Abstract: X-ray apparatus carrying an X-ray tube as a source and an image intensifier as a receptor on opposite ends of a two-limbed C-Arm has a horizontal support arm extending from a base to a vertical support arm for the C-arm. The vertical arm has a plurality of telescoping tubular sections which can be extended or contracted along a vertical axis to raise or lower the C-arm relative to the level of the base. The horizontal arm also extends telescopingly to increase the space between the base and C-arm to give free passage of medical personnel through the space, the base having a height sufficient to hold the horizontal arm above a moderately tall operator. The horizontal arm is pivoted on a vertical axis through the base to swing the C-arm, X-ray tube and image intensifier over a patient table in coordination with extension of the horizontal arm or rotation of the vertical arm sections to scan the X-ray tube and receptor over a large area of the patient table. All movements may be manual or motorized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing three-dimensional video signals representing a solid subject comprises, radiating the subject, receiving radiation from the subject with receptors on three axes intersecting the subject to produce three planar images of the subject volume normal to the three respective radiation axes. The picture elements of the three planar images are converted into three corresponding sets of planar video pixel signals which are converted into voxels and written at the three radiation axes into superimposition in a three dimensional storage matrix such that coincidence of three pixels in the three respective images stores a single voxel representative of the superposition of the three pixels. The voxels in the matrix can then be addressed by a view selector at an angle other than the three original radiation axes to read the selected two dimensional view out of the matrix to a display or recorder.

Abstract: A cantilever mounted table for an X-ray patient undergoing procedures requiring tilting the table head to foot or canting the table about its longitudinal axis allows a medical team free axis to one side and an end of the patient, and provides an improved collision sensing switch in the event the table stikes an obstruction below.

Abstract: An X-ray table top is moveably supported by a shaft extending from a support mechanism on a base to the end of the table top at one longitudinal side thereof offset from the longitudinal axis of the top. The support mechanism includes means for raising and lowering the table top, first rotational means for effecting Trendelenburg tilting the top about an axis transverse of its longitudinal axis and second rotational means for canting it about the longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto. The offset support connection to the table top allows unobstructed access to both side, the foot end, and to the head end of the table top for anesthesiological personnel and equipment.

Abstract: A cantilever mounted table for an X-ray patient undergoing procedures requiring tilting the table head to foot or canting the table about its longitudinal axis allows a medical team free axis to one side and an end of the patient, and provides an improved collision sensing switch in the event the table strikes an obstruction below.

Abstract: An X-ray table top is moveably supported by a shaft extending from a support mechanism on a base to the end of the table top at one longitudinal side thereof offset from the longitudinal axis of the top. The support mechanism includes means for raising and lowering the table top, Trendelenburg tilting the top about an axis transverse of its longitudinal axis and canting it about the longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto. The offset support connection to the table top allows unobstructed access to both sides, the foot end, and to the head end of the table top for anesthesiological personnel and equipment.

Abstract: In medical X-ray apparatus including a stand mounting an X-ray tube and two X-ray receptors such as an image intensifier and a film exchanger, the two X-ray receptors are mounted on a common frame pivoted to present either receptor at the image plane of the X-ray tube. Additionally the two receptors slide on the frame and are linked by a bell crank for coordinated rotation and sliding movement which restores their common center of gravity to its initial locus as one receptor is interchanged for the other. Balance of the receptors with the X-ray tube on the frame is thereby maintained.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus is disclosed comprising an angularly adjustable parallelogram formed by two members parallel to a central axis and two members transverse the central axis. A radiation source and a radiation receptor are positioned at one end of the respective parallel members. The apparatus is characterized in that the two transverse members are disposed on opposite sides of the central axis, and one end of both parallel members is offset to the same side of the central axis.

Abstract: An X-ray system has radiation carriage for an X-ray source and receptor and a table carriage for a patient. The radiation carriage moves along a circular track on a primary carriage which in turn is on a beam rotating on a standard so that a patient at the isocenter of the two circular movements can be X-rayed at adjusted angles from spherical loci. The beam also pivotally supports a table carriage so that as the patient is inclined with the table the adjusted angle of the radiation is maintained.

Abstract: An X-ray tube and receptor are held on opposite ends of a two-limbed carriage mounted on a sliding arm. The arm is carried on a rotating support, the arm extending parallel to the rotational axis of the support. The two-limbed carriage pivots on the arm about a second axis perpendicular to the rotational axis and to a radiation axis extending between the X-ray tube and receptor.

Abstract: In an X-ray system with a rotating disk having sector slits transmitting fan shaped X-ray beams from a source through a subject to the image area of an X-ray receptor an improved ratio S/P of X-rays (S) scattered from the subject to primary rays (P) forming a true image of the subject at the image area is realized if the dimensions of the system fall within the following ranges of dimensionless ratios:(1) DW/RL is less than 0.5;(2) D/L is greater than 0.15;(3) LS*N/WD is greater than 0.15 and less than 0.6 whereinD is the distance of the disk from the X-ray source,W is the width of the X-ray image area spanned by the narrow beams,R is the radius of the disk,L is the distance between the X-ray source and the receptor.S* is the radially outermost slit width in the X-ray beam, andN is the number of slits whose beams simultaneously intersect the outer edge of the image area.

Abstract: Scatter is reduced in an X-ray system by a relatively large light- or X-radiation-opaque mask rotating on a first axis and carrying smaller, radiation-opaque masks rotating off the first axis. The smaller masks have elongate radiation windows which are held parallel to each other and to a fixed plane through the first axis by translative drive and driven wheels on the larger and smaller masks coupled by a flexible linkage belt.

Abstract: A radiotransparent table for supporting a patient in an X-radiography zone slides in linear bearings on a standard. The table is motor driven through a cable or like linkage anchored at the head and foot of the table and passing over the motor drive roll and an idler roll located on the stand between the drive roll and zone so that substantially the full length of the table can be moved to the radiography zone. The head and foot anchors are unobstructed in movement toward the drive roll. Preferably there are two symmetrical sets of rolls, anchors and linkages at opposite sides of the table applying neutralizing torques to the table.

Abstract: An X-ray system includes an X-ray receptor producing on its area a light image with a finite range of intensities. Two or more video tubes scan the same area of the image to generate corresponding electrical output signals, each tube having a bias electrode controlled by a variable voltage source so that one tube generates output signals whose amplitude corresponds to one portion of the range of light intensities at the image area and the output signals of the other tube correspond to a different range portion of the image area light intensities.

Abstract: X-ray apparatus has a rotor on a standard, the rotor including two rings, one fixed on the rotor and the other rotating on an axis normal to the rotor axis. Posts on the rotating ring parallel to its axis carry an X-ray tube and an X-ray receptor on a radiation axis intersecting the ring axis at an isocenter and capable of angulation about the isocenter. A patient table is slidingly mounted on the fixed rotor ring extending through apertures in both rings. Turning of the rotor tilts the patient table in a head to foot direction while turning of the rotating ring revolves the patient on his own axis.

Abstract: An X-ray system includes an X-ray source directing X-radiation on a first path through a subject to an X-radiation receptor which responds to X-rays to direct light radiation on a secondary path to a light image plane. In either path or both paths is a rotating radiation-opaque mask having one or more spiral radio-transparent windows which sweep through the path as the mask rotates. Each spiral window may be formed by the overlap of coaxial spiral windows in superimposed masks which are relatively adjustable in phase to vary the window width.

Abstract: An X-ray system radiates through a subject to an X-ray receptor secondarily emitting a light image includes a moving X-ray mask with X-ray windows between the source and receptor. An electro-optical camera tube views the light image, and the mask includes means for adjusting the width of the windows.

Abstract: X-ray apparatus has a scintillation screen showing a light image in an area viewed by two or more video camera tubes. The tubes receive a projection of the light image in two different ranges of light intensities and generate electrical signals corresponding to the light intensities. The signals are combined to reconstruct the image. Alternatively two or more camera tubes view different portions of the image area generating multiple signal outputs which are reconstructed in a single, continuous display.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus has a moveable support on which are slidingly mounted an X-ray tube, an image intensifier and a film holder, these radiation components defining a common radiation axis. By including a reversible motor connected to a system of clutch operated drive linkages the X-ray tube and receptors can be selectively and reciprocally moved along the radiation axis in either an independent or interdependent manner so as to preserve a radiologically desirable Source to Image Distance (SID) while simultaneously accommodating other X-ray examination requirements such as patient comfort, safety, and desired examining position. The X-ray tube is attached to a lever arm and the image intensifier and film holder are each moved by respective cables travelling around respective drive pulleys and idler pulleys. Both the X-ray tube and receptors are closely counterbalanced by counterweights respectively moved by the cables.