Abstract: A radiation apparatus (10) includes a beam source (12) generating radiation beam toward a target (11). A projection detector (17) detects the images of the target (11) formed by the radiation beam. In a radiation treatment session using the apparatus (10), the beam source (12) first generates a low intensity beam. The projection detector (17) generates image signals of a patient under the treatment. A control module (18) in the apparatus (10) develops a treatment plan in accordance with a treatment prescription and the image signals. Subsequently, the beam source (12) generates a treatment beam according to the treatment plan. The projection detector (17) can generate further image signals formed by the treatment beam to verify the treatment process.

Abstract: A shield structure and focal spot control assembly is provided for use in connection with an x-ray device that includes an anode and cathode disposed in a vacuum enclosure in a spaced apart arrangement so that a target surface of the anode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The shield structure is configured to be interposed between the anode and the cathode and includes an interior surface that defines an aperture or other opening through which the electrons are passed from the cathode to the target surface of the anode. Additionally, fluid passageways defined in connection with the shield structure enable cooling of the shield structure. Finally, a magnetic device disposed proximate the cathode facilitates control of the location of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for implementing automatic control of focal spot Z axis positioning are disclosed for use with an x-ray device having an x-ray tube positioned within a housing and configured for thermal communication with a temperature control system. Control circuitry, and a position sensing device configured to determine the distance between the focal spot and a reference point related to the x-ray device, are coupled with a control module. The position sensing device sends information concerning the relative distance between the focal spot and the reference point to the control module which compares the received information with a predetermined desired distance. If the received information varies by an unacceptably large margin from the desired distance, the control module sends a corresponding signal to the control circuitry which causes the temperature control system to implement an appropriate change to a heat transfer parameter associated with the x-ray device.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for facilitating enhanced computed tomography (“CT”) scanning is provided including a scanned object (130) disposed on a translating table (120) capable of rotating the object (130) and moving the through the CT system (100). Certain values regarding the scanning system geometry and a target metric are provided (510 and 520). Given these values and the target metric, the system determines (530) a scanning procedure as a predetermined function of the target metric and the scanning system geometry dependant values. Further, the system may resample (720) the scanning data into an output array according to a predetermined sampling algorithm.

Abstract: In one example, a radiation scanning system and method rotates a cargo conveyance after removal from a ship for proper orientation with respect to a scanning source and detector, for scanning. A movable carriage may be provided on a crane system, to rotate the cargo conveyance. A rotating flywheel on the carriage rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cargo conveyance, to counterbalance angular momentum generated by the rotating conveyance, to avoid or minimize twisting of the carriage. Feedback is provided to control the rotation of the flywheel. Once the cargo conveyance is in the predetermined position, the conveyance is moved between the radiation source and detector for scanning by a vertically extending radiation beam.

Abstract: An x-ray diffraction-based scanning method and system are described. The method includes screening for a particular substance in a container at a transportation center using a flat panel detector having a photoconductor x-ray conversion layer to detect x-rays diffracted by a particular substance in the container. The diffracted x-rays may be characterized in different ways, for examples, by wavelength dispersive diffraction and energy dispersive diffraction.

Abstract: A computerized tomography process (100) that provides, optionally, for preliminary scans (101), helically-oriented full scans (102), and/or improved resolution scans (103). In some instances, partial cross-sectional views are captured which views are then later joined to yield a complete view. In some instances a helical image-capture path is used. In yet other instances small lateral shifts to the position of the X-ray source are used to provide higher resolution views of the object being scanned.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies, for corresponding pixels. A pixel is a projection of radiation through the object onto the detector. The first functions of a plurality of pixels are grouped and a second function of the group is analyzed to determine whether the object at least potentially contains material having an atomic number greater than the predetermined atomic number. The second function may be compared to a third function, which may be a threshold having a value based, at least in part, on material having a predetermined atomic number. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cathode head is provide that is suitable for use in an x-ray device that includes an anode having a target surface configured and arranged to receive electrons emitted by the cathode head. The cathode head may be constructed of magnetic or non-magnetic material and includes an emitter block carrying a filament that defines a longitudinal axis about which is disposed one or more magnetic coils. The filament is configured and arranged to emit an electron beam that defines a focal spot on the target surface of the anode. The magnetic coil, or coils, disposed about the longitudinal axis defined by the filament generate a magnetic field that enables control of the location of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode.

Abstract: An integrated component mounting system that includes a component mounted to a shaft and secured in place by a nut. The component and the nut each define respective annular shaped surfaces. The shaped surfaces are each inclined at a similar angle and are arranged for sliding contact with respect to each other. As the nut is tightened on the shaft, the shaped surface of the nut exerts both radial and axial forces on the shaped surface of the component, thereby automatically centering the component radially on the shaft as well as securing the component at a desired location along the shaft.

Abstract: An integrated photosensitive device with a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photodiode constructed with one or more substantially continuous layers of semiconductor material and with a substantially continuous layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquisition apparatus (15) includes a conversion panel (20) aligned with a photo detector array (40). The conversion panel (20) includes a plurality of conversion cells (22), each including a conversion body (31), an X-ray transparent and light reflective file over the top (32) of the body (31), and a light reflective film (36) surrounding the body (31). The body (31) is made of a scintillating material that efficiently generates optical light photons in response to X-ray radiation illuminating thereon and is substantially transparent to the optical light photons. The body (31) is also sufficiently long to absorb the X-ray radiation over a wide range of energy levels. The light reflective films (36, 38) collimate the optical light photons generated in the body (31) toward the photo detector array (40) to form X-ray images.

Abstract: A sealing system is disclosed for preventing liquid escape from the reservoir of an apparatus, such as an x-ray tube, that utilizes a diaphragm for maintaining constant liquid pressure in the reservoir. The sealing system of embodiments of the present invention contains liquid that leaks from the reservoir as a result of rupture or other failure of the diaphragm. In one embodiment, a diaphragm cooperates with an outer housing of an x-ray tube to define a reservoir for containing a cooling liquid. The diaphragm sealing system surrounds the diaphragm and includes a semi-permeable membrane that enables air to pass through to the diaphragm to expose it to atmospheric pressure for proper operation thereof. Upon diaphragm failure, the membrane has hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to prevent cooling liquid from escaping the diaphragm sealing system, and hence, the x-ray tube, thereby preventing the cooling liquid from presenting a health or safety hazard.

Abstract: A flat panel X-ray imaging system capable of acquiring images at multiple frame rates with multiple fields of view.

Abstract: A radiation therapy treatment machine that has a stereoscopic imaging system, which includes a rotatable open gantry on which is placed a first diagnostic radiation source, a first diagnostic imager, and a therapeutic radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for irradiating a target includes a radiation source (12) for generating a radiation beam and a multiple leaf beam adjuster (16) for collimating and adjusting the shape of the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) that would be projected on the target. An image detector (17) detects generates an image signal of the target. In response to the image signal, a control module (18) generate a beam adjustment signal for controlling the beam adjuster (16), thereby enabling the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) to track the movement of the target.

Abstract: A virtual private network service provider, wherein virtual private network (“VPN”) software for setting up a virtual private network connection is delivered from a server computer to one or more client computers over a computer network, such as the Internet. Once the VPN software is delivered to the client computers, it can be executed so that data communications are made as virtual private network communications under control of the VPN software. Because the VPN software is stored and maintained on a server computer, and preferably delivered to the various client computers on an as-needed basis, the distribution, integrity and updating of the VPN software is improved because the “master” version of the VPN software can be controlled and revised by merely accessing the server computer system, rather than by attempting to control and revise numerous copies of the VPN software resident on various, scattered client computers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for excess signal compensation in an imaging system is described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides for non-linear background, offset (due to time dependent dark current) and/or lag (including constant, linear and non-linear terms, due to image persistence) corrections of large area, flat panel imaging sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying an absorptive coating to a portion of the evacuated enclosure in an x-ray generating device is disclosed. The absorptive coating is applied to the inner surface of the evacuated enclosure to enhance its heat dissipation characteristics, which in turn assists in tube cooling during x-ray production. The absorptive coating is applied atop an intermediate bonding layer. Both the absorptive coating and the intermediate bonding layer are applied to the evacuated enclosure surface by electroplating processes. A plating apparatus comprising the evacuated enclosure portion, a plating fixture, and a base plate is used both to contain the electroplating solution during the plating process, as well as to facilitate its entry into and removal from the evacuated enclosure. A method of employing the plating apparatus to apply the intermediate bonding layer and the absorptive coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and correcting the position of a patient are disclosed. According to an aspect of the invention, reference coordinates for particular body locations on the patent are determined. At a later treatment session, the relative positioning of the patient's body locations are adjusted to match the relative positioning of the reference coordinates. The entire body of the patient can thereafter be moved as a single unit to match the patient's body location with the absolute location of the reference coordinates.