With Light Projection Patents (Class 378/206)
  • Patent number: 11793474
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement for a medical imaging system having a cylindrical wall that forms a tunnel that receives a patient to be scanned. The lighting arrangement includes a transparent wall section formed in the wall, wherein the transparent wall section extends along a transparent portion of a wall circumference. The imaging system also includes a lighting device located adjacent an outer surface of the transparent wall section. The lighting device extends along a device portion of a wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion wherein light emitted by the lighting device is transmitted through the transparent wall section in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel. In addition, a system status is indicated by a color of light emitted by the LEDs. Further, light emitted by the lighting device varies in intensity to indicate a changing count rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ziad Burbar, James L. Corbeil, Jeffrey Bostrom, James Williams
  • Patent number: 11721083
    Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray imaging system and method, and the system comprises an X-ray source, a high-voltage generator, a collimator, a digital flat-panel detector, and a host computer; a position relationship between a projection area and a subject is visually displayed through a display screen; as an image frame on the screen is directly dragged to a corresponding position of an image of the subject presented on the screen or an area of interest is drawn, the collimator automatically drives a collimating sheet to move and enables the projection area to move to an observation position required by the subject, and information about the area of interest is transmitted to the detector as an input for selecting a response area of automatic exposure control (AEC). The collimator cooperates with digital automatic exposure control (DAEC), so that a strict requirement is no longer existent for patient positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: CARERAY DIGITAL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Jianqiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11612345
    Abstract: An input device is to input a shape of a measurement target is response to a signal transmitted from a stylus pen, to determine positional relation between a position of a marker and a shape of the measurement target. The marker is attached to the measurement target and detectable by a cerebral-function measuring device. The input device includes a controller, and a display unit. The controller is configured to generate a screen in which a three dimensional shape of the measurement target and a guide of a position to be acquired next with the stylus pen are superimposed. The display unit is configured to display the screen generated by the controller, on a display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yamagata, Noriyuki Tomita
  • Patent number: 11582852
    Abstract: A light system monitors an area of interest for exposure to radiant energy provided by an operating room light head. At least one operating parameter of the light head is obtained, and based on the at least one operating parameter it is determined if the area of interest has been or will be exposed to radiant energy exceeding a prescribed threshold over a prescribed time period. Based on the determination, the system at least one of automatically adjusts an operating setting of the at least one light head or generates a warning of possible overexposure to radiant energy in the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael K. Matz, Steven T. Moscufo
  • Patent number: 11317882
    Abstract: A radiography system includes: a mammography apparatus that includes a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a compression member which compresses a breast disposed between the radiation source and the radiation detector and captures a radiographic image of the breast in a compressed state using the radiation detector; and a control device including an acquisition unit that acquires region information indicating a region of an object of interest in the breast on the basis of the radiographic image captured by the mammography apparatus and a display control unit that performs control to display the region of the object of interest on the compression member, which continues to compress the breast from the capture of the radiographic image, so as to be recognizable on the basis of the region information acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11246607
    Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a sternum of a patient comprises a laser source, a beam adjusting structure, a support and a correction arrangement. The laser source is adapted to generate a cut laser beam. The beam adjusting structure is arranged for directing the laser beam along a predefined cut geometry at the sternum. The support carries the laser source. The support has a mounting structure adapted to be fixed to a rib cage of the patient such that the laser source is in a predefined position with respect to the sternum. The correction arrangement is adapted to automatically identify a movement of the laser source relative to the sternum causing the cut laser beam to deviate from the predefined cut geometry and adjust the position of the laser source relative to the sternum to correct the deviation of the cut laser beam with respect to the predefined cut geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ADVANCED OSTEOTOMY TOOLS—AOT AG
    Inventors: Alfredo E. Bruno, Philippe C. Cattin
  • Patent number: 11207038
