Abstract: An operating room drape for allowing the presence of a monitor or display panel close to a surgical field while maintaining a sterile field between the monitor and the surgical site. A window in the drape, or all of the drape, is formed of a high clarity material and at least the window is adapted to lie against the monitor screen to provide enhanced visibility. The window may be configured as a separate rectangular insert formed, for example, of a five mil EPV vinyl or other clear polymer medically acceptable material, and sterilized by a process such as ethylene oxide or gamma ray sterilization. The window material may be treated by a process such as corona discharge treatment to enhance its surface adherence properties, while a major portion of the drape, or a release portion, may be non-adherent to facilitate positioning of the window and also removal of the drape following use. The drape itself may constitute a bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise and motion artifacts in pixels of a processed or displayed video image by filtering pixel values of the video image based on a first frame having currently stored (filtered) pixel values and a second frame having recently captured but not yet filtered pixel values. The apparatus includes a spatial filter for computing a motion value of a pixel of interest by averaging difference values of selected pixels surrounding the pixel of interest. Also included is a filter function means for producing an output difference value of the pixel of interest based on the motion value and an adder for adding the output difference value to the first frame filtered pixel value of the pixel of interest. Thus, each pixel of the video image is filtered according to the amount of motion in the video image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise and motion artifacts in pixels of a processed or displayed video image by filtering pixel values of the video image based on a first frame having currently stored (filtered) pixel values and a second frame having recently captured but not yet filtered pixel values. The apparatus includes a spatial filter for computing a motion value of a pixel of interest by averaging difference values of selected pixels surrounding the pixel of interest. Also included is a filter function means for producing an output difference value of the pixel of interest based on the motion value and an adder for adding the output difference value to the first frame filtered pixel value of the pixel of interest. Thus, each pixel of the video image is filtered according to the amount of motion in the video image.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic brightness control in a closed loop x-ray imaging system which utilizes an automatic brightness system (ABS) sampling window. The location, size and shape of the ABS sampling window is adjusted in accordance with statistical information including spatial gray scale distribution data derived from the data related to the x-ray system and image being processed, thereby enabling the automatic brightness control to make brightness and power adjustments in accordance with statistical data from the modified ABS sampling window.

Abstract: An X-ray positioning apparatus for a C-arm device that is "out of balance" in that a center of mass of the rotatable structure resides below an axis of lateral rotation of the C-arm. The positioning apparatus includes a conventional L-arm support for holding the C-arm thereon, wherein a torsional resistance device is disposed inside the L-arm. The torsional resistance device may be a gas spring, for example, pivotally attached at one end to a fixed location on a ground support such as a conventional base unit, and attached at an opposing end to the L-arm by a ball joint. The pivotal attachment of the gas spring resides below the axis of lateral rotation to thereby cause the gas spring to produce a torsional force about the axis of lateral rotation that is opposite in direction to torsional loads produced by force of gravity when the center of mass of the rotatable structure and the axis of lateral rotation are not in vertical alignment.

Abstract: A mobile, bi-planar fluoroscopic imaging apparatus has first and second imaging systems disposed on first and second C-arms. The C-arms are preferably disposed on wheeled bases allowing for movement from one place to another. Alternatively, the first C-arm is large and disposed on a wheeled base while the second C-arm is smaller and disposed on the first C-arm such that it nests. A controller sends trigger pulses to the imaging systems causing the systems to alternate operation. Alternatively, the first and second systems are configured in a master/slave relationship with the master system sending triggering pulses to the slave. A display continuously displays the images produced by the imaging systems such that an image produced by the first system is displayed while the second system operated to produce an image and vis versa. A storage device stored the images as they are produced and later delivers the images to the display for viewing.

Abstract: A one-piece C-arm for use with X-ray diagnostic equipment included in cross-section two generally vertical sidewalls extending generally parallel to one another, an inner support wall connecting the sidewalls, and an outer support wall spaced-apart from the inner support wall and connecting the sidewalls. A pair of flanges extend outwardly from respective sidewalls, and toward one another to form at least one channel along an outer portion of the C-arm frame for receiving wheels or bearings to allow moveable mounting of the C-arm on diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A miniaturized C-arm and imaging apparatus for use with X-ray diagnostic equipment and the like. An X-ray imaging system is coupled to a C-arm, including an X-ray source and an image receptor mounted upon opposing locations, respectively on the C-arm. The image receptor includes a vacuum bottle type image intensifier. The image receptor is characterized by an absence of fiber optic device, and the image intensifier is characterized by an absence of micro channels therein. The C-arm is mass balanced about an axis of orbital rotation and is pivotally coupled to an articulating arm assembly supported upon a wheeled support base. The mass balance enables repositioning of the X-ray imaging system between an anterior-posterior view and an orthogonal lateral view with a single, orbital movement of the C-arm which also causes the views to define an imaging isocenter.

Abstract: A C-arm apparatus. An X-ray imaging system is coupled to a C-arm, including an X-ray source and an image receptor mounted upon opposing locations, respectively on the C-arm. The C-arm is mass balanced about its axis of orbital rotation and is pivotally coupled to an articulating arm assembly supported upon a wheeled support base. The mass balance enables repositioning of the X-ray imaging system between an anterior-posterior view and an orthogonal lateral view with a single, orbital movement of the C-arm which also causes the views to define an imaging isocenter. The C-arm is preferably miniaturized to an approximate diameter of twenty-eight inches with a source-to-image distance of approximately fourteen inches.

Abstract: A pixel artifact/blemish filter for use in a CCD video camera which produces a video signal composed of a series of pulses, each representing a pixel, for developing a video image. The filter includes a delay line for receiving the video signal produced by the camera, and for delaying the video signal pulses by a time of approximately one pulse width duration. The filter also includes first and second signal transfer elements for receiving respectively each video signal pulse directly from the camera and each most recently delayed video signal, and for passing either the directly received pulse or the delayed pulse, depending upon the relative magnitude of the two pulses. Since pixel artifact pulses are typically more positive than non-artifacts pulses, the signal transfer elements generally pass the more negative video signal pulses so that the pixel artifact pulses are suppressed when they arrive at the transfer elements.

Abstract: An automatic X-ray exposure control system and method for adjusting the X-ray dose/technique of X-ray diagnostic equipment to ensure sufficient doses/techniques for proper imaging while minimizing levels of radiation contacting the patient. The system includes traditional X-ray sources to generate a X-rays and traditional X-ray receivers for developing an image of a piece of anatomy through which the X-rays have passed. A mechanism for analyzing the intensity of the image is disposed adjacent the X-ray receiver and opposite the X-ray source. Typically, the mechanism is a CCD video camera which provides two outputs, the first output being absolute brightness as recorded by the camera. The video is analyzed by a windowing circuit or similar device to select an area of the image and restrict further processing of the image to that area. Circuits analyze the windowed area to detect the peak brightness and the average brightness within the windowed area.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging systems. The apparatus comprises a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the imaging system for transferring heat away from and cooling the imaging system portion of the imaging system. The thermoelectric cooler has a cold side and an opposing hot side, with the cold side thermally coupled to the imaging sensor to enable the transfer of heat from the sensor in response to a supply of power. A power supply is coupled to the cooler for supplying required power. The hot side of the cooler is thermally coupled to a heat pipe, which is composed of a heat-conducting material having a hollow portion containing a wicking material and a working fluid. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the heat pipe enabling heat dissipation. The working fluid cyclically evaporates into vapor and condenses into liquid to effect the heat transfer from the heat pipe to the heat sink.

Abstract: A C-arm apparatus. A C-shaped member is slidably supported in a suspended position by a support arm. The support arm is rotatable about an axis of lateral rotation and is slidably mounted to an outer circumference of the arc-shaped member at a point of attachment coinciding with the axis of lateral rotation. Since the support arm is attached to the C-shaped member in alignment with the axis of lateral rotation, the support arm does not introduce eccentric lateral moment-arm action during lateral rotation and thereby provides a more stabile, balanced support structure.

Abstract: A one-piece C-arm for use with X-ray diagnostic equipment included in cross-section two generally vertical sidewalls extending generally parallel to one another, an inner support wall connecting the sidewalls, and an outer support wall spaced-apart from the inner support wall and connecting the sidewalls. A pair of flanges extend outwardly from respective sidewalls, and toward one another to form at least one channel along an outer portion of the C-arm frame for receiving wheels or bearings to allow moveable mounting of the C-arm on diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: An undercarriage for heavy diagnostic equipment having a selectably engageable swivel mechanism activated by the movement of a cam to allow the undercarriage to be turned when desired and rolled in a straight line when necessary, a selectably engageable braking mechanism to prevent movement of the undercarriage when desired, but allowing the undercarriage to be moved quickly if needed, and a balance wheel assembly to prevent the undercarriage and equipment from becoming unstable when encountering obstacles, while allowing the undercarriage to be rolled up inclines. An aspect of the invention allows the swivel and braking mechanisms to be selectively engaged from the same point along the undercarriage, thereby providing superior control of the undercarriage and the equipment which it carries.

Abstract: A one-piece C-arm for use with X-ray diagnostic equipment included in cross-section two generally vertical sidewalls extending generally parallel to one another, an inner support wall connecting the sidewalls, and an outer support wall spaced-apart from the inner support wall and connecting the sidewalls. A pair of flanges extend outwardly from respective sidewalls, and toward one another to form at least one channel along an outer portion of the C-arm frame for receiving wheels or bearings to allow moveable mounting of the C-arm on diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employed in an X-ray apparatus for compensating for attenuation caused by a subject to perform an improved X-ray exposure. A table is created comprising entries accessible via power and attenuation values. Each of the entries includes a first value T representing a time for radiation in the system to reach a base ion count, and a second value C representing an offset ion count from the base ion count. A first set of entries in the table are referenced using a first power setting, and a first base ion count is determined based upon the first power setting, and a maximum radiation exposure is determined for the first power setting and a subject's mass. Then, an X-ray emitter is activated until a current ion count from a radiation sampling means has exceeded the base ion count or total radiation emitted has exceeded the maximum radiation allowed for the given mass of a subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employed in an X-ray apparatus for compensating for attenuation caused by a subject to perform an improved X-ray exposure. A table is created comprising entries accessible via power and attenuation values. Each of the entries includes a first value T representing a time for radiation in the system to reach a base ion count, and a second value C representing an offset ion count from the base ion count. A first set of entries in the table are referenced using a first power setting, and a first base ion count is determined based upon the first power setting, and a maximum radiation exposure is determined for the first power setting and a subject's mass. Then, an X-ray emitter is activated until a current ion count from a radiation sampling means has exceeded the base ion count or total radiation emitted has exceeded the maximum radiation allowed for the given mass of a subject.