US6563121B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thick scintillation plate with internal light collimation
Assignee: Saint Gobain Ceramics and Plastics Inc
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Filing: 2000-03-02
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Granted: 2003-05-13
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Expires: 2020-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A gamma camera plate incorporates scintillation crystal which is sufficiently thick to effectively capture high energy radiation. The crystal is provided on its light output side with an array of light path-modifying partitions which extend partly through its thickness. These partitions define individual light collimating cells which reduce the light spreading which would otherwise prevent effective use of the plate for low energy radiation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S. Schreiner
- 👤 George Mataraza
- 👤 Csaba M. Rozsa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/20; G01T1/2002; G01T1/161; G01T1/164; G01T1/1641; G01T1/1644; G01T1/202
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A scintillation device, comprising: a scintillator body having a radiation entrance face, a light output face, and a thickness therebetween; a plurality of light path-modifying partitions extending from the light output face into the thickness of the scintillator body a first distance which is less than the thickness; and wherein the partitions have parallel sides extending perpendicular to the light output face; wherein the partitions are grooves which form an array of cells with walls; and wherein the grooves have a depth which is selectively varied in order to counteract a spurious image pattern associated with an apparatus in which the device is intended to be used.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A scintillation device, comprising: a scintillator body having a radiation entrance face, a light output face, and a thickness therebetween; a plurality of light path-modifying partitions extending from the light output face into the thickness of the scintillator body a first distance which is less than the thickness; and wherein the partitions have parallel sides extending perpendicular to the light output face; wherein the partitions are grooves which form an array of cells with walls; and wherein the grooves have a depth which is selectively varied in order to counteract a spurious image pattern associated with an apparatus in which the device is intended to be used.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the scintillator body is a crystal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 2 wherein the crystal is an activated metal halide salt.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
12 words
The device according to claims 3 wherein the crystal is sodium iodide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 4 comprising: a back cap having a well in which the crystal is disposed; an optical window covering the well of the back cap, and an hermetic sealing material between the window and the back cap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 5 comprising an optical coupling material between the window and the crystal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 6 wherein the resilient coupling material is a polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device according to claim 6 wherein the polymer is a silicone polymer.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
15 words
The device according to claims 8 wherein the crystal is sodium iodide activated with thallium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the grooves have at least one light-affecting parameter which is selectively varied in order to counteract a spurious image pattern associated with an apparatus in which the device is intended to be used.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the walls of the cells are treated to modify their light interaction characteristics.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 11 wherein the treatment of the walls is the application of a reflective material to them.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 12 wherein the reflective material incorporates a white pigment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device according to claim 13 wherein the pigment is titanium dioxide.
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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) | 2006-05-12 | 2006-11-11 | 2007-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-12 | 2010-11-11 | 2011-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-05-12 | 2014-11-11 | 2015-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |