With Radiation Modifying Patents (Class 378/185)
  • Patent number: 11058384
    Abstract: This is directed to calculating physical amounts of a plurality of types of basis materials without having to increase a calculation time. An image processing device is provided which includes a first basis material transformation unit that calculates each of physical amounts of two or more basis materials included in a first basis material group based on two or more types of projection data different in energy distribution, an image generation unit that generates a plurality of images, each of which is at least one of a projection image and a reconstructed image of an object, from physical amounts of two or more basis materials included in the first basis material group, and a second basis material transformation unit that calculates a physical amount of a basis material included in a second basis material group which is different from the first basis material group based on the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Konno
  • Patent number: 8022378
    Abstract: A system for attenuating a primary radiation beam applied to a target area on a patient for generating an image of the target area during a radiological procedure is disclosed. The system includes a radiation attenuation material positionable over the target area to partially attenuate the primary radiation beam before the primary radiation beam reaches the target area. The system also includes a buffer positionable between the radiation attenuation material and the target area. The buffer is formed of a polymeric material and is configured to improve the clarity of the generated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Cadwalader, William W. Orrison
  • Patent number: 7897941
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus, comprising a collector being constructed to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to an illumination system, wherein the collector is provided with at least one fluid duct, the apparatus including a temperature conditioner to thermally condition the collector utilizing the fluid duct of the collector, the temperature conditioner being configured to feed a first fluid to the fluid duct during a first period, and to feed a second fluid to the fluid duct during at least a second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Christiaan Leonardus Franken, Alexander Matthijs Struycken, Leon Joseph Marie Van Den Schoor
  • Patent number: 7462841
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus, comprising a collector being constructed to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to an illumination system, wherein the collector is provided with at least one fluid duct, the apparatus including a temperature conditioner to thermally condition the collector utilizing the fluid duct of the collector, the temperature conditioner being configured to feed a first fluid to the fluid duct during a first period, and to feed a second fluid to the fluid duct during at least a second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Christiaan Leonardus Franken, Alexander Matthijs Struycken, Leon Joseph Marie Van Den Schoor
  • Publication number: 20080273666
    Abstract: A system and method of density and effective atomic number imaging include a computer programmed to acquire projection data from the detector of an unknown material at the time of projection data acquisition. The computer is also programmed to generate a density image for the unknown material based on a calibration of two or more known basis materials and to generate an effective atomic number (Z) for the unknown material based on the calibration of two or more known basis materials and based on a function arctan of a ratio of atomic numbers of the two or more known basis materials. The density and effective atomic number images are stored to a computer readable storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Deborah Joy Walter, Xiaoye Wu, John Eric Tkaczyk, Yanfeng Du
  • Patent number: 7211814
    Abstract: A radiation attenuation system suitable for use in radiological examinations includes a first portion comprising a radiation attenuation material and a second portion comprising a relatively non-radiation attenuation buffer region between the radiation attenuation material and an article undergoing the examination. The radiation attenuation system may be positioned over, under, near, or otherwise about the article. According to one embodiment, the radiation attenuation system is intended to be positioned over a target area on the article and coincident with the primary radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Cadwalader, William W. Orrison
  • Patent number: 6918697
    Abstract: Device and method of treatment of light obtained from X-rays, comprising a means of filtering the light with a cutoff frequency such that a first part of the spectrum of the light emitted by a light emitter is preserved, the first part of the spectrum being independent of temperature, and a second part of the light spectrum is stopped, the second part of the spectrum presenting a shift dependent on temperature. The invention also concerns an imaging cassette, a dose measuring module and a radiology apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical System Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Uwe Weidmann
  • Patent number: 6908237
    Abstract: An automatic x-ray film feed uses a timer and relay system to automatically develop a multiplicity of film slides one-by-one in an x-ray processor without requiring a user to manually advance the slides after each slides in developed. The timer activates a motor through a relay system and the film feed advances a single slide into the processor with a motor and roller assembly. After the film leaves the magazine, a trip switch is triggered, shutting off the motor and halting advancement of the next slide in the magazine. The timer than reactivates the motor based on a pre-selected interval set on the timer, facilitating movement of the next undeveloped film slide in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Gregory J. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6859522
    Abstract: A method and a suite of filters for detecting carotid artery calcification in a panoramic dental radiograph, including imposing a filter between an x-ray radiation beam source and an imaging medium, wherein the imposing attenuates the effect of the incident x-ray in the region of the carotid artery; obtaining a panoramic dental radiograph while imposing the filter, wherein the imposing enhances the contrast of the radiograph in the region of carotid artery; and detecting a calcification region in the area of the radiograph wherein the x-ray image's contrast has been enhanced by using the filter, and which area corresponds with the location of the carotid artery. The suite of filters include a patient format, a cassette format, an x-ray unit format and a software-based format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: University of Rochester Medical Center
    Inventor: Dov M. Almog
  • Patent number: 6846606
    Abstract: A phosphor screen comprises an inorganic phosphor capable of absorbing X-rays and emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 300 nm. The phosphor is disposed on a support that has a reflective substrate comprising a continuous poly(lactic acid) first phase and a second phase dispersed within the continuous poly(lactic acid) first phase. The second phase contains microvoids that in turn contain barium sulfate particles. This support provides improved reflectivity particularly at shorter wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Laney, Peter T. Aylward, David J. Steklenski
  • Patent number: 6828077
    Abstract: A method of mammography imaging includes exposing a patient to a peak voltage greater than 29 kVp. The film used in this method comprises a cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer on one side of the support and a tabular grain silver halide emulsion layer on the other side. The cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer comprises a combination of first and second spectral sensitizing dyes that provides a combined maximum J-aggregate absorption on the cubic silver halide grains of from about 540 to about 560 nm. The first spectral sensitizing dye is an anionic benzimidazole-benzoxazole carbocyanine, the second spectral sensitizing dye is an anionic oxycarbocyanine. The cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer also includes a mixture of gelatin or a gelatin derivative and a second hydrophilic binder other than gelatin or a gelatin derivative. The cubic silver halide grains comprise from about 1 to about 20 mol % chloride and from about 0.25 to about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Dickerson, William E. Moore, David J. Steklenski
  • Patent number: 6794106
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging assembly comprises a radiographic silver halide film having a film speed of at least 100 and a single fluorescent intensifying screen that has a screen speed of at least 200. This imaging assembly is particularly useful for mammography or imaging or other soft tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Dickerson, William E. Moore, David J. Steklenski
  • Patent number: 6669363
    Abstract: A radiation cassette has a housing for accommodating a radiation image recording medium, a lid openably and closably mounted on a portion of the housing, a light-shielding plate disposed in a remaining portion of the housing, the lid being swingably mounted on the light-shielding plate, and a support mechanism for pressing the radiation image recording medium against and supporting the radiation image recording medium on an inner surface of the housing when a radiation is applied to the radiation image recording medium, and releasing the radiation image recording medium from being pressed when the radiation image recording medium is loaded into and unloaded out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Nakajo
  • Patent number: 6669364
    Abstract: A cassette assembly comprising an X-ray cassette, with a tube side and a cover, and an intensifying screen wherein the cassette assembly further comprises a compensation element adapted to the intensifying screen so as to have a cassette assembly with predetermined X-ray absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Rudy Van den Bergh, Jurgen Van Limbergen, Manfred Schmidt, Heinz Backhaus, Ernst Widemann
  • Patent number: 6582120
