Including Movable Source Patents (Class 378/197)
  • Patent number: 10835191
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a drive unit configured to move an imager in a direction opposite to a side on which an obstacle is detected by a sensor when an operator causes the sensor to react while operating a permission button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10820870
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a driver, a supporter, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube including a rotating anode. The driver rotates the rotating anode. The supporter supports the X-ray tube in an inclinable manner. The processing circuitry acquires information indicating an attitude of the supporter and controls the driver based on information indicating the acquired attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Sato, Katsuo Takahashi, Kansei Takahashi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Akio Tetsuka, Akira Mochizuki, Katsunori Kojima, Yuki Totsuka, Masaharu Soya, Ikuo Hayashida
  • Patent number: 10813606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axially variable detection module of a PET apparatus, the detection module including: a gantry having a through-hole extending from a side to an opposite side of the gantry; a detection module in which a plurality of detectors for detecting gamma rays emitted from a subject are arranged annularly along an inner circumference of the gantry; and a driving means for moving the plurality of detectors constituting the detection module in a radial direction of the detection module, wherein each of the plurality of detectors is rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the detection module to vary a length thereof in the longitudinal direction, and each of the plurality of detectors include multiple detector elements which are engaged with each other in a hinged manner in a transverse direction (circumferential direction) of the detection module to form a flat or an arc shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: Gachon University of Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, GIL Medical Center
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Seo, Sang-Yoon Lee, Jun-Young Chung, Ji-Hye Lee
  • Patent number: 10792001
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a gantry of a medical imaging device and an omnidirectional suspension for moving the arrangement relative to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Mathias Hoernig, Hans-Juergen Mueller, Georg Wittmann, Franz Dirauf
  • Patent number: 10758194
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system using various selection techniques. The selection techniques may be used to assist in generating selected images for viewing. Selection techniques may include moving a filter to filter a selected portion of an imaging beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Garlow, Kyo C. Jin
  • Patent number: 10751012
    Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry suitable to perform the radiological imaging. The gantry includes a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. The radiological imaging device further includes a control station suitable to control the functioning of the source and the detector. Also, the radiological imaging device includes an articulated arm suitable to move the gantry in relation to the control station to define various configurations. These configurations include an operating configuration wherein the gantry is distanced from the control station and a rest configuration wherein the gantry is alongside the control station limiting the overall dimensions of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Imaginalis S.r.l.
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Patent number: 10717635
    Abstract: A lifting equipment is provided. The lifting equipment may include a working assembly, a safety assembly, and a shaft assembly. The working assembly may include a working fastener. The working fastener may be spirally connected to the shaft assembly. When the shaft assembly rotates the working fastener may move along the shaft assembly. The safety assembly may comprise a limiting component. The limiting component may be connected to the working fastener. A portion of the safety assembly may be in located a space between the limiting component and the working assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yinmin Yu
  • Patent number: 10702222
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cage-type CT scanner. The present invention involves reducing the rotation arc of the rotating member and the vibration amplitude of the whole machine by means of reducing the volume and weight of the CT scanner, without reducing the vibration of the CT scanner itself by eliminating eccentric force in transmission via balance correction or by any other means. Moreover, in the present invention, no crawler that realizes mechanical driving is used so as to decrease the parts in the motor's synchronization structure. Such efforts help reduce costs and allow the CT scanner to be suitable for more applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Xin Gao, Zhi yuan Liang
  • Patent number: 10674976
    Abstract: Imaging devices and medical apparatuses are provided. The imaging device comprises a first cantilever, a second cantilever and an aligning and locking device where the second cantilever is separably connected with the first cantilever, and the aligning and locking device is provided at a connection of the first cantilever and the second cantilever and comprises a positioning groove, a positioning block and a locking member. The positioning groove is concavely provided on one of the first cantilever and the second cantilever and the positioning block is convexly provided on the other and extendable into the positioning groove to cooperate with the positioning groove for positioning. A locking groove is concavely provided in the positioning block. The locking member is movably provided in the cantilever on which the positioning groove is provided, and may insert into the locking groove to cooperate with the locking groove for locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING NEUSOFT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang Gao
