Abstract: An x-ray positioner is provided having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, that are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to track a bolus travelling through a patient. A controller is provided with feedback information regarding the bolus to determine the rate of travel, and to produce motion signals to the arms to automatically track the movement of the bolus.

Abstract: Two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to simulate a wide variety of conventional x-ray positioners. The arms are at least partially defined by a plurality of links that are connected at joints having independent axes of motion. The number of links, and corresponding degrees of freedom for the arms may be predetermined based on the end user application for the positioner.

Abstract: Two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to simulate a wide variety of conventional x-ray positioners. The arms are at least partially defined by a plurality of links that are connected at joints having independent axes of motion. The number of links, and corresponding degrees of freedom for the arms may be predetermined based on the end user application for the positioner.

Abstract: An x-ray positioner is provided having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, that are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to track a bolus travelling through a patient. A controller is provided with feedback information regarding the bolus to determine the rate of travel, and to produce motion signals to the arms to automatically track the movement of the bolus.

Abstract: Collimator apparatus is provided for an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray tube disposed to project an X-ray beam, and a detector spaced apart from the X-ray tube for receiving X-rays of the beam within an Active Imaging Area (AIA). The apparatus comprises a first collimator positioned along the path of the beam, the first collimator being vertically adjustable, and being operable to symmetrically collimate the beam. The apparatus further comprises a second collimating device positioned between the first collimator and the detector. The second collimating device limits the uppermost rays of the symmetrically collimated beam which reach the detector to a predetermined upper boundary. Thus, the second collimating device serves to fix the upper edge of the AIA on the detector.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray unit operates from a rechargeable battery in a number of different modes which draw current from the battery. The present invention determines the number of patient exams remaining in the mobile x-ray unit, and has the capability of monitoring battery capacity usage as well as displaying information. The current drawn from the battery is measured as the system operates, which allows for the remaining capacity of the battery to be calculated. The remaining capacity of the battery can be adjusted based on usage of the system in each particular application. The system then calculates patient exams remaining based on the adjusted calculated remaining capacity of the battery, and displays the calculated patient exams remaining.

Abstract: A control system for providing power to independently driven wheels of a power driven cart for transporting medical diagnostic equipment. A manually engageable handle is mounted to the cart in a position allowing a person to exert a manual force on the handle in a direction in which it is desired for the cart to move. Force sensors are coupled to the handle to sense the manual force applied to it in a plane parallel to the plane on which the cart is to be moved. The force sensors provide signals representative of the magnitude and direction of the manual force applied to the handle in forward, reverse and turning directions. Electronic circuits are coupled to the force sensors for providing control signals to motors driving the wheels of the cart for independently controlling direction and velocity of movement of the cart.