Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system (1) is optimizd for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor (5). It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor (5). When a compression paddle (2) with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle (2) can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic X-ray collimator (40) restricts the X-ray illumination (30) of the breast (3) in accordance with compression paddle (2) size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid (4), mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A panel connector for securely connecting an edge connector of a temperature gradient sensing probe having a support shaft to a monitoring circuit is disclosed. The panel connector includes a base having a top side containing a support shaft receiving channel therein. A plurality of resilient electrical contacts formed from a first conductive material and at least one resilient electrical contact formed from a second conductive material, which is dissimilar from the first conductive material, reside on the top side of the base. The connector is provided with a cover for clamping the edge connector and the support shaft of the temperature sensing probe in the connector.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus for obtaining mammography images with optimal beam collimation is disclosed. Proportional control of collimator element position based upon compression paddle position and dimension inputs is provided to obtain optimal collimation of the X-ray beam for a desired imaging technique and compressed breast thickness.

Abstract: A patient-supporting table for performing prone stereotactic mammographic biopsy procedures having a platform with an aperture positioned so as to divide the platform into two supporting portions is disclosed. Each of the supporting portions of the platform are sufficient to support at least a patient's torso and legs. The supporting portions of the platform enable a patient's breast to be pendulantly presented in two different orientations with respect to the aperture which further enables 360.degree. access to a pendulantly presented breast by stereotactic mammography and biopsy apparatus which have rotation ranges substantially less than 360.degree. but more than 180.degree. relative to the aperture.

Abstract: An add-on biopsy apparatus attached to a conventional mammography apparatus permits stereotactic imaging of a breast held in a mammographic position using an image receiver having a plane positioned perpendicular to the X-ray source. The perpendicularly positioned image plane allows the use of conventional moving scatter reducing grids to improve image contrast and quality of a stereotactic image made with an add-on biopsy apparatus. The biopsy apparatus also includes a control system for position a digital image receiver to compensate for image shifting during stereotactic imaging.

Abstract: An improved mobile X-ray unit has a counterweighted articulating X-ray tube support arm that allows positioning of an attached X-ray tube virtually without the need for moving a supporting carriage. The improved mobile X-ray unit also allows the X-ray tube to be locked to the supporting carriage during travel and the articulating X-ray arm includes several electro-magnetically actuated disk brakes capable of locking the articulating X-ray arm in a predetermined position. In the event that the carriage movement is required, the carriage may be moved by application of force on a force sensing handle engaged with the carriage by two strain gage assemblies. The strain gage assemblies provide signals to a motor drive control circuits which in turn propel two driven wheels in the direction and proportional to the force applied to the handle relative to the carriage.

Abstract: An elongated prone patient-supporting examining table for X-ray mammography is centrally supported at variable heights by a rear pedestal. The table is provided with a central breast-receiving aperture through which the patient's pendulant breast is exposed to a horizontal beam of X-rays from a tubehead source mounted on an arm angularly movable through an arc of some 210.degree. centered on the patient's breast. The patient's feet may be positioned at either end of the elongated table on an extensible footrest, permitting X-ray projection through more than 360.degree. around the patient's body. Diagnosis of suspect lesions and fine needle biopsy are both facilitated by stereotactic examination. Digital imaging using a CCD camera and image enhancement software provides magnification, contrast enhancement, window and level manipulation and high resolution images, with low exposure levels, short exposure times, and greatly reduced imaging times.

Abstract: An improved mobile X-ray unit has a counterweighted articulating X-ray tube support arm that allows positioning of an attached X-ray tube virtually without the need for moving a supporting carriage. The improved mobile X-ray unit also allows the X-ray tube to be locked to the supporting carriage during travel and the articulating X-ray arm includes several electro-magnetically actuated disk brakes capable of locking the articulating X-ray arm in a predetermined position. In the event that the carriage movement is required, the carriage may be moved by application of force on a force sensing handle engaged with the carriage by two strain gage assemblies. The strain gage assemblies provide signals to a motor drive control circuits which in turn propel two driven wheels in the direction and proportional to the force applied to the handle relative to the carriage.

Abstract: An elongated prone patient-supporting examining table for X-ray mammography is centrally supported at variable heights by a rear pedestal. The table is provided with a central breast-receiving aperture through which the patient's pendulant breast is exposed to a horizontal beam of X-rays from a tubehead source mounted on an arm angularly movable through an arc of some 210.degree. centered on the patient's breast. The patient's feet may be positioned at either end of the elongated table on an extensible footrest, permitting X-ray projection through more than 360.degree. around the patient's body. Diagnosis of suspect lesions and fine needle biopsy are both facilitated by stereotactic examination. Digital imaging using a CCD camera and image enhancement software provides magnification, contrast enhancement, window and level manipulation and high resolution images, with low exposure levels, short exposure times, and greatly reduced imaging times.