Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing X-rays utilizing the Compton backward scattering effect. The X-rays are electronically steerable for scanning, and also have a very narrow angle of divergence for precise positioning. The X-rays have a narrow bandwidth, and are tunable to permit an object to be irradiated with only the desired beneficial radiation. The X-rays are polarized for trace element analysis. The X-rays are suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, and industrial testing, purposes.

Abstract: In the disclosed device a film loader loads film sheets of different length to be exposed by X-rays. A transport arrangement transports the sheets to positions at which they are to be exposed. A holder keeps the upper edge of the film sheets at the same height in the exposure position regardless of the sheet length.

Abstract: The apparatus measures the thickness of thin layers according to the X-ray fluorescence principle. It has an X-ray beam generator which emits an X-ray beam along a longitudinal geometrical axis, a table device arranged to support a layer which is to be measured, a diaphragm device of a material which absorbs X-rays completely, having a through-aperture which is moveable into the longitudinal geometrical axis, a light source for visible light which can be directed onto the region for the layer, a monocular microscope arrangement for viewing the region of the layer on which the X-ray beam falls, and a deflecting mirror in the optical path between the monocular microscope arrangement and the region of the layer. The diaphragm device is composed of a glass which is transparent to visible light, and has several through-bores therein of different cross-sectional geometry.

Abstract: The invention provides a general purpose X-ray tube for stereography usable in the field of radiology. An X-ray tube of the invention comprises at least three independent cathodes, each allowing a source of an X-ray beam to be obtained. These sources are at different distances from each other, so as to form working pairs allowing stereographic pictures to be taken of a subject with different enlargement values.

Abstract: A virtually punctiform plasma source of high-intensity radiation in the X-ray region is produced at the open downstream end of a gas-filled discharge space defined by and between concentric cylindrical inner and outer electrodes. At the closed upstream end, the electrodes which define this discharge space are directly connected to a low-inductance high-power switch which serves for momentarily connecting the electrodes to a source of stored electric energy. At the closed end of the discharge space, the inner electrode is concentrically surrounded by an insulator which has a high coefficient of secondary-electron emission. In closely opposed adjacency to the insulator region of the inner electrode is an annular emission electrode which is at the potential of the outer electrode, the emission electrode being positioned at close radial offset from the insulator, and the offset being less than the mean free path in the gas of the discharge space.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a dental radiological image on the monitor of a display system is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A medical imaging device employs a plurality of triggered plasma cathode flash X-ray sources, each of which has an axially extending round anode rod, a cathode, and a trigger electrode. The application of a trigger pulse between the electrode and the cathode produces a burst of plasma near the cathode, the plasma containing electrons that are accelerated toward and impact the anode in a region termed the "focal spot" for producing X-rays when a voltage source applies a predetermined voltage between the cathode and anode. According to the invention, a non-conducting surface interconnects the electrode with a cathode or a conductor held at the same potential as the cathode, the application of a trigger pulse to the electrode causing flashover across said surface for producing the burst of plasma.

Abstract: An external standard intensity ratio method is used for quantitatively determining mineralogic compositions of samples by x-ray diffraction. The method uses ratios of x-ray intensity peaks from a single run. Constants are previously determined for each mineral which is to be quantitatively measured. Ratios of the highest intensity peak of each mineral to be quantified in the sample and the highest intensity peak of a reference mineral contained in the sample are used to calculate sample composition.

Abstract: A dental panoramic X-ray photographing apparatus including a rotary arm having an X-ray generator disposed at one end thereof and having an X-ray film cassette holder disposed at the other end thereof in an opposite relation with each other around an object disposed therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first control means for controlling the rotation speed of the arm by detecting the rotation position of the arm and a second control means for controlling the tube voltage and the tube current of the X-ray generator by comparing the feeding speed of the X-ray film at the X-ray film cassette holder with the residual X-ray dose which has passed the object and the film, whereby it is intended to provide the simultaneous control function of the tube voltage and the tube current, the function for automatic exposure throughout the entire teeth and the function for compensating for the density of the central portion of the front tooth region of a dental arch at the same time.

Abstract: A system for generating soft X rays. This system includes valve apparatus for repetitively providing bursts of a gas of brief duration and a magnetic pulse compression power supply for providing high current pulses. The system further includes a transmission line connected to the power supply for transmitting power pulses from the supply to discharge through bursts of gas. The power supply includes a plurality of series saturable inductor magnetic switches and a plurality of shunt capacitors. Thus, upon synchronized provision of a burst of gas from the valve apparatus and a power pulse from the power supply, a high current discharge generates plasma and an intense magnetic field which radially compresses the plasma, resulting in a dense, high temperature plasma which is an intense source of soft X rays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotating anode x-ray source assembly which is particularly adapted for effecting high x-ray emission from a conventional x-ray source for use in replicating VLSI circuits, and comprises a rotatable anode target ring, cooling water flow channels dispose adjacent the target ring for cooling the target ring during operation, an E-beam directed to a spot on the target ring towards the periphery thereof, the cooling water flow channel being constructed and arranged so that on a transverse plane with respect to the axis of rotation all diametrically opposed points on any diameter have the same cooling water density, thereby dynamically balancing the anode under all thermal conditions.

Abstract: A digital acquisition system for use in a computerized radiation tomography system employs track and hold means associated with each channel of the radiation detector in the tomography system. Each channel of the radiation detector is connected to a voltage follower transistor and resistor. A signal from the voltage follower transistor and resistor is applied through a Butterworth filter and amplifier to a transconductance amplifier which provides a signal for application to a charge storage capacitor. The capacitor is connected to the detector channel except during each limited period of time when the charge is held for measurement and conversion to a digital form. The data acquisition system has fewer components, and the simplicity of the circuitry increases the circuit reliability.

Abstract: An X-Ray Shadow Prevention Device for use in the taking of chest exposures for the prevention of the formation of shadows on the exposed film caused by contact of the nipples of the patient with the surface of the X-ray film-holder. The device includes a resilient layer of foam rubber or the equivalent which deforms upon contact with the patient, and prevents the forming of a quasicircular air space surrounding the nipples which cause a correspondingly-shaped shadow to appear on the film.

Abstract: Energy-selective x-ray images are produced using two scintillating screens separated by an x-ray hardening filter. Photosensitive surfaces individually receive the light images from each screen. The resultant image transparencies are read out optically using a partially reflecting mirror between the transparencies and detecting the reflected and transmitted light. The x-ray spectral separation between the two acquired images can be further increased by using an x-ray source filter having a K-absorption edge in the vicinity of the region of overlap of the two spectra.

Abstract: A transmission line connecting a power supply, for supplying power pulses, to a load disposed inside of a vacuum chamber. Electrically conductive debris in both gaseous and non-gaseous forms is generated in response to the application of the power pulse to the load. The transmission line includes first and second conductors electrically connecting the power supply to the load. An insulator extends between the conductors and partially defines the vacuum chamber. A dump for debris in non-gaseous form is disposed between load and the insulator and the transmission line further includes a system for ejecting gaseous debris from between the conductors so that substantial debris is prevented from accumulating on the insulator, which accumulation, if allowed to form, could result in flashover of the transmission line.

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for determining the sulfur content of oil and other matrices, and method of calibrating the same. The spectrometer comprises a pulse height analyzer and a computer for analyzing the energy spectrum of photons emitted by a sample in regions corresponding to the energy levels of photons emitted by sulfur and the target line x-rays scattered by the sample. The windows through which the energy is sampled are adjusted to provide a calibration curve of predetermined shape, and a built-in standard is analyzed and a value corresponding to the ratio of the relative intensities of the fluorescent energy from the standard and the scattered target line x-ray radiation is stored during initial calibration of the system. Thereafter, the system is recalibrated simply by analyzing the build-in standard again, adjusting the sampling windows, and adjusting a constant in the relationship by which the sulfur content is determined to compensate for drift in the system.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence method and apparatus of detecting subsurface impact caused delaminations and cracks in cloth and epoxy-catalyst laminates which method and apparatus permit nondestructive testing and evaluation of the existance, location, parameters and depth of the subsurface damage.

Abstract: A disposable sample holder with a handling support for X-ray spectroscopic analysis of harmless or noxious powders, slurries, liquids, or gases, which includes a handling support for safe handling of the sample holder by either local or remote means. The handling support includes a stem extending from the surface of a cap or outer cover for the holder and a gripping member surmounting the stem. The handling support is designed for local tool handling by an operator or for remote handling by a controlled robot mechanism. Optionally, the handling support is provided with a septum through which a liquid, volatile, or gaseous sample material may be loaded into a closed sample holder by insertion of a hypodermic needle.

Abstract: An x-ray tube anode formed of a dispersion-strengthened molybdenum alloy which is not compatible with a stem of a different material for purposes of diffusion bonding, includes an integral core insert composed of a substantially pure molybdenum alloy. The insert is compatible with both the adjoining materials and allows for a diffusion bonding of the anode to the stem.

Abstract: In a liquid scintillation counter a standard radioactive source is supported within the tubular bore of a flexible coil spring conveyor. Spacer elements within the coil spring retain the source at a predetermined axial position along the spring. The coil spring is disposed in sliding engagement along a conveyor guideway. A drive roller drivingly engages the spring for conveying the source along the guideway between an operating position adjacent the counting chamber and a remote shielded position.