  • Patent number: 10674975
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system comprises a first imaging device and a second gantry. The first imaging device comprises a first gantry, a first X-ray source provided on the first gantry and a first detector that is opposed to the first X-ray source and provided on the first gantry. The first imaging device is used to execute a first imaging mode. The second gantry is separably connected with the first gantry, and executes a second imaging mode combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING NEUSOFT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang Gao
  • Patent number: 10660593
    Abstract: An imaging device and a gantry thereof are provided. An imaging device comprises a bracket, a cantilever, an X-ray source, a detector, a sliding strip and a sliding contact piece. The cantilever is slidably mounted on the bracket. The X-ray source is provided on the cantilever and the detector is opposite to the X-ray source and provided on the cantilever. The sliding strip is provided at an outer side of the cantilever, extends along the cantilever, and is electrically connected with the X-ray source and the detector. The sliding contact piece is fixed to the bracket and is in slidable electrical contact with the sliding strip. Another imaging device comprises a first gantry, a second gantry, a sliding strip and a sliding contact piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING NEUSOFT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang Gao
  • Patent number: 10653385
    Abstract: An X-ray imager has a navigation-aid subsystem including one or more transmitters (TX), one or more receivers (RX) and one or more reflectors (RFL). A radio signal is transmitted by transmitter (TX), is then reflected off reflector RFL and is then received at receiver (RX). The received signal is then resolved into positional correction information that can be used to guide a motion of the imager's tube (S) and or detector (D) to position and/or align the tube (S) and/or detector (D) relative to each other in a desired spatial configuration to ensure optimal imaging results. The imager may be a mobile imaging system with the detector (D) portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aditya Mehendale, Richard Johannes Maria Van De Ven, Dirk Manke, Christoph Kurze
  • Patent number: 10624596
    Abstract: A multi-axis imaging system and methods for imaging a human or animal using a multi-axis imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Mobius Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Russell Stanton, Michael Connor, Paul Sebring
  • Patent number: 10617375
    Abstract: A hybrid imaging system is disclosed including an arcuate arm defining a first and a second end the arcuate arm including a first detector assembly for 2D x-ray imaging of a patient and a second detector assembly for CT imaging of the patient, wherein the imaging system includes an internal drive mechanism for rotating the arcuate arm (e.g. translating the arcuate arm along an arcuate path) around the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Dedicated2Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Bailey, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 10568597
    Abstract: A bearing configuration for the rotational mounting of a component provided for rotational movement includes a positionally fixed sleeve on which the component is rotatably mounted by one or more bearing elements or a plain-bearing. A pressure element is provided in the interior of the sleeve for readily expanding the sleeve and placing the sleeve in frictional contact with the component which is spaced apart from the sleeve by an air gap. A medical examination device having the bearing configuration is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Limmer, Friedrich Schirmer
  • Patent number: 10561384
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system takes an X-ray of an examined part of an examination subject supported by a bed. The X-ray imaging system includes: an X-ray generator that is an X-ray source; an X-ray image pickup apparatus arranged to be opposed to the X-ray generator and configured to take an X-ray having been radiated from the X-ray generator to the examination subject and passed through the examination subject; a seven-axis vertical multi-joint first robot supporting the X-ray generator; a seven-axis vertical multi-joint second robot supporting the X-ray image pickup apparatus; and a robot controller configured to control operations of the first robot and the second robot such that the X-ray generator and the X-ray image pickup apparatus move on a spherical shell centering around an isocenter C while causing the isocenter C and the examined part to substantially coincide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirofumi Tanaka, Hiroaki Kitatsuji
  • Patent number: 10555710
