Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for maintaining the position of a patient during a dical procedure such as imaging by position emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiotherapeutic uses of medical procedures wherein maintaining a portion of the patient's body in a stationary position is important. The apparatus includes a system for tracking motion of the particular body portion of interest, such as the head, a computer for receiving signals from the tracking system, and determining if undesired motion of the body portion has occurred and, if so, issuing a corrective signal which through a plurality of motors effects repositioning of the body portion to the desired location. This monitoring and repositioning may take place at a very high frequency. A particular contemplated use is immobilizing and positioning of the head during brain scans. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler connecting a scintillator which receives the X-ray energy and converts the X-ray energy into visible light photons and a self-scanning photodiode array which converts the visible light photons into electrical signals, the self-scanning photodiode array being smaller in length than the scintillator means. The fiber optic coupler comprises a light receiving end wall adjacent to the scintillator, a light discharging end wall adjacent to the self-scanning photodiode array, a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls that are oriented generally perpendicular to the light discharging end wall, an array of optic fibers oriented generally perpendicularly to the light discharging end wall and extending from the light receiving end wall to the light discharging end wall. The light receiving end wall is greater in length than the light discharging end wall and at least some of the fibers in the array are different in length from other fibers in the array.

Abstract: Stereoscopic radiography apparatus includes a source of two beams of radiation, collimators so as to convert the beams into generally fan shaped beams, radiation detectors for converting the radiation passing through an object being examined into an electrical signal containing image information. The radiation detector may have at least one scintillator to convert radiation which has passed through an object into light, and at least one self-scanning array of photodiodes to convert the light into an electrical signal containing image information. Fiber optic coupling may be provided between the scintillator and the self-scanning array of photodiodes. The first image information resulting from the first beam and second image information resulting from a second beam are created substantially simultaneously. Apparatus for receiving the signal to store, process or display the image may be provided along with a visual display system.

Abstract: Radiography apparatus includes radiation sources for substantially simultaneously generating first and second radiation beams. Collimators are interposed between the radiation source and an object to be exposed to radiation in order to convert the first and second radiation beams into parallel fan-shaped beams. Radiation detectors convert the radiation passing through the object being examined into an electrical signal containing image information. The radiation detector may have at least one scintillator to convert radiation which is passed through an object into light and at least one self-scanning array of photodiodes to convert the light into an electrical signal containing image information. Fiber optic coupling may be provided between the scintillator and the self-scanning array of photodiodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing an object to x-ray radiation including adjustable object supporting and compressing means and first collimator means having an opening and being disposed between the x-ray generator and the object supporting means. Second collimator means having an opening and being disposed between the object supporting means and x-ray detecting means. Means are provided for moving the first and second collimator means in such fashion as to maintain alignment between the openings therein and the x-ray generator, in order to sequentially expose portions of the object of x-ray passing through the first collimator means and permit such x-ray to pass through the opening in a second collimator means and impinge upon the x-ray detecting means. The object supporting and compressing means is preferably structurally independent of the collimator means.

Abstract: Radiography apparatus including radiation generating means, collimator means interposed between the radiation generating means and an object to be exposed to radiation, scintillator means disposed on the opposite side of the object from the radiation generating means for converting the radiation to light, a self-scanning, integrated array of photodiodes for receiving light and emitting responsive electrical signals, optical coupling means connecting the scintillator means to the self-scanning, integrated photodiode array and signal receiving means for storing, processing or displaying the electrical signals. Additional collimators may be employed if desired.In a nuclear isotope embodiment, collimator means are provided between the object and the scintillator means.

Abstract: Apparatus for the superimposition of television images including recorder apparatus for recording and playing back first video signals, image generating apparatus for providing second video signals, drive apparatus for driving the image generating apparatus synchronously with respect to the recorder apparatus responsive to receipt by the drive apparatus of first video signals and signal combining apparatus for superimposing the first and second video signals. Display and/or recording means may be provided for displaying and recording the superimposed video image.