Abstract: This invention relates to a bi-plane X-ray imaging medical system having two radiation axis with a common isocenter for simultaneous viewing of a targeted object in two planes for three dimensional orientation, these two radiation axes can be rotated about the isocenter, thus rotating these two planes individually or simultaneously and varying the angle between them for most advantageous imaging. And further, varying the angle allows for larger opening for access to the patient during a surgery or for loading/unloading the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in performing medical procedures on a breast of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a frame assembly (12) for supporting the patient having an opening (22) therein through which the patient's breasts are permitted to protrude, an imaging system (18) for identifying any suspicious lesions within the patient's breasts, and a biopsy assembly (20) for use in performing a biopsy on the patient's breasts. The frame assembly (12) is tiltable from a vertical position to a non-vertical position to facilitate mammography and the mammographic biopsy procedure. In addition, the imaging system (18) and biopsy assembly (20) are moveable across the patient's chest from one breast to the other. The imaging system (18) is also rotatable and tiltable relative to the patient's breasts to obtain oblique views of the breasts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orbital aiming device for aiming a puncturing instrument to a targeted object for use with a fluoro X-ray apparatus isocentric in at least one direction.The orbital aiming device in order to offer most advantages is isocentric about two rotational axes which point of intersection defines its isocenter and is disposed in relation to the fluoro X-ray apparatus so that its isocenter coincides with the isocenter of the X-ray apparatus.The device comprises an arm for supporting the puncturing instrument so that it aims to the isocenter, which arm is orbitaly moveable on arcuate rails for pivoting the puncturing instrument about the isocenter around one of the two rotational axes the arcuate rails are supported by a supporting means in a rotational relationship for pivoting the puncturing instrument about the isocenter around the second rotational axis.

Abstract: An overhead X-ray apparatus for imaging in the bi-plane configuration which apparatus has the radiation isocenter vertically displaceable. A C-arm (or a like) for supporting an X-ray tube and image receptor is mounted on a carriage assembly in a rotatable arrangement about a vertical axes. The carriage assembly comprises a support frame and a slideable support mounted on overhead rails coupled by a scissor mechanism. A distance between the support frame and the slideable support and, hence the vertical position of the radiation isocenter can be varied by action of chains or timing belts connecting the support frame with the anchoring member which moves along the slideable support while actuated by an actuator.

Abstract: A precision mammographic needle biopsy system in which a patient having a suspected non-palpable lesion of the breast lies on a table having a breast aperture therein through which the patient's breast pendulantly protrudes includes a compression paddle for selectively compressing the breast against an X-ray film holder to firmly hold the breast in a suitable projection; a radially pivoting X-ray arm arranged to direct an X-ray beam in horizontal alignment with the patient's breast onto an X-ray film; a radially pivoting X-ray film holder arm supporting both the X-ray film holder and a puncture instrument holding a biopsy needle having adjustable azimuth angle, elevation angle, and insertion depth parameters; and a computer-digitizer console including a cursor and having a light box digitizer view area for viewing and digitizing a point of interest depicted in two stereoscopic X-ray images of the patient's breast, a computer for analyzing the relative positions of the point of interest depicted on the two ste

Abstract: A mobile X-ray apparatus for use in X-ray in diagnostic examinations comprising a base on wheels having an arm structure mounted thereon for supporting an X-ray tube, wherein this arm structure comprises a first structure of telescopic construction utilizing a pulley principle for an extended vertical travel of the X-ray tube and yet compactness, and further including a constant spring mechanism for allowing manual positioning, a second structure moveably mounted on the first structure for both horizontal and vertical displacement of the X-ray tube which structure includes a parallelogram and a horizontal telescopic member, a steering assist mechanism including motors providing power to each wheel of one pair of the wheels and being independently energized so that a power differential can be created as desired to assist in turning the apparatus. This disclosure further includes a brake mechanism for effective control of positioning of any moveable structure of an X-ray apparatus.

Abstract: A C-arm diagnostic equipment is disclosed, which equipment provided counterbalanced variable distance between an image source and an image receptor; an increased range of orbital rotation of the C-arm accomplished by a novel arc-in-the arc structure, which structure is counterbalanced for effective control of the orbital rotation; a suspension means with a counterbalanced means for the C-arm to be used as a ceiling suspended C-arm diagnostic equipment, which suspension means are moveably mounted on ceiling rails laterally displaced from, and not extending over, a patient positioned on an examination table and are linearly displaceable along these rails in a direction generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the examination table.

Abstract: A bi-directional dual-slide support mechanism providing support and extended travel for X-ray system components, such as an image intensifier, includes a primary slide driven bi-directionally over a primary range of travel by a motorized rack and pinion arrangement and a secondary slide in telescoping relationship with the primary slide driven bi-directionally in concert with the primary slide by stationary belts coupled over roller members positioned at opposite ends of the primary slide, the belts being secured to a fixed frame member and to the secondary slide.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus comprising: a base assembly including a pivotable and vertically displaceable frame, a first actuating means for pivotal movement of said frame about a horizontal axis and a second actuating means for vertical movement of said frame, computer controls for controlling said first and second actuating means individually and in combination, two parallel rail systems supported by the frame and having two carriages mounted respectively thereon, which carriages can move in unison or individually, one of said carriages supporting a C- or U-shaped carriage for supporting an X-ray source and image receptor in a rotatable arrangement about an axis parallel to said horizontal axis and the other of said carriage having an overhanging support secured thereto, which support includes a dual action mechanism for supporting a patient table in an arrangement providing its vertical movement relative to the frame and its pivoting movement about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes a device for positioning an X-ray film changer with respect to an image intensifier away from a position in front of the image intensifier for producing X-ray images to a position on a side of the image intensifier when not in use. The device combines a rotational and shifting movement so that the film changer can be positioned on the side of the image intensifier very close to the same without impeding access to a patient.

Abstract: A support structure for an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source and an X-ray receptor supported on opposite ends of a C-arm structure or the like is disclosed. This support structure provides a movement of a C-arm structure or the like a lengthwise and around a patient table allowing for examinations a patient's head side.

Abstract: A C-arm X-ray diagnostic equipment is disclosed which C-arm provides: an increased range of orbital rotation; a longer range of vertical travel of C-arm from low to high vertical positions; safer counter balanced vertical movement; the horizontal axis of rotation drawn through the isocenter of the C-arm for a multiple of X-ray beam projections without repositioning of the patient being imaged; remotely controlled passive locking arrangement for securing the C-arm firmly in any necessary position for safety; remotely controlled C-arm positioning.A novel non-uniform curvature of C-arm where the inner outline is other than semicircular is selected for structural strength.

Abstract: A table positioner is disclosed for use with radiographic equipment to cause smooth translating and continuous angular movement of the table in reciprocal directions from a lengthwise horizontal position to lengthwise vertical positions. When in a lengthwise horizontal position, the positioner causes the top of the table to have a sufficiently low vertical height above floor level to enhance utilization of the radiographic equipment for imaging of a patient on the table, and yet still allows lengthwise angular movement of the table from this low horizontal positioning to full vertical positioning with the then lower end of the table being maintained in a position close to floor level but precluding floor contact during any portion of table movement.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the rate of air flow in a pressurized air line, and for closing a valve when the air flow exceeds a predetermined maximum flow rate. The apparatus comprises a double air chamber with intermediate diaphragm for sensing air flow rate and actuating a latch mechanism, and includes a pressure-dependent latch control mechanism.