Abstract: An X-ray collimator for collimating X-rays from an X-ray source that illuminate an array of columns and rows of X-ray detectors, the collimator having a first side that faces the X-ray source and a second side opposite the first side that faces the detector array, the collimator comprising: a plurality of strips formed from an X-ray absorbing material, wherein each strip is corrugated so that it has rectangular and/or square corrugations; and means for maintaining the plurality of strips one next to the other with the corrugations of one strip aligned with corrugations of an adjacent strip to form an array of rows and columns of square/and or rectangular wells corresponding to the X-ray detectors in the array.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (16) suitable for use in a computed tomography (CT) scanner (10) includes an envelope (42) which defines an evacuated chamber. An anode (40) and a cathode assembly (70) are disposed within the chamber. The anode defines a target area (56) which is struck by electrons (52) emitted by a filament (54) of the cathode assembly and emits x-rays (46). The target area lies partially on a first annular portion (80) which is disposed at first angle (a) relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation (R) of the anode, and partially on a second portion (82,120) which is radially spaced from the first portion and disposed at a second angle (B), relative to the plane. The second angle is greater than the first angle. The portions of different slope allow the x-ray tube to take advantage of a shallow angle, while minimizing the heel effect.

Abstract: A computerized tomographic imaging system (31) including a vertical movement arrangement (32, 35) for moving gantry of said system vertically while rotating about the object being imaged (44) to provide a helical scan.

Abstract: A process for the production of mono- and multi-layer polymer shrink-films, wherein the composition does not include polymer cross-linking enhancers. A photoinitiator is added to a polymeric composition of which at least one layer is made, and the material is illuminated, after extrusion but before orientation, with ultraviolet radiation, to induce cross-linking within the layer or layers of the film. The amount of the photoinitiator, and the intensity and duration of the illumination are determined to provide a degree of cross-linking sufficient to create a desired change in the physical properties of the film.

Abstract: A mammalary biopsy needle positioning scheme that improves on the system of U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,727. In the present invention, the arrival of the needle holder into a pixel is distinguished by comparing latest data per pixel to average data per pixel. If the comparison reveals marked differences from the average value, then the average value is discarded and the new data is used whereas in the absence of marked differences, the new data is averaged with the old average. The result is images with highlighted needle holder insertion information thereby providing images of the needle holder in the breast in a much shorter time than provided by the prior art and/or with smaller X-ray doses.

Abstract: An optical communication link coupling a rotating part of a gantry of a computerized tomographic scanner to the stationary part of the gantry. The link comprises an arcuate hollow light conductor having one part rotating with the rotor of the gantry and the other part fixed to the stator of the gantry. Signal bearing light beams are transmitted into the link and are subsequently received from the link after transversing at least a portion theroef.

Abstract: Using electrostatic forces for controlling the location of the focal spot of the electron beam on the anode of an X-ray tube, the location is determined by a pair of detectors.

Abstract: An X-ray mammographic biopsy needle holder positioning system wherein the X-ray source is tilted to provide parallax views of the needle holder inserted in the breast. The tilting occurs independently of the breast compressor which remains untilted.