Object Holder Or Support Patents (Class 378/208)
  • Patent number: 7929660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure 1 for mammography, comprising a stand 2 and an arm structure 3 attached thereto. The support structure 1 further comprises a scanner head cover 6 attached to the arm structure 3. The scanner head cover 6 comprises a vertical side portion 6a, and is designed so that a cavity 12 is formed between the vertical surface portion 6a and a vertical part 3b of the arm structure 3, whereby the cavity 12 provides space for an arm of a patient during imaging. A more comfortable posture is provided for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Tomas Kristoffersson
  • Publication number: 20110085638
    Abstract: In a sample cell that is sealed with an X-ray transmission sheet after a sample such as a liquid fuel or the like is contained therein, when an internal pressure is increased, a cup end surface is deformed so as to increase an internal capacity of the sample cell before the X-ray transmission sheet serving as a window part is expanded. The cup end surface is formed by folding a film-like material and, when the internal pressure of the sample cell is increased, the cup end surface is unfolded outwardly of the sample cell to increase the internal capacity of the sample cell. The increase in pressure is relieved by the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the X-ray transmission sheet is thereby prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Mayuko Kishida, Shintaro Komatani, Sumito Ohzawa, Takuji Kurozumi, Satoru Goto, Takashi Kinba, Kimihiko Arimoto
  • Patent number: 7924974
    Abstract: An X-ray machine for imaging a female breast has a support with an attached continuously rotatable gantry. An X-ray tube with an oppositely located X-ray detector is mounted on the gantry. A locating means for accommodating a breast is disposed coaxially with a rotation axis of the gantry. The gantry is adapted to be moved relative to the locating means by an advancing means. In order to achieve a high throughput of patients, a locating means having an opening for accommodating a breast is provided relative to both sides of the gantry. The X-ray machine may be incorporated between two separating walls which have cut-out portions for the locating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: MIR Medical Imaging Research Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Kalender, Harry Schilling
  • Publication number: 20110082361
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling an imaging examination system for examination of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the imaging examination system includes a first imaging examination device with a first isocenter and a second imaging examination device with a second isocenter. The examination system further includes an examination table which can be positioned in respect of the isocenters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Kirstin Jattke, Diana Martin
  • Patent number: 7916832
    Abstract: A control device of a breast image radiographing apparatus relating to the present invention controls a driving device, in response to a press-down of a position adjustment switch of an input device, so as to adjust the position of a subject table. The position of compression board is adjusted by the operator such as a radiographing technician, the subject H is pressed and fixed, and when the enlargement factor of the phase contrast radiographing is inputted through the input device, the control device controls a driving device according to the positions of the subject table and the compression board and the inputted enlargement factor, so as to make a holding member ascend and descend and thereby the relative distances of the subject table to a radiation source and to a radiation image detector are adjusted to distances satisfying the enlargement factor=(R1+R2)/R1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Hara, Mamoru Umeki, Hisashi Yonekawa, Sumiya Nagatsuka, Tomonori Gido
  • Publication number: 20110069813
    Abstract: A radiation inspection apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet-like sample, a radiation source configured to emit radiation to the sheet-like sample, a line sensor configured to measure a physical property of the sheet-like sample, the liner sensor disposed to be opposed to the radiation source across the sheet-like sample, and a gas ejecting unit configured to eject gas to the sheet-like sample to reduce vertical conveyance swinging produced by a tension of the sheet-like sample, the gas ejecting unit placed in close proximity to at least one side face of the line sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi ICHIZAWA, Hirohiko OBINATA
  • Patent number: 7891874
    Abstract: In a method for production of a compression tray 1 for mammography apparatuses, a thermoplastic synthetic granulate is heated and introduced into an injection mold under pressure in an injection molding procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Standar
  • Publication number: 20110026670
    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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ta-Te Lin, Joe-Air Jiang, Wan-Lin Hu, Cheng-Shiou Ouyang, Man-Miao Yang, En-Cheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20110019796
    Abstract: A method and system for automated testing and/or measurement of a plurality of substantially identical components by means of X-ray radiation comprises a testing/measuring device with an X-ray device, a protection cabin surrounding the testing/measuring device, a conveying device for continuously conveying components to or away from the testing/measuring device, and a control/evaluation unit, which is set up for automated control of the system and for evaluation of the X-ray signals. The testing/measuring device comprises a support and a rotor mounted on the support so as to be continuously rotatable, the X-ray device being arranged on the rotor and the conveying device being set up for serial conveying of the components through the rotor and the control/evaluation unit for computer tomographic evaluation of the X-ray signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: MICHAEL WUESTENBECKER, INGO STUKE
