Patent EP0023608A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4123654A
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US
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Method for determining the density of bodies by means of penetrating rays and apparatus for carrying out said method
Assignee: Siemens AG
•
Filing: 1976-10-04
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Granted: 1978-10-31
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Expires: 1996-10-04
Abstract
Abstract In the illustrated embodiments radiant energy at a plurality of distinct energy levels (each above 150 keV) is directed along one or more primary beam paths, and a series of detectors are arranged to receive scatter radiation from the same or successive points irradiated by the primary beam energy, with the detectors either collecting scatter energy over identical solid angles and at identical mean scattering angles or having their respective outputs equalized to a common scattering sample for each respective scatter energy spectrum. By relatively shifting a group of detectors a linear or layer region can be scanned, and the respective outputs from each detector can be individually recorded for subsequent processing to eliminate the effects of multiple scattering and unequal mean scattering angles. With detectors stationary, a time series of respective output signals from each detector can be recorded to facilitate the study of local ventilation of defined zones in the lungs, for example. By suitable processing, the output signals can be converted to numerical density readings and/or an accurate graphical display of density variations in a region of medical interest.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl-Hans Reiss
- 👤 Klaus Killig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/48; A61B6/483; A61B6/02; A61B6/03; A61B6/032; A61B6/04; A61B6/0478; A61B6/40; A61B6/4035; A61B6/405; A61B6/482; A61B6/42; A61B6/4208; A61B6/4258
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
The method of determining the density of bodies by means of penetrating rays, which comprises directing rays of plural preselected different wavelengths from at least one radiation source means to produce at least one beam of rays along a beam path extending from the source means to an internal region of the body whose density is to be measured, arranging detector means outside of said beam of rays for receiving scattered radiation from said internal region along respective detector axes which intersect said region and form respective angles other than an angle in the vincinity of zero degrees with said beam path, and responding to the scattered radiation received by said detector means along the respective detector axes to supply a plurality of output signals as a function thereof which output signals are responsive only to plural preselected wavelengths of scattered radiation as produced by the plural preselected different wavelengths from the source means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
The method of determining the density of bodies by means of penetrating rays, which comprises directing rays of plural preselected different wavelengths from at least one radiation source means to produce at least one beam of rays along a beam path extending from the source means to an internal region of the body whose density is to be measured, arranging detector means outside of said beam of rays for receiving scattered radiation from said internal region along respective detector axes which intersect said region and form respective angles other than an angle in the vincinity of zero degrees with said beam path, and responding to the scattered radiation received by said detector means along the respective detector axes to supply a plurality of output signals as a function thereof which output signals are responsive only to plural preselected wavelengths of scattered radiation as produced by the plural preselected different wavelengths from the source means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method is further characterized by: producing primary rays of different wavelengths from at least one radioactive source disposed in a shielded chamber, collimating the primary rays from said chamber so as to direct beams of such primary rays of different wavelengths along substantially a common straight line beam path extending directly to said internal region whose density is to be measured, sensing the scattered radiation from said region resulting from the respective beams of primary rays as received at said detector means, and producing respective separate output signals in response to the sensing of the respective scattered rays produced by the respective different wavelengths of primary rays.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2 with said primary rays being produced by means of a single isotope in said chamber which supplies rays of respective different quantum energies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 3 with said chamber containing iridium 192 (Ir 192 ) for producing primary rays at quantum energies of 310,000 electron volts (310 keV) and 468,000 electron volts (468 keV).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 with said primary rays being produced by means of a plurality of radioactive isotopes in a common shielded chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 5 with said common shielded chamber containing iridium 192 (Ir 192 ) and cesium 137 (Cs 137 ) with respective activities for producing approximately equal numbers of scattered rays at three respective different average quantum energies at said detector means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2 with said primary rays being produced by radioactive source means having an activity of about 111 × 10 10 per second (thirty Ci).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 2 with said primary rays being produced by means of a plurality of radioactive isotopes having activities in the range from about 37 × 10 10 per second (ten Ci) to about 111 × 10 10 per second (thirty Ci).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the method is further characterized by the step of forming a resultant signal as a function of the quotient of said separate output signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of different wavelengths by means of an X-ray source which is sequentially operated at respective different energy levels to produce respective time sequential output signals at said detector means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 10 with said X-ray source being operated sequentially at respective voltages of about 300,000 volts (300 kV) and 200,000 volts (200 kV).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 10 with said X-ray source being operated at a relatively higher electric potential and supplying its radiation via a lead (Pb) filter with a thickness of about one millimeter (1 mm) and at a relatively lower electric potential to supply radiation via a filter of copper (Cu) having a thickness of about three millimeters (3 mm).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 with said method being further characterized by relatively shifting the detector means and the body such that the detector means scans successive internal regions in a layer of said body and produces respective time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the relative shifting step produces a relative scanning speed in said layer from about five centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
143 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of a plurality of different energy spectrums from at least one source, collimating the primary rays from said source so as to direct beams of such primary rays of different energy spectrums along substantially a common beam path extending directly to said internal region whose density is to be measured, arranging detector means for receiving scattered radiation along respective detector axes which intersect said region at substantially a common point, sensing the scattered radiation from said common point in said region resulting from the respective beams of primary rays as received at the respective detector means, and producing respective separate output signals from each of the detector means in response to the sensing of the respective scattered rays produced by the respective different energy spectrums of primary rays.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of different wavelengths by means of an x-ray source which is sequentially operated at respective different energy levels, and arranging detector means for receiving scattered radiation along respective detector axes which intersect said beam path at substantially a common point to produce respective time sequential output signals at each of said detector means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 16 with said x-ray source being operated sequentially at respective voltages of about 300,000 volts (300 kV) and 200,000 volts (200 kV).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 16 with said x-ray source being operated at a relatively higher electric potential and supplying its radiation via a lead (Pb) filter with a thickness of about one millimeter (1 mm) and at a relatively lower electric potential to supply radiation via a filter of copper (Cu) having a thickness of about three millimeters (3 mm).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1 with said method being further characterized by arranging the detector means to receive scattered radiation along respective detector axes which intersect said beam path at substantially a common point, and relatively shifting the detector means and the body such that each detector means scans successive points of said internal region of said body and produces a time sequence of said output signals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the relative shifting step produces a relative scanning speed in said region from about five centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized by arranging respective detector means for receiving scattered radiation from said internal region along respective detector axes which intersect said region at successive points therein, and responding to the scattered radiation received by the respective detector means along the respective detector axes to supply a plurality of separate output signals for individual processing in the determination of the respective densities in the vicinity of the respective points.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 21, wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of different wavelengths from a plurality of radioactive sources, directing beams from the respective sources along respective substantially common beam paths extending directly to said internal region, and arranging respective detector means for receiving scattered radiation from said internal region along respective detective axes which intersect said region at respective points on the respective substantially common beam paths.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 22 with said primary rays from each of the sources being produced by means of a single isotope which supplies rays of respective different quantum energies.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 23 with said chamber containing iridium 192 (Ir 192 ) for producing primary rays at quantum energies of 310,000 electron volts (310 keV) and 468,000 electron volts (468 keV).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 22 with said primary rays being produced by radioactive source means having an activity of about 111 × 10 10 per second (thirty Ci).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the method is further characterized by the step of forming a resultant signal as a function of the quotient of said separate output signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the method is further characterized by sensing the scattered radiation from successive points along said beam path in said region as received by respective detector means, and producing respective separate output signals from each of said detector means in response to the sensing by such detector means of the respective scattered rays.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of different wave lengths by means of a plurality of radioactive isotopes in a common shielded chamber, directing said primary rays along substantially a common beam path, and sensing the scattered radiation from successive points along said common beam path in said region.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 28 with said common shielded chamber containing iridium 192 (Ir 192 ) and cesium 137 (Cs 137 ) with respective activities for producing approximately equal numbers of scattered rays at three respective different average quantum energies at said detector means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the method is further characterized by producing primary rays of different wave lengths by means of an x-ray source which is sequentially operated at respective different energy levels to produce time sequential output signals, and arranging respective detector means for receiving scattered radiation corresponding to operation of said source at the respective different energy levels to produce respective time sequential output signals at each of said detector means for individual processing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 30 with said x-ray source being operated sequentially at respective voltages of about 300,000 volts (300 kV) and 200,000 volts (200 kV).
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
117 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the method is further characterized by producing the primary rays of different wave lengths by means of an x-ray source which is sequentially operated at respective different energy levels to produce alternating beams of rays along a beam path of the respective different energy levels, arranging respective detector means for receiving scattered radiation along respective detector axes which intersect said beam path at successive points therealong, and responding to the scattered radiation received by the respective detector means to produce respective time sequential output signals at each of said detector means for individual processing in the determination of the density in the vicinity of the associated point on said beam path.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 21 with said method being further characterized by relatively shifting the detector means and the body such that the detector means scan successive series of points in a layer of said body and produce respective time sequences of said output signals for individual processing in the determination of the respective densities in the vicinity of the respective series of points.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 33 wherein the relative shifting step produces a relative scanning speed in said layer from about 5 centimeters per second to about 10 centimeters per second.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized by arranging respective detector means outside of said beam of rays with the detector axes intersecting said region at a common point, and each forming an angle other than an angle in the vicinity of zero degrees with said beam path, and responding to the radiation received by the respective detector means to supply a plurality of separate output signals for individual processing in the determination of the density at such common point.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized by arranging respective detector means outside of said beam of rays with the detector axes intersecting said region at a common point, and forming respective equal angles other than an angle in the vicinity of zero degrees with said beam path.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized by directing rays of different wavelengths from each of a series of radiation sources along respective beam paths intersecting said region, and arranging respective detector means outside of the beam of rays along each of said beam paths for receiving scattered radiation along respective detector axes which intersect the respective beam paths.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 37 further characterized by arranging respective pluralities of point-focused detectors with their detector axes intersecting respective common points on the respective beam paths.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
166 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus for determining the density of bodies by means of penetrating rays, which comprises radiation source means for directing beams of rays of plural preselected different wavelengths into a region of the body whose density is to be measured, with the beams of rays of said plural preselected different wavelengths each being transmitted along a beam path to the region, detector means disposed outside of said beams of rays and having respective detector axes intersecting said region and forming respective angles other than an angle of zero degrees with said beam path for receiving scattered radiation from said region, and respective signal supply means responsive to the scattered radiation received by said detector means along the respective detector axes to supply a plurality of output signals as a function of radiation scattered from such region which output signals are responsive only to plural preselected wavelengths of said scattered radiation as produced by the beams of said plural preselected different wavelengths from said source means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
166 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus for determining the density of bodies by means of penetrating rays, which comprises radiation source means for directing beams of rays of plural preselected different wavelengths into a region of the body whose density is to be measured, with the beams of rays of said plural preselected different wavelengths each being transmitted along a beam path to the region, detector means disposed outside of said beams of rays and having respective detector axes intersecting said region and forming respective angles other than an angle of zero degrees with said beam path for receiving scattered radiation from said region, and respective signal supply means responsive to the scattered radiation received by said detector means along the respective detector axes to supply a plurality of output signals as a function of radiation scattered from such region which output signals are responsive only to plural preselected wavelengths of said scattered radiation as produced by the beams of said plural preselected different wavelengths from said source means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
70 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus according to claim 39 with scanner means including support means for supporting the body to be examined and mounting means for mounting said radiation source means and said detector means and providing for the shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means such that successive regions of the body lying generally in a layer are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus in accordance with claim 40 with motorized drive mechanism forming part of said scanner means for producing shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus in accordance with claim 39 with a patient support means for supporting the body of a patient in operative relation, said patient support means comprising a seat arranged to be straddled by the patient.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
52 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus according to claim 42 further comprising motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between said patient support means and said source and detector means such that successive regions of the patient's body lying generally in a layer are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
58 words
Radiobiological examination apparatus in according with claim 39 with a motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between a body to be examined and said source and detector means such that successive regions of the body are scanned at a scanning speed in the range from about five centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus according to claim 39 with radiation source means for directing beams of rays of different wavelengths along a common beam path, detector means disposed outside of said beams of rays and having respective detector axes intersecting said common beam path at respective points therealong, and respective signal supply means responsive to the scattered radiation received by the respective detector means from the respective points to supply output signals as a function of radiation scattered from the respective points.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 45 with scanner means including support means for supporting the body to be examined and mounting means for mounting said detector means and providing for the shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means such that successive series of points lying generally in a layer are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 46 with motorized drive mechanism forming part of said scanner means for producing shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 with a patient support means for supporting the body of a patient in operative relation, said patient support means comprising a seat arranged to be straddled by the patient.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus according to claim 48 further comprising motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between said patient support means and said detector means such that successive series of points lying generally in a layer are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 with a motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between a body to be examined and said detector means such that successive series of points are scanned at a scanning speed in the range from about five centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus according to claim 45 with said source means comprising a series of sources for directing beams of rays along respective common beam paths, and said detector means comprising a series of point-focus detectors having detector axes substantially intersecting the respective beam paths at respective scatter volumes, for receiving scattered radiation from the respective scatter volumes.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 51 with two point-focus detectors having detector axes intersecting each scatter volume.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 52 with said two detectors having their detector axes forming equal angles with the common beam path substantially intersected thereby.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 with said detector means comprising point-focus detectors with detector axes forming unequal angles with said beam path, and respective signal supply means connected with the respective detectors for supplying respective output signals therefrom for individual processing.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 with said detector means being disposed outside of said beams of rays and having respective detector axes intersecting said region at a common point and forming respective angles other than an angle of zero degrees with said beam path for receiving scattered radiations from said common point, respective signal supply means responsive to the scattered radiation received by said detector means along the respective detector axes from said common point to supply a plurality of output signals as a function of radiation scattered from such region, and processing means coupled to said supply means for separately processing each of said output signals.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus according to claim 55 with scanner means including support means for supporting the body to be examined and mounting means for mounting said detector means and providing for the shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means such that successive points of the body lying along said beam path are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 56 with motorized drive mechanism forming part of said scanner means for producing shifting of the support means relative to said mounting means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 55 with a patient support means for supporting the body of a patient in operative relation, said patient support means comprising a seat arranged to be straddled by the patient.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 58 further comprising motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between said patient support means and said detector means such that successive regions of the patient's body lying along said beam path are successively scanned to provide time sequences of said output signals.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 55 with a motorized drive mechanism for producing relative shifting movement between a body to be examined and said detector means such that successive regions of the body are scanned at a scanning speed in the range from about five centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-10-30 | 1982-05-01 | 1982-10-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-30 | 1986-05-01 | 1986-10-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-05-01 | 1990-10-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |