Abstract: A tomography scanner system including a gantry having an outer, non-rotating support ring, and an inner rotatable component ring supported for rotation within the support ring about a rotation axis of the gantry. An x-ray source and an x-ray detector array are secured to the rotatable component ring for rotation with the component ring, and an x-ray containment shield encloses the x-ray source and the x-ray detector array and is secured to the rotatable component ring for rotation with the component ring.

Abstract: A dental x-ray apparatus (10) includes a tube head (11) formed from a cast zinc material. Structural components of tube head (11) include such component (20) formed from a plastic material impregnated with a high molecular weight substance, such as barium sulfite. X-ray apparatus 10 has a control panel (15) in close proximity to the tube head (11), and is preferably DC powered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion beam scanning system having an ion source device, an ion acceleration system and an ion beam guidance system comprising an ion beam outlet window for a converging centered ion beam, and a mechanical alignment system for the target volume to be scanned. For that purpose, the ion acceleration system can be set to an acceleration of the ions required to obtain a maximum depth of penetration. The scanning system also has energy absorption means arranged in the path of the ion beam between the target volume and the ion beam outlet window transverse to the center of the ion beam. The energy absorption means can be displaced transverse to the center of the ion beam in order to vary the energy of the ion beam, so enabling, in the target volume, depth modulation of the ion beam, which is effected by means of a linear motor and the transverse displacement of the energy absorption means, with depth-staggered scanning of volume elements of the target volume in rapid succession.

Abstract: For suppressing extraneous radiation from an x-ray type food inspection station enclosure having an entry tunnel and an exit tunnel, two pairs of swinging shield doors are provided, one pair located in the entry tunnel and one pair located in the exit tunnel. In a preferred embodiment, each door is actuated by a dedicated pneumatic door actuator located above the door and placed under control of a microprocessor system that also controls the entire conveyor and x-ray inspection process, in particular closing the doors in the event of a gap in the series of containers that could otherwise allow excessive x-ray leakage from the tunnel. As a fail-safe measure, the shield doors are configured with a slip clutch drive and a mechanical override system that tends to close the doors to maintain x-ray radiation suppression in the event of failure of a door actuator or power source thereof.

Abstract: A nonintrusive inspection apparatus is described of the kind having a base frame, an elongated shield on the base frame, a conveyor belt passing through the shield which is used for transporting closed containers, and a rotating CT scanner subsystem which is used for scanning the container on the conveyor belt. The CT scanner subsystem is mounted through the shield to the base frame. The shield provides sufficient rigidity for the CT scanner subsystem. A cover is positioned over the CT scanner subsystem, but only over a portion of the shield, thereby allowing for a person on one side of the shield to see a person on an opposite side of the shield.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing an x-ray tube component, such as an evacuated housing and the like. The component has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a plurality of powder metals, at least one of which is comprised of powder metal component that is substantially non-transmissive to x-radiation. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten.

Abstract: A shielding system for a scanner. The system comprises a headrest. The system comprises shielding attached to the headrest. The system comprises a scanner couch to which the headrest is attached. The headrest moves with the scanner couch into the scanner. A method for scanning a patient. The method comprises the steps of connecting a headrest with a shield to a couch. There is the step of moving the couch with the headrest into an opening of the scanner so the shielding blocks the opening. A headrest for a couch of a scanner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is preferably formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. In an alternative embodiment, the integral housing is composed of a solidified integrated mixture of metallic powders that function together as both the integral housing wall and the radiation shielding. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any liquid coolant.

Abstract: Materials and methods of manufacturing radiation shielded enclosures is presented that may replace the use of lead, granite and other heavy, expensive, toxic, environmentally unfriendly or otherwise undesirable materials and manufacturing methods. The present invention provides a high-density radiation shielding enclosure manufactured by cold casting a liquid refined iron ore or taconite composite material into a mold of an enclosure of an appropriate shape and size to house an x-ray imaging system. The method of manufacture may include applying an iron ore or tungsten composite caulking compound to the radiation shielding enclosure in order to seal any radiation leaks in the radiation shielding enclosure.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus having at an entrance and an exit of a radiation tunnel a radiation-shielding curtain so that no ionized radiation can exit from the inspection unit as a luggage piece or another object to be inspected is passed into or out of the inspection unit. A plurality of light curtains, which are arranged at a spacing, one behind the other, so that the coefficient of fiction (&mgr;) is smaller than when the heavier curtain is provided.

