Abstract: A dental x-ray apparatus is provided that includes an x-ray system having an x-ray source and x-ray detection means; positioning means for positioning a patient's head in a predefined position with respect to the x-ray system; and at least one video camera for generating video images of the patient's head.

Abstract: Numerous structural/patient positioning features are provided for use with a dental x-ray machine. At least the following features are included: an inverted motor arrangement to actuate an outer support column with respect to an inner support column; wiper elements disposed between the inner and outer support columns to provide enhanced electrical grounding therebetween; adjustable roller subassemblies disposed between the inner and outer columns; a flexible electrical cable disposed inside the inner column; a self-aligning base for use with the inner column, the base having symmetric halves; an adaptable handgrip handrail extending from the outer column at compound oblique angles; a drive system for film transport; and a side projection system for patient head positioning, including multiple horizontal light beams.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an x-ray system includes an x-ray emitter having a first electrode and a second electrode. A high voltage supply is electrically connected to the first electrode. A power supply is electrically connected to the second electrode. A controller electrically connected to the high voltage supply and power supply is configured to provide a predetermined parameter to the second electrode during operation of the x-ray emitter to generate the predetermined dose rate from the x-ray emitter. During operation of the x-ray emitter, at least one operational value of the second electrode corresponding to the predetermined parameter is measured and combined with the predetermined parameter using an algorithm to obtain a modified predetermined parameter to be provided by the controller to the second electrode during a subsequent operation of the x-ray emitter.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods performs Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and modular electronic unit, featuring ultra fast computation capability to serve diversified image sensor typology and scanning modality. In Digital Orthopantomography and Scannography, a plurality of tomographic images at different depths of the jaw can be generated, based on the pre-selection made by the user interface. The image processing unit utilizes for the tomo-synthesis of the diagnostic image an accurate and economic digital simulator of the radiographic film speed, including a digital frequency synthesizer fed with film cassette speed digital input and high resolution clock signal, ensuring accurate and reproducible phase continuity of the output frequency signal.

Abstract: A x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods perform Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and robotized mechanical structure, featuring projection movements in the required a real range and automatic adaptation of the same mechanical structure to serve the various x-ray imaging modalities foreseen.

Abstract: An image sensor (10) for dental intraoral radiography comprises a housing (12), an image receptor (40) and a cable connection dome (32) arranged on a back side (14) of the housing (12). The back side (14) of the housing (12) has a depression (36) at least in the region between the cable connection dome (32) and an anterior side (16) of the housing (12), wherein the depression (36) falls short of reaching the anterior side (16) of the housing (12) such that an elevated region (38) is formed between the depression (36) and at least the anterior side (16) of the housing (12). A positioning device (50) is adapted for positioning an image sensor (10) according to the present invention in the mouth of a patient. The present invention provides an intraoral sensor that enables good patient cooperation, thus making it possible to take high quality dental x-ray images.

Abstract: A dental x-ray apparatus is provided that includes an x-ray system having an x-ray source and x-ray detection means; positioning means for positioning a patient's head in a predefined position with respect to the x-ray system; and at least one video camera for generating video images of the patient's head.

Abstract: A x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods perform Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and robotized mechanical structure, featuring projection movements in the required a real range and automatic adaptation of the same mechanical structure to serve the various x-ray imaging modalities foreseen.

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 present invention is a true digital output intraoral camera with a docking station.

Abstract: A container to secure an x-ray source is provided. The container includes a base and a cover each having an inside surface. The base and cover are assembled together forming a fluid tight chamber defined by the inside surfaces of the base and cover to secure x-ray source components to positions along the inside surface of the base. A plurality of these positions are machinable to provide a precision arrangement of at least a portion of the x-ray source components and at least one fluid tight seal between x-ray source components and the base. During fabrication of the base, each position of the inside surface required to provide a precise arrangement of at least a portion of the x-ray source components and at least one fluid tight seal between the x-ray source components and the base being accessible from exterior of the base by a substantially straight tool.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods performs Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and modular electronic unit, featuring ultra fast computation capability to serve diversified image sensor typology and scanning modality. In Digital Orthopantomography and Scannography, a plurality of tomographic images at different depths of the jaw can be generated, based on the pre-selection made by the user interface. The image processing unit utilizes for the tomo-synthesis of the diagnostic image an accurate and economic digital simulator of the radiographic film speed, including a digital frequency synthesizer fed with film cassette speed digital input and high resolution clock signal, ensuring accurate and reproducible phase continuity of the output frequency signal.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods performs Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and modular electronic unit, featuring ultra fast computation capability to serve diversified image sensor typology and scanning modality. In Digital Orthopantomography and Scannography, a plurality of tomographic images at different depths of the jaw can be generated, based on the pre-selection made by the user interface. The image processing unit utilizes for the tomo-synthesis of the diagnostic image an accurate and economic digital simulator of the radiographic film speed, including a digital frequency synthesizer fed with film cassette speed digital input and high resolution clock signal, ensuring accurate and reproducible phase continuity of the output frequency signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in intra-oral dental x-ray imaging equipment provides automatic detection of the x-ray emission in order to obtain timely transition to the image integration and acquisition phase with high level of rejection of false triggering induced by blemish defects of the image sensor or by variations of the ambient and temperature conditions. A solid state imager, such as a CCD image sensor, is continually clocked during the standby phase prior to irradiation from an X-ray source, so providing on same time an output signal proportional to the accumulated dark current and the continuous removal of the same. A control unit analyses the output signal of the imager, detects the variation caused by the start of the x-ray emission using appropriate threshold levels, and automatically triggers the imager to the image integration and acquisition phases.

Abstract: A dental video imaging system includes a housing having a handle portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has a view port for viewing intra- and extra-oral dental anatomy. An optical system is mounted in the distal end of the housing for acquiring, orienting and transmitting an image of the dental anatomy appearing in said view port. A sensor assembly, mounted in the distal end of the housing, converts images received through the optical system into video data signals. A camera control unit (CCU) is mounted in the handle portion of the housing. The CCU includes a signal processor for receiving the video data image signal from the sensor and then providing a S-video, composite video or digital video signal output of the images.

Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A head positioner for positioning a patient's head properly for a cephalometric x-ray, or other type of imaging device, and for maintaining the patient's head in a proper position throughout an imaging session, comprises a mounting portion including a mounting plate and a positioning portion connected to the mounting portion by a support member. The mounting portion includes a mounting plate and a vertical height adjustment for vertically shifting the support member and the positioning portion. The positioning portion includes a pair of sliding headpieces engagable with the patient's head for properly positioning the same for imaging. An adjusting mechanism is operatively connected to the headpieces for coaxially positioning the headpieces symmetrically in unison a variable distance apart to accept heads of different dimensions. One of the headpieces is rotatable out of alignment with the other headpiece to allow initial placement of a patient's head in the positioner.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining a selectable contrast image in an X-ray exposure. The method comprises applying a controlled high voltage to an X-ray tube in response to a controlled invertor-generated voltage; generating the controlled invertor-generated voltage; driving the invertor in response to a KV control signal; comparing a KV feedback signal with a KV reference signal for developing said KV control signal, and selecting any of a plurality of variable level reference signals as the KV reference signal. The apparatus comprises means for carrying out the foregoing method.

Abstract: A high voltage transformer assembly for use in a high frequency medical X-ray generator comprises a plurality of transformers, a plurality of filter capacitors, and a pair of capacitor printed circuit boards for mounting the capacitors and for coupling the capacitors in electrical circuit to define a plurality of relatively high power handling capacitance circuits. A plurality of diodes are provided, and diode printed circuit boards mount the diodes and couple the diodes in electrical circuit to define a plurality of relatively high power handling diode circuit elements. A frame, and top and bottom plate-like members, and other joining structure join together the frame and the top and bottom plate-like members, and the capacitor printed circuit boards to form an enclosure wherein the top and bottom plate-like members and the capacitor printed circuit boards comprise four sides of a generally rectilinear, six-sided enclosure.