Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described in which in some embodiments, an automatic tensioner employs a puller assembly with a first indicia coupled to a fix base by a movement mechanism, a belt side assembly with a second indicia attached to one end of a belt, and a spring mechanism having a first end coupled to the puller assembly and a second end coupled to the belt side assembly. In some embodiments, the movement of the puller assembly in a first direction increases tension on the belt and movement of the puller assembly in a second direction decreases tension on the belt. In some embodiments, the spring mechanism compressed to exert a force in the first direction. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism is then adjusted until the first indicia and the second indicia are coincidental.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described in which in some embodiments, an automatic tensioner employs a puller assembly with a first indicia coupled to a fix base by a movement mechanism, a belt side assembly with a second indicia attached to one end of a belt, and a spring mechanism having a first end coupled to the puller assembly and a second end coupled to the belt side assembly. In some embodiments, the movement of the puller assembly in a first direction increases tension on the belt and movement of the puller assembly in a second direction decreases tension on the belt. In some embodiments, the spring mechanism compressed to exert a force in the first direction. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism is then adjusted until the first indicia and the second indicia are coincidental.

Abstract: An x-ray generating assembly is provided comprising an x-ray source assembly mounted to a mounting element. The assembly further includes a support assembly comprising a motor element and a gear assembly in communication with the motor element. An output shaft is in communication with the gear assembly such that the output shaft rotates in response to the motor element. The mounting element is positioned around the output shaft. An electromechanical lock is engaged to the mounting element such that the electromechanical lock rotates in concert with the mounting element. The electromechanical lock has an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The electromechanical lock engages the mounting element when the electromechanical lock is in the engaged condition such that the mounting element rotates with the output shaft. The mounting element is free to rotate when the electromechanical lock is in the disengaged condition.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: An electronic detent apparatus and method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises a sensor connected to a microprocessor. A servo-motor is connected to the microprocessor and has a motor drive connected to a clutch. The clutch may engage a wheel disposed upon a rail or surface to effect the simulation of a mechanical detent through the microprocessor controlled servo-motor. The method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises the steps of moving an axis and monitoring the position and velocity of the axis. The position and velocity of the axis is then compared to a pre-specified position threshold value and a pre-specified velocity threshold value using a microprocessor disposed on the axis. A servo-motor is activated to accelerate the axis to a pre-specified position using a clutch controlled by the servo-motor when the position and velocity of the axis exceed the pre-specified position and velocity threshold values.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining source-to-image distance (SID) setpoints in a digital imaging system. SID setpoints are determined during a setup and calibration procedure which includes generating radiation beams while varying certain system parameters, such as the radiation source position, and detecting and determining the size of the radiation beams that impact on the digital detector. SID values and a separation gain constant can then be determined based on the calculated sizes of the detected radiation beams and the feedback signals which are representative of the various system parameters that were varied (e.g., source position, etc.) during the setup and calibration procedure. The separation gain constant and the calculated, empirical SID values can then be used to position the radiation source at any user-selected SID based on position sensor feedback signals. The procedure also provides for a calibrated readout of the SID, which can be displayed to a user of the imaging system.

Abstract: An electronic detent apparatus and method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises a sensor connected to a microprocessor. A servo-motor is connected to the microprocessor and has a motor drive connected to a clutch. The clutch may engage a wheel disposed upon a rail or surface to effect the simulation of a mechanical detent through the microprocessor controlled servo-motor. The method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises the steps of moving an axis and monitoring the position and velocity of the axis. The position and velocity of the axis is then compared to a pre-specified position threshold value and a pre-specified velocity threshold value using a microprocessor disposed on the axis. A servo-motor is activated to accelerate the axis to a pre-specified position using a clutch controlled by the servo-motor when the position and velocity of the axis exceed the pre-specified position and velocity threshold values.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method for calculating the source-to-image distance of an imaging system utilizing the intensity of the x-ray. The present technique involves measuring the source-to-image distance using the x-ray intensity and the inverse square relationship between the intensity and the distance. The present technique can be implemented with a digital detector system using fixed timing, relying on the measuring capability of the digital detector to determine intensity, or it can be implemented using a phototiming approach, using either a digital detector or a conventional ion chamber to measure total exposure.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method for calculating the source-to-image distance of an imaging system utilizing the intensity of the x-ray. The present technique involves measuring the source-to-image distance using the x-ray intensity and the inverse square relationship between the intensity and the distance. The present technique can be implemented with a digital detector system using fixed timing, relying on the measuring capability of the digital detector to determine intensity, or it can be implemented using a phototiming approach, using either a digital detector or a conventional ion chamber to measure total exposure.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining source-to-image distance (SID) setpoints in a digital radiographic imaging system. SID setpoints are determined during a setup and calibration procedure which includes generating x-ray beams while varying certain system parameters, such as the x-ray source position or the size of the collimator opening, and detecting and determining the size of the x-ray beams that impact on the digital detector. SID values and a separation gain constant can then be determined based on the calculated sizes of the detected x-ray beams and the feedback signals which are representative of the various system parameters that were varied (e.g., source position, collimator blade position, etc.) during the setup and calibration procedure. The separation gain constant and the calculated, empirical SID values can then be used to position the x-ray source at any user-selected SID based on position sensor feedback signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for routing a resilient cable of specified length, such as an electric power transmission cable, across a rotary joint between first and second members, wherein the first member is supported for rotation with respect to the second member. The apparatus includes a first guide element disposed to rotate with the first member, for guiding a first component or portion of a cable along a first arcuate path of specified radius, the length of the first cable component disposed to vary as the first member rotates. The apparatus further includes a second guide element, in fixed relationship to the second member, for guiding a second component of the cable along a second arcuate path, the length of the second cable component disposed to vary in inverse relation to the length of the first cable component.

Abstract: An electrophysiology table includes a dual section table top comprising a pair of elongated planar sections in superimposed planar to planar relationship. One of the table top sections is adapted to be manually moveable axially horizontally over the other section, the other section is electric motor powered for axial horizontal motion to advance the dual section table top to a new position where the manual moveable section is optimized. The table is also adapted to be vertically adjusted as well as to be tilted or angulated. With the two sections locked, the motorized section may move the table along the tilt slope.

Abstract: A strap latch device for securing a medical patient to the side rails of an examining or treatment table includes a pair of extending opposed claw arms, one fixed and the other spring biased to rotate towards the fixed claw arm with the arms overlying a rectangular recess in the latch between the arms. A lever is used to overcome the bias and separate the claw arms so that one edge of a side rail fits into the fixed claw arm and rotation of the latch on the rail projects to the moveable claw arm over the side rail with the side rail fitting closely into the defined recess. Upon release of the bias lever the side rail is grasped by the claw arms with projecting lips on the claw arms securing the rail into its recess. Patient motion and belt tension will tend to accentuate latch retention.

Abstract: A flexible elongated slatted grid structure is suspended between a pair of spaced apart grid support frames each of which is adapted for rotation about a transverse axis intermediate the suspended ends of the grid. Mechanical adjustment means provides equal but opposite angular motion of the frames to curve the grid along a circular path.

Abstract: A computed tomography system corrects image errors resulting from misalignment of the fan beam as a result of placement of the x-ray tube, thermal drift of the x-ray tube anode of mechanical stresses of the gantry or x-ray tube. Misalignment is determined alternately by means of a z-axis offset detector which detects movement of the exposure area of the CT fan beam or a predictive model that calculates thermal drift of mechanical deflection of the focal spot of the x-ray tube based on previous use. The system includes a collimator with a controllable z-axis position which may be controlled to reduce z-axis offset of the fan beam exposure area or to make the fan beam more parallel with the imaging plane of the CT system.

Abstract: A power assist handle for providing control signals to a servo mechanism includes a spring-guided means of allowing motion of an input handle in only two directions in a configuration which has almost no friction between stationary and moving parts. Motion is sensed by a pair of Hall-effect sensors, each of which provides a signal output proportional to the displacement of the input handle in a respective orthogonal direction. The sensors and associated permanent magnets are arranged so that each is sensitive in one of the two directions and insensitive in the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling motion of power driven mechanisms in a medical x-ray spot filming system in order to minimize induced vibrations of x-ray film due to acceleration and deceleration of the power driven mechanisms. The invention includes a method and apparatus for establishing a desired profile of position of the x-ray associated mechanisms as a function of time and for implementing a move of the mechanism in accordance with the desired profile. In one form the profile is divided into a plurality of equal time increments and the motion of the mechanism is computed for each time increment as a function of a particular change in position such that a move can be completed within a fixed time interval. Depending upon the length of the move, a change in position for each time increment is determined and the mechanism is moved in accordance with the computed position change for each time increment.