Object Holder Or Support Patents (Class 378/208)
  • Publication number: 20120321051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a patient support (17) for an odontological x-ray apparatus, which can be arranged e.g. to a patient support station (18) of the x-ray apparatus (10). The patient support (17) includes a substantially uniform, substantially curved or bendable to be curved band structure (21) substantially extending at least from one patient's temple to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mikko Jarva
  • Publication number: 20120275567
    Abstract: The sample cooling apparatus is used in an X-ray diffractometer for rotating a sample supported by a sample rod about an ? axis, directing X-rays thereto, and detecting X-rays deflected from the sample using an X-ray detector. The apparatus has a nozzle for blowing a cooling gas on the sample; and a gas-suctioning device for suctioning, via an aperture, gas that has passed over the sample. The sample rod moves when rotated about the ? axis forming a conical surface having the sample as a vertex. The nozzle is provided so that the extension direction of the sample rod and the direction of the blown gas form an acute angle of 90° or less. The gas-suctioning device suctions the gas so the path of gas having contacted the sample rod bends when the extension direction of the sample rod and the blown direction of the gas form an acute angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Hasegawa, Kazuaki Aburaya
  • Publication number: 20120269328
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present embodiments are a foldable pressing device and an X-ray machine. The foldable pressing device includes a motor, a lifting member, a pressing member, a linear guide member with a stop position, a pulling member and a resilient member. The lifting member, driven by the motor, causes a sliding element in the linear guide member with a stop position and the pressing member to move upwards. When the sliding element arrives at an uprising stop position, the pressing member, under the effect of the lifting member and the pulling member, overcomes the resistance of the resilient member to realize the folding thereof. The lifting member, driven by the motor, drives the pressing member to move downwards, and the pressing member is unfolded under the effect of the resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Can Guo, Guo Jun Han, Wen Ting Rui, Yun Ping Wang, Ning Tao Yang
  • Publication number: 20120263278
    Abstract: An accessory, method, and system is provided for protecting the lower chamber of X-ray spectroscopic instrumentation during analysis, the instrumentation including an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a dividing plate, the lower chamber including an X-ray detector and an excitation source, the accessory including: a frame with a centrally-located aperture extending from one side of the frame to an opposite side of the frame; an adhesive layer disposed on each side of the frame; a thin film of polymeric material disposed on one side of the frame; and a removably attached release sheet on the adhesive layer disposed on the opposite side of the frame, where the accessory is disposed on a surface of the dividing plate to protect the lower chamber of the instrumentation from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 8272384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and radiation surgery. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods for stereotactic medical procedures and it provides for repeated accurate positioning (fixation) of a patient, or a part of a patient, for carrying out medical procedures which are done at different times such as fractionated radiation therapy. Specifically, a patient fixation device for fixating a head of a patient relatively a treatment unit as a preparation for treatment or during treatment of the head is provided. The patient fixation device being is adapted to be attached to a stereotactic frame structure connected to the treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Kristian Wiberg, Thomas Arn, Anders Fischer
  • Patent number: 8275187
    Abstract: In a radiographic image detection apparatus that can perform long-size radiography on a region of a patient that is larger than the detection range of a radiographic image detector, radiography is performed so that a collimator image is included in a radiographic image in such a manner that the collimator image is present in the vicinity of a side edge of the radiographic image. Further, the inclination of each radiographic image caused by inclination of the radiographic image detector at the time of radiography is corrected based on the collimator image. Further, a synthesis image is produced by combining the plurality of radiographic images the inclination of which has been corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Oogami
  • Patent number: 8245335
    Abstract: A structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Imns Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Shvartsberg, Labros Petropoulos, Victoria D. M. Hornblower
  • Patent number: 8230863
    Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mini-Lap Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sundaram Ravikumar, H. Allan Alward, Steven J. Wysocki, Guy L. Osborne
  • Patent number: 8229069
    Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen, Erik Chell
  • Patent number: 8229073
    Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen, Erik Chell
  • Patent number: 8220995
    Abstract: A system for immobilizing tissue during upright radiotherapy including a first support element and a second support element tilted with respect to each other and operative to apply pressure on opposite sides of a patient positioned therebetween so as to generally immobilize a target located in the patient, the first and second support elements being mounted on mounting members that are connected to a turntable operative to rotate the patient about a vertical rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
  • Patent number: 8218723
    Abstract: A support system for breast irradiation including a turntable for supporting and rotating a patient about a generally vertical rotational axis, a body-leaning support for supporting the patient leaning thereupon throughout rotation of the patient about the vertical rotational axis, and a radiation shield arranged for shielding non-breast anatomy of the patient from stray radiation, wherein the body-leaning support and the radiation shield are separated from each other by a gap in which breasts of the patient are placeable for irradiation by a horizontal radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
  • Patent number: 8218724
    Abstract: The object of the invention is therefore to provide an x-ray device that is simple to construct and can be inexpensively produced. This object is achieved by the proposed x-ray device for examining syringe caps having a cannula and having the features that is an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, and a holder. The x-ray device is characterized in that the syringe cap is arranged in the beam path so that its longitudinal axis coincides with the main axis of the beam path. The syringe cap is thus impinged from above and from below with x-rays, in order to examine the position of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co.
