Abstract: An x-ray source, whose output is collimated into a thin fan-shaped beam, and detector means spaced from the source are mounted for scanning and orbiting jointly about a body in a partial or complete revolution to provide x-ray intensity data for reconstructing an image. The detector and source combination and the body are moved relative to each other in an axial direction for scanning the body layers in sequence. In one embodiment the x-ray source is pulsed as it scans and in another the fan-shaped beam is on continuously and readout is done sequentially so in either case a large number of intensities for each layer are obtained. A high precision encoder system is used to synchronize x-ray pulses and readouts spatially and with line frequency. Means are provided for storing the cables which lead to the rotatable source, and the detectors and other moveable components. An embodiment for scanning a body part such as a breast has means for conditioning and controlling water in which the part is immersed.

Abstract: A mammography machine for examination of a pendant breast contained in a fluid transmission medium. Patient support is provided at the upper rib cage, lower rib cage, and the shoulder adjacent the breast undergoing examination. X-ray scans are accomplished by rotation about a vertical axis extending through the pendant breast.Patient loading is facilitated by a fabric sling rotatably affixed about a horizontal axis adjacent the lower body of the patient.

Abstract: A mammography machine for examination of a pendant breast contained in a fluid transmission medium. Patient suppport is provided at the upper rib cage, lower rib cage, and the shoulder adjacent the breast undergoing examination. X-rays scans are accomplished by rotation about a vertical axis extending through the pendant breast.Patient loading is facilitated by a fabric sling rotatably affixed about a horizontal axis adjacent the lower body of the patient.

Abstract: A fixture for shaping and compressing a pendant breast during tomographic mammography procedures. The breast extends pendantly downward into a fluid transmission medium having x-ray absorption characteristics substantially equal to those of human tissue. The breast is upwardly compressed and shaped into a cylindrical form by a thin membrane containing a body of pressurized water and affixed to an upwardly directed concave pan. Tomographic scans are accomplished by rotating an x-ray source and detector about a vertical axis passing through the breast and translating the source and detector vertically along the axis.