Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.

Biomagnetic Technologies, Inc.

Other

Leland Stanford Junior University

Nextray, Inc.

Waldo Stephen Hinshaw

Brian Patrick Wilfley

Joseph A Heanue

Edward Gerald Solomon

Tobias Funk

Norbert Joseph Pelc

Douglas N Paulson

Mark S DiIorio

Zhong Zhong

Eugene C Hirschkoff

D Scott Buchanan

William C Black, Jr

Etta Pisano

Christopher A Parham

Dean Connor

David S Buchanan

Christopher Crowley

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.

Method and apparatus for tomographic X-ray imaging and source configuration

Inverse geometry volume computed tomography systems

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. The gaps between the x-ray sources is less than 20 cm. A collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A detector is also used.

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources are disclosed. A plurality of monochromator crystals may be positioned to intercept the plurality of first X-ray beams such that a plurality of second X-ray beams each having predetermined energy levels is produced. Further, an object to be imaged may be positioned in paths of the second x-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emitting from the object a plurality of transmission X-ray beams. The X-ray beams may be directed at angles of incidence upon a plurality of analyzer crystals for detecting an image of the object.

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources and by use of facing sides of adjacent monochromator crystals

Two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of the distribution of a property of an object are formed by passing rays of radiation through the object and detecting how much each ray is attenuated. The Fourier transform is taken of each individual ray but only the zeroth term of the transform along the path of the ray is retained. Each of these transforms is added into a two or thee-dimensional array. If the three-dimensional distribution is being imaged, the transform is a plane of numbers, which is added into the three-dimensional array at right angles to the path of the ray. The numbers in the array are corrected for the non-uniform density of data. After enough such rays in enough different directions are applied, the distribution of the property is obtained by taking the inverse Fourier transform of the data in the array.

Ray-by-ray fourier image reconstruction from projections

A biomagnetometer measures a magnetic field produced by a source within the body of a subject, using a magnetic field sensor system. The biomagnetometer includes an ultrasonic transceiver that determines the internal physical structure of the body with ultrasonic waves. An electromagnetic transmitter/receiver establishes the position of the ultrasonic transceiver relative to the magnetic field sensor system. A computer controls and integrates the magnetic field sensor system, the ultrasonic transceiver, and the electromagnetic transmitter/receiver. The biomagnetometer permits a direct association between the measured biomagnetic field and the location of the source within the body of the subject.

Measurement of internal body structure during biomagnetometry

A biomagnetometer has a magnetic pickup coil positioned remotely from a detector and inductively coupled to the detector. The detector is preferably made from a low-temperature superconductor, while the pickup coil can be made of a high-temperature superconductor. The detector and pickup coil can therefore be placed into separate containers, with an inductive coupler between the containers. In one approach, the detector is maintained at liquid helium temperature, and the pickup coil and electrical connector are cooled by liquid nitrogen. The resulting biomagnetometer permits the container with the pickup coil to be moved and positioned easily, and to be changed readily between various configurations particularly suited for performing various functions.

Superconducting biomagnetometer with inductively coupled pickup coil

Growing community of inventors

Burlingame, CA, United States of America

Waldo Stephen Hinshaw