US3774031A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gamma camera with increased resolution
Assignee: National Research Development Corp UK
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Filing: 1969-08-01
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1989-08-01
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use in investigating the distribution of radiation from an extended source consists of a multi-channel collimator which is so mounted as to be movable in a plane substantially at right angles to the axis of collimation. A gamma camera is described which consists of such a collimator for collimating gamma radiation in association with a scintillation screen, an image intensifier vacuum tube, and means for forming an image of the distribution of light emitted by the scintillation screen upon the photo-cathode of the image intensifier.
Inventors
- 👤 J Mallard
- 👤 R Wilks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/161; G01T1/164; G01T1/1641; G01T1/1645
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A gamma ray camera for forming a collimated gamma ray image having a given resolution power from an extended source of noncollimated gamma rays, said camera comprising: a multi-channel apertured plate with parallel aperture axes for collimating gamma rays emanating from said source of gamma rays, a first frame in which said apertured plate is movably mounted, a second frame in which said first frame is movably mounted, random movement means connected between said apetured plate and said first and second frames for causing said apertured plate to continuously and effectively randomly move with respect to said extended source in a plane perpendicular to the aperture axes, dimensions of said aperatures being increased to improve camera sensitivity without introducing any overall loss in said given camera resloution power due to said continuous and effectively random relative motion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A gamma ray camera for forming a collimated gamma ray image having a given resolution power from an extended source of noncollimated gamma rays, said camera comprising: a multi-channel apertured plate with parallel aperture axes for collimating gamma rays emanating from said source of gamma rays, a first frame in which said apertured plate is movably mounted, a second frame in which said first frame is movably mounted, random movement means connected between said apetured plate and said first and second frames for causing said apertured plate to continuously and effectively randomly move with respect to said extended source in a plane perpendicular to the aperture axes, dimensions of said aperatures being increased to improve camera sensitivity without introducing any overall loss in said given camera resloution power due to said continuous and effectively random relative motion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A gamma ray camera as in claim 1 wherein: said apertured plate comprises a lead cylinder at least approximately 5 cm thick with at least approximately 2 mm square apertures therein seParated by septa at least approximately 0.75 mm thick.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
A gamma ray camera as in claim 1 wherein: said apertured plate comprises a lead cylinder at least approximately 5 cm thick with a hexagonal array of hexagonal shaped apertures at least approximately 6 mm wide across the flats of the hexagons therein separated by septa at least approximately 1.5 mm thick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A gamma ray camera as in claim 1 wherein said random movement means comprises: a first pair of double acting cylinders connected to produce relative movement between said apertured plate and said first frame, and a second pair of double acting cylinders connected to produce relative movement between said first and second frames.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A gamma ray camera as in claim 1 wherein said random movement means effects a plurality of aperture passes over virtually all areas of said extended source during each image exposure period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A gamma camera as in claim 1 wherein said random movement means effects a plurality of aperture passes over virtually all areas of said extended source during each image exposure period.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A gamma camera as in claim 1 and further comprising: a scintillation screen positioned to receive collimated radiation from said collimator, an image intensifier vacuum tube having a photo-cathode, and means for forming an image of the distribution of light emitted by said scintillation screen on the photo-cathode of the image intensifier.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A gamma camera according to claim 7 including means for operating the image intensifier only in response to selected scintillations of the screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
86 words
A device according to Claim 8 wherein the means for operating the image intensifier only in response to selected scintillations comprises; a plurality of photo-multipliers disposed about the periphery of a light guide arranged to cause the light emitted by the scintillation screen to be incident upon the photo-cathode of the tube; means for amplifying pulses from the photo-multipliers, pulse height analysing means, and means for operating the image intensifier in response only to pulses of a predetermined magnitude selected by the said pulse height analyser.
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) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |