Abstract: An X-ray apparatus comprises a general switch designed to eliminate the residual energy stored in capacitances of this X-ray apparatus. To this end, the general switch comprises several series-connected switch cells, each comprising a switch component constituted by a sidac parallel-connected with a thyristor. The number of cells is determined as a function of the voltage to be discharged. The apparatus has an external control circuit used to trigger the discharging of the first cell. Once the voltage in the first cell drops, the discharging of the second cell is triggered by an internal control circuit, and so on and so forth. The remaining cells are triggered at the same time, once they support a voltage greater than or equal to a predefined transition voltage. Thus, a chain reaction of the discharging of the stored energy is implemented.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a scintillator and a first and second imaging elements. The scintillator emits scintillation light in response to an incident of an energy beam. The imaging elements take an image of the scintillation light. These imaging elements have imaging faces opposing to each other, and the scintillator is disposed between these imaging faces so that the scintillator overlaps with these imaging faces.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus having an x-ray source, an x-ray imaging detector, and a support structure coupling the source and the x-ray detector and rotatable about a predetermined axis for positioning about a subject. The apparatus includes a first operator control console with a first command entry device for entry of operator setup instructions and a first display. A second operator control console is spaced apart from the first operator control console and has a second command entry device for entry of operator setup instructions and a second display. A control logic processor is responsive to the operator setup instructions for controlling operation of the radiography apparatus. At least some of the operator setup instructions entered at the first command entry device and operator setup instructions entered at the second command entry device are the same.

Abstract: A method includes placing received x-rays into at least three bins.

Abstract: In a method for fast angulation changes in a C-arm x-ray system, and a foot switch for effecting such fast angulation, a pedal of the foot switch that normally has a function not related to angulation of the C-arm is either permanently, or temporarily programmed, to operate as a pedal that, when depressed, automatically moves the C-arm to a predetermined angulation. The pedal can be movable between two positions, in order to selectively, automatically move the C-arm to either of two predetermined angulation positions, or can be used in conjunction with another pedal for that purpose. The pedal can also be temporarily given a security function and/or a radiation triggering function.

Abstract: A human-machine interface can detect when a user's ear is pulled back to initiate a plurality of procedures. Such procedures include turning on a TV using a laser attached to the user, starting an additional procedure by speaking a command, communicating with other users in environments which have high ambient noise, and interacting with the internet. Head position sensors are used to detect the position of the head of a user and to either initiate a procedure if a characteristic of the head position or positions meets a certain criteria, or to pass the head position information to another device.

Abstract: A method and system include at least one X-ray source for producing at least one X-ray beam, at least one detector assembly, at least one shutter, and a barcode reader. The shutter directs the at least one X-ray beam toward the detector assembly. The barcode reader is affixed, in a predetermined proximity, to the shutter for detecting a barcode on an object that is moved along the shutter thereby causing the shutter to be opened from a closed state and/or fully closed once the barcode has been detected.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generating unit which generates X-rays, an X-ray detecting unit which detects X-rays transmitted through a subject, a C-arm on which the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit are mounted, a support mechanism which movably supports the C-arm, a high voltage generating unit which generates a high voltage for generating X-rays from the X-ray generating unit, a first foot switch to input a first user instruction associated with generation of the X-rays, a second foot switch to input a second user instruction associated with movement of the C-arm, and a control unit which controls the high voltage generating unit in accordance with the input of the first user instruction and controls the support mechanism in accordance with the input of the second user instruction.

Abstract: A fluoroscope includes an x-ray generator, an x-ray tube for focusing the x-rays onto an area of a patient being imaged, and a fluoroscope monitor with a display screen for viewing the image captured by the fluoroscope. An on-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly includes a foot control and a head control. The foot control is operatively connected to the fluoroscope and adapted for being manually actuated by a foot of an operator. The foot control defines a first step activator for controlling activation of the x-ray generator. The head control is operatively connected to the fluoroscope and adapted for being automatically actuated when the operator views the display screen. The head control defines a second step activator for controlling activation of the x-ray generator. Upon simultaneous employment of the first and second step activators, the foot control and the head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generator and output radiation to the patient.