    Abstract: A method for the acquisition of a set of projection images for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image data set of an object to be examined that is arranged in an examination zone, said acquisition being performed by way of an X-ray device that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, said X-ray source being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone, said trajectory being situated essentially on a spherical surface, in order to acquire the projection images. In accordance with the invention the trajectory is configured in such a manner that the X-ray source can continuously follow the trajectory in order to acquire the set of projection images and that not all points of the trajectory are situated in a common plane. This enables fast acquisition of a set of projection data that enables an exact reconstruction of the object to be examined. The invention also relates to a corresponding X-ray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6457860
    Abstract: Imaging assemblies comprise thin metal screens adjacent fluorescent intensifying screens. Such assemblies can be included as part of radiographic imaging assemblies in which a radiographic film is positioned behind the metal and fluorescent intensifying screens. The metal screen is from about 0.01 to about 0.75 mm in thickness when composed of copper and from about 0.05 to about 0.40 mm when composed of lead. Photospeed and other imaging characteristics are not diminished with the use of these relatively thin metal screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William E. Moore, David J. Steklenski
  • Patent number: 6394649
    Abstract: Portal radiographic imaging can be carried out using any suitable imaging equipment because of a modification to the imaging assembly to give it more flexibility for various imaging conditions. The imaging assembly includes a radiographic film, and at least one fluorescent intensifying screen. Disposed between the film and screen is a filter that attenuates the light emitted from the intensifying screen during exposure of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William E. Moore, David J. Steklenski
  • Patent number: 6394650
    Abstract: A photographic combination for use in radiography to project a refraction contrast image is disclosed, comprising a radiographic intensifying screen and a silver halide light sensitive photographic material, wherein the photographic material comprises a support having on only one side of the support a light sensitive layer, the photographic combination exhibiting a speed of 200 to 750. A radiographic system comprising an X ray source and the photographic combination is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromu Ohara, Chika Honda, Akira Ishisaka
  • Publication number: 20010055367
    Abstract: A cassette assembly comprising an X-ray cassette, with a tube side and a cover, and an intensifying screen wherein the cassette assembly further comprises a compensation element adapted to the intensifying screen so as to have a cassette assembly with predetermined X-ray absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Rudy Van den Bergh, Jurgen Van Limbergen, Manfred Schmidt, Heinz Backhaus, Ernst Widemann
  • Publication number: 20010050975
    Abstract: A casing has a flat plate for being irradiated with a radiation from an external source, a plurality of metal plates disposed on edges of inner surfaces of ends of the flat plate, and a plurality of resin frames integrally molded on the ends of the flat plate in embedding relation to the metal frames. It is possible to produce a high-quality radiation cassette having a simple structure which prevents the resin frames integrally molded on the flat plate from being deformed, according to a simple process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Nakajo
  • Publication number: 20010031038
    Abstract: An radiographic imaging system for making a radiograph by a radiography apparatus using a photographic combination of a silver halide photographic material having light sensitive layers on both sides of the support and an intensifying screen is disclosed, wherein the photographic material exhibits a cross-over of not more than 15%, a specified point gamma value within the specified density range on the characteristic curve when the photographic combination is exposed to X-ray, and wherein the radiography apparatus conducts making a radiograph under the condition that a distance between a focal point of an X-ray tube and the photographic combination is 1.0 to 3.0 m and a distance between an object and the photographic combination is 0.2 to 1.5 m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Tetsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6220751
    Abstract: A filter for use in an x-ray film cassette for cephalometric imaging. The filter is interposed between the x-ray film being exposed an adjacent x-ray conversion screen. The filter has a substantially optically opaque portion that is aligned with the patient's forehead and chin and a transparent portion. An image produced on the film depicts skeletal features in the area aligned with the transparent portion and both skeletal and soft tissue features in an area aligned with the substantially optically opaque portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Millennium Advantage Products, LLC
    Inventors: Ellen V. DiGiacomo, Rita J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5925505
    Abstract: Direct X-ray films are disclosed capable of being handled in room light prior to and during processing. The films contain silver halide grains responsive to X-radiation that are sulfur sensitized. The films also contain a combination of processing solution bleachable dyes chosen to provide prior to processing (a) an average density of greater than 3.0 over a first, continuous spectral sensitivity range extending from a minimum wavlength of 320 nm over which the silver halide grains exhibit an absorption coefficient of at least 0.5 cm.sup.-1 and (b) a density of greater than 3.0 throughout a second spectral range including wavelengths of from 600 to 650 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Baugher, Robert E. Dickerson, Alan S. Fitterman
  • Patent number: 5757887
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiographic cassette to be used for exposing a radiographic film to X-ray radiation, the radiographic cassette comprising a base element and an upper element, a front phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the base element, and a back phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the upper element, wherein the radiographic cassette has a front electrical contact on the inner portion of the base element and a back electrical contact on the inner portion of the back element, the front and back electrical contacts facing each other and being connected to respective front and back outer electrical contacts. The invention also relates to the apparatus and method for automatically loading/unloading the above radiographic cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Renato Bolognese, Gian Carlo Pastorino
  • Patent number: 5757888
    Abstract: In an X-ray apparatus, an X-ray film is placed in an closed space formed by front and rear sensitizer screen supports and a closing member fixed to one of the sensitizer screen supports so that a part of the X-ray film projects outside the closed space. The closed space is evacuated so that the sensitizer screens are brought into close contact with opposite sides of the X-ray film under vacuum. The front and rear sensitizer screen supports are movable between the X-raying position and a retracted position shifted from the X-raying position and are movable relative to each other in the retracted position between a closing position where the supports form the closed space together with the closing member and an open position where the supports form therebetween a wedge-shaped space flaring upward to permit insertion and removal of the X-ray film into and from the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Fujii
  • Patent number: 5734693
    Abstract: A system of radiography includes the provision of a cassette which is to be subjected to exposure from radiation beam. The cassette includes a screen layer and a filter layer having regions of different optical density and an imaging film. The filter acts to reduce the exposure of the film to the effect of radiation. The cassette is useful for dental images, particularly of the temporamandibular joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: American Medical Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur S. Quint, Daniel J. Giesberg
  • Patent number: 5659592
    Abstract: A patient identification x-ray cassette comprising: a cover having a window in the cover with predetermined transmission characteristics; a prompt emission stimulable phosphor coated substrate positioned essentially below the window having a phosphor that is selected to absorb at a first bandwidth and emit at a second bandwidth and the substrate is selected to transmit at least the first bandwidth; an image receiving element sensitive to electromagnetic radiation of the second bandwidth positioned at least below the window; and placing the phosphor coated substrate against the image receiving element. The phosphor is of the type that absorbs energy in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and emits energy in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The substrate upon which the coating is placed is relatively transparent to infrared wavelengths. The cassette allows for patient identification data to be written onto the x-ray film contained inside the cassette via an infrared source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robertson, David P. Trauernicht, David M. Orlicki
  • Patent number: 5574768
    Abstract: A screen film cassette for radiographic use. The cassette includes front and rear screen-film combinations housed in container, and each screen-film combination includes a pair of intensifying screens which sandwich a film. A dividing filter is located between the two screen-film combinations to improve X-ray beam intensity incident on the back screen-film combination. The filter also reduces the transfer of visible light energy or K-characteristic photon energy, generated in one screen-film combination during the imaging process, to the adjacent screen-film combination. The invention provides for improved radiographic film contrast and image resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventor: Donald McLean
  • Patent number: 5524132
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for revealing manufacturing defects in testpieces, such as printed circuit boards, by passing through high-intensity attenuated x-rays (above 150 Kilo-Volts) to reusable photo plates for revealing defects in the testpieces. The x-rays are angled from 35 to 50 degrees for generating images of defects within thick multilayered printed circuit boards. During exposure, a thin lead sheet is placed between the testpiece and a phosphor photographic plate on a side of the testpeice opposite the x-ray gun. The lead sheet uniformly attenuates the high-energy x-rays to the captured image before they reach the phosphor plate to avoid damage to the photographic reuse of the plate and prevent over-exposure without loss of image contrast in the phosphor photograph. The exposed phosphor plate is excited with a low energy monochromatic radiation to visually activate the latent x-ray image in the exposed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Nandakumar N. Ranadive
  • Patent number: 5519753
    Abstract: An x-ray cassette including a body having an interior configured to hold a sheet of x-ray film. The body has a window disposed for the transmission of light into the interior of the body. A shutter is mounted on the body. The shutter is free of apertures. The shutter is slideable relative to the window between a closed position, in which the shutter occludes the passage of light through the window, and an open position, in which the shutter is spaced apart from the window to allow the passage of light through the window. A mechanical latch is reversibly translatable between locked and released configurations. The latch in the locked configuration arrests the shutter in the closed position. The latch in the released configuration frees the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5461660
    Abstract: An X-ray recording system is provided characterised in that(i) a double sided X-ray film is arranged between an X-ray intensifying screen and a reflecting sheet material(ii) said reflecting sheet material has at least one reflecting side(iii) the total white light reflection of said reflecting side is at least 30%(iv) said reflecting side of said reflecting sheet material is kept in close contact with one of the emulsion layers of said double sided X-ray film. Preferably said reflecting side shows a total white light reflection at least 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Philip Dooms, Hugo Van Bouwel
  • Patent number: 5394987
    Abstract: A cassette for a stack of superimposed sheets of X-ray film has a bottom wall, four sidewalls disposed at the upper side of and defining with the bottom wall a rectangular or square chamber for at least one stack of sheets, and a cover which is pivotally connected to one of the sidewalls and is movable between an open position to afford access to the chamber and a closed position in which it cooperates with the sidewalls to prevent penetration of light into the chamber. The top surface of at least one sidewall is provided with one or more markers (e.g., in the form of a row of triangular indicia) made of or containing a material which permits ready visual detection of the marker in a darkroom whereby a person looking at the marker can ascertain at a glance whether or not one or more uppermost sheets of a stack in the chamber are misaligned so that they overlie the top surface or surfaces of one or more sidewalls and must be reoriented prior to pivoting of the cover to closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maximilian Markl, Johann Zanner
  • Patent number: 5380636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a symmetrical radiographic assembly comprising:a double side radiographic element which comprises a support and hydrophilic colloid layers coated on each side of said support, andan intensifying screen adjacent to each side of said radiographic element,wherein on each side of said support are coated at least two silver halide emulsion layers having a speed difference of at least 0.5 logE and an average contrast difference of at least 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Pierfiore Malfatto, Sergio Pesce, Elio Cavallo
  • Patent number: 5376801
    Abstract: A radiation film comprises a substrate and emulsion layers overlaid on opposite surfaces of the substrate. The radiation film is sandwiched between two radiation intensifying screens having different radiation energy absorption characteristics. Each of the emulsion layers has a sensitivity corresponding to the emission spectrum of its adjacent radiation intensifying screen. The emulsion layers form different colors in the radiation film after the radiation film has been developed. A removable light blocking layer is located between the substrate and each of the emulsion layers. The radiation film enables two kinds of images to be recorded with different radiation energy characteristics on a single radiation film, such that the image quality may not become bad due to cross-over light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Saotome, Satoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5285490
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging combination that is capable of detecting soft tissue anomalies is described. This combination is particularly effective for neonatal radiography and comprises a source of X-radiation exhibiting a peak emission in the range of from 40 to 60 keV with a 2 mm aluminum equivalent filtration, a filter for the source which comprises tellurium and/or antimony, at least one X-radiation imaging screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Phillip C. Bunch, Luther C. Roberts, Kenneth E. Huff, Robert E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 5265148
    Abstract: An X-ray sheet film cassette has an upper cassette part, a lower cassette part adapted to face a radiation source and connected with the upper cassette part so that the cassette can be opened and closed. The lower cassette part has a frame and a plate connected with the frame. The plate includes an intermediate plate portion and two thin outer plate portions surrounding the intermediate plate portion. At least one of the outer plate portions extends outwardly beyond the intermediate plate portion at least at one edge of the plate and projects toward the interior of the X-ray sheet film cassette so as to form a web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: AGFA -Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Bauer, Manfred Schmidt, Ernst Widemann
  • Patent number: 5221843
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for energy selective x-ray image detection. A source produces two fluxes of x-ray radiation with two different energy spectra. The fluxes are sequentially incident on the subject then on two layered planar detectors with control means. Examples of planar detectors are stimulable phosphor screens or intensifying screen/photographic film detectors. Examples of control means are visible light sources or electric generators with stimulable phosphor screens or light valves with intensifying screen/film detectors. A sequencer uses control means to selectively enhance the response of a predetermined detector to corresponding sequential radiation flux. The predetermined response can be chosen to enhance the inherent energy selectivity of the layered detector e.g. the first detector preferentially responds to low energy while the second detector preferentially responds to high energy x-ray photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Robert E. Alvarez
  • Patent number: 5128978
    Abstract: A film cassette designed to receive photosensitive film in a light protective envelope and maintain lighttight integrity while removing the protective envelope includes means for bringing a light emitting enhancer screen into intimate contact with the photosensitive film during exposure to x-ray photography. The back of the photosensitive film may be brought into intimate contact with a film or sheet of specimen-containing radioactive or radiation generating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Peter H. Roth, Frederick Slavitter
  • Patent number: 5091928
    Abstract: An improved intensifying lead screen for use with photographic, industrial X-ray films. This screen comprises a lead foil or lead oxide adhesively applied to a polyester support and optionally contains an overcoat or protective layer thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Theodore D. Robinette
  • Patent number: 5086445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for imprinting information, particularly identifying an intensifying screen and cassette used to produce a radiograph, permanently on the radiograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Edwin W. Fisher, Christopher Schreiber, Douglas R. Walker
  • Patent number: 5086446
    Abstract: The X-ray sheet film cassette has a top part hinged to a base part. The bottom of the base part is provided with a frame enclosing a film supporting plate through which the radiation is transmitted. The supporting plate has a laminated structure including two face plates of thermoplastically bonded carbon fibers and a comparatively thicker intermediate plate of a synthetic hard foam rubber sandwiched between the face plates and being glued thereto. The face plates are considerably thinner than the intermediate plate in the laminated supporting plate of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventors: Walter Bauer, Ernst Widemann, Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5063583
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining film processor performance. Films for use in radiographic imaging, adapted to evaluate performance of a film processor which develops an image of a structure of interest on the films are provided. The films have exposable areas for radiographically imaging the structure of interest, and test means integrally located on the exposable areas for determining the performance of the processor which develops the radiographic image on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Galkin
  • Patent number: 5033046
    Abstract: A device of x-ray intensifying and anti-diffusion screens, for intra-oral dental radiographic plates of the kind employing a hermetic chassis cassette with a front and a back protective plate and having at least one intensifying plate emulsified with "rare earths", preferably gadolinium or lanthanum salts, related to one of the faces of the radio-graphic film to which it is faced. There is also an anti-diffusion plate made of metallic threads of predetermined thickness arranged in horizontal and vertical rows. This anti-diffusion plate is interposed between the object to by x-rayed and the intensifying screen and radiographic film, presenting between the anti-diffusion reticulated plate and the front intensifying screen, a separating plate of compressible material, and between the back protective plate and the back intensifying plate and/or the radiographic film, a plate of non-radiographic material, preferably lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Jose M. Romero
  • Patent number: 5028518
