US7329875B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detector array for imaging system and method of making same
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 2004-11-23
•
Granted: 2008-02-12
•
Expires: 2024-11-23
Abstract
Abstract A method of manufacturing a detector array for an imaging system, the method comprising providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of lost molded pixels comprising a scintillator material adapted to detect radiation.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin Paul Mcevoy
- 👤 James Scott Vartuli
- 👤 Stephen Thomas Tedeschi
- 👤 Steven Jude Duclos
- 👤 Martin Kin-Fei Lee
- 👤 Venkat Subramaniam Venkataramani
- 👤 James Anthony Brewer
- 👤 Robert Joseph Lyons
- 👤 Mohandas Nayak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/20; G01T1/2018; G01T1/20183
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 113
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of manufacturing a detector array for an imaging system, the method comprising: providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of lost molded pixels all integrally formed on a base, wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises a scintillator material adapted to detect radiation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of manufacturing a detector array for an imaging system, the method comprising: providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of lost molded pixels all integrally formed on a base, wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises a scintillator material adapted to detect radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises: placing the scintillator material into a mold structure to mold pixels of the pixelated scintillator; and removing material of the mold structure, in place about the pixels, to form the plurality of lost molded pixels all integrally formed on the base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 2 , wherein placing the scintillator material comprises: transferring a slurry comprising the scintillator material into the mold structure; and at least partially solidifying the slurry.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein the slurry comprises water, or alcohol, or alkane, or alkene, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein the slurry comprises about 20 to about 70 percent volume of a ceramic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein the slurry comprises about 45 to about 55 percent volume of a ceramic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein the slurry comprises salt.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 3 , comprising heating the mold structure comprising the slurry.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 2 , wherein removing material of the mold structure comprises dissolving the mold structure in place about the pixels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 2 , wherein removing material of the mold structure comprises melting the mold structure in place about the pixels.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 2 , further comprising applying a vacuum to the mold structure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 2 , comprising a low pressure injection molding.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises: providing a master mold having structural features of the pixelated scintillator and surrounding receptacles adapted to create a mold structure, wherein the mold structure is adapted to receive a detector material, including the scintillator material, to mold the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein providing the master mold comprises creating the master mold by wire electrical discharge, or machining, or laser lithography, or x-ray lithography, or printing, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 13 , further comprising providing an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method according to claim 13 , further comprising placing a scintillator material into the master mold to create a mold structure, wherein the mold structure is materially removable, in place about a scintillator material received therein, to form a lost molded pixelated scintillator.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 13 , further comprising providing an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises: providing a mold structure comprising material that is removable, in place, to form the plurality of lost molded pixels; forming a compact of the pixelated scintillator in the mold structure, wherein the compact comprises a base and a plurality of pixels, wherein the base and the plurality of pixels are a single structure; and materially separating the mold structure, in place, from the compact of the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 20 , comprising sintering the compact form of the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 20 , wherein providing the mold structure comprises creating the mold structure by injection molding, or resin transfer molding, or casting, or solidification of a melt, or forging, or stamping, or embossing, or lithography or different combinations thereof.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method according to claim 20 , wherein the mold structure comprises camphor, or silicone, or cellulose, or acetate, or hard wax, or co-polymers, or tripolymers, or polystyrene, or polystyrene-polybutadiene, or polycarbonate, or crystal bond, or paraffin wax, or polyethylene, or acrylic, or nylon, or polyethylene glycol, or low density poly ethylene, or high density polyethylene, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 23 , further comprising providing at least one electronic device configured for converting electrical signals from the at least one light sensor into corresponding digital signals.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method according to claim 20 , wherein materially separating the mold structure comprises dissolving the mold structure, in place, by application of a chemical including or toluene, or tetrachloroethylene, or chloroform, or methylene chloride, or dibromomethane, or bromoethylene, or xylene, or acetone, or methyl ethyl ketone, or tetrahydrofuran, or hexane, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises (Y,Gd,Eu)2O3, or (Lu,Tb,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , or (Lu,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or different combinations thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one light sensor adapted to detect light from the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lost molded pixels and the base are a single structure made of the scintillator material.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of manufacturing an imaging system, comprising: providing a radiation source adapted to transmit radiation through an object; and providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels formed by a mold structure removed in place about the plurality of pixels, wherein the base and the plurality of pixels are a single structure.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of manufacturing an imaging system, comprising: providing a radiation source adapted to transmit radiation through an object; and providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels formed by a mold structure removed in place about the plurality of pixels, wherein the base and the plurality of pixels are a single structure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein providing the radiation source comprises providing an x-ray radiation source, or a beta radiation source, or a gamma radiation source.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein the imaging system comprises a computed tomography, or X-ray fluoroscopy, or positron emission tomography, or digital x-ray imaging.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 31 , comprising providing a collimator adapted to collimate the radiation through the object.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 31 , comprising providing an object support structure between the radiation source and the pixelated scintillator, wherein the object support comprises a human support, or a baggage support, or a mail support, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 31 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises providing the plurality of pixels having features molded and left behind from the mold structure melted in place about the features.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 29 , comprising providing a light sensor adapted to detect light from the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 35 , comprising providing at least one electronic device configured for converting electrical signals from the light sensor to corresponding digital signals.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 36 , comprising providing a processor for processing the electrical signals to generate an image of internal features of the object.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises: placing a scintillator material into the mold structure to mold the plurality of pixels of the pixelated scintillator; and removing material of the mold structure, in place, from the plurality of pixels.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 38 , wherein the scintillator material is disposed in a mixture comprising an additive that acts as a dispersant such as ammonium polyacrylate.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 38 , wherein the scintillator material is disposed in a mixture comprising a binder, wherein the binder is an organic material.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 40 , wherein the binder comprises polyethylene glycol, or polyethylene oxides, or polyvinyl pyrrolidone, or carbowax, or Duramax B-1001, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises providing the plurality of pixels having features molded and left behind from the mold structure dissolved in place about the features.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises providing the plurality of pixels having molded ridges, or serrations, or waves, or dimples, or corner cubes, or different combinations thereof extending lengthwise along each of the plurality of pixels.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein providing the pixelated scintillator comprises providing the plurality of pixels each having a hexagonal cross-section, or rectangular cross section, or circular cross section, or an combination of plane filling patterns.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 44 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 29 , further comprising providing the plurality of pixels each having an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein the mold structure comprises camphor, or silicone, or cellulose, or acetate, or hard wax, or co-polymers, or tripolymers, or polystyrene, or polystyrene-polybutadiene, or polycarbonate, or crystal bond, or paraffin wax, or polyethylene, or acrylic, or nylon, or polyethylene glycol, or low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 29 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises (Y,Gd,Eu) 2 O 3 , or (Lu,Tb,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , or (Lu,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or different combinations thereof.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
47 words
An imaging system, comprising: a radiation source configured to transmit radiation through an object; and a pixelated scintillator having a single lost molded structure with a plurality of pixels all extending integrally from a base, wherein the plurality of pixels and the base comprise a same material.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
47 words
An imaging system, comprising: a radiation source configured to transmit radiation through an object; and a pixelated scintillator having a single lost molded structure with a plurality of pixels all extending integrally from a base, wherein the plurality of pixels and the base comprise a same material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , comprising a sensor configured to convert light from the pixelated scintillator into an electrical signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging system according to claim 50 , comprising at least one electronic device configured to convert the electrical signal into a corresponding digital signal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The imaging system according to claim 50 , comprising a processor configured to process the electrical signal to generate an image of internal features of the object.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the radiation source comprises an x-ray radiation source, or a beta radiation source, or a gamma radiation source.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the imaging system comprises a computed tomography, X-ray fluoroscopy, positron emission tomography, or digital x-ray imaging.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , comprising a collimator configured to collimate the radiation from the radiation source.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the object comprises a human, a baggage, a mail, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises a sintered ceramic compact.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
45 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises (Y,Gd,Eu) 2 O 3 , or (Lu,Tb,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , (Lu,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or different combinations thereof.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
36 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises a pixel geometry having a hexagonal cross-section, or rectangular cross section, or circular cross section, or a combination of plane filling patterns.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises ridges, or serrations, or waves, or dimples, or corner cubes, or different combinations thereof extending lengthwise along each of the plurality of pixels.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the plurality of pixels further comprises an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The imaging system according to claim 61 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
The imaging system according to claim 49 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises a reflector material disposed between the plurality of pixels.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
The imaging system according to claim 63 , wherein the reflector material comprises an epoxy-titanium dioxide composite, a thin reflective metallic film, alternating layers of high/low dielectric comprising a dielectric mirror, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
44 words
A detector for use in imaging system, comprising: a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels molded, in place, on a base, from a lost mold structure, wherein the plurality of pixels and the base are a single structure made of a scintillator material.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
44 words
A detector for use in imaging system, comprising: a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels molded, in place, on a base, from a lost mold structure, wherein the plurality of pixels and the base are a single structure made of a scintillator material.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
The detector according to claim 65 , comprising a photo sensor disposed adjacent the pixelated scintillator.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein each of the plurality of pixels have a lost molded surface texture.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels have a molded structure left behind from a dissolved lost mold structure.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels has a molded structure left behind from a melted lost mold structure.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises a sintered ceramic compact.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
45 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the pixelated scintillator comprises (Y,Gd,Eu) 2 O 3 , or (Lu,Tb,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , or (Lu,Ce) 3 Al 5 O 12 , or different combinations thereof.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
35 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises a pixel geometry having a hexagonal cross-section, or rectangular cross section, or circular cross section, or an combination of plane filling patterns.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
35 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of comprises ridges, or serrations, or waves, or dimples, or corner cubes, or different combinations thereof extending lengthwise along each of the plurality of pixels.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels further comprises an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
16 words
The detector according to claim 74 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprise a coating of reflector material.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The detector according to claim 65 , wherein the plurality of pixels extend integrally from the base, and the plurality of pixels and the base are made of a same material comprising the scintillator material.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of manufacturing a pixelated scintillator, the method comprising: inserting a substance including a scintillator material into a lost mold; and dissolving the lost mold leaving a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels attached to a base.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of manufacturing a pixelated scintillator, the method comprising: inserting a substance including a scintillator material into a lost mold; and dissolving the lost mold leaving a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels attached to a base.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein inserting the substance including the scintillator material into the lost mold comprises slurry casting, or injection molding, or stamping, or resin transfer molding, or casting, or solidification of a melt, or forging, or embossing, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises a pixel geometry having a hexagonal cross-section, rectangular cross section, circular cross section, or an combination of plane filling patterns.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises ridges, or serrations, or waves, or dimples, or corner cubes, or different combinations thereof extending lengthwise along each of the plurality of pixels.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein the plurality of pixels further comprises an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 82 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein dissolving the lost mold comprises applying to the lost mold toluene, or tetrachloroethylene, or chloroform, or methylene chloride, or dibromomethane, or bromoethylene, or xylene, or acetone, or methyl ethylketone, or tetrahydrofuran, or hexane, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method according to claim 78 , wherein dissolving the lost mold comprises breaking down cohesion of the lost mold, the lost mold comprising a silicone, or a cellulose, or an acetate, or a hard wax, or a polystyrene, or a polystyrene-polybutadiene, or a polycarbonate, or a crystal bond, or a paraffin wax, or a polyethylene, or an acrylic, or a nylon, or a polyethylene glycol, or a low density polyethylene, or a high density polyethylene, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of manufacturing a pixelated scintillator, the method comprising: inserting a substance including a scintillator material into a lost mold; and melting the lost mold leaving a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels extending from a base.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of manufacturing a pixelated scintillator, the method comprising: inserting a substance including a scintillator material into a lost mold; and melting the lost mold leaving a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of pixels extending from a base.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein inserting the substance including the scintillator material into the lost mold comprises injection molding, or resin transfer molding, or mechanical machining methods, or casting, or solidification of a melt, or forging, or stamping, or embossing, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises a pixel geometry having a hexagonal cross-section, or rectangular cross section, or circular cross section, or a combination of plane filling patterns.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein the plurality of pixels comprises ridges, or serrations, or waves, or dimples, or corner cubes, or different combinations thereof extending lengthwise along each of the plurality of pixels.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein the plurality of pixels further comprises an end structure, wherein the end structure comprises flat, or curved, or angled ends, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 90 , wherein the end structure comprises a parabola or ellipse.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein melting comprises heating the lost mold to a temperature in a range from about 25° C. to about 150° C.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method according to claim 86 , wherein melting comprises heating the lost mold, the lost mold comprising silicone, or a cellulose, or an acetate, or a hard wax, or a polystyrene, or a polystyrene-polybutadiene, or a polycarbonate, or a crystal bond, or a paraffin wax, or a polyethylene, or an acrylic, or a nylon, or a polyethylene glycol, or a low density polyethylene, or a high density polyethylene, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of manufacturing a system having a pixelated structure, the method comprising: placing a desired material into pixelated receptacles of a mold structure having a solid state; and changing the solid state into a substantially liquid state to lose the mold structure leaving a pixelated structure comprising the desired material, wherein the pixelated structure comprises a plurality of pixels extending from a base.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of manufacturing a system having a pixelated structure, the method comprising: placing a desired material into pixelated receptacles of a mold structure having a solid state; and changing the solid state into a substantially liquid state to lose the mold structure leaving a pixelated structure comprising the desired material, wherein the pixelated structure comprises a plurality of pixels extending from a base.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 94 , wherein the desired material comprises one of nitrides, or carbides, or borides of Al, Si or Ti, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method according to claim 94 , wherein the desired material comprises one of Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 , or Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , or 89% ZrO 2 -9% Y 2 O 3 , or Al 2 O 3 , or Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Nd, or Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Yb, or Y 2 O 3 :Nd, or Y 2 O 3 :Yb, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 94 , wherein the desired material comprises one of particulate polymer composite, or refractory oxides, or metals, or dielectrics, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 97 , wherein the dielectric comprises titanates, or zirconates of Ca, or Sr, or Ba, or different combinations thereof.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 97 , wherein the dielectric comprises one of (Zn,Mn)Fe 2 O 4 , or (Ni,Zn)Fe 2 O 4 .
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 94 , wherein changing the solid state into a substantially liquid state comprises melting the mold structure.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 94 , wherein changing the solid state into a substantially liquid state comprises dissolving the mold structure.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 94 , comprising providing a heat sink comprising the pixelated structure.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 94 , comprising providing a sensor array comprising the pixelated structure.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 94 , comprising providing a laser comprising the pixelated structure.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 94 , comprising providing a radiative heater comprising the pixelated structure.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 94 , comprising providing a parallel plate capacitor comprising the pixelated structure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5187369A
Cited
US5519227A
Cited
US20040114467A1
Cited
US6586702B2
Cited
US6448566B1
Cited
US20040156478A1
Cited
US6766817B2
Cited
US20030235272A1
Cited
US20040042585A1
Cited
US20050104000A1
Cited
US7054408B2
Cited
US6990176B2
Cited
US6898265B1
Cited
US20050111613A1
Cited
US20070138409A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2011-02-11 | 2011-08-13 | 2012-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2015-02-11 | 2015-08-13 | 2016-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2019-02-11 | 2019-08-13 | 2020-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |