Abstract: X-ray devices and systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes x-ray devices and systems that are used for three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction with uncertain geometry. The x-ray imaging system contains an arm configured to be moved around an object to be imaged, a light weight, low power x-ray source attached to the arm, an x-ray detector configured to move complimentary to the x-ray source to capture multiple two-dimensional (2D) images in a solid angle path outside of a planar arc, 3D position and orientation tracking device(s) configured to capture the geometric position and orientation of the x-ray source and detector when each 2D projection image is captured, and a processor configured to construct a three dimensional (3D) image from the multiple 2D images using a reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: X-ray devices and systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes x-ray devices and systems that are used for three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction with uncertain geometry. The x-ray imaging system contains an arm configured to be moved around an object to be imaged, a light weight, low power x-ray source attached to the arm, an x-ray detector configured to move complimentary to the x-ray source to capture multiple two-dimensional (2D) images in a solid angle path outside of a planar arc, 3D position and orientation tracking devices configured to capture the geometric position and orientation of the x-ray source and detector when each 2D projection image is captured, and a processor configured to construct a three dimensional (3D) image from the multiple 2D images using a reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: Three dimensional x-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The x-ray imaging system comprises a housing, an x-ray source attached to a articulating or motion gantry configured to move the source within the housing to multiple positions, an x-ray detector array located on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, where the detector array is synchronized with the x-ray source to capture 2D images of the object when the x-ray source is located in multiple imaging positions, and a processor configured to accept the 2D images and reconstruct a 3D image. The multiple imaging positions can be located on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Three dimensional x-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The x-ray imaging system comprises a housing, an x-ray source attached to a articulating or motion gantry configured to move the source within the housing to multiple positions, an x-ray detector array located on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, where the detector array is synchronized with the x-ray source to capture 2D images of the object when the x-ray source is located in multiple imaging positions, and a processor configured to accept the 2D images and reconstruct a 3D image. The multiple imaging positions can be located on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Three dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system and associated methods using a series of 2D image projections. The methods include making a 3D image of an object by providing an X-ray source on a first side of a object to be imaged, positioning a substantially stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source, moving the X-ray source in a circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object, collecting multiple two dimensional (2D) images of the object in less than about 10 seconds when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions, and reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the multiple 2D images. In some methods, 15 to 100 2D images of the object can be collected by pulsing the X-ray source for about 5 ms to about 40 ms per image in each of the multiple positions.

Abstract: Three-dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The 2D images are taken at different X-ray source positions located on a circle that defines the base of a regular geometric cone with the intraoral sensor located at the apex of that cone.

Abstract: X-ray devices and systems are described in this application. in particular, this application describes x-ray devices and systems that are used for three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction with uncertain geometry. The x-ray imaging system contains an arm configured to be moved around an object to be imaged, a light weight, low power x-ray source attached to the arm, an x-ray detector configured to move complimentary to the x-ray source to capture multiple two-dimensional (2D) images in a solid angle path outside of a planar arc, 3D position and orientation tracking devices configured to capture the geometric position and orientation of the x-ray source and detector when each 2D projection image is captured, and a processor configured to construct a three dimensional (3D) image from the multiple 2D images using a reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: Supporting devices for small and portable X-ray devices are described. In particular, this application describes supporting devices for portable X-ray devices containing a movable base unit with multiple legs with different lengths and heights configured so that the legs have a nestable configuration, an adjustable member extending from the mobile base unit so the adjustable member has an adjustable height, an extension arm connected to the adjustable member so the extension arm collapses toward and extends away from the adjustable member, and a connecting member connecting the extension arm with a portable x-ray device so the connecting member can rotate up to 360 degrees in the x, y, or z direction. The connecting member can also connect the extension arm with a portable x-ray device so the portable x-ray device is removable from the connecting member and capable of being operated independently by hand. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Three dimensional x-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The x-ray imaging system comprises a housing, an x-ray source attached to a articulating or motion gantry configured to move the source within the housing to multiple positions, an x-ray detector array located on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, where the detector array is synchronized with the x-ray source to capture 2D images of the object when the x-ray source is located in multiple imaging positions, and a processor configured to accept the 2D images and reconstruct a 3D image. The multiple imaging positions can be located on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Supporting devices for small and portable X-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a supporting device for a portable X-ray device that contains a movable base unit containing multiple legs with different lengths and heights configured so that the legs have a nestable configuration, an adjustable member extending from the mobile base unit where the adjustable member is configured with an adjustable height, an extension arm connected to the adjustable member where the extension arm is configured to collapse toward and extend away from the adjustable arm, and a connecting member configured to connect the extension arm with a portable x-ray device where the connecting member is able to rotate up to 360 degrees in the x, y, or z direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus, system, and method for a medical diagnostic and imaging forceps for determining the pathology of tissue in vivo during surgery, endoscopy, laparoscopy, or other medical procedure, the forceps comprising a platform for analyzing tissue pathology inside the body by way of sensors including without limitation conductivity, optical, tracking, and x-ray sensors.

Abstract: Lead-free radiation shielding material and processes for producing and using the same are described. The radiation shielding comprising a heavy metal component, such as bismuth, and a polymer component while also being optically transparent. The bismuth can be bonded to the polymer component or can be embedded within the matrix of the polymer component without being bonded to the polymer. As well, the bismuth can be nanoparticles that are contained within the matrix of the polymer component without being bonded to the polymer. The bismuth provides a stable, environmentally benign alternative to lead, while blocking the radiation and also being optically transparent. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Small, portable, and collapsible X-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a portable X-ray device that contains a C-shaped support arm, an X-ray source contained near one end of the support arm, and an X-ray detector contained near the other end of the support arm, and the X-ray source is enclosed in a housing that also encloses a power source and a power supply. The X-ray device is portable since it can be configured to be carried by hand from location to location without using wheels or a gantry. The C-shaped support arm capable of rotating around an object to be analyzed that remains in a substantially fixed location when removably attached to a support structure using a connection that also allows the connection point to slide along the arc of the C-shaped support arm. The x-ray device can be quickly de-coupled from the support structure for handheld or table-top use.

Abstract: High density compounds that can be used in extrusion-based 3D printing processes and methods for making the same are described. The high-density compounds can be made in the form of filaments by providing a thermoplastic material (such as ABS), providing a source of heavy metal (such as Bi2O3 powder), compounding the thermoplastic material and the heavy metal source to form high-density compound, and then extruding the high-density compound to form the filament shape. These filaments can be used to make a high-density product by melting the filaments in the printing head of a FDM 3D printer and then depositing the molten material in the 3D printer in successive layers to form the high-density product. The resulting high-density products exhibit an enhanced radiopacity because of the presence of the heavy metal, allowing the rapid manufacturing of radiation shielding components via the 3D printing process. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging an object using backscattered radiation are described. The imaging system comprises both a radiation source for irradiating an object that is rotationally movable about the object, and a detector for detecting backscattered radiation from the object that can be disposed on substantially the same side of the object as the source and which can be rotationally movable about the object. The detector can be separated into multiple detector segments with each segment having a single line of sight projection through the object and so detects radiation along that line of sight. Thus, each detector segment can isolate the desired component of the backscattered radiation. By moving independently of each other about the object, the source and detector can collect multiple images of the object at different angles of rotation and generate a three dimensional reconstruction of the object. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Handheld imaging systems and methods for using such systems to create a 3D image of a desired object using scattered radiation are described. The handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a fan beam or cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation from the object, where each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements. Alternatively, the handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a pencil beam of radiation, and a detector configured to detect backscattered radiation from the object, wherein the detector and the radiation source are oriented off-axis relative to each other.

Abstract: Lead-free radiation shielding material and processes for producing and using the same are described. The radiation shielding comprising a heavy metal component, such as bismuth, and a polymer component while also being optically transparent. The bismuth can be bonded to the polymer component or can be embedded within the matrix of the polymer component without being bonded to the polymer. As well, the bismuth can be nanoparticles that are contained within the matrix of the polymer component without being bonded to the polymer. The bismuth provides a stable, environmentally benign alternative to lead, while blocking the radiation and also being optically transparent. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Handheld imaging systems and methods for using such systems to create a 3D image of a desired object using scattered radiation are described. The handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a fan beam or cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation from the object, where each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements. Alternatively, the handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a pencil beam of radiation, and a detector configured to detect backscattered radiation from the object, wherein the detector and the radiation source are oriented off-axis relative to each other.

Abstract: Handheld imaging systems and methods for using such systems to create a 3D image of a desired object using scattered radiation are described. The handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a fan beam or cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation from the object, where each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements. Alternatively, the handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a pencil beam of radiation, and a detector configured to detect backscattered radiation from the object, wherein the detector and the radiation source are oriented off-axis relative to each other.

Abstract: Handheld imaging systems and methods for using such systems to create a 3D image of a desired object using scattered radiation are described. The handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a fan beam or cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation from the object, where each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements. Alternatively, the handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a pencil beam of radiation, and a detector configured to detect backscattered radiation from the object, wherein the detector and the radiation source are oriented off-axis relative to each other.