  • Patent number: 7876877
    Abstract: The invention proposes a dental X-ray apparatus comprising a patient-positioning system arranged on a support and having a forehead rest. A horizontally pivotable bearing arm is arranged on the support, and the forehead rest is in turn arranged thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Stockl
  • Patent number: 7876875
    Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) systems and related methods involving multi-target inspection are provided are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: simultaneously directing X-rays toward multiple targets from an X-ray source; during the directing of the X-rays, independently reorienting the targets with respect to the X-ray source; and obtaining information corresponding to attenuation of the X-rays attributable to the multiple targets for producing computed tomography images of the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Warner, Royce McKim
  • Publication number: 20110007868
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
  • Publication number: 20110007870
    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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Michel Roux, Dan Gudmundson, Michel R. Bouchard, Vinh Phuc Pham, Alexandre Filiatrault, Sebastien Roy, Steve Godbout
  • Publication number: 20100329414
    Abstract: Radiation therapy of a lesion in a part of a patient is carried out by maintaining the patient on a patient support table in fixed position using an immobilization device while the table is rotated between a magnetic resonance imaging system, a CT imaging system for generating a 360 degree scanned image of the patient at the location of the lesion and the radiation therapy system for generating a beam of radiation for treatment of the lesion and for scanning the beam 360 degrees around the lesion. The MR image locates the lesion and the CT system is used to calculate the treatment. Registration between the MR image, the CT image and the radiation treatment is provided by the fixed position of the part of the patient on the table which is held fixed using an immobilization system suitable for the part concerned which may include a molded head mask where the head is involved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Haoqin Zhu, Labros Petropoulos, Alexander Shvartsberg
  • Publication number: 20100329432
    Abstract: Embodiment of the invention describes a system and a method for positioning an object from a first pose to a second pose. The method displays concurrently a first image and a second image on a display device, wherein the first image and the second image represent respectively the first pose and the second pose of the object. The method updates, in response to a change in a pose of the display device, the second image such that an alignment of the first image and the second image on the display device depends on the change in the pose of the display device, and positions the object from the first pose to the second pose based on the change in the pose of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Yuri A. Ivanov, John C. Barnwell, III, Andrea E. G. Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20100322382
    Abstract: Sensing methods and a compact, sample holding pin base sensor are provided for detecting if a sample pin is, for example, properly mounted on a goniometer used for automated, high throughput macromolecular crystallography. A first magnet is used for holding a magnetic base; a second magnet is disposed spaced apart from the first magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet have opposite orientation. A Hall-effect switch is located generally centrally between the first magnet and the second magnet. A state of the Hall-effect switch indicates if a sample pin is properly mounted on a mounting member, such as a goniometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Oleg Makarov, Shenglan Xu, Robert F. Fischetti
  • Publication number: 20100316188
    Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Franklin Eilbert
  • Patent number: 7848485
    Abstract: For a radiation imaging inspection system, apparatus, and/or method, the system, particularly a trailer security inspection system, includes a protective wall forming an inspection passage for passage of a trailer, a radiation imaging system effecting security inspection of the trailer passing through the inspection passage, and a fraction arrangement for hauling the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Haifeng Hu, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Chuanxiang Tang, Hua Peng, Zhizhong Liang, Zhongrong Yang, Shangmin Sun, Yaohong Liu, Jinyu Zhang, Qingjun Zhang, Haitao Jiang, Yanli Deng, Xiang'an Qi, Meng Wang, Haihong Sun
  • Patent number: 7845851
    Abstract: Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Volker Rasche
  • Patent number: 7845852
    Abstract: A medical cushion is provided. The medical cushion has at least one x-ray positive and at least one electromagnetic marker and a soft filler material that yields to the force exerted by the weight of a patient and molds itself at least to some extent to the surface of the body of the patient is provided. The soft filler material is arranged in the cushion in such a manner that it lies between the surface of the body of the patient and at least one x-ray positive and at least one electromagnetic marker when the cushion is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 7831295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cross checking points palpated with a localization device. Points corresponding to the palpated points are obtained from a preoperative image of an object such as an X-Ray of a tibia bone. During a surgical procedure, the accuracy of palpated points are determined based on the palpated points and corresponding points obtained from the preoperative image. If a palpated point is inaccurate, an indicator is generated to indicate the inaccuracy of the palpated point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Friedrich, Nicola Giordano, François Leitner, Hanns-Peter Tümmler
