Abstract: A dental x-ray diagnostics installation having a holder for film cassette and a holder for diaphragms of different sizes, which holder for diaphragms is positioned in an x-ray source so that the beam passes through the diaphragm aperture before reaching the subject. The diaphragms are interchangeable with one another and have different diaphragm apertures for the purpose of matching the x-ray beam cross-section to different film cassette formats.

Abstract: A process for enhancing a still video image can correct digital fluoroscopy images which are under- or overexposed and have their image brightness values concentrated to one end of the gray scale. A pixel histogram is formed, but is clipped at a low value. Then, a cumulative histogram is formed from the clipped histogram. The cumulative histogram, which has a generally linear slope, is normalized and is used for mapping the brightness of luminance values of the original image. The new values form an optimal video image with the gray scale values spread over the entire range. The image shows details not only in the middle gray areas, but in the light and dark areas as well.

Abstract: An x-ray rotor structure wherein a target support stem has an externally threaded end portion brazed to an internally threaded surface of an encircling bushing which is provided with a barrier layer of oxidation restricting material. The stem is made of predominantly molybdenum material and the bushing is made of iron cobalt nickel alloy material having therein a small percentage by weight of titanium. The barrier layer comprises a layer of substantially pure nickel material which coats the entire inner surface of the bushing including the internally threaded portion thereof. Thus, the titanium is restricted from leaching to the surface during brazing and forming oxides which prevent the surface from being completely wetted by the brazing material. As a result, during brazing, the liquified brazing material alloys with the nickel material of the barrier layer to wet the inner surface of the bushing completely.

Abstract: An optical sensing system is described which generally comprises an infrared sensor, and a curved diffraction-limited window disposed in front of the sensor such that the optical axis of the sensor is parallel to and displaced from the symmetry axis of the window. The window has an inner radius of curvature which is non-concentric with the outer radius of curvature in order to remove the optical power of the window. Additionally, the window is provided with an aspheric profile outer surface, in order to correct for spherical aberrations in the window. The window is made out of germanium and is particularly useful for a sensor which has an 8-12 micron infrared radiation detection band width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of irradiating food products in product-containing canisters. The canisters are adapted to retain a plurality of cartons of food product. The canisters are initially positioned on the trailer bed of a truck or similar vehicle and are taken to an unloading station. The canisters are preferably unloaded in pairs from the station and are conducted underground to an irradiator building. The irradiator building includes elevators for lifting the canisters into an irradiation path where the canisters are conducted past a plurality of radiation source plaques. The canisters can then lowered by a second elevator within the irradiator to a position underground, where they are conducted by a third conveyor to a loading station. The irradiated canisters are then loaded onto a truck bed and taken to their ultimate destination.

Abstract: Device for measuring the orientation of bulk monocrystalline materials with respect to the crystallographic parameters using the Laue method, consisting, on the one hand, of a Laue chamber including a polychromatic x-ray source, a photographic film support and a collimator placed in the path of the x-rays between the source and the film in the vicinity of the latter defining the optical axis of the Laue chamber, and consisting, on the other hand, of means of support for a bulk specimen, of means of alignment for the chamber and the means of support, and means of determining the orientation of the specimen with respect to the crystallographic axes, characterized in that the means of support comprise at least one specimen-carrier which has a first planar face to receive the specimen, a second planar space perpendicular to the first for immobilizing the specimen, a first reference plane parallel to the first planar face, a second reference face parallel to the second planar face and a third reference plane perpe

Abstract: A dental x-ray diagnostic installation for the production of panoramic exposures of slices of the skull of the patient particularly in the region of the jaw, characterized by an exposure unit with an x-ray unit pivotable around an axis and displaceable in a plane perpendicular to the axis, a film holder unit lying opposite and moveable relative to the x-ray unit, a head holder arranged between the two units, a control arrangement for controlling the pivoting and displacement movement of the exposure unit relative to the head holder and also controlling the movement of the film holder relative to the x-ray tube of the exposure means and an input arrangement for inputting information of the selected curvature of the slice being exposed. The improvements are that the input means is constructed so that the curvature of the slice to be exposed can be directly graphically inputted into the control arrangement such as by means of a monitor with a light pen or by means of a "computer graphic tablet".

Abstract: An x-ray detector system has a detector element disposed at the end of a channel formed by spaced collimator plates. The thickness of each collimator plate projected onto the detector element increases along the length of the collimator plates in the direction of radiation propagation through the channel. The projection (and thus the thickness) has a greatest value at a detector-proximate end of the plate. The edge regions of the detector element are thus shielded from x-radiation by the extended width collimator plates. The length of the absorption paths in the detector element thus are substantially the same, even given a detector element which is slightly obliquely disposed. Thus the shape of the portion of the detector surface effective for detecting radiation is substantially independent of slight changes in the focus position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of fluoroscopic and radiographic x-ray images utilizing a portable hand-held and battery operated x-ray system. The system incorporates a unique high voltage power supply of diminutive size and weight which may be disposed totally within the hand-held system. By utilizing the system in conjunction with a currently available hand operated instant Polaroid film developer, the system provides total portability and field operability in both fluoroscopic and radiographic mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube having a rotary anode which is rotatably supported in a vacuum-tight housing by at least one metal-lubricated sliding bearing of which at least the cooperating bearing surfaces consist of a W-alloy and in which the lubricant is Ga or a Ga-alloy.In order to extend the life of the X-ray tube, in particular at operating temperatures of the bearing above 400.degree. C., a mechanically readily machinable W-alloy is used which comprises from 2 to 27% by weight of Re.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a layer image from a plurality of single images, the image processing errors which locally occur in the single images being substantially eliminated in the layer image. To this end, the image values for the individual layer image points are formed by that image value of the image points geometrically situated with the layer image point which corresponds to the next to the lowest absorption value.

Abstract: A multichannel X-ray spectrometer includes an X-ray tube with a transmission target and a holder for a specimen placed opposite the target, and spectrometric channels arranged around the specimen. These spectrometric channels include, successively arranged downstream fluorescent X-rays of the specimen, a common inlet annular slit with a radius R, focusing analyzer crystals, outlet slits, and detectors of X-rays. The common annular slit is spaced from the reference surface of the holder to a distance h equal to 0.5 R, where R is 0.5 dD/2L, where d is the diameter of the outlet port of the transmission target, D is the diameter of the fo-fusing ring of the focusing analyzer crystals, and L is the length of one of the focusing analyzer crystals.

Abstract: An alloy filter in the form of a plate made from a homogeneous alloy comprising 85-95 wt. % cadmium, 5-15 wt. % copper and up to 3 wt. % of incidental impurities is interposed between a collimator and sodium iodide crystal of a gamma camera. The alloy filter improves image resolution by allowing the passage only of emmissions which impinge substantially perpendicularly on the collimator, while filtering out others which impinge obliquely.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the radiographic recording of a patient's dentition, jaws, and skull regions invalues seating a patient in a patient chair (9) so as localize the patient in the coordinate system of the radiographic apparatus in an unequivocal position before taking the exposure for a radiograph (87). Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the radiograph (87) is used for measuring the coordinates of a desired object (95) by a coordinate locator (88), after which the desired partial area (94 or 96) is selected on the basis of the coordinates, and the exposure direction is changed in relation to the first exposure in the horizontal plane and/or the vertical plane before executing the exposure program for the desired partial area (94 or 96).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting blockage of an orifice, such as slag tap of a gasifier, by positioning at least one radiation source and detector in diametrically opposing positions outside the slag tap and out of contact with the molten slag.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for positioning a patient's head for producing a remote X-ray photograph of the skull of the patient. The apparatus includes a device for holding the skull, which is mounted at one end of a cross carrier which is connected to an X-ray diagnostics installation for producing slice exposures of the jaw of a patient. The skull holder contains ear button holders which are adjustable, as well as a nose support for positioning the patient in the skull holder. The apparatus also includes a device for mounting a film cassette, which device is adjustable in a direction towards the radiation source of the X-ray diagnostics installation. In order to be able to make reproducibile temporomaxillary joint exposures, the skull holder is mounted to pivot around a horizontal axis so that the head of the patient can be adjusted in various inclined positions with relation to the sagittal plane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a support of carbonaceous material for a rotary target of X-ray tubes. The support is formed of two parts which are fixed with respect to each other, one part being of a carbon/carbon composite which provides mechanical strength and the other part being of polycrystalline graphite for receiving a refractory metal, by virtue of its coefficient of expansion. A thermal contact is provided between the two parts. The invention is especially applicable to targets of X-ray tubes which rotate at a high speed, 20,000 RPM and above.

Abstract: A method and device for use in combination with a dental x-ray film for reducing the pain, discomfort or tissue trauma associated with the emplacement of such a film into the oral cavity of a patient, the device comprising a tubular member formed of a soft, resilient nontoxic material, the member having an axially extending slot which extends radially into the member, the slot adapted to receive an edge of a dental x-ray film therein.

Abstract: A spot-film device includes an inner carriage whose three members are movable with respect to an outer carriage to provide a cassette tray that will accommodate varying cassette sizes. After insertion of a cassette, the inner carriage automatically contracts to a clamping position and is then movable longitudinally of the table to provide selective placement of the cassette for x-ray exposure. Lateral movement for that purpose is brought about by movement of the outer carriage. A single motor is used to provide both longitudinal clamping and longitudinal transport of the cassette while another motor provides both lateral clamping and lateral transport thereof. The lateral drive mechanism also provides for automatic ejection of a cassette after exposure.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system is disclosed. A radiation source directs a thin spread beam of radiation toward a detector assembly which is aligned with the radiation beam. The detector assembly includes a printed circuit board having a bowed configuration and bearing board circuitry. An array of photodiode detector elements are attached to the board. The detector includes a front and a rear array of elements arranged one behind the other. The circuit board defines a slot between the front and rear arrays in which a radiation filter can be removably and slidably interposed. The detector elements are buried or recessed in outer surfaces of the circuit board to a depth sufficient to position contact fingers of the elements substantially flush with the unrecessed surface of the board. Radiation sensitive phosphor material is removably positioned over each of the respective front and rear detector element arrays.