MONITOR UNITS CALCULATION METHOD FOR PROTON FIELDS
Granted: December 3, 2009
Application Number:
20090299634
A method for determining a monitor unit that is associated with a process using ions, includes obtaining a depth dose curve, determining a characteristic parameter based on the depth dose curve, and using the characteristic parameter to determine a first monitor unit factor. A system for determining a monitor unit that is associated with a process using protons, includes a processor that is configured for obtaining a depth dose curve, determining a characteristic parameter based on the…
METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER-PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR ESTIMATING SCATTERED RADIATION IN RADIOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS
Granted: November 26, 2009
Application Number:
20090290682
Several related inventions for estimating scattered radiation in radiographic projections are disclosed. Several of the inventions use scatter kernels of various forms, including symmetric and asymmetric forms. The inventions may be used alone or in various combinations with one another. The resulting estimates of scattered radiation may be used to correct the projections, which can improve the results of tomographic reconstructions. Still other inventions of the present application…
Apparatus and Method to Facilitate User-Modified Rendering of an Object Image
Granted: November 26, 2009
Application Number:
20090290773
A user interface (102) is configurable to provide a user (such as an individual) with a plurality of user-manipulable image reconstruction parameters. A memory (101) has penetrating energy-based image information regarding an object to be rendered stored therein. A viewer (103) (operably coupled to the user interface) is then configurable to render visible an image of this object as a function, at least in part, of this plurality of image reconstruction parameters and a reconstructor…
Methods, Apparatus, and Computer-Program Products for Increasing Accuracy in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Granted: July 30, 2009
Application Number:
20090190714
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-product programs for increasing accuracy in cone-beam computed tomography.
TREATMENT PLANNING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RADIOTHERAPY
Granted: June 18, 2009
Application Number:
20090154644
A treatment planning method and system for optimizing a treatment plan used to irradiate a treatment volume including a target volume, such as a tumor, is disclosed. According to the method, two dose calculation algorithms are used to develop the optimized treatment plan. A first dose calculation algorithm is used to obtain substantially complete dose calculations and a second, incremental, dose calculation algorithm is used to make more limited calculations. The incremental calculations…
System and Method for High Resolution Field Shaping
Granted: June 11, 2009
Application Number:
20090147917
A system and method are provided for a high resolution radiation treatment system which provide for projecting a field of radiation energy at targeted patient tissue. The system uses a multi-leaf collimator, which is positioned such that a significant clearance is provided between the multi-leaf collimator and the isocenter plane where the targeted tissue is located. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are designed to provide for high step resolution in the projected radiation energy…
X-RAY TUBE HAVING A FOCAL SPOT PROXIMATE THE TUBE END
Granted: May 21, 2009
Application Number:
20090129549
An x-ray tube having a reduced spacing between the focal spot of an anode and an adjacent end wall of an evacuated enclosure is disclosed. This in turn positions the tube relatively closer to the chest wall of a patient during mammography procedures. In one embodiment, the x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure having first and second ends interconnected by a cylindrical side wall. The evacuated enclosure includes a rotor assembly having a bearing assembly and a stem. An anode is…
FILAMENT ASSEMBLY HAVING REDUCED ELECTRON BEAM TIME CONSTANT
Granted: May 21, 2009
Application Number:
20090129550
A filament assembly for use in an x-ray emitting device or other filament-containing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube is disclosed, including a vacuum enclosure that houses both an anode having a target surface, and a cathode positioned with respect to the anode. The cathode includes a filament assembly for emitting a beam of electrons during tube operation. The filament assembly comprises a heat sink and a plurality of filament segments. The filament segments are…
LIQUID COOLED WINDOW ASSEMBLY IN AN X-RAY TUBE
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090086922
Liquid cooled window assembly for an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube window assembly includes an x-ray tube window frame that defines an opening and an x-ray tube window configured to be attached to the x-ray tube window frame. When the x-ray tube window is attached to the x-ray tube window frame, the x-ray tube window substantially covers the opening defined by the x-ray tube window frame, and the x-ray tube window cooperates with the x-ray tube window frame to…
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSOCIATING PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA WITH IMAGE DATA
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090088622
A method of processing image data that includes obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more preferably, within 15 seconds, after the image data is obtained. A system for processing image data that includes a processor configured for obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more…
RADIATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING DEFORMABLE IMAGE REGISTRATION
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090087124
A method includes obtaining a first image, obtaining a second image, determining a deformation field using the first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A computer product having a set of instruction, an execution of which causes a process to be performed, the process comprising determining a deformation field using first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A system includes a…
X-RAY TUBE COOLING SYSTEM
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090086917
X-ray tube cooling systems. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a housing, a window frame attached to the housing, and a window attached to the window frame. The housing defines an aperture through which electrons can pass from a cathode to an anode. The housing also defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The window frame defines an opening through which x-rays can pass. The window covers the opening defined by the window frame. The housing and the window frame are…
ANALYTICAL X-RAY TUBE FOR CLOSE COUPLED SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090086898
An x-ray device and method useful in performing close coupled sample analyses. The x-ray device includes an evacuated enclosure having a window and in which is disposed a cathode assembly, control grid, insulator, and anode arranged so that the anode is interposed between the electron source and the window. The anode includes a target surface oriented toward the window and the anode defines a drift tunnel which is substantially aligned with a hollow defined by the insulator. The control…
APERTURE SHIELD INCORPORATING REFRACTORY MATERIALS
Granted: March 26, 2009
Application Number:
20090080617
An x-ray tube electron shield is disclosed for interposition between an electron emitter and an anode configured to receive the emitted electrons. The electron shield is configured to withstand the elevated levels of heat produced by electrons backscattered from the anode and incident on the electron shield. This in turn equates to a reduced incidence of failure in the electron shield. In one embodiment the electron shield includes a body that defines a bowl-shaped aperture having a…
RADIATION SYSTEMS HAVING TILTABLE GANTRY
Granted: March 12, 2009
Application Number:
20090067579
A radiation system includes a gantry having an opening and a first axis associated with the opening, a radiation source coupled to the gantry, a first bearing located adjacent a left side of the gantry, and a second bearing located adjacent a right side of the gantry, wherein the gantry is tiltable about the first and second bearings, the first and second bearings forming a second axis that is at a first angle relative to the first axis. A radiation system includes a gantry having an…
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING X-RAY IMAGES
Granted: March 5, 2009
Application Number:
20090060311
A method includes obtaining a first image of an object, obtaining a second image of an object, determining a level of correlation between the first and second images, and using the determined level of correlation between the first and second images to obtain information regarding a motion of the object.
System and Method for Imaging and Treatment of Tumorous Tissue in Breasts Using Computed Tomography and Radiotherapy
Granted: December 25, 2008
Application Number:
20080317202
The present invention provides a system 10 for irradiating a breast 20 of a patient 22. The system 10 comprises a gantry 12 rotatable about a horizontal axis 14 and comprising a radiation source 16 for generating a radiation beam 18 and a detector 24 spaced from the radiation source 16, and a barrier 26 disposed between the patient 22 and the gantry 12. The barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow a breast 20 passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18.…
MARKER SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
Granted: November 20, 2008
Application Number:
20080287728
A marker system includes a structure having a first surface and a second surface, a first marker located on the first surface, and a second marker located on the second surface, wherein the first marker and the second marker are arranged so that they face approximately a same direction, and so that they can be simultaneously viewed by an optical device, and wherein a first distance between the first marker and the optical device is different from a second distance between the second…
Method and Apparatus for Auto-Calibration of a Ct Scanner
Granted: November 13, 2008
Application Number:
20080279342
A method of and apparatus for automatically calibrating a computed tomography (“CT”) scanning system (100)<is provided including providing (405) a calibration object (130) substantially centered on a translating table (120) for passing through the CT system (100). The system (100) scans (410) the calibration object (130) and provides (420) a preliminary representation such as a display (500) of a sorted sinogram of the object (130). From that preliminary representation, the system…
MECHANICAL INTERFACE ASSEMBLY
Granted: November 6, 2008
Application Number:
20080273668
A mechanical interface assembly that includes an adjustable element having first and second states such that in the first state, the adjustable element is radially compliant, and in the second state, the adjustable element is substantially non-radially compliant. The adjustable element also includes a mating element configured to interface with a mating component. The mechanical interface assembly further includes an adjustment element configured to interface with the adjustable element…
