Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first isogrid defining a first plurality of zones, each zone from said first plurality of zones comprising a plurality of ligaments, each zone from said first plurality of zones defining a plurality of spaces, each space bounded by a first sub-plurality of ligaments from said plurality of ligaments, each of said ligaments comprising a plurality of ligament surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray reflecting device and an X-ray reflecting element constituting the X-ray reflecting device capable of facilitating a reduction in weight and being prepared in a relatively simple manner. The X-ray reflecting element of the present invention comprises a body made of a solid silicon, and a plurality of slits formed in the body in such a manner as to penetrate from a front surface to a back surface of the body. Each of the slits has a wall surface serving as an X-ray reflecting surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and method for reducing X-ray scattering are provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, a collimator, a detector, and a controller. The X-ray source emits X-rays, the collimator collimates the X-rays into an X-ray beam, and the detector may include a two-dimensional array of pixels. The controller controls the collimator such that the X-ray beam scans a subject while moving over time. In addition, the controller operates the detector to only operate pixels at an exposure area of the detector where the X-ray beam arrives without scattering such that photocharges generated due to the X-ray exposure can be accumulated and stored in the pixels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a 2D collimator element for a radiation detector, in which crossing webs made of a radiation-absorbing material are formed, layer-by-layer, by way of a rapid manufacturing technique. In at least one embodiment, the webs are aligned along a ?- and a z-direction and form a cell-shaped structure with laterally enclosed radiation channels, at least in the inner region of the 2D collimator element. In at least one embodiment, the invention moreover relates to a 2D collimator element for a radiation detector that has such a layered construction. This allows the provision of a very precise and rigid collimator arrangement which, at the same time, has a high collimation effect.

Abstract: An X-ray analyzer includes a sample stage for holding and positioning a sample and an optical positioner assembly configured above the sample stage. The optical positioner assembly includes a body member having an opening; an optical positioner located within the opening; and at least one X-ray optic and an optical viewing lens coupled to a first camera. The at least one X-ray optic and the optical viewing lens are secured to the optical positioner. The optical positioner is configured to align one of the at least one X-ray optic and the optic viewing lens normal to the sample on the sample stage such that the sample is irradiated with X-rays through the X-ray optic along a path which is normal to the sample and coaxial with the optic viewing lens receiving light reflected from the sample when the optic viewing lens is positioned normal to the sample.

Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly includes a vacuum chamber, a beam source, and a target. The target has an active section and an inactive section. The active section is adapted to generate x-rays when the beam impinges on the x-ray producing section. The electron beam production and control assembly also includes a focusing unit positioned along the chamber at a location intermediate the rearward end and the forward end. The focusing unit directs the beam towards the target in a converging manner to impinge on the target. The focusing unit sweeps the beam along a scanning path over the active section of the target. The focusing unit moves the beam to a retrace path on the inactive section of the target between sweeps of the scanning path to maintain ion accumulation in the beam between sweeps over the active section.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a collimator assembly is provided. The collimator assembly includes a first collimator grid having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first collimator grid defines a plurality of cells. Each cell of the plurality of cells is aligned in a first direction and extends between the first surface and the second surface. The method includes coupling a reinforcing layer to the first collimator grid such that the reinforcing layer extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A device (100) for imaging an object (101), wherein the device (100) comprises an objective lens (102) adapted to manipulate a beam of electromagnetic radiation (103) transmitted through the object (101), a collimator lens (104) adapted to manipulate the beam of electromagnetic radiation (103) transmitted through the objective lens (102), and an actuator (105) adapted for displacing the objective lens (102) in a direction essentially parallel and in a direction essentially perpendicular to a propagation direction of the beam of electromagnetic radiation (103) between the objective lens (102) and the collimator lens (104), wherein the objective lens (102) and the collimator lens (104) are arranged so that the beam of electromagnetic radiation (103) between the objective lens (102) and the collimator lens (104) is essentially parallel.

Abstract: A collimator that formed from a plurality of metal layers that are shaped by use of lithographic techniques in specific shapes. The formed metal layers are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form the collimator.

