mounted on an outside of the imaging unit, wherein the imaging unit includes a buffer member on a side surface facing a surface side which radiation strikes, the grid includes a grid body placed on the surface side which the radiation strikes, and a fixing unit for fixing the grid body to the imaging unit, and sides constituting the fixing unit include a side which does not protrude from an outer shape of the imaging unit when viewed from the surface side which the radiation strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8160202
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation source for emitting radiation, a radiation detecting device with detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally, a radiation grid with absorbing foil strips for removing scattered radiation, a physical quantity acquiring device for calculating predetermined physical quantities based on outputs of the radiation detecting device, a physical quantity map generating device for generating a physical quantity map by mapping the predetermined physical quantities, and a physical quantity map smoothing device for smoothing the physical quantities arranged on the physical quantity map in a direction of extension of the absorbing foil strips, thereby to generate an average value map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirooka, Shouji Kuwabara