Abstract: An x-ray machine, such as a mammography machine, comprises a source of a narrow beam of radiation which scans across an object, e.g., a breast, to be imaged. A sensor for the narrow beam moves in the same direction as the narrow beam. The sensor generates an output signal which indicates the position of the beam relative to a specific location on the sensor. A control circuit receives the signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal to regulate the position of the beam relative to the sensor.

Abstract: An x-ray machine, such as a mammography machine, comprises a source of a narrow beam of radiation which scans across an object, e.g., a breast, to be imaged. A sensor for the narrow beam moves in the same direction as the narrow beam. The sensor generates an output signal which indicates the position of the beam relative to a specific location on the sensor. A control circuit receives the signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal to regulate the position of the beam relative to the sensor.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control system which regulates the power supplied to an x-ray source of a tomographic apparatus is disclosed. The system includes an x-ray source movably opposing an ionization chamber with a sweeping mechanism and a control for controlling the mechanism. A microprocessor which receives an input reference voltage and combines the voltage with a signal generated by the control to thereby produce a reference signal. This reference signal is then compared with a signal detected by the ionization chamber to determine an output error signal. Power supplied to the x-ray source is then adjusted based on this error signal.

Abstract: A mammography system with a variable angle, rearwardly tilting mammograph adjustable to individual, standing or sitting patients in forwardly leaning posture to maximize breast tissue exposure to the mammograph by gravity. The invention covers both the mammograph machine and the mammography method.