Interlaced multi-energy radiation sources
Granted: December 10, 2013
Patent Number:
8604723
Multi-energy radiation sources comprising charged particle accelerators driven by power generators providing different RF powers to the accelerator, capable of interlaced operation, are disclosed. Automatic frequency control techniques are provided to match the frequency of RF power provided to the accelerator with the accelerator resonance frequency. In one example where the power generator is a mechanically tunable magnetron, an automatic frequency controller is provided to match the…
Energy modulator for modulating an energy of a particle beam
Granted: December 10, 2013
Patent Number:
8604454
An energy modulator for use with a particle source that provides a beam of particles includes a first block moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first block is at the second position, it is in a path of the beam, and a second block moveable relative to the first block, wherein the second block and the first block are offset from each other in a direction of the beam, wherein the first block has a first energy absorption characteristic, and the second…
Image stitching and related method therefor
Granted: December 3, 2013
Patent Number:
8600193
A method to stitch images includes the steps of: determining a template window in the first digital image and a target window in the second digital image and extracting selected features from the selected windows and a template in the template window; extracting selected features from within the template at a first resolution; matching the selected features in the target window; extracting selected features from within the template and target window at a second resolution higher than the…
Systems and methods for associating physiological data with image data
Granted: November 26, 2013
Patent Number:
8594769
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…
Image data compression and decompression
Granted: November 26, 2013
Patent Number:
8594461
A method of processing image data includes obtaining an image set that includes at least a first image and a second image, determining a deformation registration using the first and second images, wherein the act of determining the deformation registration is performed using a processor, performing image compression on at least a portion of the image set using the determined deformation registration to obtain compressed image data, and storing the compressed image data. A method of…
Radiation system with rotating patient support
Granted: November 19, 2013
Patent Number:
8588369
A patient support system includes a patient support having a surface for supporting a patient and a longitudinal axis, and a positioner coupled to the patient support for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioner is configured to move the patient support along a path that has an arc, circular, or zig-zag shape, and wherein the path lies within a plane that forms an angle with the surface of the patient support.
Systems and methods for gating medical procedures
Granted: October 29, 2013
Patent Number:
8571639
A method of performing physiological gating in a medical procedure includes acquiring a sequence of images having at least a first image and a second image of a target region, determining a first composite image based on the first and second images, and gating a medical procedure based on the composite image. A method of performing a medical procedure includes providing a plurality of templates, each of the templates having an image and treatment data, acquiring an input image,…
Method and apparatus pertaining to use of a switched voltage clamp with an x-ray detector amplifier
Granted: October 22, 2013
Patent Number:
8565380
An x-ray detector amplifier operably couples to an analog-to-digital converter interface and a switched voltage clamp is operably disposed there between. By one approach, the switched voltage clamp comprises a switched electrical connection to a constant potential (such as, but not limited to, ground). These teachings will accommodate a control circuit configured to control the switched voltage clamp. This can comprise, for example, controlling the switched voltage clamp in synchronicity…
Imaging breast cancerous lesions with microcalcifications
Granted: October 15, 2013
Patent Number:
8559590
A radiation system includes a first radiation source and a first detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a body portion, and a second radiation source and a second detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a region of interest in the body portion. The first radiation source has a first spot size and the first detector has a first pixel size. The second radiation source has a second spot size and the second detector has a second pixel size. The…
Image acquisition devices with contrast and spatial resolution enhanced back-scatter shielding
Granted: October 8, 2013
Patent Number:
8552386
An image acquisition device employs a low-Z material to maximize the probability of backscattering or direct hits in Compton scattering for radiation with a given energy spectrum that passes through a detector array to enhance the contrast and spatial resolution of the image acquisition device. A radiation apparatus including the image acquisition device is also provided.
Dual angle radiation scanning of objects
Granted: October 8, 2013
Patent Number:
8551785
In one example, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object by first and second radiation beams at least first and second angles, detecting radiation at the first and second angles, and determining whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material, which may be nuclear material or shielding material, based, at least in part, on the detected radiation. In one example, the detected radiation at both angles must be…
Systems and methods for delivering radiation therapy
Granted: October 8, 2013
Patent Number:
8550972
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
Radiation sensitive liposomes
Granted: September 17, 2013
Patent Number:
8535712
The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive liposome, and the use of this liposome as carrier for therapeutic and diagnostic agent(s). In particular, the invention encompasses a liposomal delivery system, comprising a stable liposome-forming lipid and a polymerizable colipid, a fraction of which polymerizable colipid polymerizes upon exposure to ionizing radiation, thereby destabilizing the liposomal membrane. Destabilization of liposomes allows for leakage of liposomal…
Real-time motion tracking using tomosynthesis
Granted: August 20, 2013
Patent Number:
8515004
One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a method for determining a movement of a target region using tomosynthesis. The method includes the steps of accessing a first set of projection radiographs of the target region over a first processing window defined by a first range of projection angles, accessing a second set of projection radiographs of the target region over a second processing window defined by a second range of projection angles, wherein the first processing…
Systems and methods for delivering radiation therapy
Granted: August 20, 2013
Patent Number:
8512217
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
X-ray target and method of making same
Granted: August 13, 2013
Patent Number:
8509386
In one example, an x-ray target comprises a target track, a substrate, and an optional backing. The target track includes a base material and a grain growth inhibitor to reduce or prevent microstructure grain growth in the base material. The target track can be included as part of an x-ray tube anode, either of a rotary form or a stationary form.
Method and apparatus pertaining to rendering an image to convey levels of confidence with respect to materials identification
Granted: August 13, 2013
Patent Number:
8508545
A control circuit accesses image information regarding an image of a target. This information comprises, at least in part, information regarding material content of the target. The control circuit also accesses confidence information regarding at least one degree of confidence as pertains to the target's material content. The control circuit uses this confidence information to facilitate rendering the image such that the rendered image integrally conveys information both about materials…
X-ray tube window
Granted: August 6, 2013
Patent Number:
8503616
In one example embodiment, an x-ray transmissive window includes an inner surface and an outer surface. An x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray system defines a beam path area on the inner surface of the window and a beam path area on the outer surface of the window. The inner surface is arranged for contact with cooling fluid of the x-ray system and is configured to prevent bubbles present in the cooling fluid from accumulating on the inner surface in the beam path area of the inner surface.…
Electron emitter and method of making same
Granted: July 30, 2013
Patent Number:
8498379
One example embodiment includes methods for making electron emitters. The electron emitter comprises a conductive member that defines a plurality of filament segments that are integral with each other. Each filament segment includes an intermediate portion and an interconnecting portion attached to an adjacent filament segment. The intermediate portions are substantially coplanar with each other and each intermediate portion includes a substantially planar electron emission surface.
Dose calculation method for multiple fields
Granted: July 9, 2013
Patent Number:
8483357
Systems and methods for developing a treatment plan for irradiating a treatment volume within a patient are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, control points used to calculate a dose of radiation delivered to the treatment volume may be combined to result in a smaller number of control points. The smaller number of control points may allow more efficient calculation of dose distributions resulting in a treatment plan that can be delivered to the patient earlier or may…
