Patent US4473749A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4473749A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Clamshell tomograph
Assignee: ENERGY United States, Department of
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Filing: 1982-01-29
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Granted: 1984-09-25
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Expires: 2002-01-29
Abstract
Abstract In brief, the invention is a tomograph modified to be in a clamshell configuration so that the ring or rings may be moved to multiple sampling positions. The tomograph includes an array of detectors arranged in successive adjacent relative locations along a closed curve in a first position in a selected plane, and means for securing the detectors in the relative locations in a first sampling position. The securing means is movable in the plane in two sections and pivotable at one p The U.S. Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 between the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen E. Derenzo
- 👤 Thomas F. Budinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/29; G01T1/2914; G01T1/2985; A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/02; A61B6/03; A61B6/037
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
In a tomograph system, the combination of: an array of detectors arranged in successive adjacent relative locations along a closed curve in a first sampling position in a selected plane; and means for securing said detectors in said relative locations in said first sampling position, said means being movable in said plane in first and second sections, said sections each having first and second ends, said means being pivotable at least at one of said first ends at one point and only one point to enable movement of at least one of said sections to a second sampling position out of said closed curve so that said second ends of said sections which are opposite said point are moved apart a predetermined space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a tomograph system, the combination of: an array of detectors arranged in successive adjacent relative locations along a closed curve in a first sampling position in a selected plane; and means for securing said detectors in said relative locations in said first sampling position, said means being movable in said plane in first and second sections, said sections each having first and second ends, said means being pivotable at least at one of said first ends at one point and only one point to enable movement of at least one of said sections to a second sampling position out of said closed curve so that said second ends of said sections which are opposite said point are moved apart a predetermined space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said sections are equal halves.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said tomograph system is a positron emission system and said detectors are crystal detectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said closed curve is circular.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said detector array has a width with an inner edge and an outer edge so that the inner edge of said array lies along an inner curve and the outer edge lies along an outer curve that is concentric with said inner curve, and wherein said means is pivotable at a point along said outer curve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said sections are moved apart a space equal to at least the width of one detector.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for improving the resolution of a tomograph system that includes an array of detectors arranged in successive adjacent relative locations along a closed curve in a first sampling position in a selected plane, comprising the steps of: pivoting a section of said array at one point and only one point out of said closed curve and away from a remaining section of said array so that said array is in a second sampling position with the ends of the said sections opposite said point moved apart a predetermined space.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for improving the resolution of a tomograph system that includes an array of detectors arranged in successive adjacent relative locations along a closed curve in a first sampling position in a selected plane, comprising the steps of: pivoting a section of said array at one point and only one point out of said closed curve and away from a remaining section of said array so that said array is in a second sampling position with the ends of the said sections opposite said point moved apart a predetermined space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said system is a positron emission system, said detectors are cystal detectors and said sections are moved apart a space equal to at least the width of one crystal detector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said sections are equal halves.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the number of detectors in each section is an even number.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-09-25 | 1988-03-26 | 1988-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-25 | 1992-03-26 | 1992-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-25 | 1996-03-26 | 1996-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |