Abstract: A device for supporting a patient during a radiological imaging procedure is disclosed. The device includes a base, a support member pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a portion of the patient undergoing the radiological imaging procedure and an adjustment device comprising an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder has a first portion acting on the base and a second portion acting on the support member. An inflatable state of the adjustment device is controllable to selectively adjust an angular positioning of the support member relative to the base.

Abstract: A system for attenuating a primary radiation beam applied to a target area on a patient for generating an image of the target area during radiological examination includes a barrier formed of a radiation attenuation material and positionable over the target area to partially attenuate the primary radiation beam before the primary radiation beam reaches the target area. The barrier is configured to substantially extend around an entire periphery of the patient. The system also includes a buffer positionable between the barrier and the patient for offsetting the barrier from the patient. The buffer includes at least one flexible bag configured to retain a fluid. The at least one flexible bag is configured to improve the clarity of the image generated during the radiological examination.

Abstract: A system for attenuating a primary radiation beam applied to a target area on a patient for generating an image of the target area during a radiological procedure is disclosed. The system includes a radiation attenuation material positionable over the target area to partially attenuate the primary radiation beam before the primary radiation beam reaches the target area. The system also includes a buffer positionable between the radiation attenuation material and the target area. The buffer is formed of a polymeric material and is configured to improve the clarity of the generated image.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient during a radiological imaging procedure is disclosed. The device includes a base, a support member pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a portion of the patient undergoing the radiological imaging procedure and an adjustment device comprising an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder has a first portion acting on the base and a second portion acting on the support member. An inflatable state of the adjustment device is controllable to selectively adjust an angular positioning of the support member relative to the base.

Abstract: A system for attenuating a primary radiation beam applied to a target area on a patient for generating an image of the target area during radiological examination includes a barrier formed of a radiation attenuation material and positionable over the target area to partially attenuate the primary radiation beam before the primary radiation beam reaches the target area. The barrier is configured to substantially extend around an entire periphery of the patient. The system also includes a buffer positionable between the barrier and the patient for offsetting the barrier from the patient. The buffer includes at least one flexible bag configured to retain a fluid. The at least one flexible bag is configured to improve the clarity of the image generated during the radiological examination.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system for attenuating radiation during lateral radiographic imaging of an object is provided. The system includes a first radiation attenuating barrier that is substantially conformable to the object and configured to at least partially cover the object. The first radiation attenuating barrier has a fenestration area defining at least one opening. The system further includes a second radiation attenuating barrier coupled to the first radiation attenuation barrier. The second radiation attenuating barrier is selectively movable between a collapsed position and a generally upright position relative to the first radiation attenuating member.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system for use with Computed Tomography procedures and a Computed Tomography having a radiation attenuation system are disclosed. The radiation disclosed attenuation system includes a shield made of a flexible radiation attenuation material and an interface supporting the shield at the Computed Tomography machine. The interface allows the shield to be selectively added to and removed from the Computed Tomography machine. The disclosed Computed Tomography machine includes a gantry defining an opening through which a patient table is at least partially inserted during a Computed Tomography procedure and a housing enclosing the gantry without substantially covering the opening and remaining fixed relative thereto. The housing is at least partially defined by a front panel that is formed of a substrate and a radiation attenuation material. The radiation attenuation material is in the form of a flexible sheet and is fixed relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A system for attenuating a primary radiation beam applied to a target area on a patient for generating an image of the target area during a radiological procedure is disclosed. The system includes a radiation attenuation material positionable over the target area to partially attenuate the primary radiation beam before the primary radiation beam reaches the target area. The system also includes a buffer positionable between the radiation attenuation material and the target area. The buffer is formed of a polymeric material and is configured to improve the clarity of the generated image.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system suitable for use in radiological examinations includes a first portion comprising a radiation attenuation material and a second portion comprising a relatively non-radiation attenuation buffer region between the radiation attenuation material and an article undergoing the examination. The radiation attenuation system may be positioned over, under, near, or otherwise about the article. According to one embodiment, the radiation attenuation system is intended to be positioned over a target area on the article and coincident with the primary radiation beam.

Abstract: A radiation attenuating head cover configured to at least partially cover a head of a user is disclosed. The radiation attenuating head cover includes a radiation attenuating portion positionable across a forehead of the user and extending in a vertical direction between an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge is configured to remain above the eyes and ears of the user. The radiation attenuating head cover also includes an attachment device for securing the radiation attenuation head cover to the user. The radiation attenuating portion is configured to protect the user from radiation during a radiological procedure.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system for attenuating radiation during lateral radiographic imaging of an object is provided. The system includes a first radiation attenuating barrier that is substantially conformable to the object and configured to at least partially cover the object. The first radiation attenuating barrier has a fenestration area defining at least one opening. The system further includes a second radiation attenuating barrier coupled to the first radiation attenuation barrier. The second radiation attenuating barrier is selectively movable between a collapsed position and a generally upright position relative to the first radiation attenuating member.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system for use with Computed Tomography procedures is disclosed. The system includes a shield made of a radiation attenuation material and may be useful in blocking or attenuating radiation, and assisting in the protection of at least one of a patient and a medical personnel present during the Computed Tomography procedure. The system may be useful for both Computed Tomography scanning procedures and Computed Tomography fluoroscopy procedures.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system suitable for use in radiological examinations includes a first portion comprising a radiation attenuation material and a second portion comprising a relatively non-radiation attenuation buffer region between the radiation attenuation material and an article undergoing the examination. The radiation attenuation system may be positioned over, under, near, or otherwise about the article. According to one embodiment, the radiation attenuation system is intended to be positioned over a target area on the article and coincident with the primary radiation beam.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation system for use with Computed Tomography procedures is disclosed. The system includes a shield made of a radiation attenuation material and may be useful in blocking or attenuating radiation, and assisting in the protection of at least one of a patient and a medical personnel present during the Computed Tomography procedure. The system may be useful for both Computed Tomography scanning procedures and Computed Tomography fluoroscopy procedures.

Abstract: A flexible shield for covering an article and attenuating the flux of electromagnetic radiation relative to the article includes a polymetric matrix charged with an attenuating filler. The shield has a transmission attenuation factor of at least 50% of a primary 100 kVp x-ray beam, a durometer of less than about 100 Shore "00" and a coefficient of sliding friction relative to the article of at least 0.15.

Abstract: A reversible airfoil generally wing-like in shape comprising at least two spaced apart rigid spars having at least two slots therethrough, bars projecting through the slots in each rigid spar, each end of each bar attaching to a flexible slat, and a common flexible movable skin adjacent the flexible slats thereby covering same to form a reversible airfoil. A series of the rigid spars and attending parts when covered by a common flexible skin and adapted to fit on a beam provides a unique sail for a sailboat. Additionally, a series of the rigid spars and attending components when covered by a common flexible skin and vertically mounted on a rotatable frame provides a reversible lift airfoil for a wind-powered generator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a solar energy collector for concentrating the sun's rays on a conduit having a fluid flowing therethrough. A primary reflector is oriented in a north-south direction. The sun's rays are reflected from the primary reflector to a smaller secondary reflector located thereabove, which further reflects the sun's rays onto a conduit recessed below the primary reflector. The concentrated sun's rays on the conduit heats the conduit. The heated conduit further heats a fluid flowing through the conduit. The heated fluid is used to generate energy, directly or indirectly. An automatic control device, including a light sensor, continually adjusts the primary and secondary reflectors to insure that the sun's rays are striking the primary reflector at the proper angle. Adjustments of the primary and secondary reflectors are made by pivotal movement about the conduit which does not move.