Abstract: A tomographic system wherein a movable overhead support containing a tiltable X-ray source is non-mechanically coupled to an X-ray receptor beneath an examination table for effecting a desired type of tomographic sweep or scan under the direct control of a stored program microcomputer. Depending upon the parameters inputted to the computer by the operator, the computer enables self-centering control circuits for the source and receptor whereby they are independently brought into vertical alignment over the examination table and thereafter caused to move in opposite directions under precise control of synchronized and mathematically related pulse trains applied to respective stepper motors, first to a calculated reference position and then in predetermined mutual relationship to obtain a tomogram.

Abstract: A diagnostic X-ray system operative in response to control signals from a stored program digital computer to generate an X-ray beam and to produce an image of the object through which the X-ray beam passes. The computer which is preferably a microprocessor has a plurality of selectable programs stored in a digital memory and is operable to control a plurality of operations such as maximizing image quality in terms of resolution, verifying the available anode heat capacity, providing the necessary wait time between successive exposures in a tomographic series, storing the X-ray tube(s) histories, storing and recalling X-ray factors on an anatomic basis and, among other things, making a calculation and display of a pseudo-dose.

Abstract: A system for conducting circular as well as complex tomographic procedures utilizing apparatus which has no mechanical linkage between the X-ray source and the X-ray receptor. The path of travel of the X-ray source both circularly and linearly is sensed by electromagnetic radiation and more particularly by light radiation which is generated by a laser. The linear travel is sensed by means of reflected laser radiation directed to the X-ray source and fed to an interferometer. The circular travel, on the other hand, is sensed by means of a laser gyroscope also receiving light radiation from a laser. Optical energy sensing means is thus used to generate command signals which are coupled to respective drive motors which act to rotate and when desirable, translate the X-ray receptor so that its motion follows the motion, both orbital and linear, of the X-ray source for performing any desired type of tomographic procedure.

Abstract: A linear tomographic method and apparatus wherein an overhead tube-stand or X-ray tube unit is non-mechanically coupled to a bucky or X-ray film holder to produce linear tomographs. No physical attachment exists between the tube-stand and the bucky. The tube-stand position is sensed by electro-magnetic radiation and more particularly by light radiation which is generated by a laser and directed to a reflector attached to the tube-stand adjacent to the tube focal spot. Light energy is reflected therefrom and sensed by an interferometer which produces a tube-stand position signal which is used to generate a command signal to operate respective drive motors which translate the bucky in an opposite direction to the tube-stand and simultaneously rotate the X-ray tube so that the X-ray focal spot, center of film, and imaginary fulcrum point remain substantially colinear during a tomographic sweep.