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging a tumor with X-rays while, simultaneously or alternatingly, treating or imaging the tumor with positively charged particles. An X-ray imaging system, such as one or two sets of a cone beam X-ray source coupled to an X-ray detector, is rotatable about a first axis and a patient. The X-ray imaging system is positioned off axis a path of charged particles delivered through an exit port of a nozzle system from a synchrotron and does not block a path of the positively charged particles from the exit nozzle to the patient or an imaging path from the patient to a scintillation detector. Fiducial indicators are used to confirm an unobstructed path of the positively charged particles in a treatment room comprising many movable elements, such as the X-ray imaging system and a patient positioning system/couch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventors: James P. Bennett, W. Davis Lee
  • Patent number: 10537221
    Abstract: An example robot includes a body that is movable relative to a surface, a bumper mounted on the body to enable movement of the bumper relative to the body, a sensor to produce a signal in response to the movement of the bumper relative to the body caused by contact between the bumper and the surface, and a controller to control movement of the body to cause the body to track the surface based on a value. The bumper is movable between an uncompressed position relative to the body and a compressed position relative to the body. The signal varies linearly with the movement of the bumper relative to the body. The value is based on the signal and indicates that the bumper in a partially compressed position has a compression range between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wolfe, Ping-Hong Lu
  • Patent number: 10517548
    Abstract: There is provided an X-ray diagnostic apparatus which comprises a top, a bed, an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a supporting arm configured to movably support the X-ray tube generation unit and the X-ray detector, a holder configured to movably hold the supporting arm and control processing circuitry. The control processing circuitry controls the bed, the supporting arm, and the holder to limit movement of the top, the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the supporting arm based on distances between the top, the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the supporting arm, and moving directions of the top, the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 10492736
    Abstract: A medical imaging system for providing X-ray image data of an object including at least one X-ray detector, an X-ray source arrangement, and a patient configured to receive an object for imaging a region of interest of the object. The at least one X-ray detector is movably mounted above the patient table; and the at least one X-ray detector and the X-ray source arrangement are movable independently. The X-ray source arrangement includes a physical trajectory support structure and is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the region of interest from a number of positions forming a concave open trajectory, wherein a portion of the trajectory and/or the physical trajectory support structure is located below the patient table; and wherein two end regions of the trajectory are extending on the two lateral sides of above the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Chrysi Papalazarou, Gereon Vogtmeier, Klaus Juergen Engel, Herman Stegehuis
  • Patent number: 10478138
    Abstract: An RT-CT integrated device comprising an RT system and a CT system is disclosed. The radiation-therapy centerline of the RT system and the scanning centerline of the CT system are on a same axis, and the RT system and the CT system are located at a same end of a treatment table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shenghui Tian, Donghui Han, Xinzhi Tian, Guotao Zhao, Peng Zhou
  • Patent number: 10470728
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm having the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The C-arm includes a track. The X-ray imaging system also includes a C-arm rotation device configured to enable the C-arm to rotate along the track in an orbital direction relative to the C-arm rotation device, wherein a portion of the C-arm rotation device is disposed within the track. The X-ray imaging system also includes an orbital rotation positioning device configured to be disposed within the track, wherein the orbital rotation positioning device blocks rotation of the C-arm beyond a position of the orbital rotation positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 10452252
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 10349905
    Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder adapted for engaging a portion of an x-ray tube and holding a digital sensor inside a patient's mouth. The holder includes a holder base arm with a first and second tube arm. The first and second tube arms are adapted for engaging a portion of a side of the x-ray tube and hold the tube in a fixed position next to a patient's cheek. The holder also includes a buccal arm adapted for receipt inside the patient's mouth and next to a buccal side of a tooth under review. The buccal arm includes an elongated arm opening for receiving a portion of a sliding interoral position arm. The position arm is attached to a digital x-ray sensor. The position arm is used to adjust the sensor in the middle of the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Steven C. Olsen
  • Patent number: 10265038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing device and, more specifically, to an X-ray photographing device comprising a variable type arm which can irradiate, without limitation of location or direction, X-rays to a subject using the variable type arm of which the length and rotation angle of joints, etc. are variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Woo Kim, Seung Hun Shin, Keong Tae Yeom, Byung Jik Lim, Jin Pyo Chun, Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 10247835
    Abstract: A detector ring has a first unit and a second unit that are rotatably movable and an auxiliary unit movable in a central axis direction. The auxiliary unit is moved in the central axis direction relative to the units. The detector ring forms into a C shape to form a clearance. Subsequently, the first unit and the second unit are rotatably moved to move the clearance of the detector ring to a position distant from a support member. A patient can be introduced from the clearance. The detector ring is returned to an annular shape in the reverse sequence of the above one with the patient introduced. A annihilation radiation pairs can be detected from all directions to take a tomographic image, and a functional image with higher image quality than that of a conventional configuration can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Ohi
  • Patent number: 10248882
    Abstract: A method and a system for using tomosynthesis projection images of a patient's breast to reconstruct slice tomosynthesis images such that anatomical structures that appear superimposed in a mammogram are at conforming locations in the reconstructed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 10244997
    Abstract: A C-arm for a medical examination device or therapeutic device, is designed as a cast metal component. In at least one embodiment, one or more reinforcement profile, extending at least in certain sections along the C-arm, are cast in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Dirauf, Alexander Kraemer, Wolfgang Neuber, Patrick Plannerer, Martin Seifert, Josef Zeidler
  • Patent number: 10206635
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry for imaging a subject by X-ray CT and a console communicably connected to the gantry. The gantry includes a gantry body and a column unit. The gantry body has a bore into which the subject is inserted when the subject is imaged by X-ray CT. The column unit includes a first column which supports the gantry body slidably in a direction perpendicular to a floor surface and a second column which supports the first column slidably in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Shindo, Hiroki Osaki
  • Patent number: 10188360
    Abstract: A videofluoroscopy accessory device adapted to securely and removably attach to an X-ray head of a fluoroscopy system or device. The videofluoroscopy accessory device on the current invention provides a platform for enhancing and supplementing the surgical environment with additional accessories. The accessories that could be used with the present invention include but are not limited to lights, cameras, microphones, and other medical equipment/tools for optimizing the surgical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Eric K. Groteke, Glen C. Pettersen
  • Patent number: 10183177
    Abstract: Images obtained by a camera system (10) arranged to obtain stereoscopic images of a patient (20) undergoing radio-therapy are processed by a modeling unit (56,58) which generates a model of the surface of a patient (20) being monitored. Additionally the patient monitoring system processes image data not utilized to generate a model of the surface of a patient being monitored to determine further information concerning the treatment of the patient (20). Such additional data can comprise data identifying the relative location of the patient and a treatment apparatus (16). This can be facilitated by providing a number or retro-reflective markers (30-40) on a treatment apparatus (16) and a mechanical couch (18) used to position the patient (20) relative to the treatment apparatus (16) and monitoring the presence and location of the markers in the portions of the images obtained by the stereoscopic camera (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: VISION RT LIMITED
    Inventors: Ivan Meir, Kathryn Cooper, Norman Smith, Gideon Hale, Martin Allen
  • Patent number: 10111630
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a holding device, a drive unit, a route specify unit, an operation direction detector, and a drive controller. The holding device holds an X-ray tube and is configured to be movable. The drive unit is capable of moving the holding device. The route specify unit specifies a movement route from a current position of the holding device to a target position. The operation direction detector detects operation direction, which is the direction of moving operation that the holding device has received. The drive controller controls the drive unit to stop a driving force when the operation direction differs from the direction of the movement route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rulin Du, Seiichirou Nagai, Seiichi Nishizuka, Shoji Yashiro
  • Patent number: 10052074
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first imaging system, a second imaging system, and processing circuitry. The first imaging system holds a first X-ray tube and a first X-ray detector in a rotatable manner. The second imaging system holds a second X-ray tube and a second X-ray detector in a rotatable manner, and rotating centers, which are capable to set independently, between the first imaging system and the second imaging system. The processing circuitry makes a rotating center of the first imaging system and the rotating center of the second imaging system substantially equivalent to each other when a rotation imaging program using the first imaging system and the second imaging system is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 9989668
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection system for a container. It comprises: a radiation source, configured to provide X-rays for scanning the container; a detector, configured to receive the X-rays emitted from the radiation source; a body of the inspection system, on which the radiation source and the detector are provided; wherein a size of the body of the inspection system is set to facilitate the inspection of the container. The inspection system of the present invention can inspect in batches the container in the wharf or goods yard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Shangmin Sun, Weifeng Yu, Liwei Song
  • Patent number: 9968308
    Abstract: A mammographic CT apparatus includes: a gantry, including a front face plate in which an insertion opening is formed for inserting a breast into an accommodation portion a radiation tube and sensing device disposed within the gantry; a driving unit configured to rotate the radiation tube and the sensing device around a rotation axis set in the normal direction of the accommodation portion, at the same angular speed and in the same direction; a collimator disposed between the accommodation portion and the radiation tube, and configured to rotate around the rotation axis integrally with the radiation tube and sensing device; and an annular shield disposed between the rotational path of the collimator and the rotational path of the radiation tube, having an annular gap corresponding to the rotational path of the collimator, wherein an edge of the collimator or sensing device is fit into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junya Kawase, Takeo Tsukamoto, Nobuhiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9968326
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube holding device, an X-ray detector, a rotator, an arm, and a tubular body. The X-ray tube holding device generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The rotator holds the X-ray tube holding device so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis obtained by setting an irradiation direction of the X-rays as an axis. The arm holds the rotator and the X-ray detector and is rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis. The tubular body connects the X-ray tube holding device and a device away from the arm. The arm holds the rotator so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis in a direction in which torsion of the tubular body is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kobayashi, Shumpei Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9939310
    Abstract: A payload monitoring system is disclosed for use with a haul vehicle. The payload monitoring system may have at least one emitter configured to direct an energy beam into the haul vehicle during relative movement between the at least one emitter and the haul vehicle, and at least one receiver configured to detect the energy beam and to generate a corresponding signal. The payload monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the at least one receiver and configured to determine a loading condition of the haul vehicle based on the corresponding signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Zeít Comercío e Montagem de Equipamentos Electronicos Ltda
    Inventor: Sidarta Fornari Beltramin
  • Patent number: 9888891
    Abstract: The application relates to an X-ray imaging unit for a medical imaging. The unit comprising a rotating part comprising a first X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector unit configured to provide an image by means of at least a rotational movement (R) around a rotation axis of the rotating part, and an upper shelf for supporting the rotating part. The upper shelf is configured to enable the rotating part to move with respect to the upper shelf by means of a linear movement (L) and to be attached to a column with a pivoting joint for enabling a pivot movement (P) of the upper shelf around the column. The rotating part is configured to be positioned by the linear movement and the pivot movement during the imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Esa Suuronen, Sami Vartiainen
  • Patent number: 9872657
    Abstract: A videofluoroscopy accessory device adapted to securely and removably attach to an X-ray head of a fluoroscopy system or device. The videofluoroscopy accessory device on the current invention provides a platform for enhancing and supplementing the surgical environment with additional accessories. The accessories that could be used with the present invention include but are not limited to lights, cameras, microphones, and other medical equipment/tools for optimizing the surgical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SPINE INJURY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric K. Groteke, Glen C. Pettersen
  • Patent number: 9820706
    Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed extending along a main direction, and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed in a raised position. The system includes a collapsible gantry having a circular trajectory of expansion lying on a positioning plane, and the collapsible gantry includes a source to emit radiation and a detector to receive the radiation. The gantry also includes a casing housing the source and the detector. The casing includes a fixed arched module and a mobile arched module. There is a rotation mechanism suitable to rotate the collapsible gantry in relation to the bed and the load-bearing structure to vary the inclination of the positioning plane in relation to the main direction. There is also a kinematic expansion mechanism connected to the casing to translate the mobile arched module with respect to the fixed arched module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Patent number: 9818220
    Abstract: A method and system for volume-rendering. The method and system include generating a volume-rendered image that is shaded from a light direction, displaying the volume-rendered image, displaying a model of a solid at the same time as the volume-rendered image, and displaying a light direction indicator with respect to the model of the solid, wherein the position of the light direction indicator corresponds to the light direction used for shading the volume-rendered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gerald Schroecker
  • Patent number: 9811758
    Abstract: A method and a system for using tomosynthesis projection images of a patient's breast to reconstruct slice tomosynthesis images such that anatomical structures that appear superimposed in a mammogram are at conforming locations in the reconstructed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 9801597
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry having a bore extending therethrough; a plurality of image detectors attached to the gantry and radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between image detectors along the circumference of the bore; an x-ray source attached to the gantry, wherein the x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors; wherein at least two image detectors detect both emission radiation and x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Jiang Hsieh, Riyad Mahameed, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 9795021
    Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray equipment and an alignment method thereof. The X-ray equipment comprises a tube, a detector, an LED array, a camera and a display. The LED array is fixed relative to a detection center of the detector, and has a predefined geometric center; the camera is fixed relative to a center of the tube, for photographing the LED array; the display is connected to the camera, for displaying images photographed by the camera, wherein when the center of the tube is aligned with the detection center of the detector, the geometric center of the LED array is located on a specific pixel unit on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bin Ye, Yannan Huang, Li Tao
  • Patent number: 9740821
    Abstract: A method includes sending from a first medical device to a second medical device a request for data using a communication protocol that includes messages for conveying medical measurement results. In response to the request, at least one message is produced in the second medical device that includes the requested data and a dummy payload instead of the medical measurement results, and the at least one message is sent from the second medical device to the first medical device using the communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliahu Zino, Matityahu Amit, Gil Zigelman
  • Patent number: 9668330
    Abstract: A gantry of X-ray CT system according to an embodiment includes: a main frame; a disk-shaped base plate rotatably supported by main frame, and having an opening formed at a central portion thereof, the opening allowing a subject to enter and exit therethrough, and multiple mounting holes formed at portions outside the opening in a radial direction; and multiple rotator units inserted into the mounting holes and fixed to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yohei Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 9649074
    Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Certain exemplary methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, and reconstruct two-dimensional or three-dimensional tomosynthesis images where an imaging geometry of x-ray source positions to a radiographic detection array is not known for a plurality of x-ray tomosynthesis projection images. In one embodiment, an imaging geometry and tomosynthesis reconstruction(s) can be simultaneously determined by iteratively determining a current imaging geometry while iteratively monitoring a metric (e.g., stopping criterion) that approaches a prescribed or desired value associated with the tomosynthesis reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Carstream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Simon, David H. Foos, John Yorkston, Xiaohui Wang
  • Patent number: 9649077
    Abstract: A medical imaging system comprising a C-arm supporting a radiation source and a radiation detector, an external protection cover of said C-arm, wherein said C-arm and said cover are separable from each other and are respectively supported by two different vehicles when separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bernard Bouvier, Romain Moulin, Jean-Michel Marteau, Vincent Croulard, Omar Al Assad, Bruno Galloni, Stephane Graziani, Gilles Robin
  • Patent number: 9597047
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first detector mounted on a sliding bar and an electromagnetic source including a collimator to generate an exposure window. The apparatus comprises a control system configured to slide linearly the first detector along the sliding bar and synchronously move the collimator to direct the exposure window to the first detector. The movements of the exposure window are registered to movements of the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Omid Ebrahimi Kia
  • Patent number: 9579074
    Abstract: Provided is an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity, including: a frame; an X-ray irradiator which is installed to be supported by the frame and of which the one end portion is inserted into the oral cavity and which irradiates X-ray through an X-ray irradiation hole formed on the one end portion inserted into the oral cavity; and an X-ray detector which is arranged to be separated from the X-ray irradiator in the frame so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray irradiator outside the oral cavity and which is movably installed so as to adjust a distance to the X-ray irradiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: EWHA UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Rena Lee