US5299253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Alignment system to overlay abdominal computer aided tomography and magnetic resonance anatomy with single photon emission tomography
Assignee: INTERATOM GERMAN
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Filing: 1992-04-10
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Granted: 1994-03-29
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Expires: 2012-04-10
Abstract
Abstract The invention is a machine based alignment system for imaging with a contrasting marker (fiducial marker) attached to a support means for providing a set of markings which uniquely identify each cross-section of an imaged object in relation to other registered images. The invention also provides a method for using the alignment system.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry W. Wessels
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 08:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/52; A61B6/5211; A61B6/5229; A61B6/5235; A61B6/02; A61B6/03; A61B6/037; A61B6/5247; A61B6/58; A61B6/582; A61B6/583; A61B6/584; G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/28; G06; G06T; G06T3/00; G06T3/14; A61B6/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of registering SPECT images with CT or MR images, comprising the steps of: (A) aligning and immobilizing a human torso to be imaged on a support means; (B) uniquely marking a cross section of the imaged torso by placing at least a portion of said human torso proximate to a contrasting marker means encased in an inert material comprising the support means; (C) imaging said human torso using two or more imaging techniques to produce at least two images of said human torso to be imaged; and (D) registering said at least two images of said human torso to be imaged to produce a coherent image of said human torso to be imaged.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of registering SPECT images with CT or MR images, comprising the steps of: (A) aligning and immobilizing a human torso to be imaged on a support means; (B) uniquely marking a cross section of the imaged torso by placing at least a portion of said human torso proximate to a contrasting marker means encased in an inert material comprising the support means; (C) imaging said human torso using two or more imaging techniques to produce at least two images of said human torso to be imaged; and (D) registering said at least two images of said human torso to be imaged to produce a coherent image of said human torso to be imaged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An alignment system for imaging, comprising: (A) a support means for alignment and immobilization of a human torso to be imaged; and (B) a contrasting marker means, encased in said support means for providing markings which uniquely mark a cross-section of an imaged human torso, the contrasting marker means being encased in an inert material encasement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
An alignment system for imaging, comprising: (A) a support means for alignment and immobilization of a human torso to be imaged; and (B) a contrasting marker means, encased in said support means for providing markings which uniquely mark a cross-section of an imaged human torso, the contrasting marker means being encased in an inert material encasement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 2 wherein said inert material encasement is selected from the group consisting of solid or foam organic polymer, wood, steel, and ceramic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 2, wherein said contrasting marker means is at least one contrasting tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 4, wherein said tube has a pattern approximating the shape of a M.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 4, wherein said contrasting marker means is at least one tube which can be filled with a contrasting agent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 4, wherein said tube has a circular cross-section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 4, wherein said tube has a pattern approximating the shape of a N.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 4, wherein said tube has a pattern approximating the shape of a Z.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 5, wherein said tube has a pattern approximating the shape of a W.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is an iodine based contrast agent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is an iodine based contrast agent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is MnCl 2 .
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is 99m-Tc.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is 111-In.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is 131-I.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The alignment system set forth in claim 6, wherein said contrasting agent is 123-I.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4971060A
Cited
US4884566A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-03-28 | 1997-09-27 | 1998-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-03-28 | 2001-09-27 | 2002-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-03-28 | 2005-09-27 | 2006-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |