Abstract: A collimating device for controlling a radiation field of an X-ray radiated from an X-ray radiator. The device includes a plurality of first collimating leaves, a plurality of second collimating leaves, a beam generator, a detector, a memory, and a controller. The plurality of second collimating leaves oppose the first collimating leaves. The beam generator is configured to generate a beam. The beam emanates between the first collimating leaves and the second collimating leaves. The detector is configured to detect the beam. The memory is configured to store position information of each leaf of the first and second collimating leaves when the each leaf is determined to intersect the beam based on the detection. The controller is configured to position the each leaf based on the position information so as to control the radiation field.

Abstract: A frame for a tomography scanner system includes a gantry having two, separate annular inner races supported for independent rotation within an annular outer support, wherein the inner races are for respectively supporting x-ray CT scanner components and PET scanner components for rotation with the races about a shared rotation axis of the races within the gantry, and wherein the inner races are spaced along the rotation axis.

Abstract: The detection of a compression pad in a mammography apparatus is automated. A rear face of the pad is provided with identifying and positioning readable by the sensors of a mobile carriage of the mammography apparatus. The reading is converted into a binary word that enables the mammography apparatus to obtain the operating parameters and to automatically associate reading keys with an image. A reading key is, for example, the name of the examination/image associated with the pad.

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 reduced size CT scanner for baggage inspection has a wide angle x-ray source and multiple sets of detectors at different distances from the x-ray source. The detectors in each set are sized and positioned to maintain consistent pitch and flux levels among all detectors. Conventional reconstruction processes can be used to process the data from the CT scanner. The scanner may also be incorporated into a check-in desk in a network of scanners.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for generating X-rays via the process of inverse Compton scattering. The system includes a high repetition rate laser adapted to direct high-energy optical pulses in a first direction in a laser cavity and a source of pulsed electron beam adapted to direct electron beam in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the laser cavity. The electron beam interacts with photons in the optical pulses in the laser cavity to produce X-rays in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling an X-ray apparatus containing an X-ray emitter. Control means for the X-ray apparatus are provided with exposure time correction data for given mains voltages and the current mains voltage is measured before and/or during exposure and the exposure time is corrected in accordance with the correction data, and to an X-ray apparatus for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is configured such that a lower limb radiographic filter 11a is moved inside a radiation field of the X-rays that is an opening portion of an X-ray movable restriction only when radiographing a region of a subject from the groin to the toe, or the filter is moved outside the radiation field when radiographing the lumbar region of the subject. With this switching mechanism thus constituted, it is possible to lighten a burden on the operator, and realize the X-ray radiographic apparatus having high universality.

Abstract: An apparatus including but not limited to a charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a first target area; and the CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second target area proximate to the first target area, the first and second target areas spatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded at the first target area may be combined with a second radiographic image recorded at the second target area to form a composite radiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of an aggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus and method for X-ray fluoroscopy in which the apparatus includes a generator, a detector, an integrator, a comparator, and a controller. In the apparatus and method, a first X-ray for the X-ray fluoroscopy is generated intermittently. A transmission X-ray transmitted through an object of the X-ray fluoroscopy is detected. X-ray transmission data obtained in a period of intermittent generation of the first X-ray is integrated and compared to a reference value. In response to the integrated X-ray transmission data reaching the reference value during the period of intermittent generation, intermittent generation of the first X-ray is disabled.

Abstract: The density of a mass of material is determined by passing radiation from a source, such as Co-60, whose radiation spectrum has a characteristic energy level above 700 keV through the mass of material to a detector that can detect radiation at a energy level, or range of energy levels, within the range 80 to 700 keV. By determining the density of the mass of material at different locations, the density profile of the mass of material can be assessed.

Abstract: An instrument for aligning an x-ray beam relative to an x-ray film and a target tooth of an animal patient. The instrument orients the beam relative to the film, to produce dental radiographs of the target tooth in accordance with the bisecting-angle technique. More specifically, the instrument includes an alignment tool configured to align a longitudinal axis of the x-ray beam orthogonal to a bisecting plane lying approximately midway between a target plane defined by the target tooth, and an x-ray film plane defined by the x-ray film. In some embodiments, the instrument may also include an x-ray film holder and an x-ray film holder support, allowing the film to be conveniently positioned and held in proper alignment during an x-ray procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collimator assembly defined by a series of multi-piece collimator elements or plates that extend along at least one dimension of a scintillator pack. Each collimator element has a collimating component and a shielding component that are structurally independent from one another. The collimating components may be connected to the shielding components or separated by a small air gap. The shielding components are wider than the collimating components but the collimating components have a greater height. With this construction, the collimator assembly optimizes collimation and shielding with lower material requirements and reduced overall size.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for calibrating an imaging system having an array of detector elements arranged with respect to a reference position and having an energy source moving in a pattern to irradiate the array of detector elements. The method includes initiating estimated detector positions for the array of detector elements and an estimated motion pattern for the energy source. The estimated detector positions and motion pattern are defined with respect to a reference position in the imaging system. The method further includes scanning a phantom having pins located at positions in the phantom and calculating estimated pin positions, with respect to the reference position, based on at least one of the estimated detector positions and motion pattern. The method further includes modifying at least one of the estimated detector positions and motion pattern based on at least two of the estimated detector positions, motion pattern and pin positions.

Abstract: An imaging tube coolant volume control system (14) for an imaging tube (18) includes a compensation tank (80) that is configured to fluidically couple an imaging tube cooling circuit (11). The compensation tank (80) includes a cooling fluid (17) and a compensation-dividing member (100). The member (100) is adjustable in response to the change in volume of the cooling fluid (17). An overflow vessel (82) is fluidically coupled to the compensation tank (80). A compensation valve (86) is coupled between the compensation tank (80) and the overflow vessel (82) and allows flow of the cooling fluid between the compensation tank (80) and the overflow vessel (82) when pressure of the cooling fluid (17) is greater than or equal to a first predetermined pressure level.

Abstract: In a method and a device for setting the focal spot position of an X-ray tube the focal spot position is regulated as a controlled variable by a closed loop regulation circuit. A deflector deflects the electron beam of the X-ray tube depending on a deflection signal, a deflection closed loop regulator generates the deflection signal depending on a focal spot position signal. A measurement arrangement measures a focal spot position signal. The deflector, the deflection closed loop regulator and the measurement arrangement form a closed loop regulation circuit with the focal spot position as the controlled variable and with the deflection signal as the control parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is an x-ray tube anode with two targets oriented back-to-back. The targets have separate and opposing cathodes. The targets are a fixed distance apart and rotate together on the same bearing shaft. The cathodes are mounted at either end of the vacuum tube. The cathodes may operate simultaneously or independent of each other based on the CT application.

Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes quantifying tissue fat content using a multi-energy computed tomography (MECT) system.

Abstract: A x-ray diagnostic apparatus for mammography examinations has a support arm is supported in a bearing such that it can pivot around a substantially horizontal axis, and on which are arranged an arm provided with an x-ray source, a mounting provided with an x-ray receiver and a compression device. The arm, the mounting and the compression device can be mutually pivoted with the support arm around the horizontal axis. Additionally the arm and the mounting can be pivoted relative to the compression device around the horizontal axis and the arm can be pivoted relative to the mounting and the compression device around the horizontal axis.

Abstract: Scintillator coatings having predetermined barrier protection, light transmission, and light reflection properties are described. These scintillators comprise: a scintillator material comprising a barrier coating disposed thereon, wherein the barrier coating: (1) provides barrier protection to the scintillator material, (2) is capable of transmitting light therethrough, and (3) is capable of reflecting light back into the scintillator material. The barrier coating may comprise a material that has been modified to have light transmissive and reflective properties in addition to protective properties, or it may comprise a protective material and a reflective material that have been co-deposited onto the scintillator material. The barrier coating is a single coating overlying the scintillator material in a substantially conformal manner.