Abstract: A tomograph type detection device including a plurality of detection elements arranged in a form of a ring and electrodes on each face of the elements. Each electrode includes a connector, all the connectors being located on the external periphery of the ring of detection elements.

Abstract: A gamma-ray or X-ray detection device including a scintillator configured to convert gamma rays or X-rays into optical radiation, an optical image intensifier configured to intensify the optical radiation to generate intensified optical radiation, an optical coupling system configured to guide the intensified optical radiation, and a solid state detector configured to detect the intensified optical radiation to generate an interaction image representing a gamma-ray or X-ray energy emission.

Abstract: A sound output portion 7, a power supply switch 4, and a power supply portion 3, which are provided at a detachable portion A of a manipulation grip 1 are configured to be detachable from a main body portion B of the manipulation grip 1. Accordingly, upon sterilization using a sterilizing gas such as an EOG, the sound output portion 7, the power supply switch 4, and the power supply portion 3 can be removed on a detachable portion A basis. This in turn allows for using a sterilizing gas such as EOG to sterilize the radiation detector except the sound output portion 7, the power supply switch 4, and the power supply portion 3, thereby preventing damage caused by a negative pressure in the sound output portion 7.

Abstract: A biomarker generator system for producing approximately one (1) unit dose of a biomarker. The biomarker generator system includes a small, low-power particle accelerator (“micro-accelerator”) and a radiochemical synthesis subsystem having at least one microreactor and/or microfluidic chip. The micro-accelerator is provided for producing approximately one (1) unit dose of a radioactive substance, such as a substance that emits positrons. The radiochemical synthesis subsystem is provided for receiving the radioactive substance, for receiving at least one reagent, and for synthesizing the approximately one (1) unit dose of a biomarker.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for varying the hole length of a parallel hole collimator, provides a variably configurable compound collimator for use in nuclear imaging. The collimator has a plurality of substantially parallel oriented collimator cores configured for transition between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein a gap space between said collimator cores is greater in the expanded configuration than the contracted configuration. The maximum gap space is designed to prevent photons from one hole in the collimator from reaching the detector proximate an adjacent hole of the collimator.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding cables around a rotating gantry which includes a guide chain having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a stationary portion of the rotating gantry and the second end is connected to a rotating portion of the gantry. The apparatus for guiding cables around a rotating gantry also includes means for maintaining the guide chain adjacent to at least one of the stationary portion and the rotating portion of the rotating gantry. Specifically, the means for maintaining the guide chain adjacent to at least one of the stationary portion and the rotating portion of the rotating gantry includes a plurality of plates connected to the guide chain and a magnetic strip positioned adjacent to at least one of the stationary portion and the rotating portion of the rotating gantry. The plurality of plates is preferably formed of a ferrous metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus, primarily a radiation imaging apparatus and an array of coded aperture masks, for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The coded aperture masks are fitted with radiation attenuation tubes, each of which extends from each side of the mask in the direction of the mask apertures. The tubes are made from lead and have parallel sides. The masks are configured for gamma ray usage and are made from tungsten having a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.

Abstract: Correction of scintillation event data from a nuclear medicine imaging system for effects of pulse pile-up is carried out by separating event data packets into total energy and individual detector energy data packets, executing pile-up correction algorithms on each of the separated packets simultaneously using a pipeline processing architecture, and reassembling the corrected data packets into corrected scintillation event data packets. Pulse tail correction information for each individual detector is stored in a storage medium for a present event and immediately preceding event for which correction information exists, which allows individual detector correction information to be retrieved by using a look-up procedure, thereby enabling correction to be performed within a single processor cycle.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in imaging a subject using both light and gamma rays emanating from the subject, the device including: a first sensor means (2) responsive to light received thereby from the subject to generate first signals (6) for use in forming a first image (10) of the subject; a second sensor means (3) responsive to gamma rays received thereby from the subject to generate second signals (7) for use in forming a second image (11) of the subject and arranged to receive gamma rays from the subject which have passed from the subject through the first sensor means before reaching the second sensor means.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged. An energy discriminating (ED) detector receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source. The ED detector includes a direct conversion layer dynamically operable in a photon counting mode in one view and in an integrating mode in another view and an indirect conversion layer. A data acquisition system (DAS) is operably connected to the ED detector and a computer operably connected to the DAS.

Abstract: A three-dimensional detector module for use in detecting annihilation photons generated by positrons emitted from radio-labeled sites within a body is formed from multiple solid state photo-detectors attached to one or more scintillators. Each photo-detector can be attached to a scintillator to form a photo-detector/scintillator combination and multiple photo-detector/scintillator combinations can be arranged in an array. Alternatively, multiple photo-detectors can be attached to the surface of a single scintillator to form an array. Multiple arrays are then stacked to form a photo-detector module. The modules can then be assembled to form a sheet of photo-detector modules. Multiple sheets or multiple modules can then be arranged around a body to detect emissions from radio-labeled sites in the body.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

Abstract: A multiaxis gantry camera has additional axes of movement that allow unexpected functions. A first function allowed the collimator is to be exchanged while maintaining them in a configuration that saves space. The device can also be used to calibrate in a space-saving configuration. Different turning configurations can be allowed to change the orientation over which scanning is conducted.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes an array of detector pixels each including an array of detector cells. Each detector cell includes a photodiode biased in a breakdown region and digital circuitry coupled with the photodiode and configured to output a first digital value in a quiescent state and a second digital value responsive to photon detection by the photodiode. Digital triggering circuitry is configured to output a trigger signal indicative of a start of an integration time period responsive to a selected number of one or more of the detector cells tranisitioning from the first digital value to the second digital value. Readout digital circuitry accumulates a count of a number of transitions of detector cells of the array of detector cells from the first digital state to the second digital state over the integration time period.

Abstract: A system for obtaining data from an imaging plate is provided. The system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam and a controller operably connected to the light source and configured to scan the light beam across an object in a first direction. The system further includes a mask comprising a positionable aperture configured to transmit the light beam to the object. A position of the aperture is synchronized with a position of the light beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planning tool for the interactive selection of control variables (x1, y7, ?1, ?2, ?3, I1, I2) of a radiation therapy plan from a database (1) comprising a plurality of pre-calculated solutions. Each solution represents a radiation therapy plan which, from a technical point of view, consists of a plurality of control variables or instructions. Each solution also has characteristic values for radiation doses for a target volume (T, Target) and at least one risk volume (risk organ, h1, h2, h3) which are stored in the database (1). A plurality of axes are visibly represented on a display device (3; 3a, 3b) as radiation dose scales (30, 31, 32, 33) for the target volume (T) and the at least one risk volume (h1, h2, h3), for the formation of at least one risk axis and one target axis.

Abstract: This device is a gamma imagery device including: a gamma camera (1) with an observation field (5), a gamma spectrometry detector (7) collimated with a collimator (6) with an observation field (8) extending around an axis (x2) and that is included in the observation field (5) of the gamma camera (1) beyond a given distance (d) from it; a laser pointer (9) with a line of sight (x3), this laser pointer being located close to the gamma spectrometry collimator (6), such that the line of sight (x3) is substantially parallel to the axis (x2) of the observation field (8) of the collimator (6) and intersects the observation field (8) of the collimator (9), means (1, 10) of localising a zone (12) pointed at by the laser pointer (9).

Abstract: A multiheaded camera which is formed with a number of heads on one support structure and a different support structure with other heads. At least one of the heads is movable, so that the patient can obtain ingress and egress to the area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program, method, and system to facilitate hybrid CT attenuation correction. In one embodiment, the method generally includes acquiring data from a scanner, utilizing an ordered subset expectation maximization-bayesian algorithm to reconstruct the acquired data, and forward projecting the reconstructed data. Such a configuration minimizes the computing resources required for reconstruction and improves attenuation correction accuracy.

