Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source, a collimator, and an X-ray scatter detector. The X-rays are directed toward an object to be imaged where the collimator and detector are located between the source and object. The X-rays striking the object produce back scattered X-rays which are directed back through the collimator to the detector and an image is produced.

Abstract: A dental X-ray diagnostic installation for producing panoramic tomograms of the jaw of a patient is provided with a multiple diaphragm part having a plurality of different diaphragm apertures which can be adjusted to be positioned into a beam path from the X-ray source to enable producing different exposures. Preferably, the multiple diaphragm part is mounted for rotation on an axis so that the diaphragm apertures can be respectively aligned to the beam path of the radiation source. The multiple diaphragm part can be either a one-piece diaphragm member having a cylindrical configuration, a multiple piece member having a disk configuration, or can be a box-shaped carrier carrying a plurality of diaphragm inserts.

Abstract: An X-ray source includes a thin film X-ray target for generating and focusing X-rays in response to the application of electron beams, and a capillary tubular element for allowing the X-rays to pass. The capillary tubular element has such a diameter the beams of the X-rays impinging on the inner surfaces of the capillary tubular element are totally reflected. Additionally, a thin film is provided for adsorbing the electron beams, but allowing the X-rays to penetrate.

Abstract: A CT scanner comprises a rotatable gantry 1 carrying an X-ray source 3 which provides a fan-shaped beam of X-rays and an X-ray detector 10 which scans the X-ray intensity along a line in the plain of the beam. The gantry is rotatable about an axis A relative to a couch 2 which supports the patient under investigation. The X-ray detector 10 comprises two concentric X-ray masks exposed around a scintillator tube; the two masks having helical X-ray transmissive apertures, the helices being of opposed orientation so that rotation of the masks in opposite directions causes the exposed area of the scintillator tube to move along its length.

Abstract: An X-ray image detecting apparatus devised so as to project an X-ray image of an object on a image receiving plane made of two-dimensionally arrayed picture elements with the object irradiated by many thin scanning X-ray beams. The beams, which penetrate the object, scan coincidentally a limited number of the picture elements of which they take a charge respectively, causing the time of scanning the whole area of the image receiving plane to be short. The image signals successively outputted from the picture elements are stored in a memory with only their respective maximum values selected. Thus, the image signals are made free from being adversely affected by the stray X-rays scattered from the inside of the object, and provide a high-contrast X-ray image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for examining a body by means of gamma rays or X-rays, in which a body to be examined is irradiated by a plurality of primary beams having a comparatively small cross-section. The scattered radiation produced is intercepted by detector devices, at least one of which is associated each time with a respective primary beam, and the detector device and an associated slit which images the primary beam on the detector device is arranged so that the detector device is struck essentially only by scattered radiation from this one primary beam. Preferably, the detectors are arranged between the body to be examined and the radiation source, so that they can intercept only the back-scattered radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for slit radiography which comprises an X-ray source and a slit diaphragm through which a body to be examined can be scanned by a planar X-ray fan beam. The slit diaphragm is operatively associated with a plurality of juxtaposed tongue-shaped attenuation elements, which elements are arranged for having their free ends swung to a greater or lesser extent into the X-ray beam so as to effect a local attenuation of the beam. The tongue-shaped attenuation elements form at least one flared configuration as seen from the X-ray source.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an X-ray examination apparatus allowing to produce images of an object through the scanning of the object by at least two fan-shaped beams having different energy spectra, and obtained from a single X-ray source, thereby allowing to obtain simultaneously images of the object adapted to contain different informations.

Abstract: A scatter radiation compensation method for use in a medical diagnosis x-ray imaging system employs the use of an attenuating material placed in an x-ray beam to attenuate a portion of the beam such that the in-line component of the beam is reduced in the attenuated area. In one embodiment, an additional image is then taken utilizing an attenuator through out the full area of the beam to provide an image indicative of in-line components of the x-ray beam. The difference in image intensity between the two images is then computed to determine the scatter component of intensity and that intensity is thereafter substracted from the overall intensity obtained in a medical diagnostic image to obtain an image with the scattering effects removed. In one embodiment, the attenuating objects are plural spaced objects located at predetermined positions in the image.

Abstract: A radiation-detecting device for computed tomography, wherein a plurality of scintillation elements are linearly arranged with a collimator plate interposed between the respective units thereof; an outermost collimator plate is set outside of each terminal unit of said linearly arranged scintillation elements; the scintillation elements are adhered to the surface of a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of photodiode elements are mounted. The scintillation element emits a light upon receipt of X-rays. The light beams emitted from the scintillation elements and collected by the collimtor plates are detected by the photodiode elements. The outermost collimator plate is made thicker than the collimator plate interposed between the adjacent scintillation elements. Namely, the outermost collimator plate has a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm, though the collimator plate interposed between the adjacent scintillation elements has a thickness of 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for slit radiography comprising an X-ray source, an X-ray detector positioned behind a body being irradiated, said detector collecting the radiation passed through the body, and a slit diaphragm placed between the X-ray source and the body being irradiated, through which diaphragm there is formed a planar X-ray fan beam, while for obtaining a complete X-ray shadow image of the desired part of the body at least the fan beam performs a scanning movement. There are provided detection means coacting with the X-ray detector and comprising a plurality of sections juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the strip-like portion of the X-ray detector irradiated through the slit diaphragm, each section being adapted to produce an electric signal depending upon the radiation impinging instantaneously on the associated section of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: A collimator for a radiation diagnostics apparatus has two parallel spaced carriers each having a slot therein directed toward the radiation focus in which a collimator plate consisting of radiation absorbing material is inserted. The collimator plate is a sheet having at least one resilient tongue cut therein at each edge thereof which is received in the respective slots. The tongues are bent so as to project beyond the thickness of the plate and thus are disposed against an inside surface of the slots and thereby press the collimator plate against opposite respective surfaces of the slots.

Abstract: A shielding or masking device for use in conjunction with an X-ray radiation generating source comprised of radiopaque material having a vertically oriented opening having a broader portion twice the width of the upper, narrower portion nearer its distal or lower end to block entirely or confine radiation dosage to a specific area of a subject under observation or inspection and to prevent unnecessary and excessive radiation dosages to the subject during full spine radiographs.

Abstract: A gamma diffractometer is used for examining or testing samples from the materials flaw aspect. More particularly, single crystal blades of turbo engines are inspected by Roentgen radiation and evaluation of reflections with regard to their half peak width and spacings in the profile or curve representing irradiation intensity (I) as a function of a rotational angle (.alpha.) of a test sample, said spacings representing lattice planes of a plurality of single crystal grains. The half peak widths and the spacings provide an information regarding the presence or absence of material flaws.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system has an X-ray source, an X-ray image detection section, an X-ray mask member, a drive unit, a memory, a calculating section, and an image output unit. An X-ray image is detected by the X-ray image detection section. The X-ray mask member has X-ray shielding regions, distributed in a predetermined pattern, which locally shield the X-ray. The mask member is driven by the drive unit so that it is inserted in or removed from an X-ray radiation field between the X-ray image detection section and the X-ray source, and is sequentially displaced to predetermined positions in the radiation field. The calculating section calculates scattered X-ray intensity distribution data based on a plurality of transmission X-ray data obtained by irradiating an object with X-rays with the mask member located at different positions in the radiation field, and transmission X-ray data obtained by irradiating the object with X-rays with the mask member located outside this field.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved control circuit for a slit radiographic apparatus wherein the slit radiographic apparatus is comprised of an X-ray source adapted to scan a body to be radiographed through a slit diaphragm with a planar fan beam wherein the slit diaphragm is divided into a plurality of attenuating sections each associated with a controllable X-ray attenuating member and wherein there is provided a detection assembly for detecting the intensity of the radiation having passed through the body and divided into sections corresponding to attenuating sections of the slit diaphragm wherein each X-ray attenuating member is controlled by the control circuit including an energizing circuit and a comparison circuit for each attenuating member of the slit diaphragm whereby the comparison circuit compares an output signal of an associated section of the detection means to a reference signal to form an output coupled to the energizing circuit to control the attenuating member of a respective attenuating secti

Abstract: An apparatus for slit radiography comprising an X-ray source by means of which a body being irradiated can be scanned through a slit diaphragm by a substantially planar, fan-shaped X-ray beam, the scanning X-ray beam passed through the body impinging upon an X-ray detector. The apparatus comprises controllable attenuation elements coacting with the slit diaphragm, each element being adapted to influence a sector of the scanning X-ray beam under the control of signals generated by a radiation detector device. The radiation detector device is disposed between the body being irradiated and the X-ray detector. The radiation detector device comprises at least one radiation detector extending at any moment into the scanning X-ray beam passed through the body and moving in synchronism with the scanning movement of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: An X-ray tube has a wide area cold cathode with a graphite felt surface which faces and is spaced from a wide area anode of high atomic number material. A grid is interposed between the two and the anode, grid and cathode are enclosed in an envelope which is filled with gas at a low pressure. The graphite surface of the cathode is connected to a relatively high negative potential so that electrons are emitted from the entire surface area and impinge upon the anode, after triggering by the grid. The distribution of the energy of photons emitted from the anode is relatively constant during the ignition period of the tube. An extremely wide area X-ray source is then defined having constant bremstrahlung content which enables good gray scale measurements when employing the X-ray source. A pinhole collimator disposed externally of the tube ensures collimation of the output X-ray field.

Abstract: Mounting pins having a head portion are provided on the detector member of a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus while a coupling mechanism associated with a collimator is registrable with the mounting pin. The coupling mechanism includes an entrance aperture sized and configured to accept the head portion therein and claw members adjacent to the aperture for engagement with the head portion. The mounting pin and coupling mechanism together cooperate to permit the head portion to be accepted in the entrance aperture when the collimator member is in a dismounted position and to permit the claw member to be moved into engagement with the head portion in response to relative movement between the collimator and detector members in a mounting direction between the dismounted position and a mounted position. A biasing mechanism is preferably provided so as to forcibly urge the claw member against the head portion to securely retain the claw member thereagainst.

Abstract: A primary-beam collimator for a stereo radiographic x-ray diagnostic installation has an x-ray tube with dual focal points (F1, F2) arranged at a distance from each other. Shutter leaves (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are provided, and adjustable so that two beam pyramids (I from focal point F1, and II from focal point F2) can be individually controlled. Two internal shutter leaves (4a, 4b) are provided for restricting the beam in planes perpendicular to the stereo base F1-F2. These are adjustable between two external shutter leaves--each in the direction of its corresponding external shutter leaf. The internal shutter leaves (4a, 4b) are constructed so that, when adjusted to their external positions, they permit the emission of a central beam-pyramid from a central focal point (FN) and, together with the external shutter leaves (2a, 2b), they close the external shutter openings.

Abstract: High resolution in an X-ray computerized tomography (CT) inspection system is achieved by using a collimator/detector combination to limit the beam width of the X-ray beam incident on a detector element to the desired resolution width. In a detector such as a high pressure Xenon detector array, a narrow tapered collimator is provided above a wide detector element. The collimator slits have any desired width, as small as a few mils at the top, the slit width is easily controlled, and they are fabricated on standard machines. The slit length determines the slice thickness of the CT image.

Abstract: A device for detachably securing a collimator to a radiation detector, comprising a first and second annular grooves secured to the radiation detector and the collimator respectively, a split ring having a first and second ring ends and being received in the first annular groove, and a ring diameter control system. The latter one includes a rotating hub and a first and second lever systems connected between the first and second ring ends and the rotating hub. By rotating the hub the ring ends are spread by the lever systems between a first position, where the split ring is alone positioned in the first annular groove, and a second position, where the split ring is arranged in both the first and second annular grooves, thereby attaching the collimator to the radiation detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of the wall of a tubular object includes a measurement of the intensity of a radiation beam passing through the walls and quantizing the indicated value of radiation detected by a detector with reference to a predetermined period of time. Data is expressed diagrammatically, and inflection points on the graph line indicating when the radiation beam contacts the outer and inner peripheral walls of the tube are determined and processed to thereby determine the wall thickness. There is also disclosed a method for aligning collimator members utilized in the radiation beam scanning equipment.

Abstract: In a system for generating thermal (14 MeV) neutrons containing an ionic accelerator, a novel thermal neutron collimator for producing a beam of collimated thermal neutrons is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substantially hollow collimator tube (10) having a closed, neutron permaeable inlet portion (20) communicating with a source of thermal neutrons (12) and an open outlet portion (22) disposed downstream of the inlet portion at the opposite end of the tube. The collimator walls (14,16,18) diverge outwardly toward the outlet portion of the tube and are formed of three radial layers comprising an outer layer of thermal neutron absorbing material (26) for absorbing off-axis thermal neutrons, an intermediate layer of lead (24) for absorbing X-rays and gamma rays and an inside layer of aluminum (23) for structural support.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography camera having a plurality of detector rings positioned side-by-side or offset by one-half of the detector cross section around a patient area to detect radiation therefrom. Each ring contains a plurality of scintillation detectors which are positioned around an inner circumference with a septum ring extending inwardly from the inner circumference along each outer edge of each ring. An additional septum ring is positioned in the middle of each ring of detectors and parallel to the other septa rings whereby the inward extent of all the septa rings may be reduced by one-half and the number of detectors required in each ring is reduced. Each detector ring or offset ring includes a plurality of photomultiplier tubes and a plurality of scintillation crystals are positioned relative to the photomultiplier tubes whereby each tube is responsive to more than one crystal.

Abstract: Dental aiming device permits periapical and bitewing exposures of the entire dentition without subjecting the patient to unnecessary radiation.

Abstract: The image signal in a radiation imaging system is improved by establishing a scattered radiation signal and subtracting the scatter radiation signal from the detected radiation signal. The scatter radiation signal is established by shielding portions of the detector and measuring radiation at the shielded portions of the detector. The total scatter radiation signal is interpolated from spatial distribution of the radiation measured at the shielded areas.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates generally to a new and improved X-ray beam apparatus having an adjustable collimator device and more particularly to an X-ray apparatus in which the collimator device can be readily removed from the X-ray tube device of the apparatus and relatively easily adjusted relative to the X-ray tube device.

Abstract: A scanning device for examining an object with gamma rays with shielding for protection from radiation and protection of the mechanism from heat by a cooling jacket formed by spaced plates around the object. The shielding is formed by a pair of shutter-halves forming a lead shutter with mechanism to move the shutter-halves toward and away from each other and one of the shutter-halves mounted on a rotating drum which also carries three gamma ray sources. Gamma ray detectors are mounted in a circle concentric and outside the circle of the sources.

Abstract: An X-ray examination device has an X-ray tube, a primary X-ray diaphragm attached to the X-ray tube and disposed close to the focus thereof, a patient support bed, and an X-ray exposure device disposed behind the patient's support bed in the radiation direction having an X-ray image carrier and a stray radiation screen. The primary X-ray diaphragm includes a first slit beam collimator for generating a fan-shaped radiation beam and the X-ray exposure device has a second slit beam collimator in the form of two displaceable diaphragm plates and an adjustment device for moving the plates relative to one another to achieve a slit opening therebetween of desired width. The examination device further includes synchronized drive units for moving the X-ray tube and the second beam collimator in fixed alignment for sweeping the radiation beam across a patient on the support bed.

Abstract: Collimator for regulating the shape and size of the pattern of radiation projected on a radiation detector from a radiation source, particularly for regulating the beam of radiation in a medical diagnostic x-ray machine. One or more (preferably three) longitudinally stacked plates are provided, the top plate having a large aperture, the middle plate having a medium sized aperture, and the lower plate having a small aperture. The middle and lower plates are provided with means to substantially open up their apertures, rendering these plates inactive when they are not in use. Each plate is longitudinally movable between first and second extremities of travel, the first extremity being nearest the radiation source. When each plate is at its first extremity of travel the beam of radiation has its maximum size.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a first apparatus part and a second apparatus part which is disposed on and extends outward from the first part. The second part is movable with respect to the first part between an attracted position, in which it is extended to a predetermined extent, and a retracted position, in which it is extended to a lesser extent. The apparatus also comprises a security device disposed on at least one of the first and second parts. This device includes a magnetic device for exercising an attractive magnetic force between the first and second parts. Thereby the second apparatus part is maintained in the attracted position. It also includes a spring device for exercising an attractive mechanical force between the first and second parts. The mechanical force is comparatively low in the attracted position. It increases with increasing deviation from the attracted position towards the retracted position.

Abstract: In a spot film device, a cassette assembly for a film cassette is mounted for reciprocating in a tunnel between an X-ray exposure position and a position in which the cassette is automatically unloaded or loaded with film. Field defining masks are also mounted for translating selectively with the carriage. The masks are formed of the synthetic materials having minimal X-ray absorption and high rigidity, without an aperture, to define a sharp X-ray field.

Abstract: A universal limiter for any type of x-ray tube used in radiology or radiation therapy comprises an envelope of conical shape whose axis coincides with the axis of symmetry of the useful beam of radiation. The limiter is formed of material which is opaque to secondary radiation. The inlet aperture of the limiter is located in the immediate vicinity of the emitting focal spot and the outlet aperture of the limiter is connected mechanically to the exit window of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: Filter for use in medical x-ray apparatus to permit higher intensity x-ray exposure in the heart and mediastinum area while maintaining a normal level of x-ray exposure in other areas of the body, particularly in the lung area. The filter comprises a sheet of radiation absorbing material having an opening therein, said opening corresponding to the spine and central portion of the heart. Accordingly, the upper portion of the filter exhibits a relatively narrow opening which becomes gradually wider toward the lower portion of the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining local absorption differences in a cross-sectional slice of an object. The device comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector which is directed toward the X-ray source. The detector comprises a number of plate-shaped collimating elements which are directed toward the X-ray source. On the respective lines of projection of these collimating elements toward the source, there are arranged radiation absorbing elements. The length of each absorbing element, measured in the direction of the X-ray source, is smaller than the length of each collimating element. The width of each absorbing element, measured in a direction at right angles and in the sectional slice, are larger than those of the collimating elements. Apparent variations in the sensitivity of the X-ray detector, due to a lateral shift of the X-ray focus in the X-ray source, are thus substantially mitigated.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette holder especially adapted for use in radiography of the temporomandibular joint is disclosed. Slideable horizontal adjustment of the cassette holder is provided by a horizontal tray disposed at a vertically and rotatably adjustable position above a free-standing floor-engaging structure. Ear cannula location holes are provided in the cassette holder opposite the back or reverse side of an x-ray exposure aperture. A special beam limiting device is employed simultaneously to minimize patient x-ray exposure and to facilitate rapid accurate relative placement of the usual weight-balanced x-ray source apparatus.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette holder especially adapted for use in radiography of the temporomandibular joint is disclosed. Slideable horizontal adjustment of the cassette holder is provided by a horizontal tray disposed at a vertically and rotatably adjustable position above a free-standing floor-engaging structure. Ear cannula location holes are provided in the cassette holder opposite the back or reverse side of an x-ray exposure aperture.

Abstract: An X-ray detector of semiconductor type in which reflected electrons emitted from a sample are diverted to another direction by the action of a magnetic field provided across a passage for X-rays from a sample to an X-ray detecting element of semiconductor type, and an absorbent for absorbing reflected electrons is arranged ahead of the magnetic field in the path of the diverted reflected electrons, so as to prevent the reflected electrons from being incident on the X-ray detecting element, thereby improving the S/N ratio of the detecting element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography apparatus for determining the absorption distribution in a relevant zone of a body, this zone being irradiated by unattenuated radiation, while the part of the body which is situated outside this zone is irradiated at the most by attenuated radiation. The radiation outside the relevant zone is attenuated in accordance with the invention by means of absorber pieces which are moved to and fro during an examination in a direction parallel to the rotary shaft around which the X-ray source is rotated. As a result, the intensity of the radiation is modulated in the time outside the zone, so that on average it is attenuated, without giving rise to hardening effects.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus uses an x-ray tube which is pivoted about a pivot axis to provide scanning of an x-ray beam. The pivot axis passes essentially through the center of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode of the tube, is essentially perpendicular to the anode-cathode axis, and is essentially parallel to a film plane defined by the x-ray film. The scanning of the x-ray beam by pivoting the x-ray tube results in improved systems for standard radiography, linear tomography, and large-scale angiography. In standard radiography and large scale angiography systems, moving primary and secondary slots synchronized with the pivoting of the x-ray tube provide efficient removal of secondary radiation. In linear tomography systems, the object and film are moved synchronously with the pivoting of the x-ray tube, and primary and secondary slots which are stationary remove secondary radiation.