Abstract: An optical fiber sensor has a measurement path and a reference path. Both paths each consist of two optical fibers and are fed with modulated light. The fibers of the reference path have a predefined difference in length, whereas the fibers of the measurement path are the same length. All fibers are at approximately the same temperature. An evaluation circuit determines the phase differences in each case between the fibers of the measurement path and of the reference path. A measurement value calculated from the phase differences is then output.

Abstract: A computer tomograph comprises a rotating part and a stationary part, and includes a system for transmitting data between the rotating part and the stationary part with a directional radio link. The system comprises an antenna arrangement for directional emission of data signals from the rotating part along a direction of a rotation axis of the rotating part, and for directionally sensitive reception of data signals at a patient's table on the stationary part.

Abstract: An X-ray detector for recording an image of an object that is moving relative to the detector includes a plurality of detector modules which are adjacently disposed so that they partially overlap. Using the detector modules, a TDI (Time Delayed Integration) is performed within each detector module. Subsequently an evaluation unit determines corrected measurement values of an overlap region by adding the measured values from the individual detector modules in the overlap region.

Abstract: A transmitting or receiving coil assembly for magnetic resonance tomographs comprising at least one flexible printed circuit board having inductors and at least one bar attached thereto for stiffening the flexible printed circuit board along one axis. The bar optionally has conductors for connecting electronic components on the printed circuit board with each other or with outside components of the magnetic resonance tomograph.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive rotary joint having at least two component parts which each comprise a coil for introducing power and/or taking-up power. In order that the rotary joint may be able to withstand even high mechanical load, at least one of the component parts is made of a synthetic resin containing soft magnetic particles, and the coil of the one part is at least partially located in the synthetic resin.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for monitoring thermal treatment of human tissue produces a reference exposure of the tissue to be treated prior to commencement of the treatment. Thermal treatment is performed subsequently. Check exposures are made with the X-ray machine during the treatment or also during treatment intervals. The check exposures are performed as partial volume exposures at a lower radiation load than the reference exposures. From a comparison of check exposures with the reference exposures, conclusions can be drawn concerning changes of tissue temperature and also tissue properties.

Abstract: An X-ray machine, which in one embodiment is based on a spiral CT scanner, is used for examining a breast of a female patient. The X-ray machine has a gantry, which is adapted for rotation about a rotational axis, and simultaneously, for movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis. A cylindrical imaging region is scanned along a spiraling path provided by the gantry. The patient is positioned so that a breast to be examined projects into the imaging region. A sample receptacle located in the imaging region is adapted to accommodate a tissue sample and/or a reference material. A range of movement of the gantry is dimensioned, so that the breast and/or the contents of the sample receptacle can be imaged with the gantry.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a position of an object within a breast of a female patient in a simple manner from a three-dimensional exposure taken of the breast. A simplified model is made of an internal structure of a breast having glandular bodies leading via lactiferous ducts to an outlet at a nipple. A particularly advantageous model is a tree-type structure in which branches correspond to lactiferous ducts and leaves correspond to glandular bodies. Furthermore, a determination is made of whether the object has contact with an element of the tree-type structure. Alternatively, a distance to an element of the tree-type structure is established. By correlating tree-type structures derived from various exposures taken on the same breast, the location of the object can be unequivocally established.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for examining a breast of a female patient has a CT scanner attached to a patient's table. An instrument holder that is adapted to be moved to be located underneath a gantry of the CT scanner is provided with a positioning unit for positioning an instrument for examining or operating close to the breast. An exact position of the instrument holder relative to the gantry or the breast to be examined can be determined with a measuring system. Thereby, it is possible to position an examining or surgical intervention instrument extremely precisely.