Abstract: A radiation collimator for use in either radiation-emitting devices (e.g., radiation therapy) or radiation-sensing imagery devices (i.e., gamma/X-ray cameras) is disclosed. The collimator's interior surface is basically a cylinder or a truncated cone, whereas its exterior shape is generated by the revolution of the graph of a function about the cylinder's symmetry axis, that function being determined such that the attenuation in the center of the sensor is constant as seen from any direction. The collimator is a body of revolution. The said collimator improves collimation and image resolution when compared to cylindrical, pinhole, laminar, or to other art collimators.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arm frame structure for a radiation imaging system, comprising a first upright column, a mounting frame, and first and second collimators mounted on said first upright column, and first and second detector devices. Said first and second collimators are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a plane therebetween to divide a ray beam emitted from a radiation source into first and second beams emitted symmetrically. Said first and second detector devices are symmetrically mounted on the mounting frame with respect to the plane P and are arranged to be far away from said first and second collimators to receive the first and second beams, respectively. This invention further provides a radiation imaging system including the arm frame structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray reflecting device and an X-ray reflecting element constituting the X-ray reflecting device capable of facilitating a reduction in weight and being prepared in a relatively simple manner. The X-ray reflecting element of the present invention comprises a body made of a solid silicon, and a plurality of slits formed in the body in such a manner as to penetrate from a front surface to a back surface of the body. Each of the slits has a wall surface serving as an X-ray reflecting surface.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system including a radiation source operable to produce a radiation beam towards a target, an orientation changer operable to change a relative position of the radiation source with respect to the target, and a multileaf attenuator including attenuating leaves including respective spatially varying attenuation properties and a positioner in communication with the orientation changer, each of the attenuating leaves having a leaf length, leaf thickness, leaf center and leaf direction, wherein the leaf direction is a line intersecting the leaf center along the leaf thickness, wherein the radiation beam includes one or more beam segments, wherein a beam segment is the part of the beam intercepted by one of the attenuating leaves, and wherein the target includes one or more target segments, wherein a target segment is that part of the target that intercepts a corresponding one of the beam segments, wherein each of the attenuating leaves is operative to modulate an intensity of a corresponding beam s

Abstract: An x-ray beam processor and system that includes an x-ray beam generator for generating x-ray beams; a mirror shield for shielding the x-ray beams from select areas; a cylindrical waveguide for guiding x-ray beams traveling through the waveguide, which includes a plurality of entry ports and exit ports; a plurality of ring-shaped mirrors disposed adjacent to and generally parallel with the entry ports and the exit ports and sharing a common axis “X” with the waveguide; and mountings for mounting the mirrors to the waveguide.

Abstract: A method for assembling a secondary collimator including a first face plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. The method includes positioning a lamella assembly on the first face plate, wherein the lamella assembly includes at least one radiation-absorbing material layer and at least one radiation-transmitting material layer, such that a first surface of the lamella assembly is adjacent the second surface of the first face plate. The method also includes coupling a second face plate to the first face plate and the lamella assembly such that a first surface of the second face plate is adjacent a second surface of the lamella assembly.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a collimator and a detector, the collimator having a material for blocking radiation and a region that is a sector of an annulus or multiple regions in a configuration in the shape of a sector of an annulus for allowing transmission of the radiation. The detector is spaced a distance from the collimator such that when a radiation source and sample crystal material are positioned at suitable positions, the radiation is collimated by the collimator and contacts the sample a predetermined distance from the detector at multiple of locations corresponding to the region or regions of the collimator. The Bragg diffracted radiation from the crystal material at two or more and preferably all of the locations overlap at the detector.

Abstract: A pair of holding plates formed with a plurality of grooves each wider than the thickness of each collimator plate are disposed in parallel so that the respective surfaces formed with the grooves confront each other. Urging members are disposed on the holding members. When the urging members slide in the arranged direction of the grooves along the grooves-formed surfaces of the holding members, the urging members urge individual collimator plates inserted in the grooves toward side walls of the grooves. The collimator plates are inserted into the grooves, then the urging members are slid and held in that slide position to urge individual collimator plates into close contact with side walls of the grooves.

Abstract: An X-ray convergence element and an X-ray irradiation device including the X-ray convergence element are provided. The X-ray convergence element can extend a working distance from an exit-side opening end thereof to a specimen, and can perform analysis of the specimen with rough surface, a fluorescent X-ray analysis, and a X-ray diffraction analysis, regardless of a size of the specimen. An X-ray blocking member 23 is provided with three supporting members 233 for supporting the X-ray blocking member 23, which extend from an annular member 232 having approximately the same diameter as a diameter of an entrance-side opening end (outer diameter of a capillary 20) toward the center of the X-ray blocking member 23 to fix the annular member 232 to the capillary 20. The annular member 232, the supporting members 233, and the X-ray blocking member 23 are integrally formed of a metal that shields X-rays, such as tantalum, tungsten, or molybdenum.

Abstract: An x-ray diffraction imaging device includes at least one x-ray detector and at least one scatter collimator positioned upstream of the at least one x-ray detector. The at least one collimator includes a plurality of successive plates. Each of the plurality of plates defines a plurality of rectangular holes. The plurality of successive plates are arranged such that the plurality of rectangular holes define a plurality of quadrilateral passages extending through the at least one scatter collimator. Each of the plurality of quadrilateral passages is configured to increase a rate of detection of first x-rays that define an x-ray transit path enclosed within a single such quadrilateral passage. Also, the plurality of quadrilateral passages is configured to decrease a rate of detection of second x-rays that define an x-ray transit path that intersects more than one such quadrilateral passage.

Abstract: A method for making a beam modifier to be used in radiation therapy includes defining a region of interest in a patient that is to receive radiation, with the region of interest being defined using an anatomy coordinate system format. Radiation treatment parameters are defined for the defined region of interest, and correspond to an initial type beam modifier to be coupled to an output of a radiation device. Design data on a beam modifier to be placed on the skin of the patient is generated, with the design data being based on the defined region of interest and the defined radiation treatment parameters for the defined region of interest. The design data is in the same anatomy coordinate system format as the defined region of interest that is to receive the radiation. The design data is treated as a new region of interest, and the radiation dosage to be applied to the new region of interest is re-calculated while taking into account the beam modifier to be placed on the skin of the patient.

Abstract: Electromedical apparatus for intraoperative radiotherapy via a linac. It includes an arm in which, at an extremity thereof, an oscillator is assembled which generates electromagnetic waves, and which supports, at an opposite extremity thereof, a radiating head in which a linac is assembled, emitting at its output an electron beam, supplied by the oscillator through a guiding structure. The apparatus includes a first and a second rotary couplings, respectively including a fixed portion and a mobile portion, endowed with sensors of the angular position of the mobile portions, which support the radiating head on the arm in roll and pitch motion. The guiding structure includes three separate rigid waveguides, of which one at the output of the oscillator and one of input to the linac, and an intermediate one therebetween, which connects them, with the heads of which they are respectively connected through the first and the second rotary couplings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a comb-like collimator element for a collimator arrangement. In at least one embodiment of the method, a collimator sheet extending in a first direction and made of an X-ray absorbing material is used as a support, onto which webs made of an X-ray absorbing material are formed in layers by way of a rapid prototyping technique and protrude transversely in respect of the support in a second direction.

Abstract: A multi-energy imaging system and method for selectively generating high-energy X-rays and low-energy X-ray beams are described. A pair of optic devices are used, one optic device being formed to emit high X-ray energies and the other optic device being formed to emit low X-ray energies. A selective filtering mechanism is used to filter the high X-ray energies from the low X-ray energies. The optic devices have at least a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other.

Abstract: Radiation may be delivered in a number of segments shaped by a multi-leaf collimator. The collimator may be at different angles of rotation for the different segments. A method for planning radiation treatment involves obtaining an optimized set of collimator configurations by a direct aperture optimization method that takes into account collimator rotation. In some embodiments, area constraints are applied to the optimization. Methods according to embodiments of the invention can generate efficient treatment plans.

