Abstract: A laser target selector incorporating a flexible tension coil spring removeably mountable on an X-ray tube's projection portal for illuminating a target spot to allow adjusted aiming of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: An improved mobile X-ray unit has a counterweighted articulating X-ray tube support arm that allows positioning of an attached X-ray tube virtually without the need for moving a supporting carriage. The improved mobile X-ray unit also allows the X-ray tube to be locked to the supporting carriage during travel and the articulating X-ray arm includes several electro-magnetically actuated disk brakes capable of locking the articulating X-ray arm in a predetermined position. In the event that the carriage movement is required, the carriage may be moved by application of force on a force sensing handle engaged with the carriage by two strain gage assemblies. The strain gage assemblies provide signals to a motor drive control circuits which in turn propel two driven wheels in the direction and proportional to the force applied to the handle relative to the carriage.

Abstract: An unusually lightweight and readily portable X-ray machine is achieved through the use of a multi-stage DC voltage multiplier combined with a multi-stage AC filament current stepdown transformer, incorporating unique components and subassemblies. Multi-prong clamping inter-stage connectors couple diode strings to plural capacitor array junctions and to conductors matching interstage DC potentials between multiplier stages and transformer stages. A high voltage input transformer for the multiplier incorporates dual insulating layers, a relatively thick, heat-resistant Teflon layer exhibiting extremely low dielectric losses and a thinner Epoxy layer having a tractive outer surface supporting a large plurality of fine wire secondary winding turns. A laser target selector removably mountable on the X-ray tube's projection portal illuminates a target spot to allow adjusted aiming of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: An identification labeling unit for applying identifying data to a sheet of X-ray film enclosed in a film cassette has data input means and a cassette insertion slot extending into the interior of its housing; a data display device, such as a vacuum fluorescent data display screen, defines an object plane inside the housing, and an optical system delivers an image of the data display screen focussed at an image plane within the cavity slot. When the X-ray film-enclosing cassette is fully inserted into the insertion slot, with a corner window hatchcover on the cassette being automatically opened by the cassette's insertion into the cavity slot, the corner of the X-ray film receives the focussed labeling data image from the optical system.

Abstract: An elongated prone patient-supporting examining table for X-ray mammography is centrally supported at variable heights by a rear pedestal. The table is provided with a central breast-receiving aperture through which the patient's pendulant breast is exposed to a horizontal beam of X-rays from a tubehead source mounted on an arm angularly movable through an arc of some 210.degree. centered on the patient's breast. The patient's feet may be positioned at either end of the elongated table on an extensible footrest, permitting X-ray projection through more than 360.degree. around the patient's body. Diagnosis of suspect lesions and fine needle biopsy are both facilitated by stereotactic examination. Digital imaging using a CCD camera and image enhancement software provides magnification, contrast enhancement, window and level manipulation and high resolution images, with low exposure levels, short exposure times, and greatly reduced imaging times.

Abstract: A power supply for producing excitation of an X-ray tube filament of an unusually lightweight and readily portable X-ray machine is achieved through the use of multiple voltage multiplying-rectifying stages powered by a transformer driven at 25 kHz. A four amp-four volt electrical current is applied across the X-ray tube filament by the use of a multi-stage filament transformer array driven at 33 kHz. The multi-stage filament transformer array is interconnected to the multiple voltage multiplying-rectifying stage so as to limit the voltage potential between stages. The use of 25 kHz and 33 kHz driving signals eliminates cross talk between signal producing circuits.

Abstract: A digital imaging charge coupled device or CCD camera has a hollow camera body defining a sealable interior focal plane chamber enclosing a CCD array positioned to receive light focused thereon through a light-transparent window. The interior chamber also encloses a molecular sieve moisture adsorber of crystalline alumino-silicate material, and the chamber is evacuated, filled with inert nitrogen gas under slightly elevated pressure and then sealed, minimizing the partial pressures of water vapor or outgassing gases and reducing or eliminating their efforts on the CCD array.