Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for evaluating tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a characteristic of a tissue may include passing a current through the tissue, measuring a signal corresponding to the voltage resulting from passing the current through the tissue, analyzing current passed through the tissue and resulting voltage to determine the electrical characteristics of the tissue; and analyzing the electrical characteristics of the tissue to determine a status of the tissue. Disposable sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method and apparatus, multiple diagnostic scans are obtained of an examination subject during an imaging session. An initial reference scan of the subject is obtained at the beginning of the session and, as the session proceeds, an automatic determination is made before each diagnostic scan is obtained as to whether the immediately preceding reference scan is still valid, primarily be checking whether an amount of patient movement has occurred that renders the immediately preceding reference scan invalid. Either a new reference scan is obtained before the next diagnostic scan, or, if still valid, the immediately preceding reference scan is used for the next diagnostic scan.

Abstract: Wearable devices are described herein including a housing and a mount configured to mount the housing to an external surface of a wearer. The wearable devices further include first and second electrical contacts protruding from the housing and configured such that the electrical contacts can be used to measure a Galvanic skin resistance of skin proximate to the electrical contacts when the wearable device is mounted to the external surface of the wearer. The electrical contacts are additionally configured to measure a capacitance between electrical contacts. The measured capacitance between the electrical contacts could be related to a capacitance of skin proximate to the electrical contacts when the wearable device is mounted to the external surface of the wearer. The wearable devices further include an electronically switched capacitor connected between the electrical contacts that can be operated to enable the Galvanic skin resistance and capacitance measurements described above.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airflow perturbation device for detecting airway sensitivity to temperature comprises a pneumotachometer including a flow sensor to measure airflow through the apparatus; a perturbation mechanism to periodically alter air flow resistance in the apparatus; an air cooler; a pressure sensor to measure a difference in air pressure across the pneumotachometer and perturbation mechanism; and a computing system comprising at least one processor configured to receive data from the flow sensor and pressure sensor; and determine an airflow resistance based on the received data. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method for detecting airway sensitivity to temperature in substantially the same manners described above.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of determining respiratory parameters comprises determining a ratio of pressure changes to flow changes induced in the breathing of a patient by an airflow perturbation device at each of a plurality of perturbation frequencies to form a dataset. Resistance, compliance, and inertance parameters of a model of a respiratory system are determined by comparing a predicted frequency dependence of the model to the dataset. Embodiments of the present invention further include a system and computer program product for determining respiratory parameters in substantially the same manners described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, devices and kits for assessing the level of pulmonary disease in individual lung compartments. A lung compartment comprises a subportion of a lung, such as a lobe, a segment or a subsegment, for example. By measuring individual lung compartments, the level of disease of the pulmonary system may be more precisely defined by determining values of disease parameters reflective of individual subportions or compartments of a lung. Likewise, compartments may be separately imaged to provide further measurement information. Once individual compartments are characterized, they may be compared and ranked based on a number of variables reflecting, for example, level of disease or need for treatment. Such comparison may be aided by simultaneous display of such variables or images on a visual display. Further, the same tests may be performed on the lung as a whole or on both lungs and to determine the affect of the diseased lung compartments on the overall lung performance.

Abstract: A gait posture meter according to the invention includes an accelerometer affixed to a centerline of a measurement subject's waist area, and physical amounts corresponding to the measurement subject's waist position while walking are quantitatively calculated using one or both of an up-down axis acceleration timewise change waveform and a front-rear axis acceleration timewise change waveform outputted by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A gait posture meter evaluates a gait posture of a measurement subject, and includes an accelerometer affixed to a centerline of a measurement subject's waist area, an evaluation unit that repeatedly finds an evaluation amount quantitatively expressing a gait posture of the measurement subject based on an output of the accelerometer in each of predetermined unit periods within a predetermined continuous walking period of no greater than ten minutes, and a display processing unit that displays the repeatedly-found evaluation amounts in time series in the display screen.

Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting a fall by a user, the method comprising detecting whether a user has potentially experienced a fall event from measurements of the movements of the user; on detecting a potential fall event, determining the activity level of the user and a measure of a autonomic nervous system, ANS, response for the user associated with the potential fall event; comparing the determined activity level and the measure of the ANS response to a user profile relating activity level and ANS response for the user; and determining whether the potential fall event is a fall based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a hearing test provision system capable of causing a person who has decreased hearing ability to be aware of the state in a natural way and, in consequence, capable of promoting the sale of hearing aids. The present invention contains a product presenting unit that presents products, an operating unit with which a product is selected from products presented on the product presenting unit, a database that records hearing aid affinity information which indicates affinity between a product selected by the operating unit and a hearing aid, a determining unit that determines whether to perform a hearing test on the basis of at least the hearing aid affinity information, and a hearing test conducting unit that conducts a hearing test on the basis of a determination result from the determining unit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a select analyte in a sample in an electrochemical system. The method includes applying to the electrochemical system a time-varying potential superimposed on a DC potential to generate a signal; and discerning from the signal a contribution from the select analyte by resolving an estimation equation based on a Faradaic signal component and a nonfaradaic signal component.

Abstract: A system for administering negative pressure therapy to a wound includes a screen adapted to be positioned at the wound. A reduced pressure source is in fluid communication with the screen, and a Hood gas transducer is exposed to a reduced pressure provided by the reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure supplied by the reduced pressure source induces hyperperfusion of a blood gas at the wound.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a particle-containing domain are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from an opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site including a cartridge with a plurality of compartments and a plurality of sampling sites, and a detector assembly. Each sampling site includes a skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin and an inner lumen in communication with the first end, a spring actuator operatively associated with the skin-penetration member, and a needle hub connecting the skin-penetration member and the spring actuator. The needle hub includes a reagent pad and the spring actuator is configured to drive the skin-penetration member to form the wound opening. Each compartment at least partially encloses the skin-penetration member, the spring actuator, and the needle hub of a respective sampling site.

Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., to the skin and/or from the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, for example, using pain scales such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject.

Abstract: A universal headset-mounted Neuropsychological Testing System utilizes eye tracking, with a single screen fixed with respect to the face and a dot on the screen driven to present an object that both eyes are focused on using a set of prisms, with the prisms eliminating interocular distance considerations. Ultrathin optics cast a virtual image at 40 centimeters and a universal mask against which the test taker's face is placed fixes the single screen with respect to the face so that head movement is not a factor. Additionally, miniature cameras are located in the headset housing beneath the eyes, and a quick release tensioning unit provides easy headset mounting and removal. Moreover, all elements are located in the headset hood to eliminate the effects of head movement as well as environmental distractions.

Abstract: A urine handling system capsule (105) for releasing an oil mixture in the lumen of a urine handling system, the capsule (105) comprising a capsule wall defining a space filled with an oil mixture, wherein the oil mixture comprises 90-100% of an oil selected from the group consisting of silicone fluids and mineral oils or a mixture thereof, and having a viscosity of at most 600 cSt, and wherein the capsule wall is made of a water-soluble material. A urine measurement system (101) comprising an oil mixture arranged in the luminal space of the measurement system. A method for inhibiting impairment of functionality and measurement accuracy in a urine measurement system comprising applying an oil mixture to the inner surfaces of the urine measurement system. Use of an oil mixture in treatment of luminal surfaces of a urine handling system.

Abstract: A consumer based novel personal exercise apparatus that allows simultaneous simulation of mild to high altitude environments with algorithmically driven novel additional environmental stressors that may be pre-programmed or personally developed via physiological feedback during training. Additional stressors include the ability to transiently alter chamber pressure at variable frequencies and amplitudes with a range of changes with the option of random pressure oscillations designed to personalize training programs. Additional stressors include small variations in inspired CO2 levels and temperature allowing individuals to stimulate breathing and temperature conditions in preparation for desired environmental conditions.

Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.

Abstract: A sensor including electrodes, a control module and a physical layer module. The electrodes are configured to (i) attach to a patient, and (ii) receive a first electromyographic signal from the patient. The control module is connected to the electrodes. The control module is configured to (i) detect the first electromyographic signal, and (ii) generate a first voltage signal. The physical layer module is configured to: receive a payload request from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device; and based on the payload request, (i) upconvert the first voltage signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the sensor to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.

Abstract: A stimulation probe device including a first electrode, a stimulation module, a control module and a physical layer module. The stimulation module is configured to (i) wirelessly receive a payload signal from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device, and (ii) supply a voltage or an amount of current to the first electrode to stimulate a nerve or a muscle in a patient. The control module is configured to generate a parameter signal indicating the voltage or the amount of current supplied to the electrode. The physical layer module is configured to (i) upconvert the parameter signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the stimulation probe to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.

Abstract: The majority of cognitive virtual reality (VR) applications have been for therapy, and not cognitive screening/scoring. Provided herein is the BrightScreener™ and its first pilot feasibility study for evaluating elderly with various degrees of cognitive impairment. BrightScreener is a portable (laptop-based) serious-gaming system which incorporates a bimanual game interface for more ecological 3D interaction with virtual worlds. A pilot study determined that BrightScreener is able to differentiate levels of cognitive impairment based solely on game performance, as well as to evaluate the technology acceptance by the target population. Subsequent group analysis of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a high degree of correlation between the subjects' MMSE scores and their Composite Game Scores (0.90, |P|<0.01). Despite the small sample size (n=11), results suggest that serious-gaming strategies can be used as a digital technique to stratify levels of Cognitive Impairment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a property of a tissue, particularly cancer of cervical tissue. A light providing unit (7, 8, 9) provides light for illuminating the tissue (6) and a light detection unit (10) detects light from the tissue, wherein a first signal being indicative of light (11) having been influenced by an epithelium region (R1), a second signal being indicative of light (12) having been influenced by a boundary region (R2) and a third signal being indicative of light (13) having been influenced by a stroma region (R3) are generated, and wherein a tissue property is determined based on the first, second and third signals. This allows for an determination of a tissue property, which is based on a combination of optical properties measured in the three different regions, resulting in an improved determination of the tissue property, in particular in improved cancer detection.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide devices, methods, systems, and/or computer program products related to the maintenance of optimal control of diabetes, directed to determining patterns of inadequate testing during periods that tend to precede periods of poor glycemic control, or that can be presented in the context of daily periods of poor glycemic control. A user can be notified of the pattern of insufficient testing in the time period immediate precedent to or during the period of insufficient testing, so that a detrimental pattern can be avoided and/or mitigated by the user through increased self-testing.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: An arousal-level determining apparatus according to a present embodiment determines a subject's arousal level on the basis of a biological signal detected from a subject. The arousal-level determining apparatus measures a pulsation rate for each time interval on the basis of biological signals detected from the subject, and determines whether the subject is trying to be awake from a change in the pulsation rate, and corrects the subject's arousal level when the subject is trying to be awake.

Abstract: A patient communicator device provides the ability for non-verbal communication between a patient and medical personnel. The device includes a handgrip module that is held by the patient and a display unit for use by the medical personnel, with a communication link coupling the two components together. The handgrip module is formed of a deformable material and encases a power source (i.e., battery) and a pressure-activated switch. The patient squeezes the handgrip module to close the switch and transmit a signal to the display unit. For example, one squeeze may be used to indicate that everything is fine, two squeezes may be used to indicate that the patient is feeling an uncomfortable amount of pain and needs additional medication. These “squeeze” signals take the form of pulses that are passed to the display unit so that the medical personnel remains apprised of the patient's condition, allowing the patient to communicate regarding issues such as anxiety, pain or discomfort.

Abstract: An energy depositing therapy system (10), comprising:—an energy depositing unit (12) provided for locally depositing energy into a therapy zone (56) of a subject of interest (28) for therapy purposes;—a transducer unit (32) that is provided for applying mechanical oscillations to at least a portion of the subject of interest (28);—a magnetic resonance imaging system (14) provided for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging data from at least the portion of a subject of interest (28), comprising an image processing unit (24) configured to image the mechanical oscillations;—a control unit (40) that is connectable to the energy depositing unit (12), the transducer unit (32) and a magnetic resonance scanner (16) of the magnetic resonance imaging system (14), whereinthe control unit (40) is configured to control the depositing of energy in dependence of the processed magnetic resonance imaging data of the portion of the subject of interest (28);

Abstract: Dietary intake regulating devices that can assist a user in measuring his or her dietary intake and optionally his or her physical activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A garment for measuring one or more parameters of a wearer includes a base material configured to be worn by a wearer and a sensing component. The sensing component has a first elastic stretchability along a first axis and a second elastic stretchability along a second axis that is greater than the first elastic stretchability. The sensing component is integrated into a first location of the base material corresponding to a predetermined region of the wearer. The sensing component includes an electrically conductive material having an electrical resistance that changes with a change in a length of the sensing component. The sensing component includes at least one wire to electrically couple the electrically conductive material to a controller including a processor and a memory. The memory stores processor-executable instructions to cause the controller to determine a electrical resistance value across the sensing component via the at least one wire.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor device having a body configured to be inserted into an airway of a patient and one or more sensors mounted in or on the body. The one or more sensors are configured to collect sensor data associated with the airway of the patient. The system also includes a signal analyzer configured to analyze the sensor data. The one or more sensors could include one or more microphones. The signal analyzer could identify volume and/or pitch characteristics of the sensor data, perform pattern recognition to identify one or more patterns using the volume and/or pitch characteristics, and use the one or more patterns to identify a type, a location, and/or a degree of airway obstruction. This could be done, for instance, to determine if the patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea or other condition that affects his or her airway.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular, to vascular and endovascular surgery, and can be used for assessment of the condition of an isolated space of an aneurysmal sac after implantation of a stent-graft by measuring pressure inside the sac, and for administration of drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel as far as necessary. The device for measurement pressure in an isolated space of an aneurysmal sac and for administration of drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel is made in the form of a hollow tube. The tube has side apertures and is adapted to change a shape when introduced into an aneurysm, and to fill the entire interior space of the aneurysm at its circumference. The tube is also adapted to be connected to a pressure-measuring sensor through a detachable hollow tube to measure pressure between the vessel wall and the wall of a stent-graft implanted to the blood vessel, and to administer drugs through said detachable hollow rube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for sampling internal substance(s) in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal composed of at least one wall which is partially expandable. The invention also relates to a method of orally administering the device to an animal and recovering the device from the stool to carry out analysis on the collected sample for diagnosing the health of the gastrointestinal tract and determining nutrient absorption and digestibility.

Abstract: Assemblies are provided comprising a stent and a sensor positioned on and/or in the stent. Within certain aspects the sensors are wireless sensors, and include for example one or more fluid pressure sensors, contact sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, pulse pressure sensors, blood volume sensors, blood flow sensors, blood chemistry sensors, blood metabolic sensors, mechanical stress sensors and/or temperature sensors. Within certain aspects these stents may be utilized to assist in stent placement, monitor stent function, identify complications of stent treatment, monitor physiologic parameters and/or medically image a body passageway, e.g., a vascular lumen.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring, capturing, and modifying the motion of a body, for providing visual comparisons, metrics of comparison, and for generating motion standards. Motion standards may be manually or algorithmically modified to a different desired motion standard. The motion standards may be generated during motion capture and may be used as references for comparing amongst other motion standards or captured motions. Comparisons may generally be used for training and improving upon motions, such as athletic related motions, rehabilitation related motions, and the like. In certain embodiments data capture is done primarily by sensor units worn on a body which communicate amongst each other and with a secondary processing unit, which analyzes the data, provides means of comparing and modifying a captured motion, and which stores or relays such data to a tertiary device, such as a remote database.

Abstract: According to one of aspects, a mobile device, includes: a motion sensor module configured to detect a motion factor; a communication module configured to receive a plurality of operation factors used for an operation of an activity factor indicating an activity amount and respective dates and times at which the operation factors are measured; and a control module configured to calculate the activity factor indicating the activity amount using the operation factors received through the communication module and a value based on the motion factor detected by the motion sensor module when the operation factors are received.

Abstract: A medical imaging unit includes a patient receiving area, a housing unit at least partly surrounding the patient receiving area, a detector unit, and a movement detection unit. The movement detection unit includes two or more detection elements configured for detecting a distance from the detection elements to the patient, and including an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to establish from detected movement of the individual detection elements a three-dimensional movement of the patient within the patient receiving area.

Abstract: Systems and a method for reducing periodic artifacts in an electrophysiologic signal are provided. The method includes receiving a time-series electrophysiologic signal acquired from a subject and providing a regression model that defines an interference signal caused by periodic artifacts using a harmonic representation. The method also includes applying the regression model using the time-series electrophysiologic signal to define a cost function and performing an iterative optimization process to estimate regression parameters that minimize the cost function. The method further includes determining, using the regression parameters, the interference signal, and generating a corrected time-series electrophysiologic signal by reducing the interference signal.

Abstract: A method of making a diagnosis of a dental condition of a patient includes the steps of collecting non-imaging data relating to the patient, storing the non-imaging data in a storage medium containing stored non-imaging data and existing imaging data for this patient and for a plurality of other patients and applying non-real time and non-user attended algorithms to the stored non-imaging data and the existing imaging data of this patient and other patients. The algorithms determine the diagnosis of the dental condition of the patient. The diagnosis either is complete or determines what new dental imaging data for the patient is required to be acquired to diagnose the dental condition of the patient. The non-imaging data includes non-clinical data and non-dental clinical data.

Abstract: A method of operation of a medical device system for determining prospective heart failure hospitalization risk. The method includes measuring one or more data observations via one or more electrodes of an implanted medical device disposed in a patient's body. The data observations are stored into memory of the implantable medical device of a patient. The data observations are transmitted to an external device. The processor of the external device parses the data observations into one or more evaluation periods. Using the number of observations in one or more evaluation periods, a look up table, stored into memory of the external device, is accessed. The look up table associates prospective heart failure hospitalization risk with the data observations noted in the evaluation period. One or more embodiments involve a weighted prospective heart failure hospitalization risk for the set of evaluation periods. The prospective heart failure hospitalization is then displayed on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: In one example, a method of monitoring a sustained activity of a human or animal subject for the purpose of determining a risk group includes detecting a physical activity signal from the subject, determining a magnitude of the detected physical activity signal, initiating a timer in response to determining the magnitude of the physical activity signal exceeding an activity level threshold, triggering storing at least one value associated with the physical activity signal only when the magnitude of the physical activity signal exceeds the activity level threshold and the timer is greater than a duration threshold, and determining, using the processor circuit, an indication of the subject's cardiovascular disease based on the stored value.

Abstract: A method for determining MRI biomarkers for in vivo issue includes the steps of obtaining raw data concerning the in vivo tissue from a MRI machine; processing the raw data to obtain parameter maps; when applicable, registering images such that the exact same tissue at serial points can be analyzed; applying a grid over a region of interest to create sub-regions of interest (SROIs); inserting parameter measures for each SROI into a spreadsheet program to create a large 3D data matrix; applying standard big-data analytics including data mining and statistics of matrix measures to find patterns of measurement values or measure changes (which may include established biomarkers). A medical imaging software program is used to obtain the parameter maps from the raw data and place multiple grids over the SROIs. 3D matrix measures may be data mined and analyzed using standard big-data analytics.

Abstract: A signal processing method and apparatus for measuring heartbeat and oxygen saturation. The signal processing apparatus may acquire a first sampled signal by sampling a detection signal output from an optical detector in an interval in which a light source is activated, may acquire a second sampled signal by sampling a detection signal output from the optical detector in an interval in which the light source is inactivated, and may output a combined signal in which the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal are combined. An amplitude of the first sampled signal may decrease by combining the first sampled signal with the second sampled signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining a hemodynamic parameter. An exemplary method comprises: receiving data associated with at least one heart beat; calculating a first standard deviation for at least a portion of the data; interpolating a second standard deviation for at least a second portion of the data; and determining the hemodynamic parameter based on the first standard deviation and the second standard deviation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information are provided. The method includes measuring biometric information corresponding to a health condition of a body part of a user, determining a visual metaphor representation for characterizing a degree of the health condition based on mapping information between components of the visual metaphor representation and types of the measured biometric information, transforming, by a processor, the measured biometric information into the determined visual metaphor representation, and providing the transformed visual metaphor representation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an input device by which patient information including at least height and weight is inputted; a display; and processing circuitry configured to calculate a BMI (Body Mass Index) indicated by weight (kg)/{height (m)}2 based on the height and weight, determine whether the BMI is within a range of a predetermined threshold value or not; and cause the display to display an alarm when the BMI is not within the range of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: According to embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry, bed, input interface circuitry, and control circuitry. The gantry includes an X-ray tube generating X-rays and an X-ray detector detecting the X-rays transmitted through a subject. The bed arranged at a front surface side of the gantry includes a top plate moving toward an opening of the gantry. The input interface circuitry inputs an imaging plan concerning imaging of the subject. The control circuitry controls the bed to limit movement of the top plate when the input interface circuitry inputs an imaging plan to image part of the subject inserted from a back surface side of the gantry into the opening.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide a patient couch support for dissipating heat of the patient couch support. The patient couch support includes a surface to accept an examination object and at least one channel for carrying a fluid running at least partly inside the patient couch support. The at least one channel has at least one inlet opening for delivering the fluid and at least one outlet opening for taking away the fluid. One or more embodiments provide a corresponding patient couch and a system for dissipating heat of the patient couch support.

Abstract: A patient table and a control device of a pallet of the patient table are provided according to the present application to facilitate achieving the switching between manual operation and automatic operation in controlling the pallet, and to improve the operation convenience. The control device includes a through-beam photoelectric switch, a shutter and a trigger connected to the shutter, the trigger is arranged on a push-pull portion of the pallet to allow the shutter to be driven to move when a hand acts on the push-pull portion, to block a light beam of the through-beam photoelectric switch. The through-beam photoelectric switch is in signal connection with the control board of the patient table and is configured to send a signal for releasing the pallet to the control board of the patient table once the light beam of the through-beam photoelectric switch is blocked.