Abstract: A multi-modality imaging system that can be utilized in the volume computed tomography (VCT) mode, the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) mode and the positron emission tomography (PET) mode is disclosed. In the VCT mode of operation, three (3) x-ray sources and associated detectors can be utilized. In the SPECT and PET modes of operation, the gamma radiation is provided by an isotope ingested by the patient and is detected by the detectors angularly spaced around the patient. A fused imaging analysis and computer aided diagnosis system is provided and processes the images produced by the multi-modality imaging system. The fused images are analyzed and the fused image data are compared with disease process models to provide feedback to the patient and medical professionals in the form of four dimensional displays and interactive image visualizations.

Abstract: A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36).

Abstract: A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36).

Abstract: A patient supported on a patient support (12) is moved into a bore (22) of a planning imaging device, such as a CT scanner (20). A three-dimensional diagnostic image in three-dimensional diagnostic image space is generated and stored in a memory (130). The patient is repositioned outside of the bore with a region of interest in alignment with a real time imaging device, such as a fluoroscopic imaging device (40). A surgical planning instrument (60), such as a pointer or biopsy needle (62), is mounted on an articulated arm (64). As the instrument is inserted into the region of interest, fluoroscopic images are generated and stored in a memory (140). The coordinate systems of the CT scanner, the fluoroscopic device, and the surgical instrument are correlated (102, 104, 112, 120) such that the instrument is displayed on both the CT images (134) and the fluoroscopic images (50), such that cursors move concurrently along the fluoroscopic and CT images, and the like.

Abstract: In an x-ray imaging system, an x-ray detector assembly includes an x-ray detector and a support assembly secured to the x-ray detector for supporting an antiscatter grid assembly. The x-ray detector preferably includes a matrix of crystal detectors. The support assembly includes a foam bezel having one or more magnets disposed therein. The antiscatter grid assembly includes an antiscatter grid secured to a metal frame. The one or more magnets disposed in the bezel are situated so as to align with the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly when the antiscatter grid assembly is coupled to the x-ray detector assembly. The strengths of the one or more magnets are such as to allow the antiscatter grid assembly to be removably secured to the x-ray detector assembly. Alternatively, the one or more magnets may be secured to the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly and corresponding metal plates may be placed in the support assembly.

Abstract: A frameless stereotactic tomographic scanner includes an imaging device defining a coordinate system in scanner space (.PI.). A localizer device includes a base portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the imaging device and a free end adapted for selective movement into varied positions near a patient body disposed on the imaging device. A position transducer associated with the localizer device generates, in a localizer space (), localizer device tip location information as the localizer device is moved near the patient body. A localizer space to scanner space transform processor converts the localizer tip location information to converted localizer tip location information in an image space (). The imaging device is adapted to generate patient body image information in the image space () regarding the patient body disposed on the device. A display unit is included for displaying the patient body image information together with the localizer tip position information on a human readable display monitor.

Abstract: A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36).

Abstract: A gantry (A) has a bore defining a first patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. An angiographic device (D) is positioned remote from the gantry along a longitudinal axis (25) for generating and displaying angiographic image representations on a display monitor (46). A second examination region is defined along the longitudinal axis (25) between a second x-ray source (36) and an image intensifier tube (38). A second processor (44) reconstructs the angiographic projection image representations from signals generated by the image intensifier tube (38).

Abstract: An imaging device includes a support member (30), a x-ray source (32) mounted to the support member via a first arm (34), and an x-ray detector (36) mounted to the support member via a second arm (38). The x-ray detector includes a sealed housing (72) mounted to the second arm and a flat panel image receptor (74) retained within the housing. A cooling system (G) exchanges heated air in the housing with ambient air located remote from the housing. The support member (30) includes an open channel (68), a closed channel (70), a common wall (106) separating the open channel from the closed channel, and a series of vents (108) through the common wall. The second arm (38) includes an inlet passage (92) and an exhaust passage (90) each of which communicate with the closed passage (70) and interior cavity (98) of the housing. At least one fan (100) is positioned in at least one of the exhaust passage and the inlet passage.

Abstract: An anode (16), (16') and a cathode (14), (14') are mounted in an evacuated envelope (12), (12') of an x-ray tube (10). One of the anode and cathode is rotatably mounted on bearings (20), (20') relative to the evacuated envelope. In the embodiment in which the anode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated housing, a rolling ring assembly (40) provides a current path from the anode through the evacuated housing to ground without the current path passing through the bearing (20). In this manner, pitting and other damage to the bearing due to arcing is eliminated. In the embodiment in which the cathode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated envelope, the anode and envelope rotate as the cathode is held stationary (58, 60). A plurality of rolling ring assemblies (40'.sub.1, 40'.sub.2, . . . ) provide electrical communication between electrical control circuitry disposed outside the rotating housing and the cathode assembly (14').

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (C) having an examination region (12) centrally therein. A rotating frame or gantry (C) which is mounted for rotation about the examination region carries an x-ray tube assembly (B), a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (34), and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger (48) around a peripheral edge thereof. A first closed loop (30) carries a first cooling fluid, particularly oil, between a housing (22) which surrounds an x-ray tube (68) and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to remove heat from the x-ray tube. A second closed loop (40) conveys a second cooling fluid, particularly water, between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the peripheral liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The second closed loop includes a reservoir (44) for storing a substantial volume of water such that a significant portion of the heat generated during an x-ray examination can be stored by the water in the reservoir.

Abstract: The power brush block assembly (26) and a communication signal brush block assembly (28) are mounted to a rotating gantry portion (20) of a CT scanner in sliding communication with a stationary slip ring (16). The power communication brush block includes a plurality of like mounting blocks which when interconnected together in alignment define a locator aperture (64') and a shaft aperture (26') in radial alignment. A brush (70) includes a tip (72) and a shaft (76) around which a coil spring (100) is slidably received. The brush and spring assemblies are slidably received through the locator aperture until the brush tip is in sliding communication therewith and the shaft is in sliding communication with the shaft aperture. A retainer (102) prevents the spring from propelling the brush completely through the locator aperture. An electrical lead (104, 104') has a friction connector (106) which is connected to one end (78) of the brush shaft and connected at its other end with an electrical contact (88, 88' ).

Abstract: In a stowed configuration, a gantry (32) of a CT scanner is mounted by helical, wire rope shock isolators (78) to a floor (12) of an ISO shelter at about a 60.degree. angle relative to a central axis (48) of the shelter. Mechanical assemblies (84, 100) limit movement of a tiltable gantry portion (82) relative to fixed gantry portions (60, 62, 64). A CT scanner control console (36) is mounted adjacent an opposite end of the ISO shelter on shock isolators (140). A patient couch (34) is mounted on shock isolators (122) in a stowed configuration in the available space between the gantry and the console. To deploy the system, foldable walls (26, 30), a foldable ceiling panel (28), and a foldable floor panel (24) of the ISO shelter are folded out. The patient couch is lowered onto casters (124) and moved into alignment with a central axis of the gantry. Jacks (128, 130) lower the patient couch from the casters and shock isolators onto the floor of the ISO shelter for fixed engagement.

Abstract: A deformable, inner ring (22) is mounted by spokes (24) to internal structure (26) of a CT scanner. A plurality of circuit boards (32) are bent in a circular arc that is concentric with an inner circular surface of the first ring and secured to the first ring such that the arcuate bend is maintained. Bending the flexible circuit boards into an arc stresses them such that they are cantilevered outward from the first ring, yet are held along the circular arc. A second ring (44) is connected to the outer ends of the circuit boards to assure that both ends of the circuit board are held in like diameter parallel circles. Brackets (52) hold the side edges of the circuit boards straight and linear. In this manner, the circuit boards on which radiation detectors (36) are mounted become a rigid, circular mounting assembly for the radiation detectors and provide the sole support for the second ring.

Abstract: A peripheral cooling duct (36) is mounted on a removable front door panel (26) of a CT scanner (10). A pressure source (74) supplies ambient air at elevated pressure through air inlet means (70) defined by an inner wall (78) of the cooling duct. Concentric flanges (58, 60) extending inward toward the inner region (76) of the CT scanner define a slit-like circular nozzle opening (56). Air is directed from the cooling duct through the nozzle opening across radiation detectors (20) for cooling the detectors and other features of the CT scanner during scanner operation.

Abstract: A computerized tomographic scanning apparatus comprises a gantry assembly for performing tomographic examination and including a detector and data acquisition assembly carried on a first frame for selective rotation about a first axis. A base frame supports the first frame for limited tilting movement about a second axis which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the first axis. A selectively operable drive assembly for tilting the gantry assembly about the first axis comprises first and second extensible and retractable rotary drive screw assemblies connected between the first frame and the second frame at locations spaced laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the first axis. Each drive screw assembly includes a first end connected to the base frame and a second end connected to the first frame at a point radially outwardly of the second axis.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, portable, versatile and modular field x-ray system is disclosed. A base member is provided and supports an x-ray table. Two vertical masts are also coupled to the base, for movement alongside the table in a direction parallel to its longitudinal dimension. The masts move independently of one another but can also be linked together for movement in unison. A tube head is attached to one mast by articulated structure, including a series of offset arms, which affords the tube head 6 degrees of freedom of movement, both above and below the x-ray table. A spot film device is movable coupled to the second mast. The second mast and spot film device are manually removable from the remainder of the system for operation in radiographic only mode.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, portable, versatile and modular field x-ray system is disclosed. A base member is provided and supports an x-ray table. Two vertical masts are also coupled to the base, for movement alongside the table in a direction parallel to its longitudinal dimension. The masts move independently of one another but can also be linked together for movement in unison. A tube head is attached to one mast by articulated structure, including a series of offset arms, which affords the tube head 6 degrees of freedom of movement, both above and below the x-ray table. A spot film device is movably coupled to the second mast. The second mast and spot film device are manually removable from the remainder of the system for operation in radiographic only mode.