Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.

Abstract: An imaging system for high energy radiation direct conversion scan imaging includes a high energy radiation source and a semiconductor high energy radiation direct conversion imaging device arranged around an object position. The imaging device includes a plurality of imaging cells, each imaging cell comprising a detector cell and a readout cell for producing imaging cell output values representative of high energy radiation incident on the detector cell. The source member and/or the imaging device were arranged to move substantially continuously relative to each other for scanning an object at the object position. The readout cells are operated to read out the imaging cell output values at time intervals which substantially correspond to an object image point traversing half the distance of a detector region or cell in the scanning direction. Such a configuration provides for pixel level resolution during the scanning operation.

Abstract: A method is for production of tomographic section images, in particular X-ray CT images, of an at least partially periodically moving examination object with periodically changing movement and rest phases, preferably of a heart of a living being. A number of focus detector combinations are used, with the time resolution of the CT scanner being significantly increased by supplementary combination of detector data in the correct phase. On the one hand, a number of focus detector combinations which scan an examination object at the same time are used; and on the other hand a number of adjacent movement cycles of a periodically moving examination object are performed.

Abstract: In a method for automatic adjustment of a diaphragm in an x-ray system, the diaphragm having a number of adjustable diaphragm elements for a subsequent x-ray exposure of an examination subject, the individual diaphragm elements are respectively positioned such that, considered in a projection lying in a detector plane, abut the contours of the acquisition subject or are situated at a small distance therefrom for this positioning, first a subject localization exposure is generated with a low radiation dose with an open diaphragm. This subject localization exposure is analyzed to determine contours of the exposure subject. The positions of the diaphragm elements are calculated using the determined contours, and then the diaphragm elements are moved into the calculated positions.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for the analysis of atomic or molecular elements contained in a sample by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry, wherein primary x ray or electron radiation is directed onto the sample whereby fluorescence radiation is emitted from the sample, the fluorescence radiation is directed onto a mirror or focussing device consisting of a multi-layer structure including pairs of layers of which one layer of a pair comprises carbon or scandium and the other comprises a metal oxide or a metal nitride and the fluorescence radiation is reflected from the mirror or focussing device onto an analysis detector for the analysis of the atomic or molecular elements contained in the sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device 5 for aiming an object 1 in an X-ray imaging apparatus 3 provided with a radiographic imaging detector 4, a radiation source 13, and transfer means for moving e.g. the radiation source into different points along a predetermined path P. Said device comprises at least one laser 6 emitting visible light, and e.g. at least two light guides having first ends and second ends, said first ends connected to said laser for receiving said visible light. Each of said second ends 8a, 8b, 8c provides a light beam, and these light beams 7a, 7b, 7c are directed towards said imaging detector with an angle of convergence K. The light beams are adjusted to intersect in a predetermined focus FL point, which is visible and indicates the proper position of the target 2 inside the object.

Abstract: A method for inspection of a sample includes irradiating the sample with a beam of X-rays, measuring a distribution of the X-rays that are emitted from the sample responsively to the beam, thereby generating an X-ray spectrum, and applying a multi-step analysis to the spectrum so as to determine one or more physical properties of a simulated model of the sample. The multi-step analysis includes spectrally analyzing the spectrum so as to determine one or more characteristic frequencies and fitting the simulated model to the spectrum by an iterative optimization process beginning from an initial condition determined by the one or more characteristic frequencies.

Abstract: A filtering system for use in, for example, a radiological imaging in a mammography apparatus. The system has a roundabout carrying a set of filtration plates. Each filtration plate is held on the roundabout by a joint. In a parked or stationary position, each plate is vertically suspended and does not contribute to any unacceptable increase in the horizontal space requirement of an X-ray tube. Each filtration plate may be presented in turn before a window for the emission of X-rays from the tube. At this position, the plate is rectified about its joint in order to occupy one position, among several possible positions, that also makes it possible, in this way, to modulate the filtration capacity of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for inspecting objects. The method includes obtaining a structural model of a first object, the model providing dimensions and material properties for the first object, inspecting a second object to provide inspection data for at least two views of a structure of the second object, comparing inspection and predicted data based on the structural model of the first object and a simulation of the inspection process, reconstructing stereographic data for the second object based on the structural model of the first object and contributions of the inspection data of the second object. In another embodiment, where there is a structural model of an object, the object can be subjected to a dynamic process and the object is inspected throughout the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to autoradiographic marking devices. In particular, the present invention provides compositions useful for marking X-ray films.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an X-ray tube comprising a vacuum envelope comprising a first tubular part having an X-ray exit window in an opening on a leading end side and an attachment flange on a base end side, and a second tubular part communicating with the inside of the first tubular part and projecting from a peripheral part of the first tubular part; and an electron gun and a target both contained in the vacuum envelope. The electron gun emits an electron beam to the target, the target generates an X-ray in response, and thus generated X-ray is taken out through the X-ray exit window. An exhaust pipe for evacuating the vacuum envelope projects from the peripheral face of the first tubular part. The exhaust pipe is disposed inside a virtual surface covering the periphery of the first tubular part and bridging a periphery of a leading end portion of the first tubular part and a periphery of the attachment flange.

Abstract: An X-ray diffractometer (1) comprising an X-ray source (2) emitting a line focus X-ray beam (3; 11) wherein the larger extension of the beam cross section defines a line direction (4; 12) of the X-ray beam (3; 11), further comprising a sample (6; 13), and an X-ray detector (7) rotatable in a scattering plane around an axis ? intersecting the position of the sample (7) is characterized in that the X-ray source is mounted to a switching device (10), which allows to move the X-ray source into one of two fixed positions with respect to the scattering plane, wherein in the first position the line direction (4) of the X-ray beam (3) is parallel to the scattering plane and in the second position the line direction (12) of the X-ray beam (11) is perpendicular to the scattering plane, and wherein the path of the X-ray beam (3, 11) in the two fixed positions of the X-ray source is the same.

Abstract: A method for determining the heating time constant of a cathode of an X-ray tube. The value of a boost current applied during a preliminary period must be a function of both a pre-existing heating holding current and a service current to be used subsequently. A model of evolution of cathode temperature produces a minimizing tube current error between a tube current that is expected for the tube and a tube current obtained. The model requires only four parameters that need to be computed.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has an exposure unit with an x-ray radiator and a diaphragm in front thereof, and a camera system with which an adjustment image is acquired of a subject positioned in front of an x-ray exposure plane. Using the adjustment image, a region to be examined of the subject is identified and an area of the x-ray exposure plane is selected such that the projection of the region to be examined of the subject is substantially inscribed in the projection of the areal section. The diaphragm is adjusted such that the x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray radiator is incident on the x-ray exposure plane only within the selected areal section.

Abstract: A stationary CT system comprising at least one annular x ray source assembly comprising a plurality of respective x ray sources spaced along the annular x ray source assembly. Each of the x ray sources comprises a respective stationary x ray target, an electron beam focusing chamber; an x ray channel; an electron beam source disposed in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the respective stationary x ray target; a vacuum chamber disposed in between the electron beam focusing chamber and an insulating chamber where the insulating chamber houses the electron beam source; a radiation window at a pre-defined angular displacement from the respective stationary x ray target and the x ray channel; and a target substrate attached to the respective stationary x ray target.

Abstract: A first waveguide holding member has a first transverse surface region and a first optical waveguide having an end terminating at the first transverse surface region. A second waveguide holding member has a second transverse surface region which confronts the first transverse surface region of the first waveguide holding member and a second optical waveguide having an end terminating at the second transverse surface region. A guide member is operatively coupled to the first and second waveguide holding members and guides the first waveguide holding member in a transverse direction relative to the second waveguide holding member so as to selectively optically couple and decouple the ends of the first and second optical waveguides.

Abstract: A multichannel, contactless power transfer system includes a primary power inverter disposed on a stationary side of the system, and an auxiliary power inverter disposed on the stationary side of the system. A rotary transformer has a primary side thereof disposed on the stationary side of the system and a secondary side disposed on a rotating side of the system. The rotary transformer is configured to couple primary power from an output of the primary power inverter to a primary power voltage output on the rotating side of the system, and is further configured to couple auxiliary power from an output of the auxiliary power inverter to at least one auxiliary voltage output on the rotating side of the system.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention achieved by adjustable linkage mounting member for shaft members associated with articulating positioning arm members of a dental x-ray assembly wherein each adjustable linkage mounting member is comprised of a housing member mounted within a chamber thereof for receiving a shaft member of a positioning arm member and having a brake shoe disposed in the chamber in frictional contact with the shaft member and wherein frictional contact is adjustable in response to a threaded member disposed in the chamber.

Abstract: A device for generating X-rays includes source for emitting electrons; a carrier having a material that generates X-rays in response to the electrons; and dynamic groove bearing configured to rotate the carrier. The dynamic groove bearing has a portion with grooves. The carrier includes a member that extends away from the carrier to cover at least the portion having the grooves. The carrier and the member are a single piece.

Abstract: A micro-miniature x-ray apparatus comprises: a first chip subassembly including a source of x-rays including both Bremsstrahlung photons and characteristic x-rays; a second chip subassembly including a filter for transmitting the characteristic x-rays and blocking the Bremsstrahlung photons; a third chip subassembly including a movable element for focusing or collimating the transmitted characteristic x-rays into a beam and means for controlling the position of the focusing element. In one embodiment, the controlling means include a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). In another embodiment, the position of the movable element determines how the x-ray beam is steered to the focal area. In still another embodiment, the x-ray source includes a field emitter electron source and a target responsive to the electrons for generating x-rays. In this case, the x-ray beam is also steered by selectively energizing the anode segments.