Patient multimedia display
Granted: April 6, 2006
Application Number:
20060074305
An apparatus for prompting a patient includes a structure configured to be mounted to a patient support, an image source, and a screen coupled to the structure, wherein the screen is positionable relative to the image source. A method of prompting a patient that is being supported on a patient support includes adjusting a position of a screen relative to an image source, the screen having a surface, placing the screen in front of the patient such that the patient can see the surface, and…
Systems and methods for correction of scatter in images
Granted: April 6, 2006
Application Number:
20060072803
A method for correction of scatter in an image includes receiving data of an image having a scatter characteristic, performing a deconvolution procedure on the data using Hermite expansion technique, and generating modified image data based on a result from the step of performing. A method for correction of scatter in an image includes receiving data of an image having a scatter characteristic, and generating modified image data using Fredholm integral technique.
Method and system for predictive physiological gating of radiation therapy
Granted: January 5, 2006
Application Number:
20060004547
A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity.
VOLUMETRIC X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC IMAGE RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT
Granted: August 4, 2005
Application Number:
20050169428
An automated X-ray imaging system and method for producing a plurality of X-ray imaging signals having selectively enhanced volumetric image resolutions, e.g., for magnifying the field of view and providing a volumetric display image having features not otherwise visible to an unaided human eye. Successive doses of X-ray radiation are applied to a portion of the subject to produce corresponding volumetric image signals. Such doses of X-ray radiation are controlled by controlling X-ray…
Standing wave particle beam accelerator
Granted: June 23, 2005
Application Number:
20050134203
A method for generating an electron beam includes prescribing a location, and generating an envelope of electrons, the envelope having a waist, wherein the generating is performed such that the waist of the envelope is at or adjacent to the prescribed location. A device for generating an electron beam includes a gun source for generating electrons, and a plurality of electromagnetic cavities coupled in series to form a body, the electromagnetic cavities configured to accelerate at least…
Patient visual instruction techniques for synchronizing breathing with a medical procedure
Granted: June 2, 2005
Application Number:
20050119560
A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a result of an activity being performed by the patient and a first target result to be achieved by the activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a time and a target result to be achieved by an activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a position of a portion of the patient and a first target position…
X-ray tube and method of manufacture
Granted: November 25, 2004
Application Number:
20040234041
The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing an x-ray tube component, such as an evacuated housing and the like. The component has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a plurality of powder metals, at least one of which is comprised of powder metal component that is substantially non-transmissive to x-radiation. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten.
Multi energy X-ray imager
Granted: November 18, 2004
Application Number:
20040228436
An X-ray image acquisition apparatus includes a panel having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoconductor secured between said first and second electrodes. The photoconductor has a thickness configured to absorb X-ray radiation at a high energy level. The first and second electrodes are configured to create an electric field for transporting charges created in the photoconductor to a pixel unit, thereby allowing charges to be efficiently collected when low or high energy…
X-ray tube having an internal radiation shield
Granted: October 14, 2004
Application Number:
20040202282
A shielding disk for managing x-ray emission form a stationary anode x-ray tube is disclosed. The stationary anode x-ray tube includes an anode housing and a stainless steel can that together form an evacuated enclosure and respectively contain a stationary anode and a cathode assembly. The shielding disk, comprised of tungsten, is interposed between the anode housing and the can, and is formed with a region, such as a hole, formed through a central portion thereof. During tube…
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SHAPING HIGH VOLTAGE POTENTIALS ON AN INSULATOR
Granted: September 9, 2004
Application Number:
20040174956
An apparatus and method for reducing the incidence of electric field stress on portions of insulating structures within high voltage devices is disclosed. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein modifies the conductive properties of the insulating structure surface in a non-uniform manner such that the distribution of voltage potential along the surface thereof is more fully equalized during operation of the high voltage device. This, in turn, reduces the per unit stress on the…
Radiation process and apparatus
Granted: May 20, 2004
Application Number:
20040096033
A radiation apparatus (10) includes a beam source (12) generating radiation beam toward a target (11). A projection detector (17) detects the images of the target (11) formed by the radiation beam. In a radiation treatment session using the apparatus (10), the beam source (12) first generates a low intensity beam. The projection detector (17) generates image signals of a patient under the treatment. A control module (18) in the apparatus (10) develops a treatment plan in accordance with…
Imaging apparatus and method with event sensitive photon detection
Granted: April 8, 2004
Application Number:
20040066878
An imaging apparatus (10) includes a photon detector (20) and an accessing circuit (44) coupled thereto. The photon detector (20) detects photons and generates signals in response thereto. The accessing circuit (44) reads out the signals from the photon detector (20) at a sufficiently high rate so that it operates in an event sensitive mode. The apparatus (10) also includes a signal processing module (15) for process the signals and generating data regarding the images of the object. In…
X-ray tube method of manufacture
Granted: April 8, 2004
Application Number:
20040066901
The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield…
Method for manufacturing x-ray tubes
Granted: November 14, 2002
Application Number:
20020168051
A method for manufacturing x-ray tube parts is disclosed wherein metallic pieces are explosively bonded together to establish a high strength, stable union between them. The x-ray tube parts may then be milled from the bonded metallic pieces. The explosion bonding process creates only discrete intermetallic components in the joint region instead of a continuous, weakening intermetallic layer common in brazed joints. An explosion bond joint is characterized by a wavelike interface,…
Method and system for reducing correlated noise in image data
Granted: October 31, 2002
Application Number:
20020159649
A method and system for reducing correlated noise in imagers is disclosed. Methods are described for determining a pixel correction value. Correlated noise in data generated by imagers can be reduced by applying the pixel correction value to adjust image data before being displayed.
Dual fluid cooling system for high power x-ray tubes
Granted: October 10, 2002
Application Number:
20020146092
A cooling system for use with high-power x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a dielectric coolant disposed in the x-ray tube housing so as to absorb heat dissipated by the stator and other electrical components, as well as absorbing some heat from the x-ray tube itself. To improve heat absorption from the stator and the x-ray tube, the dielectric coolant is circulated throughout the housing by a circulating pump. The cooling system also includes a coolant circuit employing a…
Brachytherapy system for prostate cancer treatment with computer implemented systems and processes to facilitate pre-implantation planning and post-implantation evaluations with storage of multiple plan variations for a single patient
Granted: July 11, 2002
Application Number:
20020091315
A system for assisting a user in preparing a brachytherapy pre-implantation plan and post-implantation evaluation for prostate cancer is disclosed. Image scans are loaded into the system. The user places seeds on the various image scans to treat the prostate cancer. The system of the present invention provides for creation of multiple variations to allow a user to compare and contrast plans or evaluations. A user can more easily move between variations of an original plan or evaluation,…
