US4598415A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for producing X-rays
Assignee: IMAGING SCIENCES ASSOCIATES A NY CORP LP
•
Filing: 1983-08-15
•
Granted: 1986-07-01
•
Expires: 2003-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for producing X-rays utilizing the Compton backward scattering effect. The X-rays are electronically steerable for scanning, and also have a very narrow angle of divergence for precise positioning. The X-rays have a narrow bandwidth, and are tunable to permit an object to be irradiated with only the desired beneficial radiation. The X-rays are polarized for trace element analysis. The X-rays are suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, and industrial testing, purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfredo U. Luccio
- 👤 Bertrand A. Brill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:59
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21K; G21K1/00; H; H05; H05G; H05G2/00; A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10; A61N2005/1085; A61N2005/1091
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
219 words
A method of irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) said directing step including the step of generating the incoming photons from a light source, and directing them in said one direction, and reflecting the incoming photons for propagation back along the same path in said opposite direction while the electrons are passed in the one direction, said reflecting taking place between the object and the interaction region, such that said X-rays may be directed at a surface of the object confronting the interaction region without restriction from the object.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
219 words
A method of irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) said directing step including the step of generating the incoming photons from a light source, and directing them in said one direction, and reflecting the incoming photons for propagation back along the same path in said opposite direction while the electrons are passed in the one direction, said reflecting taking place between the object and the interaction region, such that said X-rays may be directed at a surface of the object confronting the interaction region without restriction from the object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said passing step includes the step of magnetically acting on the electrons to cause the same to repeatedly circulate in a closed loop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlling step includes the step of energizing the incoming electrons to energy levels such that the outgoing photons will lie in the desired range from about 0.5 Kev to about 250 Kev.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlling step includes the step of energizing the incoming electrons to energy levels such that the outgoing photons will lie in the desired range from about 20 Kev to about 100 Kev for medical diagnostic purposes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlling step includes the step of energizing the incoming electrons to energy levels such that the outgoing photons will lie in the desired range from about 30 Kev to 250 Kev for therapy purposes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlling step includes the step of energizing the incoming electrons to energy levels such that the outgoing photons will lie in the desired range from about 0.5 Kev to 100 Kev for elemental analysis purposes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the said passing, directing and controlling steps are performed to generate X-rays having a polarized characteristic.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the said passing, directing and controlling steps are performed to generate X-rays having a conical beam configuration with a narrow angle of divergence.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said generating step includes generating said incoming photons from a collimated light source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the said passing, directing and controlling steps are performed to generate X-rays having a narrow frequency band characteristic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined in claim 1; and further comprising the step of varying the direction of propagation of the X-rays produced by the Compton effect to scan the object.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 11, wherein said varying step includes the step of changing the spatial position of the interaction region.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as defined in claim 12, wherein said changing step includes the step of magnetically deflecting the electrons passing through the interaction region to an offset position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 13, wherein said changing step also includes the step of moving the incoming photons in space so as to maintain the coincidence of the same with the offset position of the electrons.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 14; and further comprising the step of tuning the frequency of the X-rays to any desired value within the desired range.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
226 words
An apparatus for irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising: (a) means for passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) means for directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction substantially opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) means for controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) means for guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) said directing means including means for generating the incoming photons from a light source and directing them in said one direction, and means for reflecting the incoming photons for propagation back along the same path in said opposite direction while the electrons are passed in the one direction, said reflecting taking place between the object and the interaction region, such that said X-rays may be directed at a surface of the object confronting the interaction region without restriction from the object.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
226 words
An apparatus for irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising: (a) means for passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) means for directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction substantially opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) means for controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) means for guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) said directing means including means for generating the incoming photons from a light source and directing them in said one direction, and means for reflecting the incoming photons for propagation back along the same path in said opposite direction while the electrons are passed in the one direction, said reflecting taking place between the object and the interaction region, such that said X-rays may be directed at a surface of the object confronting the interaction region without restriction from the object.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said passing means includes a housing bounding an internal chamber, means for evacuating said internal chamber, and means for causing electrons to circulate in a closed loop having said path as a portion thereof in said internal chamber, including magnet means arranged along said loop.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said magnet means is so distributed along said loop that said path is substantially straight.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said magnet means includes two magnet devices each extending along a substantially semi-circular course and so oriented relative to the other magnet device at a predetermined distance therefrom that the electrons travel between said magnet devices in said straight path in said one direction and in another straight path parallel to said other direction.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said passing means further includes means for accelerating electrons and injecting the same into said loop.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said directing means includes means for repeatedly reflecting the incoming photons for propagation in both of said directions in said path for interaction of the incoming photons with the incoming electrons during the propagation of said incoming photons in said opposite direction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein said light source comprises a laser; and wherein said reflecting means includes two mirrors arranged at opposite sides of said laser so as to define an optical cavity and include said interaction region between themselves.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said laser is disposed outside of said interaction region.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16; and further comprising means for scanning the object to be X-rayed by electromagnetically varying the direction of propagation of the X-rays.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein said scanning means includes means for magnetically deflecting the electrons so as to change the spatial position of said path.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 25, wherein said magnetically deflecting means includes at least two deflecting magnets arranged across said interaction region from one another, and operative for shifting the spatial position of said path with respect to the initial position thereof by magnetically acting on the incoming electrons traveling along the same.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 26, wherein said scanning means further includes means for moving the incoming photons in space so as to maintain the coincidence thereof with the electrons in the shifted path.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 27, wherein said moving means includes an optical scanner.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16; and further comprising means for tuning the frequency of the X-rays to a selected value within the desired range.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said generating means comprises a collimated light source.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect, including magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position, and optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect, including magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position, and optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined in claim 31, wherein the X-rays are a highly directional conical beam with a narrow angle of divergence.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method as defined in claim 31, wherein the X-rays have a narrow band frequency characteristic, and wherein said controlling step includes the step of tuning the narrow band X-rays to a desired value, and wherein said guiding step is performed by guiding the tuned, narrow band X-rays to the object.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 31, wherein the X-rays are polarized, and wherein said guiding step is performed by guiding the polarized X-rays to the object.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 31, wherein said step of opto-magnetically scanning includes varying the incident angle of impingement on the object of the X-rays produced by the Compton effect.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
211 words
Apparatus for irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising: (a) means for passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) means for directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) means for controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) means for guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) means for opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect including means for magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position and means for optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
211 words
Apparatus for irradiating an object with X-rays in a desired range suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, or industrial testing, purposes, comprising: (a) means for passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) means for directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the object to be X-rayed; (c) means for controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) means for guiding the X-rays towards the object to be irradiated; and (e) means for opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect including means for magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position and means for optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 36; and further comprising means for independently diverting a portion of the incoming electrons along another path remote from said predetermined path, and means for guiding the diverted electrons towards the object for radiation therapy purposes.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 36, wherein said interaction region has a predetermined length, and wherein said means for directing is operative for generating pulses of photons, each pulse having a length in space from a pulse front to a pulse end substantially equal to twice said predetermined length of the interaction region.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 38, wherein said directing means includes a pair of reflecting mirrors bounding an optical cavity, and wherein the photon pulses repeatedly reflect between the mirrors, and wherein the electrons successively interact with the photon pulses.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 36; and further comprising detector means for detecting the flux of the X-rays impinging thereon, and for generating a counting signal indicative of the detected flux; means for electronically scanning the object with the X-ray beam, and for generating a steering signal indicative of the position of the scanning beam; and means for processing the counting and steering signals to determine the location of a scattering reaction in the object.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein said detector means includes a substantially planar two-dimensional radiograph detector located downstream of the object as considered in the direction of the guiding of the X-rays towards the object, said detector being operative for detecting the flux of the X-rays transmitted from the object for two-dimensional radiography purposes.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein said detector means includes a radiographic detector located at more than one side of the object, said detector being operative for detecting the flux of the X-rays transmitted from the object for the three-dimensional radiography purposes.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
200 words
In trace elemental analysis, a method of irradiating a test sample with X-rays in a desired range suitable for industrial testing purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the test sample; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the test sample to be irradiated; and (e) opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect, including magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position, and optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
200 words
In trace elemental analysis, a method of irradiating a test sample with X-rays in a desired range suitable for industrial testing purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a multitude of incoming electrons at a predetermined energy level in one direction along a predetermined path through an interaction region; (b) directing a multitude of incoming photons at a predetermined energy level along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons, whereby outgoing photons are propagated at an increased energy level by the Compton scattering effect substantially along the one direction towards the test sample; (c) controlling the energy level of the incoming electrons to convert the outgoing photons to X-rays within the desired range; (d) guiding the X-rays towards the test sample to be irradiated; and (e) opto-magnetically scanning the object with the X-rays produced by the Compton effect, including magnetically deflecting the electrons in the interaction region to an offset position, and optically maintaining the direction of the photons in space such that the photons continue to travel along a direction opposite to the one direction through the interaction region and into colliding relationship with the incoming electrons.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3679897A
Cited
US3746860A
Cited
US3822410A
Cited
US4058486A
Cited
US3886366A
Cited
US3961197A
Cited
US3944822A
Cited
US3955089A
Cited
US4109218A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-30 | 1989-12-30 | 1990-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-30 | 1993-12-30 | 1994-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-30 | 1997-12-30 | 1998-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |