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US4852137A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Imaging of light-opaque specimens by transmission of radiation therethrough
Assignee: ASTROCAM Ltd
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Filing: 1987-10-09
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Granted: 1989-07-25
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Expires: 2007-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A method of and apparatus for imaging light opaque specimens wherein a secondary source (16) is stimulated by radiation (x-rays or high energy electrons or neutrons) transmitted through the specimen (12) and visible light emitted by the secondary source (without amplification) is detected by a cooled slow scan CCD (26, 28) coupled to the secondary source by a lens (20) and shutter (22).
Inventors
- 👤 Craig D. Mackay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:25
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/02; G01N23/04; G01N23/043; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of imaging light-opaque specimens by transmission of penetrative radiation therethrough, comprising exposing a light-opaque specimen to penetrative radiation, permitting penetrative radiation transmitted through the specimen to impinge on a secondary source which is stimulated thereby to emit visible light without signal amplification, and imaging the emitted visible light on to a full frame two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) operated in slow scan mode and cooled to 40° C. or below.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of imaging light-opaque specimens by transmission of penetrative radiation therethrough, comprising exposing a light-opaque specimen to penetrative radiation, permitting penetrative radiation transmitted through the specimen to impinge on a secondary source which is stimulated thereby to emit visible light without signal amplification, and imaging the emitted visible light on to a full frame two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) operated in slow scan mode and cooled to 40° C. or below.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the CCD is cooled to between -80° C. and -130° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the CCD is lens coupled to the secondary source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 3, using an interchangeable or variable focus lens to effect the coupling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1, employing a scintillating screen as the secondary source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the secondary source is located inside a vacuum chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, when applied to x-ray tomography, wherein the specimen is imaged twice with said specimen slightly rotated between exposures.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for imaging light-opaque specimens comprising means for generating and directing an energetic beam of penetrative radiation onto the specimen, a secondary source capable of emitting visible light without amplification as a result of stimulation by the energetic beam of radiation transmitted through the specimen, a full frame two-dimensional slow scan CCD, means for cooling said CCD to -40° C. or below, optical means coupling the secondary source to the CCD to image the visible light thereon, and shutter means located between the secondary source and the CCD.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for imaging light-opaque specimens comprising means for generating and directing an energetic beam of penetrative radiation onto the specimen, a secondary source capable of emitting visible light without amplification as a result of stimulation by the energetic beam of radiation transmitted through the specimen, a full frame two-dimensional slow scan CCD, means for cooling said CCD to -40° C. or below, optical means coupling the secondary source to the CCD to image the visible light thereon, and shutter means located between the secondary source and the CCD.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4298800A
Cited
US4553206A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-24 | 1993-01-23 | 1993-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-01-23 | 1997-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-24 | 2001-01-23 | 2001-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |