Abstract: An x-ray imaging system provides automatic adjustment of x-ray tube voltage and current based on an identification and removal of background pixels in the image and a calculation of the functional relationship between voltage and current and dose for the particular imaged object as deduced from two exposures at different voltages. Real-time image distortion removal and image rotation are accomplished by computer processing using a generalized image transformation polynomial. Scatter in the image is reduced by calculating a scatter map based on a blurring of the received image and normalizing the scatter map to point scatter measurements made with an x-ray occluder eliminating direct exposure of certain areas of the image. Improved signal to noise ratio in a moving x-ray image is provided by averaging stationary portions of the image over a longer time than the moving portions of the image.

Abstract: An acoustic array of independently sensitive detecting elements is produced by locating a pattern of electrodes on a piezoelectric polymer film. Sensitivity of the film and a spaced away supporting structure are used to reduce artifacts caused by acoustic reflection in the supporting structure.

Abstract: A compact mobile x-ray C-arm system employs a cart supporting a video monitor on a top shelf and other imaging equipment on lower shelves opening from the front of the cart. The C-arm is supported by a pivot attached to the side of the cart below the platform allowing the C-arm to extend forward without obstructing the shelves or video monitor and yet providing for a balanced operation permitting a smaller footprint area of the cart. Use of the C-arm as a heat sink for the x-ray source and swiveling casters to allow an additional axis of rotation allow a more compact structure to be produced.

Abstract: A scanning ultrasonic apparatus provides measurements of a bone at a number of spatially separated locations. These measurements may produce an image or may be used to automatically identify a measurement region of interest or to align a series of measurements with each other despite possible shifting in the bony member in between measurements.

Abstract: A side-by-side x-ray detector provides dual energy measurements in a scanned configuration where high and low energy detector elements are interspersed. Alternating high and low energy detector elements in both row and column allows for interpolation and time and space providing virtual measurements at identical times and locations reducing image artifacts and errors caused by edges in the image. The resulting detector may be suitable for a variety of imaging applications including medical densitometry and baggage scanning.

Abstract: A side-by-side x-ray detector provides dual energy measurements in a scanned configuration where high and low energy detector elements are interspersed. Alternating high and low energy detector elements in both row and column allows for interpolation and time and space providing virtual measurements at identical times and locations reducing image artifacts and errors caused by edges in the image. The resulting detector may be suitable for a variety of imaging applications including medical densitometry and baggage scanning.

Abstract: A compact peripheral densitometer allows multi-use imaging of the foot and arm by means by simple rotation of the entire unit to be supported on different portions of its base at either of two angles. A slot in the unit may thus open upward for foot imaging when the unit is placed on the ground or open sideways for arm imaging with the unit resting on a table or the like.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid state linear x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with the movement of a poly-energetic fan beam of x-rays to produce a digital bone density image. A broad spectrum film plate interposed between the detector and the patient simultaneously provides a full spectrum radiographic image of high resolution and low parallax such as may be used for morphometric studies. Intervertebral spaces may be used to measure vertebrae heights which may be statistically combined to provide a standard against which crush fractures may be detected.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bones from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such a length or interbone spacing can be calculated. The measures are compared to a set of reference values that has been normalized to lumbar vertebrae of the patient.

Abstract: Method of increasing activated vitamin D blood level by administering orally a 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin D. This previtamin D form increases vitamin D blood level without significant risk of hypercalcemia associated with other oral dosing of vitamin D forms. The 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin is compounded into a pharmaceutical composition in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: An ultrasound densitometer is disclosed in which ultrasonic transducers are located spaced apart in a water bath into which the heel of a person may be inserted. Attenuation and time of flight of an ultrasonic pulse are determined and combined to reduce the effect of heel width on the measurement without physically measuring the heel width. Bladders with selected coupling gels may be used to adjust the region at which the heel width effects are most reduced. A C-brace used to hold the transducers independent of the water bath permits their removal for servicing without upsetting their alignment and separation when reinstalled.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bones from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such a length or interbone spacing can be calculated. The measures are compared to a set of reference values that has been normalized to lumbar vertebra of the patient.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid statement near x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with movement of both to produce a matrix of data elements representing attenuation through the patient. Each of these data elements may be characterized as to its material type by the use of the data element values, templates representing general rules to be applied to the bone and operator input. The operator input is provided by a cursor controlled paintbrush which changes classifications of individual pixels based on a selected brush type.

Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning compact structures associated with a larger body uses radiation source producing a reduced field-of-view to simplify construction and reduce exposure of the larger body. Truncation artifacts in the reconstructed image caused by volume elements in the larger body imaged by the radiation beam only for projections at some angles, are reduced by acquiring two projections at two different energies and combining those projections to compensate for the attenuation of the radiation by the volume elements of the larger body.

Abstract: This invention relates to delayed and sustained release oral medicaments and, more specifically, to delayed and sustained release activated vitamin D, oral medicament.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bone (20, 21) from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone (20, 21) obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such as length or interbone spacing can be calculated.

Abstract: Novel 1.alpha.-hydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 and novel analogues, 1,25 dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 and 1,24 dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 which are useful for the treatment of disorders of calcium metabolism. Preparation of the novel 1.alpha.-hydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 starts from ergosterol which is converted in six steps to 22,23-dihydroergosterol. 22,23-dihydroergosterol was irradiated to yield Vitamin D.sub.4 which was converted in four steps to 1.alpha.-hydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 using a cyclovitamin procedure which produced the novel intermediates, Vitamin D.sub.4 tosylate, 3,5 cyclovitamin D.sub.4 and 1.alpha.-hydroxy cyclovitamin D.sub.4. 1,25 dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 and 1,24 dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 are isolated as biological products of the metabolism of novel 1.alpha.-hydroxy Vitamin D.sub.4 using cultured human liver cells.

Abstract: A scanning radiographic densitometer constructs a broad area, two dimensional projection image from a combination of a set of smaller fan beam scans by tilting the axis of each such smaller scan to construct an effective larger fan beam to reduce artifacts caused by height dependant overlap of the multiple fan beams. The data is projected to a non-planar image surface to eliminate local area distortion such as may cause error in density measurements and to permit some overlap without height sensitive effects.