Abstract: A device is provided herein for locating a breast of a female patient. In one embodiment, the locating device is adapted to be inserted into an opening within a patient table. The locating device is further adapted with different sizes and shapes, and thus, can be adapted to various breast shapes. In one embodiment, the device is provided with an RFID transponder for identifying the particular locating device being used. The RFID transponder enables data about the locating device to be automatically recorded along with the image data. This enables the shape of the locating device to be taken into account when evaluating an image. Furthermore, the RFID transponder ensures that a locating device of the same shape is used for subsequent exposures of a patient's breast, so that the exposures remain comparable.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for imaging a breast of a female patient includes a patient table for accommodating the patient, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. In one embodiment, the X-ray machine may be designed as a spiral CT scanner having a rotatable gantry on which the X-ray tube and detector are mounted. The X-ray detector is inclined with respect to the X-ray tube, so that a central ray of a beam of rays emitted from the X-ray tube is perpendicularly incident on an active face of the detector. In one embodiment, the detector may be designed with a curvature, which reduces image artifacts by reducing path length differences between the central ray and the outer rays of the beam. This configuration provides particularly space saving X-ray machines, which at the same time, are of particularly high resolution.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for imaging a breast of a female patient comprises a gantry with an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, and a horizontally disposed patient table with a cut-out portion for accommodating a breast of the patient. The gantry is rigidly mechanically suspended from the patient table. The gantry is adapted to rotate about an approximately vertical rotational axis in continuous rotational movement for imaging the breast. The gantry is also adapted to be moved in a vertical direction during said the rotational movement.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for imaging a female breast has a support with an attached continuously rotatable gantry. An X-ray tube with an oppositely located X-ray detector is mounted on the gantry. A locating means for accommodating a breast is disposed coaxially with a rotation axis of the gantry. The gantry is adapted to be moved relative to the locating means by an advancing means. In order to achieve a high throughput of patients, a locating means having an opening for accommodating a breast is provided relative to both sides of the gantry. The X-ray machine may be incorporated between two separating walls which have cut-out portions for the locating means.

Abstract: A device for transmission of digital signals between two units movable relative to each other, particularly with non-contacting rotating data transmission devices, comprises an encoder on a transmitter side along a signal path for conforming a coding of the digital signals to transmission characteristic of a transmission path, so that a given spectral distribution of signals is attained. An optional decoder on a receiver side restores original signals, so that the coding remains concealed, but a substantially more reliable transmission is achieved.

Abstract: A method and a device for reworking or re-machining the surface and, in particular, the slide tracks of a slip ring while the slip ring is in a built-in state in an appliance or machine using the slip ring. The slip ring is rotated by means of a drive provided in the appliance for rotating the slip ring during normal operation, or by means of an auxiliary drive, while a surface-removing cutting tool or surface deforming tool held in a tool holder or carrier adapted to be attached to the appliance or machine is applied to the surface of the moving slip ring to re-machine or recondition the surface. The invention avoids the necessity of dismantling the appliance or machine for the purpose of removing the slip ring for repairs.

Abstract: A transmitting or receiving coil assembly for nuclear spin tomographs comprises a multi-layer structure of conducting layers forming inductive components on an insulating support layer. Discrete components such as capacitors are accommodated in recesses of the support layer. Reinforcement members make it possible to increase the mechanical stability of the arrangement.

Abstract: An endoscopic RF coil arrangement for magnetic resonance imagers is provided which include a handle with a shaft and a coil with a balloon arranged distally. An inner cover is further provided which is pulled over the shaft and over the coil with balloon. An outer cover is provided over the inner cover. The outer cover comprises a formed part for a balloon on the distal side over the coil in which a liquid and/or a gas can be introduced.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of or a device for transferring optical signals. An optical conductor including a light-conducting core, which has at least two parallel interfaces provided with coatings that result in a reflection of the light guided in the light-conducting core, comprises at least one means for coupling the emitter or the receiver, respectively, by diffraction, refraction or diffusion.

Abstract: An optical transmission system in a computer tomograph for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit being supported to be rotatable relative to the second unit, comprises: a light guide disposed along a circular or annular track on the first unit; at least one first light coupler connected with the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide; at least one second light coupler disposed on the second unit to be movable relative to the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide. In order to remove from the light guide surface any contaminating matter that would lead to a high signal attenuation or an interference with transmission, a cleaning unit is provided for removing dirt and dust particles. Furthermore, a sealing of the system is provided by applying, amongst other means, pressurized air or electrostatic filtering.

Abstract: A device for receiving digital signals comprising at least one receiving antenna, a measuring means for determining parameters of relevance to signal quality, a digitizer, and a signal-processing unit. The signal-processing unit is controlled to optimize the reception of the digital signals on the basis of the parameters determined by the measuring means. A signal-processing unit processes signals from the receiving antenna and a digitizer converts the processed signals so that the converted processed signals can be measured to determine their relevance signal quality; a transmitter conductor array coupled to the receiving unit can be controlled therefrom. Controlling the signal quality occurs using a dielectric or ferromagnetic materials, impedance elements, or actuators between the receiving antenna and the transmitter conductor array.