Including Movable Source Patents (Class 378/197)
  • Patent number: 8670601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tomosynthesis method by illuminating an object by means of an X-ray source (1) with a linear trajectory (2), the method comprising breaking down a volume of the object into N fanned out planes (P) formed between the linear trajectory (2) and a detecting plane (4) parallel to the linear trajectory, each fanned out plane of said N planes includes the linear trajectory; and performing anisotropic regularization on at least one fanned out plane (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Régis Guillemaud, Pierre Bleuet, Isabelle Magnin
  • Patent number: 8662749
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus comprises a platform connected to a frame, a sliding bar, a detector mounted on the sliding bar, an x-ray source, and a control system. The x-ray source includes a collimator to generate an x-ray exposure window. The control system is configured to slide the detector along the sliding bar and synchronously move the collimator to direct the x-ray exposure window to the first detector. The x-ray exposure window movements are registered to the detector movements. The detector interfaces with a processor that processes x-ray image data received from the detector, and generates at least one x-ray image from the x-ray image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Omid Ebrahimi Kia
  • Patent number: 8657494
    Abstract: A swiveling device for a swiveling C-arm of an X-ray unit includes a motorized drive unit and an adapter removably attachable to the C-arm concentrically with a swiveling axis thereof. The adapter connects the C-arm to the drive unit in driving manner. The swiveling device also includes an angular position encoder for recording the swivel angle of the C-arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Müller, Willi Weisert
  • Patent number: 8651740
    Abstract: A radiography system is provided. The radiography system includes a radiographic device arranged in a movable manner, a measuring device to measure at least one of external force and torque applied to the radiographic device, and a drive device to move the radiographic device based on a direction and magnitude of the at least one of the force and torque measured by the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-Sang Yang, Woo-Sup Han, Hyun Woong Hwang
  • Patent number: 8636410
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray irradiator, an X-ray receiver, a support mechanism configured to support the X-ray irradiator and X-ray receiver in opposing positions, and a flat carrier configured to support the support mechanism and including at least one wheel for movement. The X-ray imaging system also includes a handle for manual movement attached to the flat carrier car and brake means juxtaposed to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Shaohua Yao, Xueming Zeng, Lixin Gong, Weijiang Ding
  • Patent number: 8632246
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a system for irradiating a patient. The system for irradiating the patient includes a horizontal guide and a vertical guide. The vertical guide is connected horizontally-adjustably to the horizontal guide. The system also includes a support element that is attached vertically-adjustably to the horizontal guide and a radiation unit including a radiation source. The radiation unit is arranged on the support element. The irradiation system may be expanded by three further degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Dirauf, Franz Fadler, Paul Weidner
  • Publication number: 20140016758
    Abstract: A CT scanner gantry comprises a base with a tiltable frame holding a rotating part, the rotating part having a rotation axis and drive means for tilting the tiltable frame with respect to the base. Furthermore, a tilt drive control unit is provided to control the drive means. In inclination sensor is provided at the tiltable frame to indicate the inclination of the tiltable frame with respect to the center of gravity of earth to the tilt drive control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Theiss
  • Publication number: 20140003584
    Abstract: A cross arm for X-ray equipment. The cross arm comprises a guide on the cross arm, a tube on the guide, and a linkage device, wherein the tube is configured to move along the guide when the cross arm rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Zhenggang LING, Zhengjun WANG, Yicheng WANG, Yong XU
  • Publication number: 20140003583
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more rotating members of a radiation imaging modality, such as a CT system, are described herein. The rotating member may be configured to support at least one of a radiation source or a detector array and comprises at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of power to the rotating member and at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of information between the rotating member and a stator. The rotating member may also comprise one or more positioning elements that are formed within the rotating member and are configured to facilitate determining a rotation angle of the rotating member. The rotating member may further comprise, among other things, a bearing structure, antenna assembly for transferring image data, and/or a drive mechanism for facilitating rotation of the rotating member, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Libor Krupica, John Hickey, Chris Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140003585
    Abstract: A gravity balance device for a cross arm of X-ray equipment, the gravity balance device is mounted within the cross arm for maintaining gravity balance of the cross arm, the gravity balance device comprises a counter weight module, configured to move along in a direction opposite to a moving direction of a tube of the X-ray equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Zhenggang Ling, Yicheng Wang, Zhengjun Wang
  • Patent number: 8615069
    Abstract: A portable radiographic imaging device and a portable X-ray source, that operate due to a first and second rechargeable battery respectively, can be accommodated in an accommodating case that is portable. While the accommodating case is being transported, a charging circuit provided in the accommodating case acquires electric power from a third rechargeable battery accommodated in the accommodating case, and charges the first and second rechargeable batteries. In this way, by accommodating the portable radiographic imaging device and the portable X-ray source in the accommodating case, the rechargeable batteries for the portable radiographic imaging device and the portable X-ray source are charged during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kamiya, Yasunori Ohta, Yusuke Kitagawa, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 8611495
    Abstract: A biplane X-ray imaging system is provided. The biplane X-ray imaging system has two recording units disposed in different planes. Each of the recording units has an X-ray detector and an X-ray source. The first recording unit is a phase-contrast recording unit for phase-contrast X-ray imaging. The second recording unit is a conventional recording unit for conventional x-ray imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 8605859
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Dean Fleury, Jeffrey R. Schubert, Joseph DiMare, Richard Schueller, Alexander Chalmers
  • Patent number: 8591107
    Abstract: A stand for an X-ray examination apparatus like a C-arm (4) is proposed. The stand comprises a movable ceiling support assembly for a ceiling of a room, a ground support assembly for a floor of the room and a holder (16) extending from the ceiling support assembly to the ground support assembly. The ceiling support assembly is distanced laterally from the ground support assembly and the holder comprises a mount (30) for holding the X-ray examination apparatus above the ground support assembly. Provision of a holder between a ground support assembly and a ceiling support assembly allows to position the ceiling-rail at a distance to a patient's area where the C-arm is employed. Therefore, no dust and debris from a ceiling-rail is released over the patient's area and a sterile air flow from a ceiling is not disturbed. By pivoting the stand through a pivot bearing (14) the C-arm can be easily brought into a parking position where it does not obstruct the patient's area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Joseph Hubertus Peters
  • Patent number: 8571179
    Abstract: A power delivery system for computed tomography includes at least one transformer (e.g., an isolation transformer, a coupling transformer, an adaptation transformer), a rotary transformer, and at least two power inverters. The rotary transformer includes a stationary winding disposed on a stationary side and a rotational winding disposed on a rotating side. The isolation or adaptation transformer is coupled to the stationary winding or the rotating winding of the rotary transformer. At least two power inverters are constructed and arranged to provide power to the primary winding of the rotary transformer. The high-voltage unit is disposed on the rotating side and connected to receive power from the rotational winding and constructed to provide power to an X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Beland
  • Publication number: 20130279663
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 8562211
    Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Michael Connor, Russell Stanton, Norbert Johnson, Gene Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20130272499
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, David Barker, Samuel Alder, Bret Nicholson, Robert Bruce Spratt, JR.
  • Patent number: 8559593
    Abstract: A radiation source and a detection means are moved relative to each other, thereby moving the radiation source to a plurality of positions. A subject is irradiated with radiation from the plurality of positions to obtain a plurality of radiographic images of the subject. A slice image of the subject is reconstructed from the plurality of radiographic images. At this time, a first mode for moving only the radiation source or a second mode for moving both of the radiation source and the detection means is selected based on the condition of radiography, and the plurality of radiographic images are obtained in the selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Patent number: 8553842
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes guide rails arranged along different axes, an X-ray tube movably mounted on at least one of the guide rails and adapted to be moved upon user force, motors provided at the guide rails to move the X-ray tube, a force detection unit to detect the user force, and a control unit to determine a direction of force and drive the motor provided at the guide rail on an axis corresponding to the determined direction. The X-ray apparatus may be easily moved based on force detection and velocity control of the motor, thereby achieving more precise and safe movement in a desired direction. Accordingly, the X-ray apparatus may provide rapid and efficient medical examination and treatment in hospitals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Won Moon, San Lim, Kwang Kyu Lee, Kyung Shik Roh
  • Publication number: 20130259209
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic system is provided that is capable of fitting the vertical position of the X-ray tube to each mode of photography without being affected by the height of the ceiling. The X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject are detected, and photographed images are captured based on the detected X-rays; the system comprises a supporting member, an arm member, and a height adjuster; the supporting member is provided on the ceiling of a room, formed in a pillar shape, and configured in such a way that the entire length is vertically extended and shortened. The arm member has a base end section connected to the lower end portion of the supporting member and a tip section on which the X-ray tube is mounted. The height adjuster adjusts the vertical position of the X-ray tube by moving the tip section of the arm member relative to the supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba and Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Goto, Hiroaki Sato
  • Patent number: 8548629
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device (2) for a medical workplace (1, 21). The X-ray device (2) comprises a robot (R) with a plurality of axes (9), a control device (10) for controlling the axes (9) for movement of the robot (R), and a fastening device (8), and a support device (11) disposed at the fastening device (8), said support device comprising an X-ray radiation source (12) and an X-ray radiation receiver (14). A 3D model (15, 15a) of the robot (R) and the support device (11) provided is stored in the control device (10), said 3D model modeling the spatial extension of the robot (R) and the support device (11) during movement of the robot (R). The 3D model (15,15a) also models the spatial extension of at least one other device (3, 4, R2) of the medical workplace (1, 21) and/or of a living organism (5) located within the medical workplace (1, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Ortmaier, Peter Heiligensetzer
