The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Nov. 14, 2006

Filed:

Nov. 18, 2003
Applicants:

Joseph J. Lacey, Cambridge, WI (US);

Lee F. Wichlacz, Menomonee Falls, WI (US);

Douglas J. Snyder, Brookfield, WI (US);

Inventors:

Joseph J. Lacey, Cambridge, WI (US);

Lee F. Wichlacz, Menomonee Falls, WI (US);

Douglas J. Snyder, Brookfield, WI (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
A61B 6/00 (2006.01); G01N 23/083 (2006.01); H05G 1/60 (2006.01); G01T 1/24 (2006.01); H01L 25/065 (2006.01); H01L 27/146 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

Disclosed is an X-ray detector assembly for use in a computed tomography system. The X-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between two rails. A thermoelectric cooler is coupled to an end of each of the rails, and is controlled to alternatively heat or cool the detector array to maintain the array in a substantially isothermal and thermally stable condition. The detector assembly preferably includes both passive and active cooling devices and insulation materials for controlling the temperature of the detector assembly. An electrical heater coupled at the center of the detector array can be used in conjunction with the TEC's to control the temperature profile of the detector array, and to minimize changes in the temperature gradients.


Find Patent Forward Citations

Loading…