    Abstract: A method is for collimator element adjustment of an x-ray system with a central x-ray axis and an optical axis of an optical imaging device differing therefrom. In an embodiment, the method includes displaying a first recorded optical image of the examination object; marking a target region as a region to be shown in the displayed first recorded optical image; determination of at least one first collimator element position value based on the marked target region in the first recorded optical image; and adjustment of the collimator element position with the at least one first collimator element position value determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Sven-Martin Sutter
  • Patent number: 11071512
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui Yin, Bing Tang
  • Patent number: 11058389
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hui Yin
  • Patent number: 10932748
    Abstract: A three-dimensional phantom for providing displacement profiles for a CT table having 6 degrees of freedom includes a body having at a top face, a side face and an end face; the top face and the side face sharing a common edge; the top face and the end face sharing a common edge; and the side face and the end face sharing a common edge; wherein an angle formed by the top face and the end face is less than 90 degrees; the side face including a first isocenter mark and a first offset mark, wherein the first offset mark has an angle corresponding to the angle formed by the top face and the end face; and an isocenter marker at the isocenter of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Kyle Woods, Ahmet Ayan, Jeffrey Woollard, Nilendu Gupta
  • Patent number: 10893841
    Abstract: The radiography apparatus of the present invention includes a CPU 71 having a function of a lighting time limitation means to control the lighting time of light sources in such a way as to maintain a temperature at or below a predetermined temperature. In order to discriminate the type of light source connected to the device body, the setting of No. 5 pin on the CPU 71 to a high logic state or a low logic state is detected. This enables the detection of whether the light source connected to a control board 70 is a halogen lamp H or a light emitting diode (LED) L. Thus, the type of the light source is discriminated. The CPU 71 changes the controlled limiting lighting time based on the result of discrimination. This prevents the risk of incorrectly carrying out settings and enables the automatic setting for switching light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Okumura
  • Patent number: 10813617
    Abstract: Provided are a radiation emitting device forming a radiography apparatus, a method for controlling the radiation emitting device, and a program which can reduce power consumption. A radiation emitting device includes a radiation source, a collimator that sets a radiation field region, imaging unit for capturing an image of an imaging target, a display unit that displays the image captured by the imaging unit, an exposure switch, and a control unit that issues a collimator driving command to direct the collimator to set the radiation field region determined from the captured image to the collimator in a case in which the exposure switch is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Inoue, Yasunori Ohta, Ryosuke Ogura, Yuzo Aoshima, Fumito Nariyuki, Masayoshi Matsuura, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 10792002
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a C-arm of an X-ray system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a primary X-ray image of a desired location on a patient's body, obtaining a secondary X-ray image of the desired location on the patient's body, adjusting the secondary X-ray image with respect to the primary X-ray image using one or more touch based gestures, determining the subsequent location for X-ray imaging on the patient's body, and positioning the C-arm of the X-ray system to the subsequent location for X-ray imaging on the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Siraj Issani, Mohd Saim Nasim Lari, Shamlin Sunny, Vivek Warriar
  • Patent number: 10755450
    Abstract: A visual indication is generated of depth locations of slices obtained by applying a reconstruction algorithm in a computed tomography method with given settings, the display being shown on the object, e.g. on the patient's lateral side or in close relation to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AGFA NV
    Inventors: Walter Exelmans, Jeroen Cant
  • Patent number: 10754056
    Abstract: A quick vehicle check system comprises a radiation source which produces a first X ray with a first dose and a second X ray with a second dose, wherein the first dose is smaller than the second dose, and the first X ray is used for checking a first part of a checked vehicle and the second X ray is used for checking a second part of the checked vehicle; a first sensor for detecting a set position of the checked vehicle; a second sensor for detecting a passing distance of the checked vehicle; and a control unit coupled with the first sensor and the second sensor, which receives the set position of the checked vehicle from the first sensor and receives the passing distance of the checked vehicle from the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ying Li, Jianmin Li, Tao Song
  • Patent number: 10722200
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for projecting a display of information for an x-ray device. The display of information is projected on the patient, on the table 205 area or on a combination thereof. A compact projector 207 is provided to project the display of information on a previously unused region of the patient and table 207, and provides a source of diagnostic and safety information without further crowding the room. The projected display of information may be a system state, a patient state, a surgical tool position or another relevant image. A compact sensor or range scanner 209 may be employed to capture three-dimensional distance information in the x-ray system. The three-dimensional distance information may be used to reduce distortion in the projected image, selectively darken regions of the projected image, automatically configure the x-ray system, capture inputs from the operator and improve safety in the x-ray system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Atilla Peter Kiraly