  • Publication number: 20130243166
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of an X-ray imaging apparatus mounted on an automatic mobile device is provided. The system comprises at least one mechanical link jointed to a reference point and to the X-ray imaging apparatus, and at least one measuring device configured to measure a variation of rotation angles of the at least one mechanical link relative to the reference point and to the X-ray imaging apparatus when moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Romain Moulin, Carlos Martinez Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8534916
    Abstract: An apparatus with two pairs of X-ray systems is provided. Each of the X-ray systems has an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. The X-ray detectors differ from each other in their spatial resolution. The X-ray detector with the low spatial resolution makes it possible to record X-ray images in a faster temporal sequence than the other. The doctor carrying out the treatment thus has the option of deciding between the availability of a high spatial resolution and the recording of images in a rapid temporal sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 8534915
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising a ring-shaped gantry is provided. The gantry has a rotor arrangement rotating therein and a radiation source as well as at least one radiation detector. The gantry has at least one gantry segment which can be detached from the ring shape to allow the gantry to be opened laterally. The gantry is arranged on a supporting structure so as to be movable in space. The supporting structure is a floor, wall or ceiling mounted articulated-arm robot having at least four, preferably six, degrees of freedom of movement. The gantry has at least two radiation sources disposed offset by an angle on the rotor arrangement and associated with each of which is at least one radiation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Publication number: 20130235983
    Abstract: When a size of a flat panel detector, contained in an X-ray detector containing part, in a body axial direction of a subject is detected, a detected value of a potentiometer, and stored information on a maximum size of a flat panel detector, containable in the X-ray detector containing part, in the body axial direction of the subject are compared with each other. If the size of the flat panel detector contained in the X-ray detector containing part coincides with the maximum size of the flat panel detector containable in the X-ray detector containing part, a reference position information switching part switches reference position information stored in a reference position information storage part. When an operator performs a predetermined operation on an operation part by pressing a switch or performing another action, the stored reference position information is changed to a preset reference position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno
  • Patent number: 8529128
    Abstract: A judging section judges whether the operating portion provided on a device is being operated. A correcting section performs correction such that the values of signals S that indicate the intensities and directions of external forces applied to the operating portion, which are output from a detecting section while it is judged that the operating portion is not being operated, are included in a dead zone range with respect to control of a movement assisting section that assists manual movement of the device by urging the device. A control section controls the movement assisting section to assist movement in the directions of the external forces indicated by the signals output by the detecting section, and to not perform movement assistance in the case that the signal values are included in the dead zone range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hisatsugu Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8525833
    Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional volumetric representation of a subject. The method includes capturing a first image of the subject with a first capture device from a first perspective, accessing a stored volumetric model of the subject, and approximating a first orientation of the stored volumetric model that corresponds to the first perspective. A digitally simulated radiograph is generated from the stored volumetric model and compared to the captured first image. A second image is also captured at the same time as the first picture, but from a different perspective. A second orientation of the stored volumetric model is approximated that corresponds to the second image. A second digitally simulated radiograph is generated and compared to the second image. Based on the approximated orientations, a three-dimensional volumetric representation of the subject is generated by positioning the stored volumetric model according to the first orientation and the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: George Papaioannou
  • Patent number: 8526571
    Abstract: A medical imaging system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (104) that rotates around an examination region (108) about a z-axis. An air bearing (106) rotatably couples the rotating gantry (104) to the stationary gantry (102). A radiation source (110) is affixed to the rotating gantry (104) and rotates with the rotating gantry (104) and emits radiation that traverses the examination region. A detector array (112) is affixed to the rotating gantry (104) on an opposite side of the examination region with respect to the radiation source (110) and detects radiation traversing the examination region (108). A dynamic z-axis imbalance determination system (116) determines an imbalance of the rotating gantry (104) in the z-axis direction directly from the air bearing (106), and the determined imbalance is used to position a balance mass (114) affixed to the rotating gantry (104) in the z-axis direction, thereby balancing the rotating gantry (104) along the z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Pettinato
  • Publication number: 20130223597
    Abstract: An X-ray facility has at least one x-ray emitter, an x-ray detector and an isocenter arranged along a central beam path between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector. The x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector are arranged on separate support arms. At least one rotary device is provided on each support arm, by way of which the x-ray emitter or the x-ray detector can be rotated about an axis of rotation intersecting the isocenter and not corresponding to the central beam. Wherein the axes of rotation match rotary devices assigned to one another on different support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: RAINER GRAUMANN
  • Publication number: 20130202093
    Abstract: An x-ray system having a C-arm 1 and an associated method are provided. The x-ray system includes at least one adjustment unit for at least one component of the x-ray system that is actively connected to the C-arm. The at least one adjustment unit compensates for a spatial change in position of the component caused by deformation and/or oscillation of the C-arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Meyer, Nenad Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 8500329
    Abstract: A medical examination or treatment device including a C-arm operable to be moved along a trajectory on a holder is provided. First magnet elements or magnetic field generation elements are provided on the C-arm, and second magnetic field generation elements are provided on the holder. The first magnet elements or magnetic field generation elements and the second magnetic field generation elements interact with one another to establish a magnetic field guiding the C-arm in a non-contact manner. The magnetic field moves the C-arm along the trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Herrmann, Andreas Limmer
  • Patent number: 8503604
    Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus includes an X-radiation generator and a sensor opposite it receiving radiation from the generator. The apparatus produces a panoramic image of an object by displacement of the assembly formed of the generator and the sensor along a given trajectory in a plane, the generator having at least one collimation slit elongated along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane to produce an X-ray beam elongated along this axis in a first mode of operation, the sensor with an array of pixels extending along the Z-axis in correspondence with the beam. The apparatus includes elements for pivoting the sensor by 90° to extend it in a direction parallel to the plane P, switching the generator provided with the collimation slit from the first mode to a second mode of operation to produce an X-ray beam elongated parallel to the direction of the sensor, so that the these positioned sensor is always in correspondence with the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TROPHY
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel
  • Publication number: 20130188781
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray generation unit; a plurality of supporting members configured to support the X-ray generation unit; and an accommodation unit configured to accommodate the X-ray generation unit and the plurality of supporting members, wherein the accommodation unit is formed by bringing a first member and a second member into contact with each other, each of the plurality of supporting members is connected to the first member by a first connecting portion that is rotatable and to the X-ray generation unit by a second connecting portion that is rotatable, and a support height of the X-ray generation unit supported by the supporting members can be adjusted in accordance with a distance between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8494117
    Abstract: A radiation therapy device includes an overhanging arm, from which a therapeutic treatment beam is operable to be directed onto the object to be irradiated, the overhanging arm being attached to a rotatable holder so that the overhanging arm is operable to be rotated around an isocenter, such that the therapeutic treatment beam is operable to be directed from different angles onto the isocenter. The radiation therapy device also includes a holder ring connected to the overhanging arm, the holder ring being arranged concentrically in a plane of rotation of the radiation therapy device. The radiation therapy device includes an x-ray source for diagnostic x-rays and an x-ray detector of the diagnostic x-rays. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are operable to be moved along the holder ring so that a diagnostic x-ray image of a patient to be irradiated is produced from different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Fadler
  • Patent number: 8491188
    Abstract: A method for acquiring X-ray image data of an imaging volume is disclosed, the method using a detector and a distributed X-ray source structure having a plurality of single source elements, which are uniformly distributed with a common pitch to each other, the method comprises moving the distributed X-ray source structure and/or the detector with respect to the imaging volume, importantly, the maximum moving distance dmax of the distributed X-ray source structure during the acquisition of the X-ray image data is limited to the length lp of the pitch. Emitting of X-rays from the distributed X-ray source structure and generating a plurality of signals in response to the X-rays incident upon the detector are executed during the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Gereon Vogtmeier, Joerg Bredno, Juergen Weese
  • Patent number: 8491189
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source. A detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration is connected to a housing and at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by a vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing. The radiation source is housed in a radiation source box and movable within the radiation source box using an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the radiation source and provides a translational energy that moves the radiation source between an operational position and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Kotowski, Neeraj Agrawal
  • Publication number: 20130182828
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray source; a housing configured to accommodate the X-ray source; and a plurality of supporting legs each connected to the housing via a movable connecting portion and configured to support the housing, wherein each of the supporting legs can change, by the movable connecting portion, a support angle made by a ground plane and the supporting leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Patent number: 8483356
    Abstract: A system for scanning aircraft for concealed threats is provided. The system comprises a vehicle and a manipulator arm attached with a scanning head that can be maneuvered in multiple directions to completely scan an aircraft from the outside. The system uses transmission based X-ray detection, backscatter based X-ray detection or a combination thereof, in various embodiments. The system also includes gamma-ray and neutron detectors, for detection of nuclear and radioactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 8475043
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprises a radiation generator configured to irradiate an object with radiation, a radiation detector configured to detect radiation transmitted through the object, a detector configured to detect movement or rotation or both of the radiation generator and the radiation detector relative to the object, and a controller configured to change the size of the irradiated region of the object based on a detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8477902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation inspection apparatus for object security inspection, comprising: a ray generator configured to emit a ray, a collimator configured to collimate the ray emitted from the ray generator, and a detector configured to receive the collimated ray collimated by the collimator, wherein the collimated ray forms an irradiated area on the detector included by an effective detect area of the detector. The present invention also relates to a method of performing a security inspection to a body using a radiation inspection apparatus. With the above technical solutions, the present invention can achieve a low single inspection absorptive dose and a micro dose inspection while meeting inspection requirements to improve public radiation security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Jianmin Li, Yinong Liu, Xuewu Wang, Ziran Zhao, Lan Zhang, Yumin Yi, Ming Chen, Jinyu Zhang, Yongming Wang
  • Patent number: 8475041
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes imaging means including an X-ray application unit which applies X-rays to a subject and an X-ray detection unit which detects the X-rays applied from the X-ray application unit to pick up a medical image, path calculating means for obtaining a path of an imaging position for the subject on the basis of a map image, a storage unit which stores the path, imaging system moving means for movably supporting the imaging means to capture the imaging position in an imaging field and movement control means for moving the imaging system moving means to successively move the imaging position along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hisato Takemoto, Ryuji Zaiki, Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8465203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a brake system to selectively lock and release the vertical motion of a C-arm X-ray device that is part of a sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning device are described. In such systems and methods, the C-arm positioning device typically includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail assembly, a linear bearing block, a counterbalance mechanism, and brake system. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which is slidably coupled to the bearing rail assembly to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail assembly. The counterbalance mechanism applies a force to the bearing block to substantially counterbalance the weight of the components, such as the C-arm, that are suspended from the bearing block. The brake system can be actuated to engage the linear bearing rail assembly and lock the vertical movement of the linear bearing block. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Barker, John Matthew Simmons, Jan Bruening
  • Patent number: 8459867
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus and a medical workstation. The X-ray apparatus has a first robot (R1) and a second robot (R2). The first robot (R1) has a plurality of first axles, a first securing device and a first control device (17) designed to actuate the first axles of the first robot (R1) for a movement of the first securing device. The second robot (R2) has a plurality of second axles, a second securing device and a second control device (37) designed to actuate the second axles of the second robot (R2) for a movement of the second securing device. An X-ray source (RQ) is arranged on one of the two securing devices, and an X-ray receiver (RE) is arranged on the other securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Muller
  • Patent number: 8454233
    Abstract: A device for non-destructive testing of objects, particularly pipes in oil refineries, having a first positioning device for positioning a collimator including a radioactive radiation source near an object to be tested, and a second positioning device for positioning a film carrier near the object to be tested. The first positioning device may be anchored or placed with a lower end on a substantially flat base surface, wherein the collimator is attached to the opposite, upper end of the first positioning device. Before the exposure, the radiation source may be guided towards the collimator via a delivery tube such that no radiation is able to be emitted from the device during the placement of the first positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: David Robb Cochrane
  • Publication number: 20130136240
    Abstract: An X-ray device stabilizer that allows X-ray images to be taken at positions far away from the car supporting such X-ray device, since it prevents the X-ray device from overturning when the X-ray tube is far away from the floor supporting points of the X-ray device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Andres Causape Rodriguez, Ildefonso Moreno Vallejo
  • Patent number: 8449183
    Abstract: An operator who holds an operation handle and visually confirms a display body can accurately grasp imaging relevant information displayed in the display body irrespective of a posture of the X-ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Oobayashi Seisakusyo
    Inventor: Masao Seimiya
  • Publication number: 20130121477
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray source unit, a measurement unit configured to measure either one or both of a force and a torque applied to the X-ray source unit, at least one motor configured to move the X-ray source unit, and a system control unit configured to control the at least one motor to move the X-ray source unit according to a direction and a magnitude of the either one or both of the force and the torque measured by the measurement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8430564
    Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, David Barker, Jan Bruening
  • Patent number: D681814
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyo Nenoki