    Inventors: Joachim Glocker, Dirk Peters
  • Patent number: 8191222
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching the drive system and stand to a ring in a medicine gantry is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes at least one mounting bar (e.g., two mounting bars), at least one mounting plate and at least one adjuster (e.g., a screw). The mounting bar is securable to a portion of the ring. The mounting bar includes a base and at least one transverse face. At least a portion of the base is substantially parallel to a surface of a portion of the ring and at least a portion of the transverse face is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the portion of the ring. The mounting plate is secured to the drive system and is securable to the transverse face of the mounting bar. Movement of the adjuster moves the drive assembly relative to the mounting bar when the mounting plate is adjacent the transverse face of the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Campbell, Jeff Scribner
  • Publication number: 20120128133
    Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising rigid segments which extend over a width of the chain and are configured at least in part as plates of a uniform thickness and density. The segments are connected together in a loop and have elements to couple each segment to a following segment and a preceding segment. Neighboring segments may flex against each other from a substantially straight line to a convex angle in relation to the loop, so that the chain is adapted to conform to rollers or sprockets, but is resistant to flexing in the opposite direction. The segments overlap each other to form a transport area of substantially uniform thickness and density to provide at least one substantially gapless band of substantially uniform transmissivity to radiation in the transport area, wherein the connector elements are located outside the transport area. A system comprising the chain is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO SAFELINE X-RAY LTD.
    Inventor: Nigel John King
  • Publication number: 20120114096
    Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Gail Lebovic, George D. Hermann, David Willis, Thomas A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8175219
    Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Tom Farbizio, Baori Ren, Chris Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew Smith, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20120099699
    Abstract: Sample cup holding devices including a base member with a top side, a bottom side, and one or more apertures extending from the top side to the bottom side, each of the one or more apertures for receiving a sample cup and maintaining the sample cup in a substantially vertical position, and a method for using same are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Publication number: 20120093299
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus of the present invention includes a cassette unit (20) for generating a cassette identification signal identifying a type of a cassette (21), a sample holder (8) having an insertion hole (83) and a ring shaped pedestal (82), a transport section (23) for transporting the sample (S), a sample holder identifying section (35) for generating a sample holder identification signal identifying the type of the sample holder appropriate to the diameter of the sample to be placed, and a determining section (40) for determining, based on the cassette identification signal and the sample holder identification signal, whether or not the diameter of the sample to be accommodated in the cassette (21) and the diameter of the sample to be placed on the pedestal of the sample holder (8) match with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki KITA, Tatsuya INOUE, Hiroyuki KAWAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20120093300
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a measuring window in a continuously operated X-ray analyzer (1), said analyzer being is used particularly for analyzing elemental contents in solid, liquid or slurry-like materials; which measuring window (2) separates the sampling space (3) containing the sample material to be measured and the measurement space (4) containing the measuring probe (11), and is sealed by a lid structure (6) arranged in the sampling space, said lid structure defining the measurement aperture (7) of the sampling space, in which case the lid structure defining the measurement aperture of the sampling space is provided with a sealing surface (8) of the measuring window, so that said surface is at least partly planar and at least partly curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Kari Mann, Christian Von Alfthan
  • Publication number: 20120080038
    Abstract: Procedure radiograph orientation devices and methods of use are provided for stabilization and orientation of a patient's anatomy for a variety of surgical interventions. Additionally, devices of the present invention aid in orienting radiographic imaging devices through the inclusion of radiopaque fiducials so as to optimize radiographic images by providing radiographic reference landmarks. An example of the present invention includes a rostral base plate, a plurality of support slats, and a caudal base plate, these components being adapted to pivot about one another or in certain embodiments, adapted to pivot about a series of spacers. One or more tension wires extend through the slats and base plates, joining the elements. The devices may be secured in various configurations by increasing the tension of the tension cable(s). Visual sighting or aiming devices may also be included in certain embodiments. Certain embodiments may include a rigid base plate having radiopaque fiducials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rob G. Parrish
  • Publication number: 20120063571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for alternately holding and releasing a metallic sample holder, in particular a metallic cap closing a sample containing vial to be transferred to or maintained in a location for analysis or preparation of the sample. The device (1) comprises:—a support member (6) provided with a pin, which is provided with a magnet at its free end for holding the sample holder,—an outer fixed tubular body (10) which is mounted on the support member around and along the pin, and—an inner tubular guide (11) movably mounted inside the body and able to occupy a releasing position where its outer end (11 a) surrounds the magnet, and a holding position where the guide is retracted inwards the body so that the magnet may hold the sample holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Lilian Jacquamet, Catherine Izier, Hugo Stéphane Léon Jacquamet, Rémy Victor Stephen Jacquamet, Enzo Lilian Théo Jacquamet, Jean-Luc Ferrer
  • Publication number: 20120033786
    Abstract: A mammography pad for use with a mammography unit for providing comfort to a patient during a mammography examination. The mammography pad includes a flexible substrate configured to overlie a bucky plate, a compressible material and a fastening means. The mammography pad is capable of covering a top and front surface of the compression plate, while the fastening means removably attaches a portion of the mammography pad to the mammography unit. Further, a method for administering a mammography examination with the mammography pad is disclosed by providing a mammography pad, securing the pad to the mammography unit, placing a patient's breast on the mammography pad, and compressing the patient's breast against the mammography pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: IZI MEDICAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Helen Zinreich Shafer, Brian Bolton
  • Publication number: 20120027167
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Robert T. O'Brien, Gerald J. Pijanowski
  • Publication number: 20120025103
    Abstract: An in situ optical specimen holder is disclosed which may be utilized for imaging and analysis during dynamic experimentation. This holder assembly includes a set of focusing and reflection optics along with an environmental cell. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to optically excite the specimen in the presence or absence of fluid. A highly reflective mirror may be used to focus the radiation on to the specimen without the presence of any heating components within the cell. The spot size of the irradiation at the specimen surface can be varied, thus exciting only a specific region on the specimen. The window type cell provides a variable fluid path length ranging from the specimen thickness to 500 ?m. The holder has the provision to continuously circulate fluids over the specimen. The pressure within the cell can be regulated by controlling the flow rate of the fluids and the speed of the pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Pushkarraj V. Deshmukh, Jeffrey J. Gronsky, Paul E. Fischione
  • Publication number: 20120020464
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing device includes a subject table including a pressed surface against which a breast of a subject is pressed; and a compression paddle support portion including a first member and a second member, and to which a compression paddle is attached by sandwiching the compression paddle between the first member and the second member, and including multiple pressure sensors for detecting pressures applied to multiple sites of the attached compression paddle. At least one of the subject table or the compression paddle support portion is movable in a first direction that is toward and away from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi MATSUURA
  • Patent number: 8102964
    Abstract: A device is provided herein for locating a breast of a female patient. In one embodiment, the locating device is adapted to be inserted into an opening within a patient table. The locating device is further adapted with different sizes and shapes, and thus, can be adapted to various breast shapes. In one embodiment, the device is provided with an RFID transponder for identifying the particular locating device being used. The RFID transponder enables data about the locating device to be automatically recorded along with the image data. This enables the shape of the locating device to be taken into account when evaluating an image. Furthermore, the RFID transponder ensures that a locating device of the same shape is used for subsequent exposures of a patient's breast, so that the exposures remain comparable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: MIR Medical Imaging Research Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Harry Schilling, Willi Kalender
  • Patent number: 8098793
    Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: BioLucent, LLC
    Inventors: Gail Lebovic, George D. Hermann, David Willis, Thomas A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8089030
    Abstract: A portable device is provided that is used to warm a mammography machine and which comprises a warmer and a holder for the warmer, the holder having a charging mechanism for charging the warmer. The warmer includes an enclosed heating element and power source. The heating element is precisely regulated to ensure that the sensitive imaging elements are not damaged by an over-temperature condition, while at the same time permitting a rapid heating of the warmer for high cycle use. The warmer warms surfaces of the mammography machine that contacts human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Marvel Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Ann Wallin Harrington, Paul A. Pilosi, Nathanial R. Hallee, Ted Klein
  • Patent number: 8085898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Osteometer Meditech, Inc.
    Inventors: Neeraj Agrawal, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi, Christian Wulff, Kahn-Tze Andrew Lim
  • Publication number: 20110299664
    Abstract: An X-ray device includes a rotating unit that rotates an X-ray emitter and an opposing X-ray receiver about a patient's head. X-rays are emitted by the X-ray emitter and received by the X-ray receiver via the patient's head. An upper shelf supports the rotating unit. A head stabilizing member stabilizes the patient's head. The stabilizing member extends from a location adjacent to the rotating unit and above the X-ray emitter and X-ray receiver to a location wherein the patient's head is stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventor: Sami Vartiainen
  • Patent number: 8052325
    Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscope table and an X-ray fluoroscope system using this fluoroscope table with simple structure and easily ensuring an area where a person stands near the top board. An X-ray fluoroscope table (1) comprises a stand unit (10), a support arm unit (20), a support frame (30), a top board (40), an X-ray generator (60), a column unit (50), and an X-ray detector (FPD 70). The end of the column unit (50) on the support frame side (30) and the end on the X-ray generator (60) side are displaced from each other in the length direction of the support frame (30). With this constitution, the area where an operator (OP3) stands can be ensured near the column unit (50). An X-ray fluoroscope system is constituted of this fluoroscope table (1), a high-voltage generator for supplying electric power to the fluoroscope table (1), and a remote control console for integrally controlling them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hibino, Tetsuji Sairaiji, Akio Hara
  • Publication number: 20110268255
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an add-on unit for an object table of a mammography device for positioning a breast of a patient during an X-ray exposure. The add-on unit permits a symmetric collimation during MLO exposures. Use of the add-on unit is less resource-intensive than mammography devices with movable compression plates. Easier placement of an inner arm of the patient on the object table is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8043862
    Abstract: A sample cup for retaining a sample material to be subjected to an x-ray spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell body of a cylindrical configuration having an open top end and an open bottom end and defining a hollow between the two open ends, the open top end having an outer wall and an inner wall encircling the open top end. The outer wall and the inner wall extend axially and are positioned in concentric relationship with one another and form an internal reservoir space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Chemplex Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 8031833
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for tomographing an object includes a moving unit and a rotating unit, which is disposed on the moving unit and rotates the object to be tomographed. A method for tomographing an object includes steps of disposing an object on an inspection apparatus; rotating the object by operating the inspection apparatus; and tomographing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ta-Te Lin, Joe-Air Jiang, Wan-Lin Hu, Cheng-Shiou Ouyang, Man-Miao Yang, En-Cheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8029452
    Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark A. Kliewer, Tim Walker, Christopher J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8014493
    Abstract: A method for performing security screening at a checkpoint is provided. The method includes providing an X-ray imaging system having a scanning area and providing a supporting device for supporting articles to be scanned in the scanning area, wherein the supporting device has at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays, the X-ray signatures being distinguishable from one another. The method further includes placing an article to be scanned on the supporting device, introducing the article to be scanned in the scanning area while the article is supported by the supporting device and using the X-ray imaging system for deriving the X-ray signatures of the reference areas and for obtaining an X-ray image of the article while the supporting device is in the scanning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Roux, Dan Gudmundson, Michel R. Bouchard, Vinh Phuc Pham, Alexandre Filiatrault, Sebastien Roy, Steve Godbout
  • Patent number: 8009800
    Abstract: A method for performing security screening of a liquid product at a security checkpoint is provided. The liquid product is placed in a tray having at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays, the X-ray signatures being distinguishable from one another. An X-ray inspection of the tray is performed while the tray holds the liquid product, the X-ray inspection including deriving the X-ray signatures. A determination is made as to whether the liquid product is a security threat at least in part based on the X-ray signatures. A tray having at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan Doyle, Dan Gudmundson
  • Patent number: 8009799
    Abstract: A tray for holding an article while the article is being subjected to penetrating radiation is provided. The tray has a surface on which the article can be placed while subjected to penetrating radiation. The surface has at least two areas, namely a first area and a second area, the first and second areas characterized by first and second signatures, respectively when exposed to penetrating radiation, wherein the first signature is different from the second signature. The second area corresponds to a reference material having a reference signature. The tray is placed on the conveyor belt of a scanning apparatus while the article rests on the surface of the tray so that the conveyor belt may advance the tray through the screening area of the apparatus. A method and system for performing security screening and using the tray are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan Doyle, Dan Gudmundson
  • Patent number: 8005189
    Abstract: A piece of luggage, such as a suitcase, is constructed with one or more compartments of predesigned location and purpose to facilitate security inspection. Compartments may be designated to hold objects that, if obscured by other objects, carry an undesirably high likelihood of generating a false alarm because obscuring objects prevent an accurate assessment of the nature of those objects. For this reason, a compartment may be designated for liquids, gels and/or aerosols. A compartment may also be designated for objects, such as metal objects, which carry a risk of generating a false alarm if packed in a suitcase in a way that they obscure other objects and prevent an accurate determination of whether those objects are threat objects. Such compartments are positioned to ensure that the items they contain are segregated during x-ray inspection so as to neither obscure or be obscured by other objects packed in the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ripp, Michael Lanzaro
  • Publication number: 20110200177
    Abstract: A device for supporting a patient during a radiological imaging procedure is disclosed. The device includes a base, a support member pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a portion of the patient undergoing the radiological imaging procedure and an adjustment device comprising an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder has a first portion acting on the base and a second portion acting on the support member. An inflatable state of the adjustment device is controllable to selectively adjust an angular positioning of the support member relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Phillip Patton, Daniel Lowe, William W. Orrison
  • Publication number: 20110188639
    Abstract: A reference frame is described for use in a radiographic procedure. The reference frame is positionable relative to a joint or bone to be imaged, and is radio-transparent. The frame has embedded or affixed thereto a plurality of computer recognizable radio opaque markers. A method of obtaining three dimensional images of bones and joints using the frame is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: T. Derek V. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20110170671
    Abstract: An approach is provided for patient positioning. A patient is arranged on a table having a positioning assembly coupled thereto, the positioning assembly including a plurality of spatially configurable members. A spatial configuration of at least one of the plurality of spatially configurable members is arranged to support the patient in a multipoint bending position during a medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE RUPTURED AND CRIPPLED MAINTAINING THE HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
    Inventors: Arkady Blyakher, John Denneen, Howard J. Hillstrom, Andrew Phillip Kraszewski, Mark William Lenhoff, Roger Franklin Widmann, Helene Pavlov, Edward T. White, Mary Campolongo
  • Patent number: 7975358
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching the drive system and stand to a ring in a medicine gantry is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes at least one mounting bar (e.g., two mounting bars), at least one mounting plate and at least one adjuster (e.g., a screw). The mounting bar is securable to a portion of the ring. The mounting bar includes a base and at least one transverse face. At least a portion of the base is substantially parallel to a surface of a portion of the ring and at least a portion of the transverse face is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the portion of the ring. The mounting plate is secured to the drive system and is securable to the transverse face of the mounting bar. Movement of the adjuster moves the drive assembly relative to the mounting bar when the mounting plate is adjacent the transverse face of the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Campbell, Jeff Scribner
  • Patent number: 7978819
    Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen, Erik Chell
  • Patent number: 7978812
    Abstract: A compression device for a mammography x-ray apparatus comprises the breast in a manner that is as comfortable as possible for the patient. For this purpose, a compression device has a frame that two-dimensionally stretches an elastic membrane and is designed so that the breast of a patient that is to be compressed by the compression device is compressed solely by the elastic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Phillip Thaler
  • Patent number: 7974380
    Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Andrew May
  • Publication number: 20110142197
    Abstract: A patient positioning system for a panoramic dental radiation imaging system, including an upright support, and a patient positioning arm with chin rest mounted thereto. Wands are each rotatably connected to the patient positioning arm and connected together so as to move at identical angles of rotation, but in the opposite direction. Lasers, including a mid-sagittal, a Frankfort Plane, two cuspid, and one toe laser, each providing a line of visible laser light directed at a respective area of a patient's face, or at the floor, assist a technician in properly positioning the patient. A mirror is mounted to the upright support by a mechanism that permits the mirror to be pivoted outward from the support, in either of two directions, so as to enable the technician to see the lasers on the patient's face from the technician's position on either side of the positioning arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Walker, Arkady Kantor, Lyubomir L. Cekov, Alan P. Krema
  • Patent number: 7960686
    Abstract: A radiographic calibration apparatus for supporting a calibration unit. The radiographic calibration apparatus includes a support structure, and this support structure or arrangement is used to support and selectively position the calibration unit with respect to a patient. A retaining member for use in connection with a calibration unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: J2 Medical, LP
    Inventors: Jarrid L. Henderson, Jeremy B. Hoover
  • Patent number: 7951345
    Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lary Research & Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd P. Lary, Banning Gray Lary