Auxiliary Data Acquisition Or Recording Patents (Class 378/162)
  • Patent number: 11857144
    Abstract: A longitudinal-positioning indicator, improved marking grid, and a method of use. The longitudinal-positioning indicator includes a substrate that has a first side on which a set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines are disposed, the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines configured to indicate a position along a length of the longitudinal-positioning guidelines based on a cross-section of the longitudinal-positioning indicator taken substantially orthogonally to the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines. The substrate also has a second side that is at least partially coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Bradley Hammett, Stephanie Hammett
  • Patent number: 11841334
    Abstract: A quantitative phase analysis device includes: a unit for acquiring a powder diffraction pattern of the sample; a unit for acquiring information on a plurality of crystalline phases; a unit for acquiring a fitting function for each of the plurality of crystalline phases; a unit for executing whole-powder pattern fitting for the powder diffraction pattern by using the acquired fitting functions, to thereby acquire a fitting result; and a unit for calculating a weight ratio of the plurality of crystalline phases based on the fitting result. Each fitting function is selected from the group consisting of a first fitting function using an integrated intensity obtained by whole-powder pattern decomposition, a second fitting function using an integrated intensity obtained by observation or calculation, and a third fitting function using a profile intensity obtained by observation or calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Toraya, Norihiro Muroyama
  • Patent number: 11759181
    Abstract: To provide a simpler implementation in which setting information is shared among a plurality of medical image capture apparatuses while maintaining intrinsic information each of the apparatuses has, in first memory in a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus UL1 are stored first data including first setting information set in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus UL1, and backup data for first intrinsic information included in the first data; in second memory in a second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus UL2 is stored second data including second setting information set in the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus UL2; and once the second data is input via a network, a first processor rewrites the first data stored in the first memory into the second data, reads the first intrinsic information in the backup data, and rewrites the second intrinsic information into which the first intrinsic information has been rewritten, into the first intrinsic information in the backup data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Seiji Funaya
  • Patent number: 11738887
    Abstract: A method of evaluating fatigue damage of a rotor mast. The method includes performing an x-ray diffraction (“XRD”) inspection of the rotor mast, assessing fatigue damage sustained by the rotor mast based on results of the XRD inspection, and determining whether the rotor mast is suitable for continued use based on the assessed fatigue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Cates, Caydn White, Kevin Brooker
  • Patent number: 11742071
    Abstract: A surgical guide assembly having an attachment device configured to be coupled to a bone. A cut location indicator is coupled to the attachment device. The cut location indicator identifies a location where the bone is to be cut. An arm is coupled to the attachment device, the cut location indicator, or both. A support structure is coupled to the arm. The support structure is configured to have a trackable feature coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF DEFENCE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Gerald Grant, Peter Liacouras, Chad Gordon, Ryan Murphy, Mehran Armand
  • Patent number: 11717173
    Abstract: A coordinate locating device comprising a support structure removably connectable to a wearable sensor device being worn by an individual. The support structure comprising a planar surface. The device includes a plurality of different fiducial marker components connected to the planar surface. The plurality of different fiducial marker components includes a set of fiducial markers connected to the planar surface in a non-collinear configuration relative to each other to define a three-dimensional (3D) space of pixels in an image. The plurality of different fiducial marker components includes a distance calibration fiducial marker connected to the planar surface and being configured to define a distance calibration length of pixels in the image, the distance calibration fiducial marker being perpendicular to the planar surface and defining a calibration length to locate a point of origin of motion sensing by the wearable sensor device. A system and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Robert A. Fields
  • Patent number: 11707259
    Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing medical procedure (e.g., needle guidance, ablation, biopsy, etc.) planning and/or performance, and/or for performing guidance of multiple probes or multiple needles, are provided. Examples of applications for such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, lesions and tumors, and such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums may be used for radiotherapy applications (e.g., to determine whether to place seed(s) for radiotherapy). Even in instances where communication between a medical tool or needle guidance device and a system is wireless or wired, preferably guidance information is still gathered and transmitted, especially in instances where wireless or wired communication signals are intermittent or interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Canon U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11690588
    Abstract: A body thickness conversion unit converts a body thickness from a distance image imaged by a distance measurement camera to acquire the body thickness. A setting unit sets a gradation transformation function for use in gradation transformation processing to a radiographic image corresponding to the body thickness. A radiographic image acquisition unit acquires the radiographic image output from a radiation detector in radioscopy. A gradation transformation processing unit starts the gradation transformation processing with the gradation transformation function set by the setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi Kitano
  • Patent number: 11653979
    Abstract: A method for the fluoroscopic registration in real time for placement of pedicle screws or the like during spinal surgery, comprising creating a lateral image in which a pedicle has appropriate anatomic contour and superior endplate, advancing a pin into the pedicle starting in the posterior cortex and moved far enough into the pedicle to anchor the pin, rotating the fluoroscopy to obtain an AP image of the pedicle which is moved to render the pin to be neutral in a cephalad to candad direction, and positioning a pedicle screw in the pedicle following 2D contour mapping generated by manual or automated templating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: LEUCADIA 6, LLC
    Inventor: Hector Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11644957
    Abstract: A method is provided that can include collecting, via a processor, operational data about a subterranean operation being performed on a rig, determining, via the processor, a type of the subterranean operation based on the operational data, and automatically updating, based on the type, a user display with display elements associated with the subterranean operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Rolong, Ryan Bott, Mohammad Hamzah, Chandana Koritala
  • Patent number: 11642159
    Abstract: A medical guidance apparatus (100) includes a base assembly (110) configured to be attached to a subject and a guide (150) configured to be removably mated with the base assembly (110). The base assembly (110) has an opening (160), and the guide (150) includes a rotatable ring (152) and an arc member (154). The arc member (154) includes a first end (162) and a second end (164), the first end of the arc member is connected to the rotatable ring (152) and the second end extends diametrically opposite to the first end across the rotatable ring. A probe holder (600) is mounted on the arc member (154) so as to hold a needle-like instrument (2161) at a desired angle relative to an axis (Ax) of the rotatable ring (152). In some embodiments, the arc member is monolithically integrated with the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the arc member is pivotable and/or completely removable from the rotating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Canon U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Michael Kincaid, Derek John Hugger, Barret Daniels, Takahisa Kato, Brian Ninni, John E. Longan
  • Patent number: 11612364
    Abstract: A longitudinal-positioning indicator, improved marking grid, and a method of use. The longitudinal-positioning indicator includes a substrate that has a first side on which a set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines are disposed, the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines configured to indicate a position along a length of the longitudinal-positioning guidelines based on a cross-section of the longitudinal-positioning indicator taken substantially orthogonally to the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines. The substrate also has a second side that is at least partially coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventors: Bradley Hammett, Stephanie Hammett
  • Patent number: 11490865
    Abstract: A C-arm X-ray apparatus includes an x-ray emitter (5) and an X-ray detector (4) which are maintained on a C-arm (2) mounted on a reference plane. The x-ray emitter (5) has nanorods as electron emitters and has an elongated structure which is at least partially aligned along a surface normal of the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ESSPEN GmbH
    Inventor: Zahra Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 11484299
    Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided that can assume both open and closed positions, and is easily convertible from one position to the other. The retractor assembly involves an arcuate frame member that can be engaged to an arcuate connector, which together form a generally circular or elliptical retractor frame assembly. The frame member has a groove for the insertion of one or more mobile carriages that hold retractor blade posts and allow the posts to move in multiple directions. The carriages may be locked to prevent movement in one or more directions, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey O'Connell, James Coleman Lee, Joel Kohn, David Banks
  • Patent number: 11478202
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a patient support device for an x-ray device for use during an examination of a patient including a patient couch and at least one support (6) bearing the patient couch. The patient couch includes a first, x-ray-transparent material disposed in an at least partially flexible covering made from a second x-ray-transparent material. The first material includes a solid, dimensionally stable state and a deformable state, in particular at least partially liquid and/or gaseous state, that are linked by reversible phase transitions. The patient support device further includes at least one induction device for inducing at least one of the phase transitions of the first material between the states by applying and/or removing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Wiets
  • Patent number: 11448604
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a fuse between two plastic pipes without destroying the fuse is performed in the field. The method and apparatus include a source of X-ray radiation and a scanning plate that has pixels that change state when exposed to this radiation. The source of the X-ray radiation is positioned on one side of the fuse and the scanning plate is positioned on another side so that the x-ray radiation passes through the fuse. The x-ray image from the scanning plate makes visible internal voids, weak fuses, and evidence of movement after the plastic of the fitting/pipes melted and flowed together. With such, the quality of the fitting is evident without cutting or otherwise destroying the fitting and, therefore, only weak or otherwise compromised fittings need be cut and redone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: WorldWide Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Bohne
  • Patent number: 11426137
    Abstract: A medical imaging marker device includes, a main marker body, an outer side visual radiolucent placement indicator, an inner side visual radiolucent placement indicator, an anatomical side visual radiolucent indicator, visual radiolucent length measurement indicator, an attachment system; and a slidable marker piece, including a slidable marker body and a radiopaque marker; such that the slidable marker body is detachably positionable on an image receptor, such that an image of an anatomical target structure taken with the image receptor includes an image portion of the radiopaque marker, which indicates a side orientation of the anatomical target structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Innovative Ideas LLC
    Inventor: Michael Matthew Simms
  • Patent number: 11380079
    Abstract: A system and method of correlating or coregistering medical images is disclosed herein that includes acquiring a surface image of the patient's skin surface using a surface detector assembly comprising a surface frame and a camera system registered to the surface frame. Positional coordinates of one or more surface landmarks in the surface image are determined and a medical image of the patient is acquired having the surface frame depicted therein. A second surface image of the patient's skin surface is acquired that at least partially overlaps the previously acquired surface image. Positional coordinates of one or more surface landmarks in the second surface image are determined and compared with surface landmarks in the previous surface image. Common surface landmarks are determined based on the comparison and the medical images are coregistered based on positional coordinates of the common surface landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Metritrack, Inc.
    Inventor: Calin Caluser
  • Patent number: 11278367
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible apparatus for holding fiducial markers has a first section that includes a frame, an opposite second side, a first panel attached to the first frame and fiducial markers attached to the first panel. The apparatus includes a second section pivotably attached to the first section and a second frame, an opposite second side, a second panel member attached to the second frame and fiducial markers attached to the second panel. The apparatus is configurable to a closed state by pivoting the first section and second section toward each other where the rear sides of the first frame and second frame contact each other. The apparatus is configurable to an opened state by pivoting the first section and second section away from each other. In the opened state, the first section and second section are vertically oriented with respect to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Angel Diaz, David Rivera-Marchand, Lonnie Frericks, Andrew Wojtkowski, Anthony Kummerer
  • Patent number: 11278740
    Abstract: A cover for protecting a temporary mark on a person's skin includes a transparent layer and an associated opaque layer, wherein the opaque layer features an opening through which the temporary mark may be located as the cover is applied. An adhesive is superimposed upon the transparent layer in order to releasably affix the cover to the temporary mark, and also to permit maintaining the cover on a backing material during transportation or storage. During use, the mark is sighted through the transparent layer and the opening in the opaque layer, and applied to the patient's skin. The opaque layer is then removed from the transparent layer, which remains in place over the temporary mark, permitting the person to bathe or otherwise participate unhindered in his or her life's routines without smudging, wearing or removing the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: BERKLEY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maeghan E. Traboulsi, Mark Broyles
  • Patent number: 11191507
    Abstract: Provided are: a device (1) and a system (100) for quantitatively calculating bone density by using an X-ray image of a bone pail, in particular, an alveolar bone; and an imaging assisting tool (4) for accurately and easily performing X-ray imaging of an alveolar bone. This bone density measurement device (1) comprises: an image display unit (101) for displaying X-ray images for an imaged bone part and a reference body on the same screen; a reference body density measurement unit (103) for measuring the density of the displayed X-ray image for the reference body; a bone part density measurement unit (105) for measuring the density of the displayed X-ray image for the bone part; and a bone density calculation unit (106) for calculating the hone density of the bone part by comparing the density of the X-ray image for the bone part with the density of the X-ray image for the reference body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MEDIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Shimoda, Kaoru Kobayashi, Akitoshi Katsumata, Hironobu Tsuji, Yosuke Tsuji, Tatsuro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11172908