Abstract: During tomosynthesis a plurality of x-ray images is acquired. The angular position of the x-ray tube is changed from x-ray image to x-ray image. Absorption in the imaged object (patient) and also in the patient table changes as a function of the angle. To compensate for this, backlight is applied while the x-ray images are being acquired. The intensity of the back light is selected as a function of the angle of the x-ray tube to the normal of the flat x-ray detector. Backlight can also be directed during reading, with only the areas already read in each instance being irradiated.

Abstract: A system for radiographic inspection of an object includes a radiation source located on one side of the object and a radiation detector located on another side of the object, being positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. At least one motion sensor is associated with the radiation detector, the radiation source, or the object, for detecting motion. The magnitude of motion of the components is compared to a pre-established limit value. The imaging process is conducted when the magnitude of any motion is less than the limit value.

Abstract: With the object of realizing an X-ray CT apparatus which performs a plurality of pieces of imaging small in resolution degradation too simultaneously while suppressing an expansion of a data acquisition section that receives an electric signal of an X-ray detector, such an array that X-ray detectors in a channel direction are operated with the two as one pair is made by first detector switching means of a switching unit. This array moved by one X-ray detector in the channel direction is alternately repeated in the row or channel direction. Therefore, even when the number of receivers is small, data extending over a wide imaging range can simultaneously be collected while the degradation of resolution is being suppressed to a minor degree. By extension, imaging more coincident with an operator-aimed image can be done by making the switching use of imaging in high resolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control handswitch for a portable X-ray unit. The remote control handswitch for a portable X-ray unit comprises a two-step switch formed of a standby button and an execution button, and a handswitch housing having the two-step switch on an upper side of the same, wherein a multi-function operation is performed based on a click operation of the two-step switch. In the present invention, the remote control handswitch may be used for a remote controller using a remote control handswitch.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has a flat panel x-ray detector, the operation of which is susceptible to interference by strong magnetic fields. In order to allow the x-ray system to be operated concurrently with a magnetic system, such as a magnetic tracking system or a magnetic localization system, that emits a magnetic field of sufficient field strength to interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector, a control unit is provided that operates both the flat panel x-ray detector and the magnetic system. The control unit synchronizes operation of the magnetic system with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector so that the magnetic system emits the magnetic field only at times that do not interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for conducting a medical procedure on a number of patients respectively disposed at a number of different locations, a component of a medical device for implementing the medical procedure is moved along a pre-assembled track that extends to each of the locations. When the component is moved to the intended location by the track, the medical procedure is implemented at that location with the component retained on the track.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a body unit including a bed unit where an object is put, an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate an X-ray to the object and an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray passing through the object, an input unit configured to input control information to control at least part of operation of the body unit, a selection unit configured to select ON or OFF of a lock mode and a controller configured to determine at least part of the control information is locked when the lock mode is ON and the at least part of the control information is released when the lock mode is OFF.

Abstract: A motorized adjustable x-ray apparatus has a transmitter operable by AN operator for adjustment of a C-arm and mechanically connected with the C-arm. The transmitter allows adjustment of both an angulation angle and an orbital angle of the C-arm. The speed of the adjustment movement of the C-arm can be selected by actuation of the transmitter.

Abstract: An X-ray generator 1 includes an X-ray tube 11 having a cathode portion 16, a grid electrode 15 and a target 22, a voltage controller 27 and 32 for controlling voltages to be applied to the cathode portion 16 and the grid electrode 15, and switches 33 and 34 for operating ON and OFF of the X-ray generator 1 and of X-ray emission. The voltage controller 27 and 32, based on an ON-signal for the X-ray generator 1 and an OFF-signal for the X-ray emission, applies a positive standby voltage Vf1 to the cathode portion 16 and applies a negative cutoff voltage Vc1 to the grid electrode 15.

Abstract: A charge transfer system includes a current-based input device for generating an input current signal, a temporary energy storage device, and an amplification device. A switching device couples the temporary energy storage device to the current-based input device during a first portion of a time period and to the amplification device during a second portion of a time period. The input current signal charges the temporary energy storage device, during the first portion of the time period, to generate an input voltage signal. The amplification device receives the input voltage signal during the second portion of the time period.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a DC/DC power supply which supplies power to at least part of the apparatus, a photodetector array including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, and a line selector and reading circuit which read signals from the photoelectric conversion elements for each row in the photodetector array as a unit. A line driving signal in the line selector is set to be synchronized with a reference clock for defining the oscillation frequency of the DC/DC power supply and have a period of an integer multiple of the reference clock. A sample/hold signal for determining the timing at which a signal read from the photodetector array is sampled/held is output at a predetermined phase timing of each period of the line driving signal.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling an electron-emitting device is formed to draw, with a voltage applied, an excitation current being related to a number of electrons emitted. The inventive control circuit includes a first determinator for determining whether an amount of charge transported by the excitation current has reached a predetermined charge threshold value, a second determinator for determining whether a magnitude of the excitation current has reached a predetermined current threshold value, and a switch for switching off the excitation current as soon as the first determinator determines that the amount of charge has reached a predetermined charge threshold value, or as soon as the second determinator determines that the magnitude of the excitation current is smaller than the predetermined current threshold value.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus capable of performing both computerized tomography (CT) imaging and usual radiography imaging (usual imaging) can realize high definition even in the usual imaging. In the X-ray apparatus, for the usual imaging, since a chair serving as a supporting structure for supporting a subject on a rotatable table is not required, the chair is withdrawn from an imaging field. The usual imaging is controlled so as to be permitted when the supporting structure is withdrawn from the imaging field. For imaging a knee, for example, sliding the chair allows imaging keeping the knee being in the rotation center. Therefore, a wide variety of imaging operations can be realized with a single flat-panel sensor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: A current feedback circuit in a dental imaging apparatus, which measures the x-ray tube current produced by the x-ray filament. During preheat, when the tube current is sensed to be appropriate for production of a constant rate of electrons, preheat is stopped, and diagnostic radiation emission begins. This circuit eliminates a fixed amount of preheat pulses which contribute unusable radiation during preheat of the filament in prior art systems.

Abstract: A CT system for use in interventional procedures on a patient (20) supported by a support surface (24). The system includes a normal mode in which a patient is irradiated over an angle including irradiation from a general direction above the support surface, and a reduced angle irradiation mode in which the patient is irradiated only from an angle at which a physician is indicated as not being present or is assumed not to be present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining a sensor holder for holding an object, whereby the sensor holder carries a digital sensor of a dental X-ray unit. The inventive system comprises an input and display unit for interactively controlling the same, whereby a schema image can be displayed on the display unit. The system also comprises a processing unit that, based on the selected sensor holder, simulatively generates the schema image from which is apparent which area of the object is displayed when using the selected sensor holder.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus, is provided which includes a control section and a plurality of radiographing sections, each of which is connected to the control section. The control section establishes a standby mode in each of the radiography sections when each of the plurality of radiographing sections has been unused for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling an X-ray device having at least one X-ray tube and at least one X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray tube and/or the X-ray detector are movably arranged, before an activation of an X-ray tube indicated for a desired measurement, an automatic check is made out as to whether an X-ray detector indicated for the desired measurement is activated. Position data of the appertaining X-ray tube and/or appertaining X-ray detector are also automatically determined and using the identified position data, the relative positions of the appertaining X-ray tube and of the appertaining X-ray detector relative to one another are identified. The X-ray tube is enabled for activation, or is automatically activated, only when the X-ray detector is activated and the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are suitably positioned relative to one another for the desired measurement.

Abstract: When a phototimer unit is used for exposure control, a deterioration in a S/N ratio occurs, and optimal exposure cannot be performed due to a deviation from a proper image sensing position and the like. Therefore, there is provided a radiation image sensing apparatus comprising an X-ray image sensing panel which is capable of non-destructive reading and adapted to sense an object image by allowing radiation from an X-ray source to pass through an object, and a control circuit adapted to perform control to stop emission of radiation from the X-ray source on the basis of a signal obtained from the X-ray image sensing panel by non-destructive reading in the image sensing operation.

Abstract: The voltage applied to a first grid electrode 71 of an X-ray tube 11 by a grid voltage control section 110 is controlled with reference to a predetermined negative voltage from a negative voltage generating section 112 when an object 5 to be inspected does not exist in an imaging area (irradiation area of an X-ray from an X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from a pulse generator 105 is in its OFF state, and is controlled with reference to a reference positive voltage from a reference voltage generating section 115 when the object 5 to be inspected exists in the imaging area in the X-ray image intensifier 2 (irradiation area of the X-ray from the X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from the pulse generator 105 is in its ON state, whereby both of the cutoff voltage and grid operating voltage are applied in a stable state.

Abstract: A CT Fluoro system which, in one embodiment, includes an integrated controller, image reconstruction algorithms for increasing the speed of image display, and an enhanced image display, is described. The integrated controller enables the radiologist to maintain control of the system throughout the fluoro scan. The image reconstruction algorithms are generally directed to increasing the image frame rate or reducing image artifacts, or both, in the CT fluoro scan. The image display generally provides enhanced images and control to the radiologist during a scan procedure.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for generating an X-ray tube voltage is described, wherein a switching device, connected downstream of a voltage controller (Gsu) and a oscillating current controller (Gri), operable to compare a first controlling variable value (Yu(t)) and a second controlling variable value (Yz(t)) and is operable to send the lesser of the first and second controlling variable values (Yu(t) and Yz(t) onward as a resultant controlling variable value (Y(t)) to the inverse rectifier circuit (Gsi).

Abstract: This invention is to provide a system which has a plurality of sensor units and can efficiently sense an image. A sensing system includes a plurality of sensor units, a plurality of selection switches that are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of sensor units, respectively, and select corresponding sensor units, and a control circuit for setting a sensor unit selected by the selection switch in a ready state and an unselected sensor unit in a sleep state.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling an ionizing radiation generator (2) which consists in setting up a connection by radio relay channel between the generator and the control device (1). The invention is characterised in that said connection consists in transmitting a code specific to the generator and a code for connecting it to the control device and in communicating the two codes at each connection between said generator and said control device. The invention also concerns the installation for implementing said method.

Abstract: An imaging bed has a horizontally movable top panel for placing a subject to be imaged thereon, a touch switch mounted on the top panel for unlocking the top panel from a lock unit, and a protective cover positioned outwardly of the touch switch and tiltable toward and away from the top panel. The protective cover is engageable with the top panel in covering relation to the touch switch for preventing a finger from touching the touch switch when the protective cover is tilted toward the touch switch under external forces. The imaging bed is protected from an unwanted release from a fixed position, and can efficiently be operated.

Abstract: A method and device for providing power to a load are disclosed. A beam of free electrons is directed from a free-electron source, such as an electron gun, into an enclosing conductive surface. The free-electron source includes a cathode, which is maintained at a negative voltage with respect to the enclosing conductive surface. A region around the free-electron source is maintained in a vacuum. The system is configured to switch over a time period between two configurations. In the first configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is isolated from a ground. In the second configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is in electrical communication with the ground. Capacitive energy is discharged from the enclosing conductive surface when in the second configuration with an electrical circuit arrangement and provided to the load.

Abstract: A method for configuring and monitoring a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit, and monitoring the operation information of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system using an operator workstation at the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium coupled to the system unit which stores information for the system unit in the medical diagnostic system and a communication interface configured to allow communications between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray apparatus for a circuit examination, which includes an X-ray tube with a collimator, a mobile base having a pair of driven wheels, a holder attached and movable to the base, the holder holds the X-ray tube. A motor driver is disposed in the base which drives the wheels. An operation handle bar is disposed in the base providing a signal for driving the motor driver. An input means, separated from the handle bar, provides a signal for driving the motor driver slightly. A controller controls the motor driver according to the signal from the handle bar or the input means.

Abstract: A radiography device has a support mechanism at which an X-ray source, and an X-ray receiver are mounted, the support mechanism being displaceable relative to a component of the radiography device. The radiography device is provided with a device operating assembly which is arranged at the support mechanism. The radiography device can also has a device operating part in the form of an operating handle at the support mechanism.

Abstract: A radiation image reading system, comprises a plurality of reading apparatus to read a radiation image and to produce image data; and an information transmitting apparatus to transmit information regarding a patient to at least a reading apparatus of the plurality of reading apparatus; wherein when the information regarding the patient transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus is canceled, the information regarding the patient is transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus to another reading apparatus other than the reading apparatus to which the information regarding the patient was firstly transmitted.

Abstract: The voltage applied to a first grid electrode 71 of an X-ray tube 11 by a grid voltage control section 110 is controlled with reference to a predetermined negative voltage from a negative voltage generating section 112 when an object 5 to be inspected does not exist in an imaging area (irradiation area of an X-ray from an X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from a pulse generator 105 is in its OFF state, and is controlled with reference to a reference positive voltage from a reference voltage generating section 115 when the object 5 to be inspected exists in the imaging area in the X-ray image intensifier 2 (irradiation area of the X-ray from the X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from the pulse generator 105 is in its ON state, whereby both of the cutoff voltage and grid operating voltage are applied in a stable state.

Abstract: A method for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit associated with a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the field replaceable unit to the remote facility, communicating configuration information from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, and configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the configuration information from the remote facility. A corresponding apparatus includes a memory unit configured to store identification indicia associated with the field replaceable unit and a communication interface configured to communicate identification information from the identification indicia to a remote facility via a network.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a high voltage generator for applying a high voltage to the X-ray tube to generate X-rays from the X-ray tube, a detector for detecting X-rays coming from the X-ray tube through a subject, a reconstruction processor for reconstructing a tomogram on the basis of projection data detected by the detector, and an electrocardiograph for measuring an electrocardiogram associated with the subject. This apparatus also includes a means for stopping irradiation of the X-rays on the subject in a specific period in a cardiac cycle of the subject, and applying the X-rays onto the subject in a period other than the specific period on the basis of the electrocardiogram. In a cardiac cycle, the dose of X-rays is reduced by the amount corresponding to the specific period as compared with the prior art in which the subject is continuously irradiated with X-rays.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for (radiation) diagnosis or therapy can be provided with moving parts 6. Such an apparatus must be provided with a collision detection device 26, 28, 30. A known collision sensor measures the supply current for the drive motor and hence induces a high degree of inaccuracy in the collision detection. According to the invention the force applied to the moving part (image intensifier 6) is measured directly on the relevant part so as to be compared with an expected value, an alarm signal being generated when a threshold value for the difference is exceeded. The expected value is calculated while taking into account all movement and acceleration parameters of the apparatus. The expected values can be calculated in advance and stored in a look-up table or can be calculated, preferably while using a model of the apparatus, during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor unit is provided with a battery and a charging terminal attached to the battery. The sensor unit is positioned near a battery charger for recharging when the radiography apparatus is in its standby position before X-raying an object.

Abstract: An X-ray generator includes a cathode having an emitter made of carbon nanotubes which emits electrons by field emission and thus becomes a cold cathode electron emission source. In the invention using the carbon nanotubes, any one of the following three forms is adopted to control the tube current apart from the electron-focusing control. The first form is that a takeoff electrode is disposed near the cathode and the Wehnelt potential and the takeoff electrode potential are controlled independently. The second form is that an electron emission source is disposed behind the cathode and the electron emission source emits electrons which collide against the back of the cathode so that the cathode temperature is controlled in a range of the room temperature to about 100 degrees Celsius to regulate an amount of electron emission from the cathode.

Abstract: An imaging bed has a horizontally movable top panel for placing a subject to be imaged thereon, a touch switch mounted on the top panel for unlocking the top panel from a lock unit, and a protective cover positioned outwardly of the touch switch and tiltable toward and away from the top panel. The protective cover is engageable with the top panel in covering relation to the touch switch for preventing a finger from touching the touch switch when the protective cover is tilted toward the touch switch under external forces. The imaging bed is protected from an unwanted release from a fixed position, and can efficiently be operated.

Abstract: Medical workstation has at least two separately constructed medical devices that can be operated separately and independently of one another, of which at least one is provided with a remote control. By means of the remote control of the one medical device it is possible to trigger functions of the other medical device or devices.

Abstract: In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the rotation anode of an X-ray tube is placed in rotation at a given low speed prior to examination of an object under examination by fluoroscopy. For fluoroscopy, the rotational speed of the rotation anode is switched from the low speed to a given medium speed. For X-ray photography, the rotational speed of the rotation anode is switched from the medium speed to a given high speed.

Abstract: Mini C-arm apparatus for x-ray fluoroscopic imaging having a base or cabinet, an articulated arm assembly connected thereto, a support arm assembly carried by the articulated arm assembly, a C-arm slidably mounted in the support arm assembly, and an x-ray source assembly including an x-ray source and an image receptor assembly including an image receptor respectively mounted at opposed locations on the C-arm such that x-rays emitted by the x-ray source impinge on the image receptor, wherein one of the source and image receptor assemblies includes a control panel that permits activation of predefined functions of the x-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus.