Abstract: New and improved CT imaging systems are presented which improve the ability to deploy CT imaging in a mobile setting, such as in an ambulatory setting or as part of a mobile hospital unit. Improvements disclosed include implementation of an internal drive system for moving a scanner component relative to a fixed or static platform/base, improved modularity of components for quick maintenance/repair and the inclusion of an integrated patient alignment mechanism connected directly to the CT system.

Abstract: In example embodiments, a CT imaging system is provided comprising opposing x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies and a motion mechanism configured for simultaneously rotationally orbiting the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies around a patient's anatomy along a main axis of rotation of the imaging system while rotationally oscillating the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies about a spinning oscillation axis which is perpendicular to both the main axis of rotation and to a transmission axis extending between the x ray generation and detector assemblies. Further improvements related to a patient support platform and a biopsy attachment are also described herein.

Abstract: A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

Abstract: A hybrid imaging system is disclosed including an arcuate arm defining a first and a second end the arcuate arm including a first detector assembly for 2D x-ray imaging of a patient and a second detector assembly for CT imaging of the patient, wherein the imaging system includes an internal drive mechanism for rotating the arcuate arm (e.g. translating the arcuate arm along an arcuate path) around the patient.

Abstract: New and improved CT imaging systems are presented which are low cost, fully self-contained and easily installed/used. Example improvements include implementation of an integrated and self-contained drive system for moving a scanner component relative to a fixed or static platform/base which also acts as an imaging table. The CT imaging system is also greatly simplified to improve ease of use and to reduce cost.

Abstract: An anatomical imaging system of the sort having a fixed gantry and a rotating disc, with an adjustable angle of tilt and increased structural integrity, and with improved power transmission and position sensing.

Abstract: A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly for an imaging system is provided. The X-ray detector assembly includes a block for mounting to a rotating disc, the block including two opposing end surfaces, two opposing side surfaces and at least one mounting surface, and at least two detector chips, each detector chip including an X-ray detecting surface and an opposing block-facing surface, two opposing end surfaces and two opposing side surfaces, and each detector chip having a flexible bus mounted to the opposing block-facing surface of the detector chip adjacent to a side surface of the detector chip. The at least one mounting surface of the block receives the at least two detector chips in side-by-side disposition, with the buses of the at least two detector chips extending along a side surface of the block.

Abstract: A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

Abstract: An anatomical imaging system of the sort having a fixed gantry and a rotating disc, with an adjustable angle of tilt and increased structural integrity, and with improved power transmission and position sensing.

Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly for an imaging system, the X-ray detector assembly comprising: a block for mounting to a rotating disc, the block comprising two opposing end surfaces, two opposing side surfaces and at least one mounting surface; and at least two detector chips, each detector chip comprising an X-ray detecting surface and an opposing block-facing surface, two opposing end surfaces and two opposing side surfaces, and each detector chip having a flexible bus mounted to the opposing block-facing surface of the detector chip adjacent to a side surface of the detector chip; wherein the at least one mounting surface of the block receives the at least two detector chips in side-by-side disposition, with the buses of the at least two detector chips extending along a side surface of the block.

Abstract: Apparatus for collimating an X-ray beam, the apparatus including a multi-slit rotatable collimator including a semi-tubular structure extending coaxially along a longitudinal axis and being formed out of an X-ray impermeable material, with at least two slits formed in the semi-tubular structure, wherein the at least two slits extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure, a mount for rotatably supporting the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam, and a drive mechanism for selectively rotating the semi-tubular structure about the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure, whereby to selectively (i) position one slit in the path of the X-ray beam so as to tailor the X-ray beam to the width of that slit, and (ii) position a solid portion of the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam so as to block an X-ray beam.

Abstract: An imaging system including a scanner having scanning components for creating an image of an interior portion of an object; an outer cover disposed over the scanning components; an opening formed in the outer cover; and a rigid mount which is rigidly mounted to the scanning components and extends through the opening formed in the outer cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an object comprising: an imaging device configured to image the object while the object is supported on a support, the support comprising a base for positioning on a surface, wherein the object and the support are stationary relative to the surface, and further wherein the imaging device is adapted to move relative to the surface, and hence relative to the object and to the support, during imaging; the imaging device comprising a housing having a bottom notch sized to accommodate the base of the support, whereby to allow the base of the support to extend into the housing during imaging.

Abstract: A composite skull pin comprising: a core comprising a cone terminating in a distal point, the core being formed out of a substantially radiotranslucent material; and a jacket comprising a hollow cone terminating in a sharp distal point, the hollow cone of the jacket being sized and shaped so that it overlies, and closely conforms to, the exterior of the cone of the core, the jacket being formed out of a strong, hard material, and further wherein the jacket has a sufficiently small mass such that the composite skull pin has a low X-ray signature.

Abstract: A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount, wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT focal point; whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the anatomy which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is moved radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point of the at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of the anatomy.

Abstract: Apparatus for collimating an X-ray beam, the apparatus comprising: a multi-slit rotatable collimator comprising: a semi-tubular structure extending coaxially along a longitudinal axis, the semi-tubular structure being formed out of an X-ray impermeable material; at least one slit formed in the semi-tubular structure, wherein the at least one slit extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure; a mount for rotatably supporting the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam; and a drive mechanism for selectively rotating the semi-tubular structure about the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure, whereby to selectively (i) position the at least one slit in the path of the X-ray beam so as to tailor the X-ray beam to the width of the at least one slit, and (ii) position a solid portion of the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam so as to block an X-ray beam.

Abstract: A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount, wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT focal point; whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the anatomy which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is moved radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point of the at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of the anatomy.

Abstract: A composite skull pin. The composite skull pin includes a core comprising a cone terminating in a distal point, the core being formed out of a substantially radiotranslucent material; and a jacket comprising a hollow cone terminating in a sharp distal point, the hollow cone of the jacket being sized and shaped so that it overlies, and closely conforms to, the exterior of the cone of the core. The jacket is formed out of a strong, hard material, and has a sufficiently small mass such that the composite skull pin has a low X-ray signature.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising: a scanner comprising: scanning components for creating an image of the interior portion of an object; an outer cover disposed over the scanning components; an opening formed in the outer cover; and a rigid mount which is rigidly mounted to the scanning components and extends through the opening formed in the outer cover.