  • Patent number: 7827635
    Abstract: A subject loading system is provided for moving a subject disposed in an isolation zone into and out of a diagnostic system disposed outside the isolation zone. A tube extends away from the isolation zone. The tube has an inner volume open to the isolation zone and operatively coupled with the diagnostic system. An elongated subject support pallet is disposed in the isolation zone and dimensioned to fit into the tube. A base including a mechanical drive is disposed in the isolation zone and is configured to align the elongated subject support pallet with the tube and to move the elongated subject support pallet into and out of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Zhengyan Wang, Steven J. Plummer, Jacin C. Barnes, Matthew D. Fleischhauer, Michael G. Ambrosia, Dennis K. Everett, Robert G. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7831014
    Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a breast of a patient includes a radiation source, a structure adapted to hold a breast of a patient in receiving a radiation from the radiation source, and a vacuum source. The structure includes a member having an interior generally conformal to a shape of the patient's breast when the breast is uncompressed or pendulous. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a negative pressure in the interior of the member, whereby in use of the apparatus with the patient in a supine position, the breast is held in the generally uncompressed shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Green
  • Publication number: 20100278302
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a specific element for detecting presence or content concentration of a specific element contained in a measurement target, which includes a raw material, such as soil or ore, a product in the form of powder, granule or gravel, and an intermediate product, a by-product, a waste material and the like generated during a process for producing the product, the apparatus comprising fluorescent X-ray measuring means that radiates an X-ray to the measurement target and measures a fluorescent X-ray generated thereby to detect the presence of the content concentration of the specific element, and film feeding means that inserts a resin film between a measuring window of the fluorescent X-ray measuring means and the measurement target, and feeds a fresh resin film between the measuring window and the measurement target along with repetition of detection of the specific element, whereby the intensity of the fluorescent X-ray can be prevented from being attenuated by measuring with the measurin
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicants: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD., INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
    Inventors: Jun Yokoyama, Ryozo Ushio, Koji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7817775
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection system for inspecting a cargo by using radiation, comprising: a main plate conveyor; a radiation scanning unit that spans said main plate conveyor and is provided above said main plate conveyor, for scanning the cargo provided on the main plate conveyor; auxiliary conveyors that are provided at the front end and rear end of said main plate conveyor, respectively, so as to load the cargo to be inspected onto said main plate conveyor and to unload the inspected cargo from said main plate conveyor; and lifting devices for lifting said auxiliary conveyors. The inspection system according to the present invention occupies less area, has simple corollary equipments, a lower operating cost, and excellent compatibility, and can be widely applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Kejun Kang, Haifeng Hu, Zhiqiang Chen, Shangmin Sun, Guang Yang, Fengjun Zhang, Yong Bi, Yucheng Wu, Jianjun Li, Rongxuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7801267
    Abstract: A method and system for auto positioning a compression mechanism in a mammography imaging system is disclosed herewith. The method comprises: automatically elevating the compression mechanism upon detection of a breast biopsy device. The breast biopsy device can be detected upon connecting the same to the mammography system or can be detected upon noticing the same on the vicinity of the mammography system. The compression mechanism includes: breast compressor, breast holding paddles and paddle holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gagan Bindra, Guy Hersemeule
  • Patent number: 7796724
    Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic system which is capable of highly accurately performing tilting tracking or rotational tracking by a simple operation in an observation work without inputting a distance from the surface of a table and an observed point of an object of fluoroscopy and without performing a calibration operation for obtaining the distance in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Ito
  • Patent number: 7785007
    Abstract: A bite device for the correct positioning of a patient when a panoramic X-ray is taken, comprising a holder part which can be placed in a fixed direction in relation to the X-ray device, a plate which can pivot against the holder and which is provided with a bite part into which a patient bites, and means for detecting the pivoting angle A between the plate and the holder part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Stoeckl
  • Patent number: 7769130
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is disposed with an imaging table that includes an imaging surface with which a breast of an examinee in an upright posture is brought into contact and handles that are disposed higher than the imaging surface during craniocaudal imaging. Grip portions of the handles slant so as to gradually become closer to a chest wall contacting portion as the grip portions approach the imaging surface. Thus, when an examinee is made to grasp the handles, the posture of the examinee can be made more natural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Nakata, Katsumi Hirabayashi