  • Patent number: 10716530
    Abstract: An automation method is disclosed for an X-ray tube scanner having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The method allows the X-ray tube scanner to detect the X-ray detector's plane with an object to be imaged placed on the X-ray detector; determine a boundary box of the object to be imaged on the X-ray detector; determine the object's center position and orientation on the X-ray detector's plane; transfer the object's center position from the object's coordinate system to the X-ray tube's coordinate system; and estimate the X-ray tube control parameters for aligning the X-ray field emitted from the X-ray tube's collimator to the object's center position and the object's orientation on the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Yao-jen Chang, Birgi Tamersoy, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 10667869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical tool navigation, include a movable gantry. A light emitting device is connected to the movable gantry. A range meter connected to the gantry. The distance meter measures a distance between the light emitting device and a surface. In a method of surgical tool navigation, the light emitting device projects light on the surface. The range meter detects the light and measures the distance between the light emitting device and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francois Kotian, Thomas McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10545274
    Abstract: An optical device includes a light-guiding plate and light sources that each emit light to the light-guiding plate. The light-guiding plate has light convergence portions, the light substantially converges at or scatters from a convergence point or line, and an image is formed by a collection of the convergence points or lines, and a light convergence portion causes light to be emitted in directions in which the light substantially converges in or scatters from a range including a point located a first distance apart from the emission surface, and a second light convergence portion causes light to be emitted in directions in which the light substantially converges in or scatters from a range including a point located a second distance, which is longer than the first distance, apart from the emission surface, and the number of first light convergence portions is higher than the number of second light convergence portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Norikazu Kitamura, Masayuki Shinohara, Yasuhiro Tanoue, Mitsuru Okuda, Yuji Hirose, Kazuyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 10463339
    Abstract: The invention provides a kit for assembly of an artifact for evaluating performance purposes of an X-ray CT metrology system. The artifact comprises one or more interconnectable, stackable support plates, onto which a plurality of spherical bodies is mounted. The lightweight stacked support plate structure allows for a plurality of different configurations, and can be disassembled for enhanced storage, and safe and compact transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nikon Metrology NV
    Inventors: Daniel Hilton, Diego Alfredo Punin Albarracin
  • Patent number: 10433795
    Abstract: Disclosed are a radiation imaging system, an image processing device, a radiation imaging method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having an image processing program recorded thereon which facilitate the confirmation of a positional relationship between an object of interest and a biopsy needle. In the system using a radiation imaging device as a mammography device, when performing a biopsy of a breast of a subject, the positional relationship is confirmed using a radiation image (projection image) obtained through tomosynthesis imaging. A control unit reconstructs the projection image to generate a tomographic image in a state where the needle is inserted into the breast and generates a reprojection image at a predetermined angle from the tomographic image. The control unit extracts an image of the needle from the projection image, synthesizes the extracted image of the needle into the projection image while aligning, and displays the projection image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10354470
    Abstract: An image sensor unit (60) includes: a light source part (25) that emits at least ultraviolet light in a main-scan direction to an object to be illuminated; a light condenser (32) that focuses light from the object to be illuminated; an image sensor (75) that converts the light focused by the light condenser (32), into an electric signal; and an ultraviolet cut part (65) that is disposed between the object to be illuminated and the image sensor (75), cuts off ultraviolet light in light reflected by the object to be illuminated, and allows fluorescent light to transmit therethrough. The image sensor (75) includes an ultraviolet detection part (77) that detects light in the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source part (25), the detected light having been reflected by a reflecting part but having not transmitted through the ultraviolet cut part (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: CANON COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 10285656
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system uses an X-ray source to emit an X-ray beam for exposing a desired radiation field. A camera is configured to capture a current image of the radiation field and to display a current image of the radiation field before the exposure is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohui Wang, Kevin J. Hobert, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 10274838
    Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing for measuring a first topographical height of a substrate at a first coordinate on the substrate and measuring a second topographical height of the substrate at a second coordinate on the substrate are provided. The measured first and second topographical heights may be provided as a wafer map. An exposure process is then performed on the substrate using the wafer map. The exposure process can include using a first focal point when exposing the first coordinate on the substrate and using a second focal plane when exposing the second coordinate on the substrate. The first focal point is determined using the first topographical height and the second focal point is determined using the second topographical height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Ching Wu, Jeng-Horng Chen, Chia-Chen Chen, Shu-Hao Chang, Shang-Chieh Chien, Ming-Chin Chien, Anthony Yen
  • Patent number: 10166410
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a neuronavigation-guided focused ultrasound system and a method for the same, which are used to guide focused ultrasound energy to a target point. The system of the present invention comprises a focused ultrasound device, a neuronavigation system and a fixture. According to an image of an interested region of an individual, a focus point of the focused ultrasound device, and tracking points provided by the neuronavigation system, the neuronavigation system performs a calibration process and establishes a positional relationship between the focus point and the image of the interested region. Thereby, the neuronavigation system can recognize the focus point and guide focused ultrasound to the target point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hao-Li Liu, Hong-Chieh Tsai, Yu-Jen Lu, Kuo-Chen Wei
  • Patent number: 10102640
    Abstract: Three-dimensional image data of an imaged object, such as the bone structure of a patient, comprise first and second rigid parts movably connected to each other, in a first state of position and orientation. Sub-regions within the three-dimensional image data are divided into at least first image data and second image data. A set of two-dimensional projection images of the imaged object are taken from first and second different projection directions, while the first and the second rigid parts are in a second state of position and orientation. A processing device registers the first image data with the set of two-dimensional projection images and separately registers the second image data with the set of two-dimensional projection images to obtain first and second registration information, respectively, which is used to determine the position and orientation of the first and second rigid parts in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: OPTINAV SP. Z O.O., OPTIMEDI SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Zuzanna Derda, Michal Dyrek
  • Patent number: 10034649
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a collimator comprising a lamp and configured to adjusting an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from an X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an object image by imaging an object while the lamp is turned on; and a controller configured to acquire an object distance based on the object image and acquire a thickness of the object based on a detector distance and the object distance. The object distance is a distance between the X-ray source and the object, and the detector distance is a distance between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-hoon Kim, Si-won Park, Hye-kyoung Hong, Jin-beom Hong
  • Patent number: 10022093
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray irradiator, a light source device, and a light emission control unit. The X-ray irradiator emits X-rays to a subject. The light source device includes a light-emitting part and a light irradiation part. The light-emitting part includes a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode for emitting light. The light irradiation part emits the light as output light indicating the irradiation field of the X-rays. The light emission control unit controls the light-emitting part according to the operating state of the X-ray irradiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichirou Nagai
  • Patent number: 9791392
    Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence analyzer is provided with: a sample stage on which a sample subjected to an analysis is mounted; an X-ray source configured to irradiate the sample with primary X-rays; a detector configured to detect fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample irradiated with the primary X-rays; an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a predetermined field-of-view area on the sample stage; a display unit configured to display the field-of-view area of the image captured by the imaging unit; and a pointer irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sample stage with a visible light at an irradiation position within an area that is outside the field-of-view area and near the field-of-view area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Yagi
  • Patent number: 9480472
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical portal system, kit, device and method may include a top ring assembly removably connected to an arm of a table mounted frame to provide stability and a secure trajectory. The portal system may include a top-ring assembly which may mount to an arm of a table mounted frame. The system may include a removable connection mechanism comprising a spring loaded collar configured to removably connect the top ring assembly to a table mounted frame. A variable adjustment positioner may be removably connected to the arm of the table mounted frame. The system may also include a depth positioning mechanism. The system may further include a light source configured to be placed down the portal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Spineology Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bjork, Dan McPhillips
  • Patent number: 9204854
    Abstract: A medical imaging device capable of determining the number of projections in which at least one point located above or at the level of the object support surface is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Razvan Gabriel Iordache, Remy Andre Klausz
  • Patent number: 9204846
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a LED lamp as well as a X-Ray device and a collimator comprising the LED lamp. The LED lamp comprises a single LED chip serving as the light-emitting member of the LED lamp for emitting light beams; and a convex lens mounted in front of the LED chip for converging the light beams emitted from the LED chip. Embodiments of the invention can save power, reduce cost, and facilitate mass production and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Wenwen Xiu, Wen Gao, Yuqing Li
  • Patent number: 9125623
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image includes: a position detector configured to detect a position of an X-ray receiver, in which the X-ray receiver is configured to receive a radiant ray radiated by an X-ray radiator, which radiates a radiant ray, and output an electrical signal in accordance with the received radiant ray; and a display controller configured to display, on a display unit, image data pertaining to the X-ray receiver and image data pertaining to a radiating area of the radiant ray of the X-ray radiator, overlapped with each other based on the position of the X-ray receiver detected by the position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Watanabe, Sakiko Yamaguchi, Kotaro Izumiya, Takeshi Nakata, Wataru Kaku
  • Patent number: 9113798
    Abstract: A substantially X-ray transparent animal restraint enclosure having an open base structure and a lid which is configured to substantially close the base structure. The lid is movable from a closed position to an open position to permit the introduction of an animal into the base structure. The base structure has an open-ended slot which is partially obstructed when the lid is closed. The base structure also has an aperture which is not obstructed by the lid. A veterinary CT scan apparatus includes a CT scan gantry or sensor ring, a CT scan table, and a substantially X-ray transparent animal restraint enclosure. A method of performing a CT scan on an animal in a CT scan apparatus having a patient target position is achieved by placing the animal in substantially X-ray transparent enclosure; placing the enclosure in the patient target position for the CT scan; and conducting the CT scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Robert T. O'Brien, Gerald J. Pijanowski
  • Patent number: 9081998
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method for utilizing soft X-ray microimaging for cancer cell image recognition. The method comprises the steps of 1) sample preparation; 2) pathological examination; 3) soft X-ray imaging; and 4) analysis and recognition. This invention applies soft X-ray microimaging for cancer cell image recognition, successfully obtains the soft X-ray microscopic image of a cancer cell by scanning the cancer cell with synchrotron radiation soft X-ray microimaging, provides recognition steps and experimental data, and establishes a method for utilizing soft X-ray microimaging for cancer cell image recognition. This invention creates a method for analyzing soft X-ray microscopic images, provides a novel synchrotron radiation soft X-ray pathological diagnosis method for cancer diagnosis, and provides an extremely valuable basis for the creation and clinical application of soft X-ray pathology in the 21st century.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: No. 128 Hospital of Hangzhou
    Inventors: Jian Hao, Fan Zhang, Maosheng Dong, Yi Luo, Sheng Wu, Yongfei Zhao, Bo Wang
  • Patent number: 9050023
    Abstract: A controller determines a lower edge position of an imaging area of an image combined in long-length imaging through light illumination from a line marker. Thereby the controller performs control such that light from the line marker is switched off beyond an area, set in advance, capable of being imaged upon determination of the imaging area. Consequently, an operator just performs operation while looking at only light from the line marker upon determination of the imaging area, which achieves easy operation. As a result, operation upon determination of the imaging area can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno
  • Patent number: 9044176
    Abstract: A dental x-ray unit comprising: an X-ray generator adapted to generate an X-ray beam in the direction of a patient's head, means of collimation adapted to confer given dimensions to the generated X-ray beam; a sensor placed facing the generator, receiving the radiologic projection of the collimated beam having irradiated the patient's head and supplying a cephalometric image of the patient's head, characterized in that the device includes: the means to acquire at least one photographic image of the patient's head, the means of automatic control for the means of collimation according to the at least one photographic image so that the dimensions of the collimated X-ray beam are adjusted to the dimensions of the patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel, Jean-Marc Inglese
  • Patent number: 9039283
    Abstract: A method for producing an X-ray projection image of a body region of a patient using a desired spatial location of a central ray, includes positioning a pointing element relative to the patient indicating a location of a pointing line and causing the location of the pointing line to coincide with the desired central ray location. A pointing line location and a central ray location currently set on an X-ray machine are recorded. A measure for deviation between the pointing line and the currently set central ray location is determined and used to set the desired central ray location. A medical apparatus includes an X-ray machine taking an X-ray projection image along a central ray, a pointing element indicating a pointing line, an acquisition unit detecting the pointing line location and the currently set central ray location, and a control and evaluation unit implementing software carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Graumann
  • Patent number: 9028145
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collimation of x-ray beams. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may comprise a first rotatable disk comprising a first plurality of angled slots and a first shutter comprising a first plurality of protruding members. At least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a first angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots, and at least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a second angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots. The first shutter may at least partially define an x-ray collimation aperture, and the apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the first rotatable disk results in movement of the first shutter to alter a size of the x-ray collimation aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Aribex, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Laws, Devin Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 9002515
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a monitoring system for a medical device, wherein the medical device comprises a robot and an image recording part which can be moved by the robot. Provision is made for a radiation source which is attached to the medical device, and for a radiation receiver which is situated remotely from the medical device and is for receiving radiation that is emitted from the radiation source. A comparison entity compares the point of impact of radiation on the radiation receiver with one or more predetermined points of impact of radiation on the radiation receiver. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for monitoring a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Hornung, Donal Medlar
  • Publication number: 20140348296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to guiding in positioning a region of interest of a patient for X-ray image acquisition. In order to improve and facilitate positioning of a patient for X-ray image acquisitions, an X-ray imaging guiding system (10) for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisitions is provided, comprising an X-ray detector arrangement (12), and adaptable graphical positioning information (14). The graphical positioning information comprises at least a graphical target anatomy representation (16). The graphical target positioning information is provided in spatial relation with the X-ray detector arrangement. The graphical target anatomy representation indicates a target position (18) of a respective anatomy of the patient for a determined X-ray image acquisition. Further, the graphical positioning information is adaptable in accordance with the determined X-ray image acquisition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: André Goossen, Claire Levrier, Gereon Vogtmeier, Raoul Florent, Liesbet Hilde Hadewijch Roose, Jens Von Berg
  • Publication number: 20140341356
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray tube (6), a ceiling suspension (2) for the X-ray tube, a detector trolley (12) with an X-ray detector (10) mounted thereon, an active sensor matrix (24), an optical indication unit (20) and a control unit (26). The active sensor matrix (24) is fixedly mounted on the ceiling suspension (2), the optical indication unit (20) is fixedly mounted to the detector trolley (12) and is adapted for emitting an optical indication (22) onto the active sensor matrix (24). The control unit (26) is connected to the active sensor matrix (24) and is adapted for acquiring the position of the optical indication (22) on the active sensor matrix (24) and to create control signals for aligning the detector trolley position and the ceiling suspension position relative to each other such that the optical indication is present on a predetermined spot on the active sensor matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Christoph Kurze
  • Patent number: 8861677
    Abstract: A syringe inspection device and method for determining the position of a cannula in a cannula shield attached to a syringe. An electromagnetic radiation emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a propagation axis. An electromagnetic radiation detector has an inspection window defined by a beam restrictor. A mount is configured to releasably retain the syringe between the emitter and the detector such that a longitudinal axis of the syringe is substantially coincident with the propagation axis. An image analyzer is operatively coupled to the detector. The image analyzer is configured to produce a syringe rejection signal when the cannula is irradiated and an electromagnetic image in the inspection window has two or less distinctly separate objects based on a contiguity of pixels having substantially like-valued intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Eric Gray, Justin Miller, Marla Meyer
  • Patent number: 8827554
    Abstract: A radiography system for obtaining a radiographic image of a subject has a radiation source energizable to direct radiant energy along a radiation path and an imaging receiver sensitive to the radiant energy for forming the radiographic image. A sensor apparatus is disposed to provide one or more output signals that are indicative at least of centering of the radiation path with respect to the receiver, of an angle of the receiver relative to the radiation path, and of a source-to-image distance along the radiation path. A display apparatus generates, in response to the one or more output signals, a display that indicates the centering of the radiation path with respect to the receiver and that provides one or more values indicative of at least the source-to-image distance and the angle of the receiver relative to the radiation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lalena, Joseph E. Stagnitto
  • Patent number: 8821017
    Abstract: A radiography system for obtaining a radiographic image of a subject, has a radiation source within an enclosure, the radiation source energizable to direct radiant energy along a radiation path toward an imaging receiver, wherein the radiation path is defined according to a collimator. A digital projector is coupled to the enclosure and is energizable to provide an illumination beam that outlines the defined radiation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lalena, Xiaohui Wang, Joseph E. Stagnitto
  • Publication number: 20140241511
    Abstract: In a method and projection device to mark a surface of a three-dimensional examination subject, relief data (RD) of the surface are acquired and are used to establish a measurement information marking. A reference position value is determined, which represents a position of a radiation device of the projection device relative to the surface. A calculation of pre-distortion of the established measurement information is calculated in a processor marking depending on the relief data and the reference position value. A visually perceptible pre-distorted measurement information marking is radiated from the radiation device in the direction of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Annemarie Hausotte, Eva Rothgang
  • Publication number: 20140241500
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation blocking unit including: an attachment member that is attachable between sources and an object table surface to which radiation from a radiation source and visible light from a visible light source are emitted, the sources including the radiation source and the visible light source; a radiation blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the illuminated visible light to an overlapping incidence region on the object table surface in which an incidence region of the radiation and an incidence region of the visible light overlap, and that blocks the irradiated radiation outside the overlapping incidence region; and a visible light blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the irradiated radiation to the overlapping incidence region, and blocks the illuminated visible light outside the overlapping incidence region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki YASUDA, Yoshihiro NISHI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Patent number: 8791437
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for shaping an electron beam of a machine for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT—Intra Operative Radiation Therapy) using a tubular applicator (3) having a duct through which the electron beam is transmitted, the device being characterised in that it comprises a slab (1), provided with a hole (2) corresponding to the duct of the tubular applicator (3), and at least one planar element (10) comprising an upper plate (11) and a lower plate (12) removably attachable to each other through first mechanical coupling means (13), said at least one planar element (10) being removably attachable to the slab (1) through second mechanical coupling means (13, 14) so that the arrangement of said at least one planar element (10) with respect to the slab (1) is adjustable so as to define an aperture (20) of lower area than that of the section of the duct of the tubular applicator (3), the upper plate (11) of each planar element (10) being made of a first sterilisable biocompatible m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: S.I.T.—Sordina IORT Technologies S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Felici, Alessia Ciccotelli, Vincenzo Iacoboni, Fabio De Angelis, Nicola Mangiaracina, Aquilino Gava
  • Patent number: 8787524
    Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8767913
    Abstract: In long-format radiography, a long-format imaging region is determined and the long-format imaging region is partitioned into a plurality of imaging regions. Following this, and prior to x-ray imaging, a particular location of an overlapping image area is illuminated by a laser line marker, through laser line marker emission controlling means, in order to confirm that no overlapping image area, which is provided in adjacent imaging regions when the long-format imaging region is partitioned, is positioned on a location of interest of the examination subject. The ability to indicate clearly the particular location of the overlapping image area, through the laser line marker, makes it possible to evaluate accurately whether or not an overlapping image area is positioned on a location of interest. Doing so makes it possible to set the imaging region easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno