Abstract: In a method for directing X-rays radiated by an X-ray emitter onto a detector area of a X-ray detector, a location and/or positioning of the X-ray emitter and a location and/or positioning of the detector area of the X-ray detector is/are registered by a position registering device, with the location and/or positioning of the X-ray emitter and/or the location and/or positioning of the detector area of the X-ray detector being adjusted using the registered location and/or positioning of the X-ray emitter and the registered location and/or positioning of the detector area of the X-ray detector such that the X-rays radiated by the X-ray emitter will for the most part strike the entire detector area of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray inspection apparatus with a simple constitution that can easily verify whether a transport conveyor is properly mounted without the need for a separate component to perform such verification. With the X-ray inspection apparatus, the shield units, which each block a portion of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiating device, are provided to the conveyor. These shield units are constituted so that the X-rays detected by some of the pixels, which constitute the X-ray line sensor, are less than that at other pixels. The control computer stores the position, number, and the like of the pixels in which the amount of X-rays detected is reduced when the conveyor is properly mounted, and, before starting the inspection for foreign matter contamination, determines whether there is a mount failure of the conveyor by irradiating a small amount of X-rays and detecting whether X-rays are detected at the pixels that were stored.

Abstract: Equipment for an apparatus for mammography having a C-shaped arm having a radiation source at one of its ends and, at its other end, a breast support plate and image acquisition. The equipment is at the level of a portion on the side of the breast support plate or in the prolongation of such a portion, close to the main body of the C-shaped arm. The equipment has a shape with at least one projection and/or hollow set in the external surface of the apparatus and defines a zone able to be used as a secondary handle and/or armrest.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a damper which is a hollow member with a fluid sealed into the interior thereof, and is formed, on its side abutted against an object to which it is to be mounted, in a concave shape conforming to the shape of a corner of the object, and is formed, on its side opposite to the concave shape, in a convex shape conforming to the shape of the corner of the object; and a detecting section for detecting an internal pressure of the damper.

Abstract: A medical imaging system including an imaging device and a patient positioning area in close proximity to the imaging device. A protective bumper is attached to, and conforms to a shape of the imaging device. The system may also include a detection system that has a pressure sensing device.

Abstract: A detector drawer for an X-ray detector has at least one stop (5) by which the mobility of an inserted X-ray detector in at least one direction is restricted. The mobility of the inserted X-ray detector is hindered by the at least one stop to two alternate stop positions with respect to that direction; and that the respective stop position becomes operative as a function of the motion of the X-ray detector upon its insertion, for instance as a function of the direction of the motion. By using the alternate stop positions, which automatically become operative, portable digital X-ray detectors, which are constructed asymmetrically, are automatically positioned centrally in the detector drawer regardless of their orientation or the desired orientation of the image to be made. The detector drawer is advantageously used in an X-ray system, and desirably in an X-ray system with a detector that is pulled out from opposite sides of a patient examination table.

Abstract: A detector drawer is provided in which an X-ray detector can be placed, and so as to be inserted from both sides of an examination table into a detector drawer receptacle that is open on both sides. The detector drawer has a stop actuator, which as a function of the insertion of an X-ray detector can be put into an actuation position that enables the actuation of a stop of the detector drawer receptacle and as a function of the removal of the X-ray detector into a position of repose that minimizes the actuation of the stop. A detector drawer receptacle is also provided, which is open on both sides and into which a detector drawer can be inserted from both sides of the receptacle. The receptacle has a stop which is actuatable by a stop actuator of the detector drawer as a function of an insertion of the detector drawer. The stop may include a sliding stop, which is actuatable by the stop actuator in a thrust position that is dependent on the direction of insertion of the detector drawer.

Abstract: A stretcher with a dedicated multi-functional removable floating patient support platform is described. The stretcher has a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly is vertically displaceable thereover in an adjustable manner. The patient support platform is a rigid rectangular platform having a substantial portion thereof constructed of radiolucent material. The patient support platform is supported on bearings and retained captive on a platform support structure, whereby to slide axially thereof. Restraining hingeable side frames are provided and permit the patient support platform to be displaced laterally on the bearings to permit the patient support platform to be transferred from the platform support structure laterally thereof, in an effortless support manner.

Abstract: An X-ray cassette or a radiographic grid and X-ray cassette is (are) mounted within a device for positioning the cassette or grid and cassette beneath a patient lying upon a bed or other support to enable an X-ray image of a portion of the patient to be taken. The device has a plastics envelope formed of a material that is both substantially radiotranslucent and impervious to water or other biological fluids. This envelope defines first and second envelope sections separated from each other by a common edge. The first envelope section is generally rectangular in configuration and defines an openable pouch in which the X-ray cassette or radiographic grid and X-ray cassette are received. The second envelope section has a stiffening member therein. The second envelope section has its greatest width along the common edge and narrows to a minimum width at its edge furthest from the common edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing interstitial laser therapy and adjunctive therapy on a patient are revealed. The apparatus employs a combination of a mammography unit, an interstitial laser treatment device attached to the mammography unit and a treatment platform positioned relative to the mammography unit to enable the interstitial laser therapy to be performed. The use of the treatment platform with the mammography unit enables the interstitial laser therapy to be performed and, if necessary, adjunctive therapy to be performed in the same treatment room without transferring the patient to a new platform.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics device for mammography examinations has an arm for an X-ray tube and a subject table as well as a compression plate arranged between the X-ray tube and the subject table, the compression plate being connected to the arm and being displaceable along it to compress a female breast. The arm is rotatable around a horizontal shaft, and the shaft is secured to a mount that is laterally displaceable. The mount is displaceably attached to a lifting arrangement connected to the stand that is height-adjustable. A control device accepts output signals from position sensors that indicate the height and lateral positions of the arm as well as from a synchro system that indicates the rotational angle of the arm, to control displacement arrangements the arm such that a rotation of the arm around an axis that can be arbitrarily selected along the longitudinal axis of the stand that is substantially aligned with the center axis of the compressed breast.

Abstract: A mammographic method and apparatus are provided for obtaining improved compression of posterior, middle and anterior breast tissue without pushing posterior breast tissue from the imaging volume and with less discomfiture to the patient. An initial compression of the posterior tissue is achieved by vertical, relative displacement of the paddle relative to the bucky assembly to compress the posterior breast tissue therebetween. Less patient discomfiture is achieved by using an inclined compression surface on the paddle or bucky assembly to compress the anterior and middle breast sufficiently for good X-ray imaging without further displacement of the skin adjacent the chest wall. A horizontal force component inclined force will not push the posterior compressed breast tissue from the imaging area. Herein a paddle may have a posterior breast section and have a flexed section which is biased to engage and conform to the breast shape.

Abstract: A portable device for taking an X-ray of a human or animal patient comprising: a base for positioning an X-ray cassette holder adjacent to a patient, the patient being positioned on an operating table, and an X-ray cassette holder; the base comprising a first plate member having an upper surface and a bottom surface, the X-ray cassette holder being positioned on the upper surface and means positioned on the bottom surface for attaching the portable device to a surface adjacent to the operating table; the X-ray cassette holder comprising a second plate hingedly attached to the upper surface of the first plate so that the second plate can be positioned between a storage position and a functional position; the second plate defining channels at opposite sides thereof for positioning an X-ray film cassette adjacent to the patient to be X-rayed; means for locking the second plate in the functional position; and, a method for employing the device to X-ray a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation and a support structure for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam according to a desired pattern. The lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table for holding a substrate and a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. At least one holding structure includes at least one compliant member holding a pimple plate for holding a removable item for the apparatus.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a bed having a top board on which an object is to be placed, a radiation image detector for detecting intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through the object, and a supporting part arranged on the top board for supporting the radiation image detector at least at a position beneath the top board.

Abstract: An articulated x-ray table comprises a planar, rigid radiolucent top support and a base spaced therefrom to form a gap whereby radiographic plates can be inserted and withdrawn. The gap is maintained by the use of one or more trolleys that are moveable along the length of the table to be moved into proximity to the location where the plate is to be inserted. Generally, two of the trolleys are used along either side of the table for placement near the x-ray plate. The trolleys move in grooves or tracks on the edges of the base along the length of the table. Each trolley includes wheels that engage the grooves, and a separate roller that engages the top support. This permits the trolleys to be easily moved along the guide notwithstanding the weight of a patient on the table. The table can be used for animals and humans.

Abstract: A patient table including a table assembly and a bucky presentation assembly including at least one rail secured to the assembly, a runner slidably received on the rail, a bucky, and a hinge pivotally connecting the bucky to the runner.

Abstract: A pad assembly adapted to receive an envelope enclosing an x-ray cassette, thus allowing x-rays to be taken while a patient is lying or sitting on the pad assembly. The pad assembly allows a conventional hospital stretcher to be converted for use as a specialized x-ray stretcher.

Abstract: A apparatus is described for positioning the head of a patient for taking various x-ray images of the head. The head-positioning apparatus contemplates an arm member rotatably mounted to a pivot member for rotating the arm about an axis of rotation and at least one ear locating member coupled to the arm member in which the ear locating member rotates with the arm member and in alignment with the axis of rotation. The apparatus also contemplates an x-ray emitting source and an indicator coupled to the x-ray emitting source to provide the indicator and x-ray emitting source to rotate in conjunction and same direction with each other, in which the indicator locates a plane alignable with an ear of the patient.

Abstract: The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics installation for mammography examinations has an arm for an X-ray tube, a holder for an image receiver and a subject table. The holder and the subject table are laterally adjustable relative to one another. A compression plate arranged between the X-ray tube and the subject table is connected to and displaceable along the arm. The arm is rotatable around a horizontal shaft attached to a stand. In order to maintain the image receiver located in the X-ray field simply and inexpensively given rotation of the subject table or of the image receiver from a vertical attitude into a lateral attitude, the holder for the image receiver is connected to the arm, and the subject table is laterally displaceable relative to the holder.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a transparent, media support platen having a first surface portion and a second surface portion; a media clamp mounted in displaceable, overlying relationship with the first surface portion of the platen; and a lid mounted in displaceable overlying relationship with the second surface portion of the platen.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an arm supporting an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, and a tilting bed. A joining mechanism detachably joins the arm to the bed. An arm support mechanism freely supports the arm. While the arm is joined to the bed, the arm follows a tilting of the bed.

Abstract: A pad assembly adapted to receive an envelope enclosing an x-ray cassette, thus allowing x-rays to be taken while a patient is lying or sitting on the pad assembly. The pad assembly allows a conventional hospital stretcher to be converted for use as a specialized x-ray stretcher.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus comprises an image receiver and a source for delivering radiation towards the image receiver. Adjacent to the image receiver is a breast support with a body and a plate. The plate can be moved with respect to the body of the breast support, along the direction of propagation of the radiation. The movement of the plate of the breast support varies the position of the patient's breast in the path of the radiation thereby varying the magnification factor of the image.

Abstract: A child positioning apparatus for X-ray photography having improved adjustment mechanisms. In particular the positioning of the X-ray film cassette has been improved by using a friction fastner. The friction fastner passes through a groove in the vertical portion of a L-bracket and attaches to a tray for holding the X-ray film. The position of the tray is adjusted by loosening the friction fastener, positioning the tray and then re-tightening to fix the X-ray film cassette into place.

Abstract: A system for automated x-ray system parameter evaluation is provided. A physical model or template is created and stored in the system, one for each desired phantom. The automated system imports a grayscale x-ray image and then processes the image to determine image components. First, a histogram of the image is created, then a threshold in the histogram is determined and the imported image is binarized with respect to the threshold. Next, connected component analysis is used to determine image components. If the components do not match, then the image is rejected. The system next locates landmarks in the imported image corresponding to expected physical structures. The landmarks include a perimeter ring, vertical and horizontal line segments, and fiducials. The system uses the landmarks to predict Regions of Interest (ROIs) where measurement of the x-ray system parameters takes place. Finally, the x-ray system parameters are measured in the identified ROIs.

Abstract: An apparatus to couple rigid items to a patient support including a patient support coupler and a holder.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: An integrated positioning device for a tomotherapy treatment couch is disclosed. The integrated positioning device has a central frame, two positioning tables, and an attachment arm. The central frame is mounted on the base of the tomotherapy treatment couch. The positioning tables position the moveable tabletop of the treatment couch in the lateral and longitudinal directions. Each table is able to position and lock the tabletop in one of the directions to a high degree of accuracy. The attachment arm connects the positioning tables to the tabletop and holds the tabletop in position for tomotherapy treatments.

Abstract: Operation-diagnosis apparatus having a bearing mechanism for a treatment and/or examination subject comprising a bearing plate for the treatment and/or examination subject that is adjustable at a base and is radiation-transparent in at least one region, whereby the bearing plate is seated height-adjustable at the base and adjustable around three spatial axes and is seated optionally displaceable in longitudinal and/or transverse direction in floating fashion or displaceable by means of a connectable drive device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of a radiological imaging apparatus is provided with a first and a second radiation detectors disposed around a hole portion into which a bed is inserted. The first radiation detector includes a detecting portion formed of GaAs of a square having a side of 5 mm and having a thickness of 2 mm. The second radiation detector includes a detecting portion formed of CdTe of a cube having a side of 5 mm. The first radiation detector detects X-rays emitted from an X-ray source and transmitted through an examinee and does not detect &ggr;-rays emitted from the examinee. The second radiation detector detects above X-rays and &ggr;-rays. An X-ray signal processing apparatus processes an X-ray image signal from the first radiation detector and outputs intensity information thereof. A signal discriminating apparatus processes a &ggr;-ray image signal from the second radiation detector and outputs a pulse signal.

Abstract: A thermotherapy apparatus has a reclining surface (3) and an X-ray drawer (6) that can be retracted from the apparatus together when needed. A carrier (12) is located at the X-ray drawer (6) and can be connected to the reclining surface (3) in a preferred position.

Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography scanning system for imaging the internal structure of a human being including a source that projects a substantially conically shaped X-ray beam along a path on to a subject such that at least a portion of said beam is transmitted through said subject and a detector array that detects the portion of the beam transmitted through the subject and operative to generate electronic signals in response to the beam transmitted through the subject that projects on to said detector array. The system also including a patient support structure for supporting the subject and rotating said subject about an axis intersecting with and substantially perpendicular to the path of the beam, wherein said subject is constrained such that the subject remains in the path of said beam and an airbag restraining mechanism attached to the support structure for holding the subject in its position.

Abstract: A radiolucent clip-on limb positioning system for X-ray cassettes maintains a patient's limb and/or extremities in a position on the X-ray cassette without requiring an attendant, thereby eliminating radiation exposure to the attendant. One or more pairs of radioluscent clip members are releasably engaged on the peripheral sides of an X-ray cassette at selective positions and receive and secure the free ends of resilient hold-down bands that extend across the patient's limb and/or limb extremities to resiliently maintain the limb or extremities in a position against the X-ray cassette while obtaining intraoperative radiographs.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a bed having a top board on which an object is to be placed, a radiation image detector for detecting intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through the object, and a supporting part arranged on the top board for supporting the radiation image detector at least at a position beneath the top board.

Abstract: An X-ray image receiver is supported through a guide mechanism on a support bench. The guide mechanism consists of a pair of first guide members, a pair of first sliding members, a pair of second sliding members, a pair of third sliding members, a pair of second guide members, and a rotation link member. The first guide members, which are disposed opposite to each other, extend on top of the support bench along the shorter side of the tabletop. The first sliding members are slidably installed on the inside of the first guide members. The second sliding members are slidably installed on the inside of the first sliding members. The third sliding members are secured to the sides of the X-ray image receiver. The second guide members are installed on the outside of the third sliding members. The rotation link member rotatably links the second guide members with the second sliding members. Using a lock lever, the third sliding members are locked so that they do not slide with respect to the second guide members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus which can be universally used for X-ray fluoroscopy and X-ray exposures. It includes a tiltable patient table, a horizontally displaceable stand on which an X-ray source is mounted so as to be vertically displaceable, and a coupling member which couples the stand or the X-ray source to the image converter arrangement provided in the patient table. Depending on the type of coupling, either X-ray fluoroscopy and Bucky exposures or slice exposures are possible. Furthermore, other exposure modes can be performed when the stand is decoupled from the coupling member.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support deck coupled to the frame, a tray positioned below the patient support deck for supporting an x-ray cassette, and a lifting apparatus for lifting the tray toward the patient support deck. The lifting apparatus includes a shiftable member supported for translation relative to the frame in a longitudinal direction. A pair of links are coupled to the shiftable member. A first link of the pair of links has a first end pivotally coupled to the tray and a second end pivotally coupled to the shiftable member. A second link of the pair of links has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the shiftable member. A handle is coupled to the frame for translating the shiftable member in the longitudinal direction to spread apart the links and lift the tray.

Abstract: A thermotherapy apparatus has a reclining surface (3) and an X-ray drawer (6) that can be retracted from the apparatus together when needed. A carrier (12) is located at the X-ray drawer (6) and can be connected to the reclining surface (3) in a preferred position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a radiographic apparatus comprising a top plate for supporting a subject, an image receiver for receiving a radiographic image of the subject, a vertical moving mechanism for vertically moving the top plate and the image receiver, and means for limiting the action of the vertical moving mechanism according to the position relative to the top plate and/or posture of the image receiver. There is also disclosed a radiographic apparatus comprising a top plate for supporting a subject, an image receiver for receiving a radiographic image of the subject, a moving mechanism for varying the position relative to the top plate and/or posture of the image receiver, and means for limiting movement of the top plate in the predetermined direction in case the posture of the image receiver is not horizontal or limiting change in posture of the image receiver according to the position of the top plate.

Abstract: An X-ray image receiver is supported through a guide mechanism on a support bench. The guide mechanism consists of a pair of first guide members, a pair of first sliding members, a pair of second sliding members, a pair of third sliding members, a pair of second guide members, and a rotation link member. The first guide members, which are disposed opposite to each other, extend on top of the support bench along the shorter side of the tabletop. The first sliding members are slidably installed on the inside of the first guide members. The second sliding members are slidably installed on the inside of the first sliding members. The third sliding members are secured to the sides of the X-ray image receiver. The second guide members are installed on the outside of the third sliding members. The rotation link member rotatably links the second guide members with the second sliding members. Using a lock lever, the third sliding members are locked so that they do not slide with respect to the second guide members.

Abstract: An imaging bed has a horizontally movable top panel for placing a subject to be imaged thereon, a touch switch mounted on the top panel for unlocking the top panel from a lock unit, and a protective cover positioned outwardly of the touch switch and tiltable toward and away from the top panel. The protective cover is engageable with the top panel in covering relation to the touch switch for preventing a finger from touching the touch switch when the protective cover is tilted toward the touch switch under external forces. The imaging bed is protected from an unwanted release from a fixed position, and can efficiently be operated.

Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: The scanner includes a patient table having a table support and a moveable table top for receiving a patient. The scanner further includes a computer tomography (CT) imaging device for obtaining an image of a patient placed on the table top. The CT imaging device has an X-ray source and an X-ray detector mounted for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the table top, the table top being movable along this axis. Also included are a second conventional radiographic imaging device having a cassette for receiving a sheet of an x-ray sensitive material. The table top has a chamber for receiving the cassette of a length that is substantially equal to the length of the table top. Preferably, this chamber contains a trolley for carrying the cassette and a driving device for moving the trolley in the longitudinal direction of the table top over substantially the full length of the chamber.

Abstract: A method of X-ray photography or a method of some other type of radiation sensoring, such as electronic image storage, employs the use of a receptor unit (2) which can be swung outwards and upwards from an initial position in or beneath a patient support table (1) about alternative pivot centers (11, 12) disposed in the region of respective side edges of the table to alternative positions for operating with a horizontal beam path. The receptor unit can be swung out about a vertical axis from these positions in which it is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the table to a position in which it is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the table to a position in which the unit is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the table, to enable pictures to be taken of a patient seated in a wheelchair, for instance. The invention also relates to a patient support table (1) provided with a receptor unit (2) of this kind.