Abstract: Sterile barriers or sterile drapes that can be used with medical devices, including hand-held or self-supported X-ray equipment, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes sterile drapes that can be used with a medical device, the drape comprising a closed end portion, a middle portion with a size sufficient to enclose a part of the medical device being used near a patient, and an open end portion, the end portion configured to be closed by a user once the middle portion encloses the part of the medical device being used near a patient, wherein the sterile drape creates a sterile barrier around substantially the entire medical device once the open end is closed. Using the sterile drape allows the medical device, such as a hand-held or self-supported X-ray device, to be used in a medical procedure that requires a sterile field near the patient without disrupting that sterile field. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Image compression techniques and image handling and display methods that can be used with imaging devices, including X-ray devices, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a real-time imaging method by providing a portable x-ray imaging device containing an internal power source and an internal power supply, capturing a first x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the first x-ray image using a compression process performed by a processor located within the portable x-ray imaging device and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed first x-ray image to a display device, capturing a second x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the second x-ray image using the processor and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed second x-ray image to the display device; and then displaying the first and second x-ray images on the display device at a frame rate of more than about 8 frames per second.

Abstract: This application describes an internal, re-chargeable power source for a portable medical device. The power source contains a removable battery pack comprising a lithium-containing material with 5 to 7 battery cells in series, each individual cell having a current capacity ranging from about 3000 mAh to about 3700 mAh. The power source can have a total energy capacity ranging from about 65 Watt-hour to about 170 Watt-hours. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Clamping devices used to assist with operating small, portable x-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes clamping devices used to connect portable X-ray devices to external support structures. The clamping devices contain a cradle configured to support a portion of a C-arm of a portable x-ray device, the cradle comprising a restraint configured to fit in an upper opening of the C-arm, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, the registration insert also configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, a connecting member configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, and an attachment device configured to move the connecting member and the registration insert to attach the portable x-ray device to the cradle. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Supporting devices for small and portable X-ray devices are described. In particular, this application describes supporting devices for portable X-ray devices containing a movable base unit with multiple legs with different lengths and heights configured so that the legs have a nestable configuration, an adjustable member extending from the mobile base unit so the adjustable member has an adjustable height, an extension arm connected to the adjustable member so the extension arm collapses toward and extends away from the adjustable member, and a connecting member connecting the extension arm with a portable x-ray device so the connecting member can rotate up to 360 degrees in the x, y, or z direction. The connecting member can also connect the extension arm with a portable x-ray device so the portable x-ray device is removable from the connecting member and capable of being operated independently by hand. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Clamping mechanisms that assist with the operation of small, portable x-ray devices are described. A support structure contains a clamping device for a portable X-ray device having a C-arm and a bottom containing a cradle configured to abut and support a C-arm of the portable x-ray device, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device. The mounting plate has length members with ridges and a width member extending between the length members, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the portable x-ray device, and two clamps configured to secure the portable x-ray device to a cradle and the mounting plate. This clamping device allows the portable x-ray device to be quickly and easily attached to, and detached from, the support structure using only a single hand, while simultaneously preventing the portable x-ray device from accidentally being removed. Other embodiments are described.