Abstract: Arrangement for taking a CT scan and a SPECT scan of a patient in a single-pass diagnostic procedure. A SPECT scanner and a CT scanner are included. The SPECT scanner is mounted on a SPECT gantry and the CT scanner is mounted on a CT gantry. The SPECT and CT gantries are moveable with respect to one another between a mated operating configuration and a separated maintenance configuration. A pair of receiving brackets is fixedly mounted on the SPECT gantry. A pair of self-locating brackets is fixedly mounted on the CT gantry. Each of the pair of self-locating brackets is configured for assuming a prescribed position relative to a respective one of the pair of receiving brackets when in snug abutment together. A floating connection interconnects the CT scanner with the pair of self-locating brackets, and in this manner float-mounts the CT scanner with the SPECT scanner and facilitates the taking of the CT scan and a SPECT scan of a patient in a single-pass diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides internal gain charge coupled devices (CCD) and CT scanners that incorporate an internal gain CCD. A combined positron emission tomography and CT scanner is also provided.

Abstract: A method for correcting emission data from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or SPECT includes generating a plurality of computed tomography (CT) image data, selecting a portion of the CT image data, processing the selected CT data to generate a plurality of attenuation correction (CTAC) factors at the appropriate energy of the emission data, weighting the CTAC factors to generate an emission attenuation correction map wherein the weights are determined based on the axial location and the slice thickness of the CT data and the axial location and the slice thickness of the PET or SPECT data, and utilizing the generated attenuation correction map to generate an attenuation corrected PET image.

Abstract: A Compton scattered gamma-ray detector system. The system comprises a gamma-ray spectrometer and an annular array of individual scintillators. The scintillators are positioned so that they are arrayed around the gamma-ray spectrometer. The annular array of individual scintillators includes a first scintillator. A radiation shield is positioned around the first scintillator. A multi-channel analyzer is operatively connected to the gamma-ray spectrometer and the annular array of individual scintillators.

Abstract: A gamma camera having a scintillation detector formed of multiple rotating bar detector modules arranged in a ring configuration, with synchronized spin motion of each module. Such a camera can be used for both PET (coincidence) and single photon imaging applications. Image reconstruction is obtained using either an inverse 3-D Radon transform or a 3-D fan-beam algorithm.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a plurality of imaging detectors acquiring imaging data indicative of a patient over a length of time. The plurality of imaging detectors are arranged proximate the patient and remain in a fixed position with respect to the patient. A processor receives the imaging data and divides the imaging data into sub-sets. The processor iteratively processes the sub-sets.

Abstract: A solid state PET module for retrofitting to a standalone CT scanner generally includes a housing that is insertable into at least a portion of a bore opening of a gantry of the CT scanner. The housing includes a number of PET coincidence detectors, which are preferably solid state APD detectors. The module may include a base for supporting the module on a floor or platform of the CT scanner, or may be in the form of a disk securably fastened to the CT scanner gantry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing testing a computer aided diagnosis (CAD)-based system comprising receiving radiological image of a patient acquired using at least one piece of radiological equipment at least partially controlled by a technologist, the patient being controlled by the technologies relative to the radiological equipment in acquiring said radiological image.

Abstract: In positron emission tomography, a nuclear medicine scanner is utilized to detect ?-ray events resulting from positron annihilation events. Molecules with known behaviors are tagged with radioactive isotopes which decay into ?-ray pairs which are detected coincidentally, i.e. in a near-simultaneous fashion, by radiation detectors. A temporal recorder and a subject support monitor indicate the time and position of the subject when the coincident ?-rays were detected. A storage buffer collects ?-ray detection times and locations along with support positions. Every 1/100th- 1/10th second, a batch of data collected in the buffer is reconstructed into overlapping portions of an image memory as the support moves continuously through the scanner.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a damper which is a hollow member with a fluid sealed into the interior thereof, and is formed, on its side abutted against an object to which it is to be mounted, in a concave shape conforming to the shape of a corner of the object, and is formed, on its side opposite to the concave shape, in a convex shape conforming to the shape of the corner of the object; and a detecting section for detecting an internal pressure of the damper.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for creating medical images of a subject patient using a plurality of imaging devices, such as tomographic imaging scanners. The system comprises a plurality of imaging devices, each having a bore through which a patient is translated during scanning. The bores of each device are substantially aligned axially with respect to each other. An open area is formed between the imaging devices along the path of the patient, through which a caregiver can attain line-of-sight visual contact with or other access to the patient. During a scanning operation, the scanned portion of a patient is transported through the bore of the first device, past the opening between the devices and into the bore of the second device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a PET system during an imaging scan using the PET system. The method further includes processing the received timing information and timing bias information relating to the PET system to control the PET system.

Abstract: A PET mammography detector having an ellipsoidal detection surface. The ellipsoidal detection surface comprises at least one scintillation element, and is configured such that a larger portion of gamma ray emissions strike normal or near normal to the detection surface than in rectangular or cylindrical detection surfaces. The detection surface is preferably spherical, but may also be an oblate or prolate spheroid. The detector may also include a positioning ring and table to allow imaging of the patient's breast while the breast hangs freely and uncompressed inside the detector.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.

Abstract: Apparatus for radiation based imaging of a non-homogenous target area having distinguishable regions therein, comprises: an imaging unit configured to obtain radiation intensity data from a target region in the spatial dimensions and at least one other dimension, and an image four-dimension analysis unit analyzes the intensity data in the spatial dimension and said at least one other dimension in order to map the distinguishable regions. The system typically detects rates of change over time in signals from radiopharmaceuticals and uses the rates of change to identify the tissues. In a preferred embodiment, two or more radiopharmaceuticals are used, the results of one being used as a constraint on the other.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a tomographic image of part of an animal or a part of an animal including a human being or a part of a human being by using radioactive radiation is disclosed. The animal is at least partly placed into a measuring cavity having an axial axis. The measuring cavity being at least partially surrounded by a cavity wall which is provided with a plurality of pinholes, and behind the pin holes (as viewed from the measuring cavity or lumen) detection means are placed. A radioactive radiation from a radioactive isotope administered to the animal is detected in a position-related manner by the detection means and data obtained with the detection means are used for the generation of the tomographic image.

Abstract: A radiation detector has a main body (1), and a radiation detection probe (2) detachably attached to the distal end of the main body (1). The probe (2) includes a detection unit (3) accommodating a radiation detection element (7), a cap-shaped shield member (6) mounted to the detection unit (3) so as to cover the distal end of the detection unit (3), and a probe cover (4) accommodating the detection unit (3) and the shield member (6). A connector (10) onto which the probe (2) is adapted to be screwed is provided on the distal end of the main body (1). A collimator (6A) for collimating incident radiation is provided on the distal end of the shield member (6).

Abstract: A nuclear medicine imaging system including a gantry disposed above a table with a photo detector mounted on the gantry for performing imaging. The table may be fixed beneath the gantry or movable. A video screen is mounted on the gantry or on the table, along with an audio speaker, so as to remain substantially motionless relative to the table. The table may include an aperture through which the video screen may be viewed. A media player is connected communicably to the video screen by a first channel and to the audio speaker by a second channel, so that a patient on the table may view the video screen and listen to the audio speaker while undergoing imaging.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon is hereinafter disclosed. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for examining a body part. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for immobilizing and compressing the body part. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for providing an internal anatomical image of the body part and a mechanism for detecting single gamma-rays emitted by a radiotracer infiltrated into the body part. The detecting mechanism is disposed in an adjacent relationship with the mechanism for providing an internal anatomic image so that the body part remains in the same position during and between anatomic and radiotracer imaging. In one embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a detector module disposed on one side of the immobilizing mechanism. The detector module preferably has at least one array of gamma ray sensitive material in communication with a position detector. In another embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a pair of detector modules disposed one on each side of the immobilizing mechanism.

Abstract: Gamma rays obtained from radioisotope administered to an examinee are detected by a gamma ray information-detecting unit so that a first tomographic image obtained therefrom is formed on a CRT. Further, a second tomographic image of the examinee detected by using an ultrasonic wave information-detecting unit juxtaposed with respect to the gamma ray information-detecting unit is formed while making the second tomographic image overlap on the first tomographic image. Thus, it is possible to obtain a tomographic image in which relative positional relationship of tissue is clear.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine camera having an X-ray imaging capability, comprising: a gantry having a stationary portion and at least one rotating portion; at least one gamma camera mounted on a said at least one rotating portion and capable of being rotated together at a common first rotation rate about an axis, said at least one gamma camera being capable of acquiring nuclear imaging data for reconstructing a tomographic nuclear image; and an X-ray CT imager having an X-ray source mounted on said at least one rotating portion and being capable of acquiring X-ray imaging data for reconstructing an X-ray image; said X-ray CT imager being mounted closer to said stationary portion than said at least one gamma camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

Abstract: A flexible imager, for imaging a subject illuminated by incident radiation, includes a flexible substrate, a photosensor array disposed on the flexible substrate, and a scintillator. The scintillator is disposed so as to receive and absorb the incident radiation, is configured to convert the incident radiation to optical photons, and is optically coupled to the photosensor array. The photosensor array is configured to receive the optical photons and to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the optical photons. A digital imaging method for imaging subject includes conforming flexible digital imager to subject, the subject being positioned between flexible digital imager and a radiation source. The method further includes activating radiation source to expose the subject to radiation and collecting an image with the flexible digital imager.

Abstract: There is provided a radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: A method for operating a coincidence imaging system is provided. The method includes receiving samples from a detector output and determining an intersection of a first line corresponding to a baseline portion of the detector output samples and a second line corresponding to a pulse rise portion of the detector output samples.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an image pickup device and a medical examinee holding device that is provided with a bed. The image pickup device includes a large number of radiation detectors and radiation detector support plates. A large number of radiation detectors are mounted around the circumference of a through-hole and arranged in the axial direction of the through-hole. The radiation detectors are arranged in three layers formed radially with respect to the center of the through-hole and mounted on the lateral surfaces of the radiation detector support plates. Since the radiation detectors are not only arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction of the through-hole but also arrayed in the radial direction, it is possible to obtain accurate information about a ?-ray arrival position in the radial direction of the through-hole (the positional information about a radiation detector from which a ?-ray image pickup signal is output).

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a proximity detector having a simple configuration and an imaging system including the proximity detector. In an embodiment, a proximity detector mainly comprises: a single electrode mounted on a subject-side end of a movable member; a current feeding device for feeding a constant current to an electrostatic capacitor formed between the electrode and a ground; a discharging device for releasing charge from the electrostatic capacitor at intervals of a certain cycle; a binary-coding device for binary-coding the potential at the electrode relative to a ground based on a threshold; and a smoothing device for smoothing an output signal of the binary-coding device.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon is hereinafter disclosed. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for imaging an object with a computed tomographic (CT) imaging system that includes steps of helically scanning the object with a multi-slice CT imaging system to acquire attenuation measurements of the object, the measurements including more than two conjugate samples for estimation of a projection at a plane of reconstruction of the object; and filtering and backprojecting the attenuation measurements of the object, including the more than two conjugate samples, to reconstruct at least one image slice of the object. An improved sampling pattern and better use of the attenuation samples obtained during a scan is thus provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an apparatus for an enhanced imaging sensor consisting of pixellated micro columnar scintillation film material for x-ray imaging comprising a scintillation substrate and a micro columnar scintillation film material in contact with the scintillation substrate. The micro columnar scintillation film material is formed from a doped scintillator material. According to the invention, the micro columnar scintillation film material is subdivided into arrays of optically independent pixels having interpixel gaps between the optically independent pixels. These optically independent pixels channel detectable light to a detector element thereby reducing optical crosstalk between the pixels providing for an X-ray converter capable of increasing efficiency without the associated loss of spatial resolution. The interpixel gaps are further filled with a dielectric and or reflective material to substantially reduce optical crosstalk and enhance light collection efficiency.