Abstract: A dental x-ray tube head having a housing with an x-ray tube mounted in it, with improved shielding for preventing stray radiation from emanating outside of the path of the primary x-ray beam. The shielding includes an inner hollow element encasing the x-ray tube and having an aperture through which the primary beam projects, with an open end for connecting wires to the x-ray tube. The shielding further includes an outer hollow element which fits over the inner element in such a way as to cover the open end, with clearance for the wires connected to the tube. Both the inner element and the outer element are comprised of a mixture of polypropylene and barium sulfate. The combination of the inner element and the outer element completely surrounds the x-ray tube with the barium sulfate impregnated material, eliminating the use of lead within the tube head, and thereby providing excellent electrical insulation characteristics besides the x-ray attenuation.

Abstract: “An x-ray device component is provided that includes a substrate material upon which is deposited a bond layer, comprising a material such as copper or copper alloy, that acts to secure a powder metal shield material, comprising tungsten and iron, to the x-ray device component. The bond layer and the powder metal shield material possess thermal characteristics compatible with those of the substrate material and the powder metal shield material acts to control radiation emissions from the x-ray device.

Abstract: An x-ray shielding system includes a beam controller configured to surround an x-ray source and includes a detector shield configured to position behind an x-ray detector. The beam controller includes a source shield and an aperture. The source shield and the detector shield are adapted to block x-rays, and the aperture is adapted to transmit x-rays. A shielded digital radiographic inspection system includes the x-ray source and the beam controller surrounding the x-ray source. The beam controller includes the source shield and the aperture. The aperture is configured to rotate around the x-ray source. The inspection system further includes a digital x-ray detector positioned radially outward from the x-ray source and facing the aperture. The digital x-ray detector is configured to be movable along an orbit around the x-ray source. The inspection system further includes the detector shield configured to be movable with and positioned behind the digital x-ray detector.

Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are located in operative relationship with one another to generate x-rays when the electrodes are energized at their respective operating potential. An evacuated envelope encloses the first and second electrodes. The evacuated envelope includes a first envelope wall portion, a second envelope wall portion and an envelope weld member comprising an electrical conductor. The envelope weld member is in electrical communication so as to be at operating potential of one of the first and second electrodes when the x-ray tube is energized. The envelope weld member is adapted for vacuum tight joining to the first envelope wall portion and to the second envelope wall portion. The envelope weld member has an integral corona shield portion.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system is presenting having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively. The detector is included in a detector assembly that further includes a display and user interface for controlling the arms. The detector assembly further includes at least one lead shield that is extendable to protect an operator stationed at the display during use.

Abstract: A shielding system for a scanner. The system comprises a headrest. The system comprises shielding attached to the headrest. The system comprises a scanner couch to which the headrest is attached. The headrest moves with the scanner couch into the scanner. A method for scanning a patient. The method comprises the steps of connecting a headrest with a shield to a couch. There is the step of moving the couch with the headrest into an opening of the scanner so the shielding blocks the opening. A headrest for a couch of a scanner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing x-rays to electronic devices such as portable electronic devices for x-ray fluorescence analysis are described. The apparatus includes a portable XRF device containing an x-ray source and an x-ray detector that are proximate one another, e.g., within the same housing. The x-ray source is shielded so that x-rays that could potentially interfere with the operation of the x-ray detector are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A synchronized moving radiation shield apparatus includes at least one shielding block disposed under a radiation pathway of a radiation therapy unit in such a manner that a radiation field is formed with the shielding block, wherein an affected portion of a person is exposed to radiation through the radiation field while radiation therapy of a portion, other than the affected portion, of the person, is shielded by the shielding block. The apparatus further includes a movable portion for movably holding the shielding block while not blocking the passing of radiation through the radiation field; drive means, connected to the movable portion, for moving the radiation field to a specific position; and control means for controlling the drive means in such a manner that the radiation field is movable in matching to a variation in position of the affected portion.

Abstract: An image display device where a substrate with a thickness of not more than 2 mm is used as a rear substrate, or where a low alkali glass substrate with an X-ray shielding member is used as a rear substrate.

Abstract: Known inspection units (10) respectively have at an entrance and often at an exit of a radiation tunnel a radiation-shielding curtain (13) so that no ionized radiation can exit from the inspection unit (10) as a luggage piece or another object to be inspected is passed into or out of the inspection unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for improved radiation attenuation in devices which generate x-ray radiation. A high voltage receptacle is disclosed, the receptacle being adapted to accommodate a high voltage connector to supply power to an x-ray tube and being formed of a mixture of a dielectric material and an x-ray attenuating material, such as an x-ray attenuating metal compound. X-ray radiation impinging upon the high voltage receptacle that would otherwise pass through the unshielded receptacle is absorbed or scattered by the x-ray attenuating material without the need for additional x-ray shielding. Also disclosed is an x-ray housing assembly including an x-ray housing adapted to contain an x-ray tube, and a high voltage receptacle, wherein the high-voltage receptacle and optionally a portion of the x-ray housing is formed of a mixture of a dielectric material and an x-ray attenuating material.

Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.

Abstract: A radiosurgery and radiotherapy system to provide diagnostic imaging and target localization via a patient 3-D mapping means such as a CT scanner or MRI, patient positioning via a four degree of freedom of motion table, and a stereotactic Cobalt 60 therapy unit incorporating multiple sources to therapeutically irradiate a target is provided. Methods of radiosurgery and radiotherapy utilizing the system are also provided. A combination of radiation source configuration, 360 degree rotational characteristics of the therapy unit, and table movement will allow any size and shape of target to be irradiated to therapeutic levels while decreasing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A radiation beam catcher which captures greater than 80% and preferably greater than 90 percent of the radiation from the radiation sources is also provided.

Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.

Abstract: Generally, the shielded x-ray source of the present invention has a cast shield of an iron based material substantially enclosing and closely conforming to the x-ray tube to shield the x-ray tube imaging beam from interference from magnetic fields. The method of the present invention includes providing a shield cast from an iron-based material in a shape having a cavity to receive and closely conform to the x-ray tube, and installing the cast shield around the x-ray tube. The magnetic surgical system comprising at least one magnetic for magnetically navigating a medical device in an operating region in a patient's body, and an imaging apparatus including at least one x-ray tube for imaging the operating region. A cast shield of an iron-based material substantially enclosing and closely conforming to the at least one x-ray tube.

Abstract: A shield apparatus is disclosed that encloses the human torso (or part of a human torso) during X-ray procedures. The shield protects medical personnel from scatter radiation, is adjustable to fit different size torsos, and will move with the X-ray equipment as the position of the equipment is adjusted to examine different areas of the body.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube casing coating prevents lead contamination of oil. The aluminum casing housing an x-ray tube has a lead lining with a top surface and a bottom surface, and is exposed to a dielectric cooling oil. An electroplating material is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces of the lead lining, forming an electroplated layer between the lead lining and the casing to prevent lead contamination of the dielectric cooling oil.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an adherent and durable coating for a lead-lined x-ray tube casing which is exposed to dielectric cooling oil. Electroplating lead radiation shield material with a corrosion resistant and nontoxic material having excellent solderability, softness and ductility, provides a clean corrosion resistant surface which is inert to the oil, independent of temperature and x-ray irradiation. The electroplating material preserves the lead surface from flaking and corroding to the oil. The electroplating material is preferably selected from the group consisting of tin, silver, copper and nickel, or various combinations of those or other materials capable of providing an adherent and durable coating for the x-ray tube casing.

Abstract: In a computed tomography (CT) scanner, an X-ray shield is mountable to a gantry for absorbing randomly scattered X-ray radiation. The shield is rotatable with the gantry disk for regulating the emission of X-ray radiation near its source. The shield is preferably lined with an energy-absorbent material to provide safe energy levels in the environment external to the system. By minimizing the surface area of the shield, the present system results in significant weight reduction and ease of installation over prior shielding systems.

Abstract: A radiosurgery and radiotherapy system to provide diagnostic imaging and target localization via a patient 3-D mapping means such as a CT scanner or MRI, patient positioning via a four degree of freedom of motion table, and a stereotactic Cobalt 60 therapy unit incorporating multiple sources to therapeutically irradiate a target is provided. Methods of radiosurgery and radiotherapy utilizing the system are also provided. A combination of radiation source configuration, 360 degree rotational characteristics of the therapy unit, and table movement will allow any size and shape of target to be irradiated to therapeutic levels while decreasing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A radiation beam catcher which captures greater than 80% and preferably greater than 90 percent of the radiation from the radiation sources is also provided.

Abstract: An X-radiator has a housing containing an X-ray tube and a radiation protective cladding containing at least one protective substance. The radiation protection cladding is formed by a jacket that surrounds the housing at its exterior and can be completely removed from the housing.

Abstract: Granulated bismuth is mixed with a liquid carrier into a suspension. The carrier - bismuth combination is applied to a surface in a thickness sufficient to provide a desired amount of radiation attenuation. The carrier adheres to the surface and maintains the bismuth adjacent said surface.

Abstract: An X-ray debris shield for use in X-ray lithography that is comprised of an X-ray window having a layer of low density foam exhibits increased longevity without a substantial increase in exposure time. The low density foam layer serves to absorb the debris emitted from the X-ray source and attenuate the shock to the window so as to reduce the chance of breakage. Because the foam is low density, the X-rays are hardly attenuated by the foam and thus the exposure time is not substantially increased.

Abstract: A gamma ray collimator including a housing having first and second sections. The first section encloses a first section of depleted uranium which is disposed for receiving and supporting a radiation emitting component such as cobalt 60. The second section encloses a depleted uranium member which is provided with a conical cut-out focusing portion disposed in communication with the radiation emitting element for focusing the emitted radiation to the target.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for connecting a separable control cable assembly to a camera storage unit in a radiographic system, having a connector assembly fixed to the camera storage unit and a separable control cable assembly. The separable control cable assembly is attached the camera storage unit via the fixed connector assembly for controlling movement of radioactive material attached to a source cable to a desired location outside of the camera storage unit. The camera storage unit stores the source cable and attached radioactive material in an aperture where the two are locked against removal. Proper connection of the separable control cable assembly to the camera storage unit releases the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position. Upon releasing the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position, the control cable assembly is prevented from being removed from ther camera storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus provided with a measuring head for determining with the aid of X-ray fluorescence or X-ray absorption measuring techniques the surface weight of a measuring subject comprising coatings or surface-deposits or the concentration of basic substances in the subject to be measured, comprising liquid, slurries, powder or solid samples. The apparatus includes means for moving the measuring head (1) over the subject (5) to be measured and also over a reference sample (4), such as a sample or an empty sample-container, or vice versa. The measuring aperture provided in the measuring head (1) is covered with a protective film (7) for the purpose of preventing the ingress of particles from the subject (5) into the aperture. Means (3) are also provided for checking the dirt-coating on the protective film (7) regularly and for sending an order to a film-carrying device (8, 10, 11) to advance film when the dirt-coating is found unacceptable.

Abstract: An anode and a cathode are in an evacuated metal envelope comprising a radiation exit window and which carry a positive and a negative high voltage, respectively, with respect thereto during operation. The cathode, at its area which neighbors the radiation exit window, has a ridge segment which extends in the axial direction partially about the cathode filament. The segment shields the radiation exit window from the electrons emitted by the cathode to reduce heating of the window by the electrons.

Abstract: A contoured X-ray imaging system consists of an X-ray source and X-ray film holding cassette for taking X-ray pictures closely adjacent to a body surface without unnecessary exposure of adjacent body parts to X-rays. The X-ray cassette is contoured to the outline of a structure or a body part to evaluate it without the radiation spreading unnecessarily to the adjacent areas. The X-ray cassette is a thin flat box which has an edge wall contoured outline of the subject or an adjacent structure. The X-ray source and intervening shields or the like are each configured to project an X-ray beam which is contoured in the same contour as the film-holding cassette so that the X-rays reach the film in the same contour as avoid unnecessary exposure of adjacent portions of the body to the X-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray tube generally comprises an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal and having first and second end walls and a cylindrical sidewall, and encloses a rotating anode with its target surface facing the second end wall. A heat transfer sleeve extends from the first end wall past the anode to receive heat from the anode and transfer it to the end wall for dispersal. A heat transfer cross plate at the end of the sleeve further encloses the anode to receive and transfer heat. The tube envelope is mounted in a cylindrical tube housing with the first end wall in contact with a finned mounting plate for dissipating heat. The surface of the tube envelope remains sufficiently cool to apply a layer of lead, whereby the tube is compact. The anode and cathode electrical feeds are through the second end wall. The electrical feeds have angled terminations with lead on them.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus for use in conjunction with an X-ray generator is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a shielding cone extending from the X-ray generator toward the object to be X-rayed, said cone comprising an upper cone portion detachably connected to the X-ray generator, a lower cone portion forming the base of the cone and a plurality of panels detachably connected to and extending between the upper and lower cone support portions. Additional shielding components are provided about the X-ray generator and secured to the shielded cone to further reduce the emission of stray X-rays.

Abstract: A liquid coupling system for a video projector having a liquid in intimate contact with a CRT screen and the first lens element of the lens arrangement. The liquid is optically transparent and performs the additional function of absorbing heat and x-rays emanating from the CRT.

Abstract: A rotating-anode X-ray tube for producing a flat wide-angle fan-shaped beam with a substantially uniform distribution of energy comprises a cylindrical anode and a cathode axially or peripherally offset from the target area or focus bombarded by the electrons so that the axis of the fan-shaped beam emitted by that area can extend radially to the cylindrical anode surface. An arcuate shield closely paralleling this cylindrical surface is apertured at its center in front of the focus and intercepts stray electrons which would be liable to bombard the anode at points outside the target area so as to give rise to extra-focal radiation. Such a tube is useful in apparatus designed for axial transverse tomography.