  • Publication number: 20100191145
    Abstract: A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to the apparatus to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Peter R. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 7756245
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a rotatably supported arm, an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, which is held on one end of the arm, an imaging stage which is held on the other end of the arm, an X-ray detector which detects the X-rays having passed through patient's breast and is contained in the imaging stage, and an armrest which has an armrest main body portion having a convexly curved surface, and a continuous base portion to fix the armrest main body on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Kanemitsu, Rina Takahashi, Makiko Itaya, Naoko Kuratomi, Noriaki Baba, Kenji Ido, Yuko Saito, Naoko Chikuma, Masatsugu Kawamata, Takehito Tomaru
  • Patent number: 7755031
    Abstract: A calibration phantom for quality assurance of an image-based radiotherapy apparatus The calibration phantom includes a body comprising a cylindrical acryl member having a predetermined diameter, the body having a center hole at a center axis thereof and a plurality of through-holes in outer circumferential portions thereof at a predetermined interval from the center hole; round stick-type density bars inserted into corresponding through-holes of the body and made of materials each with different densities; an acrylic cover detachably coupled with both ends of the body and having the same diameter as the body; and a plurality of bolts closely fastening the body with the cover by extending through the cover and the body and coupling with the nuts and each made of different materials. The cross-sectional shapes of the density bars and bolts appear on the image scanned by the CT apparatus and the radiotherapy apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Catholic University Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Hong Seok Jang, Hoi Nam Kim, Tae Suk Suh, Ji Na Chang, Seoung Jong Oh, Won Kyun Jung, Teak Kwon Kim
  • Patent number: 7756242
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to realize an X-ray CT apparatus and a scan control method of performing contrast imaging by a helical shuttle scan with a smaller exposure amount. An X-ray CT apparatus for performing contrast imaging by repeating a reciprocating helical scan on a region in a subject repeats the helical shuttle scan (solid-line arrow) including, in shuttle (broken-line arrow) of a helical shuttle scan using an X-ray of a first X-ray dose, a helical scan using an X-ray of a second X-ray dose higher than the first X-ray dose. The start timing of the helical scan using the X-ray of the second X-ray dose is determined on the basis of a change in the CT number of a region of interest of an image captured by a helical scan using the X-ray of the first X-ray dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Masayuki Kudo
  • Publication number: 20100172468
    Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: MOBIUS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene A. Gregerson
  • Patent number: 7748902
    Abstract: A radiotherapy system including a stationary radiation source that emits a radiation beam towards an isocenter located at a target, a skull attachment attachable to a patient's skull, a coupler attached to the stationary radiation source and to the skull attachment, wherein the coupler is operable to translate the skull attachment and to rotate the skull attachment about first and second rotational axes of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
  • Publication number: 20100166151
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a ring guide and rod with a holder for a radiation sensing device is provided herein. The adapter includes but is not limited to a first engagement member for engaging a complementary engagement member formed on the rod and a second engagement member for engaging a holder for a radiation sensing device. The adapter also includes but is not limited to a handle connecting the first engagement member to the second engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Harold K. Schmulenson, Tom Gillen
  • Patent number: 7746980
    Abstract: An X-ray reflectometry apparatus comprises an X-ray source (1) configured to emit an incident X-ray beam directed onto a sample measuring position and an X-ray detector (2) configured to detect an X-ray beam (3) reflected from a surface of a selected sample (4) located in said sample measuring position and with a multiple sample holder (5) comprising an essentially horizontal one- or two-dimensional array of sample resting positions into which solid samples can be placed from above. A drive mechanism (6) moves the sample holder in one or two directions within a horizontal plane underneath the sample measuring position in order to place a selected sample (4) directly beneath the measuring position and a sample lift mechanism (7) has a vertically movable piston (8) located below the multiple sample holder (5) beneath the sample measuring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Bruker AXS GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Schipper, Eduard Konusch, Rachel Eisenhower, Lutz Bruegemann
  • Publication number: 20100158199
    Abstract: A fixture for use in taking X-ray images of children comprising; a base including cylinder having a height adjustable piston, and at least one mounting arm. The mounting arm including a first end connected to the front wheel of a bike and a second end connected to a rear wheel of the bike. The bike including a first seat; a second seat portion supported by the mounting arm, the second seat including a back portion that is transparent to X-rays. An x-ray cassette is mounted on a swivel arm and can be positioned to take typical x-ray images of a child's torso including anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral. The fixture can work with any x-ray source and can work with wall mounted x-ray cassettes as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Leslie Burton
  • Patent number: 7736056
    Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NeuroLogica Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Lidia Nemirovsky
  • Publication number: 20100142674
    Abstract: There are provided a method and support device for measuring jawbone mineral density using a jawbone X-ray image. The method for measuring jawbone mineral density includes: obtaining a jawbone X-ray image using a support device for jawbone; defining a region of interest from the obtained jawbone X-ray image; and measuring jawbone mineral density from the defined region of interest. Therefore, the support device for measuring jawbone mineral density may be useful to measure jawbone mineral density with a jawbone X-ray imaging device, which has been widely used in dental clinics, by using the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Soo Yeul LEE, Jeong Won LEE, Seung Hwan KIM, Seon Hee PARK
  • Publication number: 20100142669
    Abstract: A CT scanning device includes a scanning gantry, a supporting means for a scanning table, and a supporting base for fixing and supporting the scanning gantry. The scanning gantry is configured to scan a subject and to collect scanning data. The supporting means supports the scanning table, and is mounted on the supporting base and located between the scanning gantry and the supporting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Jingyi Ren, Yongli Pu
  • Publication number: 20100135458
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Neeraj Agrawal, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi, Christian Wulff, Kahn-Tze Andrew Lim
  • Publication number: 20100136696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting contaminants in a food product having an irregular shape is described. The apparatus comprises a contaminant detection device constructed and arranged to detect contaminants in a food product when the food product enters a zone of operation relative to the contaminant detection device. A conveyor belt is electrically coupled to the contaminant detector. The contour filler is operably connected to the conveyor bell and contaminant detector, and positions the food product within the zone of operation. The contour filler may retain the food product and fill the cross sectional area of the zone of operation to enhance contaminant detection. The contour filler may rotate the food product relative to the contaminant detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: CARGILL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel L. Schaefer, Rudy Steiner
  • Patent number: 7729471
    Abstract: A sample cell for an analysis instrument, having an outer body forming a sample reservoir therein; a directional fill valve disposed in an upper end of the outer body and forming an upper end of the sample reservoir, the fill valve for accepting a sample during filling, and preventing sample leakage while providing venting after filling; and a film covering a lower end of the outer body, and forming a bottom end of the sample reservoir, the film for presenting the sample to an analysis focal spot of the analysis instrument. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell. At least one x-ray optic may be disposed in an excitation and/or detection path, requiring alignment to the focal spot, in e.g., a WDXRF or EDXRF system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Burdett, Jr., Daniel L. Dunham, James B. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7729470
    Abstract: A medical device has a compression plate for compression of a subject and/or a subject table for placement of a subject, and at least one radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation. The compression plate and/or the subject table can be heated by the electromagnetic radiation radiated by the at least one radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Fischer, Jasmina Orman
  • Publication number: 20100128843
    Abstract: A device for fixing or locating a breast of a female patient in a medical diagnostic examination instrument comprises an elastic annular-shaped fixing means and also a net fastened thereto which tightly encircle a base of a breast close to a chest wall. A force exerted exerted on the elastic annular-shaped fixing means is applied in a direction away from the patient in order to compress the breast and raise the breast from the chest wall. An X-ray machine including such a device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: MIR MEDICAL IMAGING RESEARCH HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Ralf Tita
  • Patent number: 7722821
    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 a reservoir space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Chemplax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 7699523
    Abstract: Radiation image photographing apparatus equipped with radiation source irradiating subject with radiation, detector holding part holding radiation image detector that detects radiation that is emitted from radiation source and is transmitted through subject, subject table that is arranged between the radiation source and detector holding part and holds subject, and with holding device that holds the radiation source, the subject table and the detector holding part so that phase contrast image may be generated, wherein an edge portion of the subject table is protruded toward the opposite side of the holding device beyond the edge portion of the detector holding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuko Shinden
  • Publication number: 20100080345
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MIR MEDICAL IMAGING RESEARCH HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Harry Schilling, Willi Kalender
  • Patent number: 7676869
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Israel
    Inventors: Deborah Ruth Zelnik, Yaron Hefetz