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring, with an x-ray detector tilted at an angle with respect to an x-ray source, an x-ray image, calculating the angle from the x-ray image, generating a corrected x-ray image based on the calculated angle, and displaying the corrected x-ray image. In this way, tilt artifacts caused by the x-ray detector being tilted with respect to the x-ray source may be removed from an x-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Vinayak Yardi, Prabhu Rajasekaran, Nasir Ahmed Desai, Ashwini Chikkanayakanahalli Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 11116469
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a relative position of an object in relation to an x-ray imaging apparatus for creating an x-ray and a recorded image. The method includes bringing an object in a ray path of an x-ray into a first position. In a first recorded image, at least one defined geometry in and/or on the object is imaged. A measure for a change in the first focus point towards a second focus point is undertaken at the x-ray source. In the second recorded image, the at least one defined geometry is imaged. A distance from the object to the x-ray source and/or to the x-ray detector is determined based on the change in the focus point, as well as on the basis of the images of the at least one defined geometry in the first and the second recorded image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bartl, Robert Brauweiler
  • Patent number: 11090130
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fiducial markers that include a sealed casing member containing a mixture of iodine and water that includes about 1-300 mg/ml iodine. The fiducial markers may be distinguishable on at least two imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI. The casing member may include a plastic or elastomeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polypropylene, latex, nylon, dynaflex, and may take the form of a length of IV tubing sealed at each of two ends. The length of IV tubing may be crimped to form a desired shape, such as a triangle. Also disclosed are methods of making fiducial markers that are distinguishable on at least two imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Oregon State University
    Inventors: Sarah Nemanic, Jesse L. Terry, Milan Milovancev, Josiah Moses, Rebecca A. Francis
  • Patent number: 11020082
    Abstract: A method of reducing the x-ray dose of a patient in an x-ray system includes defining a region of interest of the patient, obtaining at least two tracking images of a tracking element taken with at least one camera having a known positional relationship relative to an x-ray source and/or sensor, determining any movement of the tracking element between the acquisition of at least two tracking images, adjusting the collimator of the x-ray source to compensate for any movement of the tracking element between the acquisition of the at least two tracking images, providing that the field of exposure of the x-ray source is confined to the region of interest and obtaining at least one x-ray image of the region of interest after the adjustment of the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Ojelund
  • Patent number: 10959804
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods that provide for improved accuracy when positioning of a synthetic structure, such as a MEMS device or a stent, within a biological feature of a patient, such as a blood vessel, are disclosed. A blood vessel sizing device is configured for placement on the skin of a patient near a feature of interest (e.g. a blood vessel to be imaged). The device may include one or more radiopaque elements, including a target element, and one or more positioning markers having known sizes. A clinician may use the radiopaque elements to identify a portion of a blood vessel suitable for positioning of the synthetic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Sizer LLC
    Inventor: Richard B. Park
  • Patent number: 10925555
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a radiation irradiating apparatus that emits radiation onto a subject; a photography unit that photographs the subject to obtain a photographed image of the subject; and a radiation detector that generates radiation images of the subject, provided with a marker that represents identifying information of the radiation detector on the side thereof that includes a radiation detecting surface. The marker of the radiation detector is detected. The identifying information of the radiation detector is obtained from a marker in the case that the marker is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Imamura, Kouichi Kitano
  • Patent number: 10908238
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) coil unit, comprising: —an MR coil body which houses at least one MR coil, the MR coil body having a front surface for facing a patient, a reverse surface opposite to the front surface, and at least one opening through the MR coil body which connects the front and reverse surfaces; —at least one MR marker located at least partly in said at least one opening in the MR coil body; and—at least one optical marker located above the reverse surface of the MR coil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: BRAINLAB AG, SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, PRO MED INSTRUMENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Patrick Gross, Tilman Niederführ, Brian Vasey, Nadja Heindl, Dimitrios Sapnaras
  • Patent number: 10849589
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof, by which the user's hand is photographed and information about a thickness of a subject, information about a photographed spot or information about a photographing angle may be easily obtained from the photographed image. According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source configured to generate and irradiate an X-ray; a photographing device equipped in the X-ray source for capturing a camera image; and a controller configured to detect a plurality of indicators from the camera image, calculate a thickness of an X-raying portion of a subject based on a distance between the plurality of indicators, and controlling an X-ray irradiation condition based on the thickness of the X-raying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Ha Song
  • Patent number: 10835765
    Abstract: A method for determining geometrical information about a medical treatment arrangement that includes a rotatable treatment radiation source unit is provided. The method includes attaching a phantom to a patient support of the medical treatment arrangement, attaching a calibration module to the rotatable treatment radiation source unit to permit the calibration module to rotate together with the rotatable treatment radiation source unit when the rotatable treatment radiation source unit is rotated, obtaining for each of a plurality of rotational positions of the rotatable treatment radiation source unit a projection image of the phantom and of the calibration module by an image detector, while a part of the calibration module is positioned in a radiation propagation zone between the rotatable treatment radiation source unit and the image detector, evaluating the images, obtaining an evaluation result, and determining geometrical information about the medical treatment arrangement from the evaluation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: OptiNav SP. z o.o.
    Inventors: Monika Tulik, Damian Kabat, Radoslaw Kycia, Zbigniew Latala, Zbislaw Tabor
  • Patent number: 10835195
    Abstract: A medical imaging system includes at least an image plate, X-ray device for producing an image of an object on said image plate, and a reading device for reading image information held by the image plate. In connection with the image plate there is a tag containing information for controlling the arrangement in such a manner that when the arrangement has read the information in the tag the arrangement is adapted to perform at least one operation controlled by the information read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Jari Taskinen, Mika Anttila, Timo Klemola
  • Patent number: 10832115
    Abstract: A transaction card construction and a method for making a transaction card are provided for improving card performance. The transaction card construction comprises an inlay component comprising wood and a housing component. The inlay may comprise a wood or wood-containing layer and a backer layer. The backer layer may comprise the same or a different wood or wood-containing layer, or a non-woven fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Om J. Suthar
  • Patent number: 10743822
    Abstract: A method for geometric calibration of a radiography apparatus disposes at least one radio-opaque marker in the field of view of the radiography apparatus. A series of tomosynthesis projection images of patient anatomy is acquired from the detector with the x-ray source at different positions along a scan path. For at least three projection images showing the position of the radio-opaque marker, the spatial and angular geometry of the x-ray source and detector are calculated according to the positions of the marker. A tomosynthesis image is reconstructed according to the calculated geometry. A rendering of the reconstructed image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Simon, Levon O. Vogelsang, Lawrence A. Ray
  • Patent number: 10743827
    Abstract: An X-ray system includes a multiple degree of freedom robotic arm mounted to a surface of a radiology suite, the robotic arm having one or more telescoping arm members, an X-ray source mounted on an end effector of the multiple degree of freedom robotic arm, at least one X-ray detector, and a work station coupled to the robotic arm, X-ray source, and X-ray detector, wherein the work station is configured to compute robotic arm trajectories for at least one scanning procedure and to control the robotic arm, X-ray source, and X-ray detector to effect the at least one scanning procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: G. S. Sampath Kumar
  • Patent number: 10733423
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an object detection unit configured to detect objects from a plurality of images captured at different times, based on a degree of matching with a predetermined criterion, a determination unit configured to determine whether the objects detected by the object detection unit include an object that is the same object as an object detected within an image captured at another time, and an attribute detection unit configured to perform processing for extracting one or more object images, based on the degree of matching, from a plurality of object images corresponding to the object determined to be the same object by the determination unit, and detecting an attribute of the same object with respect to the extracted one or more object images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Kusakabe
  • Patent number: 10682113
    Abstract: A position sensor has one or more fiducials formed of radio-opaque material and mounted along a surface of a radio-translucent body. A sensor element is coupled to the radio-translucent body and is spaced apart from the one or more fiducials and is energizable to acquire image content during receipt of exposure energy from an X-ray source to the position sensor. The sensor element is in signal communication with a processor and is energizable to generate data that is indicative of a relative position of the X-ray source. A radio-opaque covering is coupled against an outer surface of the radio-translucent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuan Lin, William J. Sehnert
  • Patent number: 10639503
    Abstract: Devices, systems, kits and methods are provided, that simplify focused ultrasound treatment. Devices comprise a supporting structure and a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer having a central axis that is affixed to the supporting structure. Devices may further comprise an imaging ultrasound transducer and/or an x-ray aim, that may be attached to the supporting structure along the central axis of the FUS transducer. The FUS transducer is connected to a controller configured to control application of focused ultrasound by the transducer and may be associated with an imaging unit for imaging the treatment region using ultrasound and/or x-ray image data. The devices are hand held and easy to manipulate and aim correctly, utilizing coupling member(s) as well as feedback from the concurrently imaged treatment region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: FusMobile Inc.
    Inventors: Ari Hananel, Ron Aginsky
  • Patent number: 10610702
    Abstract: A method and system for using in a two-modality apparatus. The two-modality apparatus comprises a couch with a table top, a first modality unit and a second modality unit. A second image of a target portion of an object when the table top is at a second working position of the second modality unit may be acquired. A second sag of the table top at a second measurement point of the table top according to the second image may be determined based on the image. A difference between a first sag of the table top at a first measurement point of the table top and the second sag may be estimated based on the second sag and standard data. The standard data provides a relationship relating to a sag of the table top positioned between the first modality unit and second modality unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Johannes Stahl, Supratik Bose, Jonathan Maltz, Lu Xu, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 10539707
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for synchronized markers. A multiple-scanner X-ray system includes a belt passing by an upper X-ray scanner and a lower X-ray scanner. An upper belt portion is conveyed in a first direction by the upper X-ray scanner and a lower belt portion is conveyed in a second direction opposite the first direction by the lower X-ray scanner, to obtain upper and lower X-rays. A plurality of X-ray reactive markers are positionally synchronized relative to each other and the belt and conveyed by the belt to cause upper visual marker information, corresponding to a visual appearance of the upper scanned belt section, to be consistent with i) upper X-ray marker information of the upper X-ray, and ii) lower X-ray marker information of the lower X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Cecilia Barela, Tye McGrath
  • Patent number: 10524743
    Abstract: A method of designing an x-ray emitter panel 100 including the step of determining a pitch scale, r, to be used in placing x-ray emitter elements 110 on the panel 100, thereby arriving at a specific design of x-ray emitter panel 100 suitable for a specific use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Adaptix Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Travish, Raphael Hauser
  • Patent number: 10485491
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for detecting and biopsying lesions with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system. The system comprises, in some embodiments, a CBCT device configured to output a cone beam CT image of at least a portion of a patient's breast and a multi-axis transport module, having at least three degrees of freedom and configured to position a biopsy needle within a 3D frame of reference based on inputs received from the cone beam CT device. The transport module can be configured to place the biopsy needle adjacent to, or within, a target of interest within the breast. Also disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for testing CBCT systems with phantoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KONING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ruola Ning, David L. Conover, Yong Yu
  • Patent number: 10390779
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and to irradiate the X-rays; an imaging unit configured to photograph an object image; a controller configured to acquire object direction information from the object image, and to determine whether the object direction information corresponds to information about an irradiation direction of X-rays; and a user interface configured to output a warning if the object direction information does not correspond to the information about the irradiation direction of X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Myoung Kim, Hyun-Sun Kim, Jee Hae Kim, Sung Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 10357280
    Abstract: A surgical access system is disclosed that includes an outer sheath, an introducer, and a navigational stylet. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a distal tip. The navigational stylet is configured to be selectively fixed to the obturator and is configured to indicate the location of the obturator within a patient during use. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10354754
    Abstract: Embodiments digitize radiology films into DICOM format. Radiology films typically include an array of captured images laid out in a grid pattern. To comply with DICOM format, the scanned image of a radiology film is segmented into sub-images and text is extracted from the sub-images to generate DICOM metadata. The sub-images and extracted text metadata are then combined to generate a DICOM-compliant multi-image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: RICOH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pritesh Sankhe, Mithun Das Gupta
  • Patent number: 10335108
    Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of a digital medical model of a part of a patient, the method includes obtaining a set of at least 2 medical images of the patient, where an element comprising a predefined geometry and/or predefined information was attached to the patient during the recording of the medical images; obtaining at least 2 tracking images taken with at least one camera having a known positional relationship relative to the medical imaging device, said tracking images depicting at least part of the element; determining any movement of the element between acquisition of the at least 2 tracking images; and generating the digital medical model from the acquired medical images, wherein the determined movement of the element is used to compensate for any movement of the patient between the acquisition of the medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: 3Shape A/S
    Inventors: Morten Boll, Thomas Sangild Sørensen, Jens Peter Holme, Sami Brandt, Henrik Öjelund
  • Patent number: 10327869
    Abstract: An attachment member for mating with a dental implant includes a non-rotational structure and a body. The non-rotational structure is configured to mate with a corresponding non-rotational feature of the dental implant. The body extends from the non-rotational structure. The body has (i) an exterior side surface configured to at least partially engage gingival tissue adjacent to the dental implant, (ii) an exterior top surface that is exposed through the gingival tissue, (iii) a screw access bore for receiving a screw that attaches the attachment member to the dental implant in a removable fashion, and (iv) a set of radiopaque information markers that is located internal to the exterior side surface and the exterior top surface. The set of radiopaque information markers indicates information regarding the dental implant that is revealed in response to a scan from a computerized tomography (CT) scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B Suttin, Stephen S. Porter
  • Patent number: 10285663
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging system can include a radiographic detector including an image receptor to receive incident radiation and generate uncorrected electronic image data; a storage device to store calibration data at the detector, and a processor to generate calibration-corrected image data from the uncorrected electronic image data and the calibration data. The calibration-corrected image data can be further processed by the processor to perform image processing before transmitting a corrected image (e.g., DICOM image) to the radiographic imaging system. The detector can further include a display to display imaging system controls or the corrected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lalena, Michael S. Means
  • Patent number: 10213167
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a set of energy dependent data generated from a spectral scan. The set of energy dependent data includes a sub-set of data corresponding to only contrast agent. The method further includes separating the sub-set of data from other data of the energy dependent data. The other data includes non-contrast agent data. The method further includes scaling the sub-set of data to change a concentration of the contrast agent in the sub-set of data from that of the sub-set of data. The method further includes visually presenting at least the scaled sub-set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rolf Dieter Bippus, Thomas Koehler, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 10188365
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus including an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays; a collimator configured to adjust an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from the X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an image by imaging an object; and a controller configured to detect, in the image, a marker projected on the object by the collimator, and to determine a source to object distance (SOD) based on a location of the marker in the image, wherein the SOD comprises a distance between the X-ray source and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-jun Lee, Seung-hoon Kim, Il-hwan Park
  • Patent number: 10190997
    Abstract: There is provided an X-ray device irradiating a measuring object with X-ray and detecting transmission X-ray transmitted through the measuring object, the X-ray device including: a first information generation portion configured to generate first information in which a value according to an absorption coefficient is allocated to each of a plurality of divided sections into which there is divided a predetermined space including at least part of the measuring object; a frequency generation portion configured to generate frequency information of the allocated value to indicate a number of the divided sections according to magnitude of the allocated value in the first information; a ratio acquirement portion configured to acquire ratio information indicating a ratio between a first substance and a second substance constituting the measuring object; and a second information generation portion configured to change the first information into second information, by using the frequency information and the ratio inform
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Aoki