US5436958A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable collimator
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-08-03
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Granted: 1995-07-25
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Expires: 2014-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A collimator for a gamma camera is formed by a stack of lamina formed from tungsten. Each lamina has an array of openings formed through it, and a movable support member translates the lamina into different alignments of these openings to form corresponding different hole patterns through the collimator.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel R. S. Taylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:38
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21K; G21K1/00; G21K1/02; G21K1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A collimator for blocking all but selected gamma rays produced by a source from reaching a detector, which comprises: a plurality of lamina positioned one on top of the other to form a stack, the stack of lamina is positioned between said source and said detector each lamina being formed from a gamma ray attenuating material and each having an array of openings formed therethrough; and means for translating lamina in the stack to align the array of openings therein in a plurality of configurations to form a corresponding plurality of different hole patterns that extend through the stack of lamina in which alternate ones of the lamina in the stack are supported by a stationary member and the other ones of the lamina in the stack are aligned to form said plurality of configurations by the means for translating; wherein the different hole patterns formed in the stack of lamina provide different gamma ray blocking characteristics.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A collimator for blocking all but selected gamma rays produced by a source from reaching a detector, which comprises: a plurality of lamina positioned one on top of the other to form a stack, the stack of lamina is positioned between said source and said detector each lamina being formed from a gamma ray attenuating material and each having an array of openings formed therethrough; and means for translating lamina in the stack to align the array of openings therein in a plurality of configurations to form a corresponding plurality of different hole patterns that extend through the stack of lamina in which alternate ones of the lamina in the stack are supported by a stationary member and the other ones of the lamina in the stack are aligned to form said plurality of configurations by the means for translating; wherein the different hole patterns formed in the stack of lamina provide different gamma ray blocking characteristics.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The collimator as recited in claim 1 in which the array of openings are substantially the same in each lamina.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The collimator as recited in claim 2 in which each opening has a square shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The collimator as recited in claim 1 in which the holes each extend through the stack of lamina in a direction substantially normal to a front surface of the stack of lamina facing said source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The collimator as recited in claim 1 in which the holes formed by each configuration extend through the stack of lamina in a different direction with respect to a front surface of the stack of lamina facing said source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The collimator as recited in claim 1 in which each lamina includes a lubricating layer which facilitates translating the lamina between its plurality of configurations.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US3919556A
Cited
US4288697A
Cited
US4419585A
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US4582994A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-24 | 1999-01-23 | 1999-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-24 | 2003-01-23 | 2003-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-24 | 2007-01-23 | 2007-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |