Abstract: A frameless stereotactic tomographic scanner includes an imaging device defining a coordinate system in scanner space (.PI.). A localizer device includes a base portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the imaging device and a free end adapted for selective movement into varied positions near a patient body disposed on the imaging device. A position transducer associated with the localizer device generates, in a localizer space (), localizer device tip location information as the localizer device is moved near the patient body. A localizer space to scanner space transform processor converts the localizer tip location information to converted localizer tip location information in an image space (). The imaging device is adapted to generate patient body image information in the image space () regarding the patient body disposed on the device. A display unit is included for displaying the patient body image information together with the localizer tip position information on a human readable display monitor.

Abstract: An anode (16), (16') and a cathode (14), (14') are mounted in an evacuated envelope (12), (12') of an x-ray tube (10). One of the anode and cathode is rotatably mounted on bearings (20), (20') relative to the evacuated envelope. In the embodiment in which the anode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated housing, a rolling ring assembly (40) provides a current path from the anode through the evacuated housing to ground without the current path passing through the bearing (20). In this manner, pitting and other damage to the bearing due to arcing is eliminated. In the embodiment in which the cathode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated envelope, the anode and envelope rotate as the cathode is held stationary (58, 60). A plurality of rolling ring assemblies (40'.sub.1, 40'.sub.2, . . . ) provide electrical communication between electrical control circuitry disposed outside the rotating housing and the cathode assembly (14').

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (C) having an examination region (12) centrally therein. A rotating frame or gantry (C) which is mounted for rotation about the examination region carries an x-ray tube assembly (B), a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (34), and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger (48) around a peripheral edge thereof. A first closed loop (30) carries a first cooling fluid, particularly oil, between a housing (22) which surrounds an x-ray tube (68) and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to remove heat from the x-ray tube. A second closed loop (40) conveys a second cooling fluid, particularly water, between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the peripheral liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The second closed loop includes a reservoir (44) for storing a substantial volume of water such that a significant portion of the heat generated during an x-ray examination can be stored by the water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A CT scanner has an x-ray tube (B) which is carried by a rotating gantry portion around a patient receiving region (12). A large diameter, annular radiator (30) is connected to the rotating gantry for rotation with the x-ray tube. A cooling oil is circulated around the x-ray tube and through passages (32, 74, 100) of the rotating radiator. An annular stationary member is mounted to a stationary gantry portion (A) of the CT scanner. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the stationary member is an annular tube (36) which substantially surrounds the rotating radiator except for an annular access aperture (38). Spray jets (40) spray the rotating radiator with water which is drained (42), circulated to a remote heat exchange or cooling apparatus (D), and recirculated to the spray nozzles. Baffles (52, 54), gutters (58), lip and baffle arrangements (54, 56), and the like, inhibit the sprayed water from escaping from the tube (36). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the water is sprayed on a wick member (76).

Abstract: The power brush block assembly (26) and a communication signal brush block assembly (28) are mounted to a rotating gantry portion (20) of a CT scanner in sliding communication with a stationary slip ring (16). The power communication brush block includes a plurality of like mounting blocks which when interconnected together in alignment define a locator aperture (64') and a shaft aperture (26') in radial alignment. A brush (70) includes a tip (72) and a shaft (76) around which a coil spring (100) is slidably received. The brush and spring assemblies are slidably received through the locator aperture until the brush tip is in sliding communication therewith and the shaft is in sliding communication with the shaft aperture. A retainer (102) prevents the spring from propelling the brush completely through the locator aperture. An electrical lead (104, 104') has a friction connector (106) which is connected to one end (78) of the brush shaft and connected at its other end with an electrical contact (88, 88' ).

Abstract: In a stowed configuration, a gantry (32) of a CT scanner is mounted by helical, wire rope shock isolators (78) to a floor (12) of an ISO shelter at about a 60.degree. angle relative to a central axis (48) of the shelter. Mechanical assemblies (84, 100) limit movement of a tiltable gantry portion (82) relative to fixed gantry portions (60, 62, 64). A CT scanner control console (36) is mounted adjacent an opposite end of the ISO shelter on shock isolators (140). A patient couch (34) is mounted on shock isolators (122) in a stowed configuration in the available space between the gantry and the console. To deploy the system, foldable walls (26, 30), a foldable ceiling panel (28), and a foldable floor panel (24) of the ISO shelter are folded out. The patient couch is lowered onto casters (124) and moved into alignment with a central axis of the gantry. Jacks (128, 130) lower the patient couch from the casters and shock isolators onto the floor of the ISO shelter for fixed engagement.

Abstract: A deformable, inner ring (22) is mounted by spokes (24) to internal structure (26) of a CT scanner. A plurality of circuit boards (32) are bent in a circular arc that is concentric with an inner circular surface of the first ring and secured to the first ring such that the arcuate bend is maintained. Bending the flexible circuit boards into an arc stresses them such that they are cantilevered outward from the first ring, yet are held along the circular arc. A second ring (44) is connected to the outer ends of the circuit boards to assure that both ends of the circuit board are held in like diameter parallel circles. Brackets (52) hold the side edges of the circuit boards straight and linear. In this manner, the circuit boards on which radiation detectors (36) are mounted become a rigid, circular mounting assembly for the radiation detectors and provide the sole support for the second ring.

Abstract: A patient receiving region (12) is defined within a stationary CT scanner frame (A). An x-ray tube (B) is mounted on a rotating frame portion (40) for rotation about the patient receiving region on an annular bearing (44, 46, 48). A fluidic slip ring (60) is mounted between the rotating and stationary frames adjacent the bearing for conveying cooling fluid between the x-ray tube and a stationarily mounted, preferably off-site, chiller (D). The fluidic slip ring enables large amounts of heat to be removed from the x-ray tube to maintain the x-ray tube at proper operating temperatures without overheating the interior of the CT scanner, the CT scanner room, or the like.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a patient receiving couch includes an integrally formed support body and a structure for detachably securing the support body to an associated patient receiving couch. The support body includes a torso receiving region, a neck supporting region and a head receiving region. The securing structure includes a pair of side securing member for positioning a pair of sides of the support body in relation to the patient receiving couch.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic couch assembly for a patient undergoing medical diagnosis includes a base, a couch on which the patient reclines and a mounting frame for slidably supporting the couch. The mounting frame includes a longitudinally extending slot and a pair of parallel vertically spaced hard metal wear strips, one secured to a respective top and bottom surface of the slot. The couch includes at least one rail cover for enclosing the slot to retard the deposition of dirt and grime therein. The couch further includes at least one roller rotatably mounted to the rail cover wall so as to extend into the slot and between the pair of wear strips. A scissors structure supports the mounting frame. The scissors structure includes a first leg and a second leg with each of the legs being rotatably secured at a first end to the base and at a second end to the mounting frame. The two legs are also secured together at an intermediate portion of each leg.

Abstract: A peripheral cooling duct (36) is mounted on a removable front door panel (26) of a CT scanner (10). A pressure source (74) supplies ambient air at elevated pressure through air inlet means (70) defined by an inner wall (78) of the cooling duct. Concentric flanges (58, 60) extending inward toward the inner region (76) of the CT scanner define a slit-like circular nozzle opening (56). Air is directed from the cooling duct through the nozzle opening across radiation detectors (20) for cooling the detectors and other features of the CT scanner during scanner operation.

Abstract: A computerized tomographic scanning apparatus comprises a gantry assembly for performing tomographic examination and including a detector and data acquisition assembly carried on a first frame for selective rotation about a first axis. A base frame supports the first frame for limited tilting movement about a second axis which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the first axis. A selectively operable drive assembly for tilting the gantry assembly about the first axis comprises first and second extensible and retractable rotary drive screw assemblies connected between the first frame and the second frame at locations spaced laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the first axis. Each drive screw assembly includes a first end connected to the base frame and a second end connected to the first frame at a point radially outwardly of the second axis.

Abstract: A computed tomography motor forming an integral part of the scanning apparatus. Motor laminations are mounted to a stationary computed tomography gantry while motor magnets are mounted directly and onto the cylindrical surface of a rotating race member opposite the field the field generating means to rotate with a rotatable computed tomography frame. Energization of the motor laminations cause relative movement between frame and gantry thereby causing an X-ray tube supported by the frame to rotate with the respect to a subject of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing electrical energy to orbital components of a computed tomography (CT) scanning unit. The apparatus includes a number of high voltage slip rings immersed in an insulating dielectric material. Each slip ring contacts a stationary brush biased to contact the slip ring to insure maintenance of a low resistance path between a stationary source of high potential and a cathode and anode pair of an orbital X-ray tube. A number of low voltage slip rings are further included to facilitate transmission of low voltages to other orbital components of the CT unit. The apparatus is of a compact light-weight design and is mounted to tilt certain components about an axis which intersects a patient's torso to provide CT scanning flexibility.

Abstract: A cable supply and take-up for a computed tomography scanner. An annular take-up reel coacts with a cable trough configured in the shape of a segment of an annulus. The trough and guide together provide a cable slack confining space which is rectangular in cross section along any radial plane.The trough is open at its ends. Cable is fed from a stationary external supply through one of the trough open ends and along a cable support wall to a return bend that feeds the cable to engagement with a take-up wall of the guide.A cable bend control spongy disc provides a spring force which urges the cable into engagement with both the guide take-up wall and the trough support wall while maintaining a bend with a substantially smooth and uniform radius of curvature.