    Abstract: Photothermographic emulsions sensitive to ultraviolet radiation can be coated on both sides of polymeric film which is inherently absorptive of the ultraviolet radiation, preventing crossover effects in cassette loading of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Lyons, Sergio Pesce, John M. Winslow
  • Patent number: 5008920
    Abstract: An x-ray film cassette is disclosed having a pair of covers at least one of which is resilient and prestressed to arch inwardly when the cassette is opened and to flatten from contact with the interior contents of the cassette when the cassette is pressed closed. A flexible x-ray grid is bonded to the interior of the cover to arch and flatten congruently with the cover. The grid is flexible enough to arch and flatten congruently with the resilient cover which protects the structural integrity of the grid by limiting flexing of the grid to predetermined limits defined by the degree of prestress of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventor: Ronald P. Gralak
  • Patent number: 4979200
    Abstract: A radiographic intensifying screen which comprises a support, a fluorescent layer formed thereon comprising an X-ray luminescent phosphor and a binder resin supporting the X-ray luminescent phosphor in a dispersed state, and a protective layer formed on the fluorescent layer, wherein the proportion of the binder resin to the X-ray luminescent phosphor is within a range of from 4 to 8% by weight on the average of the entire fluorescent layer, and the binder resin is unevenly distributed in the fluorescent layer so that the proportion of the binder resin to the X-ray luminescent phosphor in the fluorescent layer in the vicinity of the protective layer is higher than the proportion of the binder resin to the X-ray excitable phosphor in the remainder of the fluorescent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Kasei Optonix, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Umemoto, Yuji Aoki, Katuyosi Numata, Hideo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4978599
    Abstract: Combination of photosensitive elements for use in radiography consisting of a pair of radiographic fluorescent screens and a double-side coated silver halide radiographic element. Each screen is arranged adjacent to each silver halide layer and each screen is capable of imagewise emitting radiation to which the adjacent silver halide layer is sensitive when imagewise exposed to X radiation. The combination is characterized in that one fluorescent screen emits a first radiation in a first wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum and the other fluorescent screen emits a second radiation in a second wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and each silver halide layer is substantially insensitive to the radiation emitted by the opposite screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Sergio Pesce
  • Patent number: 4979201
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for obtaining a photographic image of the X-ray transmissivity of a body is disclosed. A source of X-rays is directable at the body, and an X-ray imaging subsystem is provided for receiving a pattern of X-rays transmitted through the body, including, in combination: a first X-ray-sensitive screen for converting the pattern of X-rays to a first pattern of light; a light-sensitive film adjacent the first X-ray sensitive screen for receiving the first pattern of light; a second X-ray sensitive screen for also converting the pattern of X-rays to the first pattern of light; an array of light detecting devices positioned to receive the first pattern of light from the second X-ray sensitive screen; means for storing electronic representations of the outputs of the array of light detecting devices; and light generating means responsive to the stored electronic representations for generating a second pattern of light which is directed at and received by the light-sensitive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Innovative Imaging Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Kruger
  • Patent number: H1201
    Abstract: In an X-ray apparatus which photographs a radiogram on a film in a cassette, a local film portion in a peripheral of the film has a local film contour that is distinct from other portions of the film, and a local cassette portion in a peripheral of the cassette has a local cassette contour that is distinct from other portions of the cassette. When the film is set in the cassette, the local film portion is superimposed on the local cassette portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Sakuma
  • Patent number: RE35284
    Abstract: An X-ray sheet film cassette is assembled of a bottom wall, side walls and a cover hinged to an upper part of one side wall. The lower part of the one side wall adjoining the bottom wall is reduced in thickness to form an abutment for the sheet film. The inner surface of the cover is provided with a resilient pressing pad which during the closing of the cover urges the sheet film against the abutment and in the closed condition of the cassette presses the film against the bottom. In this manner, when taking X-ray pictures of a part of patient's body which forms an angle relative to another body part, the unexposed section of the first mentioned body part which is adjacent the other body part, is minimized and well defined in position relative to the other body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, AG
    Inventor: Walter Bauer