Abstract: A primary collimator for a multiple inverse fan beam x-ray diffraction imaging (MIFB XDI) system. The MIFB XDI system includes a multi-focus x-ray source (MFXS) defining a plurality of focus points arranged along a length of the MFXS. Each focus point is sequentially activated to emit an x-ray fan beam including a plurality of primary beams each directed to a corresponding convergence point. The primary collimator includes a first diaphragm configured to be positioned with respect to the MFXS. The first diaphragm defines a plurality of first channels through a thickness of the first diaphragm. Each first channel is aligned with a corresponding focus point and configured to transmit the x-ray fan beam. A second diaphragm is positioned with respect to the first diaphragm and defines a plurality of second channels through a thickness of the second diaphragm. Each second channel is axially aligned with a corresponding first channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a slit collimator assembly including a first set of panels spaced at least partially around a longitudinal axis of the collimator assembly and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The slit collimator assembly further includes a second set of panels spaced at least partially around longitudinal axis of the collimator assembly and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first set of panels and the second set of panels are arranged to define one or more slit apertures. The slit collimator assembly is configured so that movement of at least one of the first set of panels or the second set of panels adjusts an aperture size of at least one of the one or more slit apertures. The slit collimator assembly is configured so that gamma rays can pass through the one or more slit apertures, but the remainder of the collimator assembly is substantially gamma ray absorbent. Embodiments also relate to imaging systems and methods of changing collimator performance.

Abstract: The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reconstructing a three-dimensional image of an object's volume of interest using computed tomography that employs conical-beam, intensity-modulated projections of this object. In one embodiment, a plurality of collimating devices serves to modulate the aperture of the radiation source thereby acting to modulate the intensity of the source upon the object. Also provided are image processing devices, examination apparatus, as well as a computer-readable medium and a program element adapted and configured to perform aspects of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes an x-ray source (112) having a focal spot that emits radiation that traverses a examination region (108). The position of the focal spot along a longitudinal direction is a function of a temperature of one or more x-ray source components. The system further includes a detector (120) that detects the radiation and a collimator (116), disposed between the x-ray source (112) and the examination region (108), that collimates that radiation along the longitudinal direction. A focal spot position estimator (132) dynamically computes an estimated position of the focal spot along the longitudinal direction based on the temperature of one or more x-ray source components. A collimator positioner (128) positions the collimator (116) along the longitudinal direction based on the estimated focal spot position prior to performing a scan.

Abstract: A method includes mechanically correcting for a keystone effect on an x-ray detector.

Abstract: It is described a device (10) for non-symmetrical X-ray beam collimation of a X-ray tube (30), wherein the device comprises a housing (1), a X-ray absorbing plate (2) for collimating a x-ray asymmetrically, and a sleigh (3) for moving the X-ray absorbing plate.

Abstract: A scanning device for providing a radiation scan to an article is disclosed. The scanning device includes a housing, a transport system and a radiation attenuation system. The housing has a entrance port and an exit port and encloses a radiation analysis unit. The transport system is configured to move the article from the entrance port, through the housing and to the exit port. The radiation attenuation system is supported at one of the entrance port and the exit port. The radiation attenuation system includes at least one substantially rigid panel rotatable relative to the housing and a counter balance coupled to the panel to at least partially offset the weight of the panel.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an X-ray irradiation area, in which an acquisition circuit acquires information relating to an effective area of a sensor, and a control circuit controls the X-ray irradiation area based on the information relating to the effective area.

Abstract: A system includes delivery of treatment radiation to a target, acquisition of an image representing the treatment radiation during delivery of the treatment radiation, determination of a position of a leaf of a collimator delivery of the treatment radiation based on the image, and presentation of a notification of an error during delivery of the treatment radiation based on the determined position.

Abstract: When distance compute unit 81 received the instruction of the moving destination at the center of the exposure field 4a from center transfer operation unit 74, calculates the moving amount. Operating information processing unit 8 sends beam-limiting control unit 62 the calculated moving amount. Upside beam-limiting control unit 63 to right side beam-limiting control unit of beam-limiting control unit 62 makes the moving amount at the center of the exposure field 4a prescribed-times ((H1/H2) times in FIG. 3), calculates the moving amount of each diaphragm blade unit 51 in the upper part, the lower side, and the left part and the right part respectively.

Abstract: In a radiographic image detection apparatus that can perform long-size radiography on a region of a patient that is larger than the detection range of a radiographic image detector, radiography is performed so that a collimator image is included in a radiographic image in such a manner that the collimator image is present in the vicinity of a side edge of the radiographic image. Further, the inclination of each radiographic image caused by inclination of the radiographic image detector at the time of radiography is corrected based on the collimator image. Further, a synthesis image is produced by combining the plurality of radiographic images the inclination of which has been corrected.

Abstract: A method for developing a secondary collimator is described. The method includes orienting a plurality of collimator elements in a plane such that a gap is defined between a first collimator element and a second collimator element. The first collimator element has a first curved end, and the first curved end faces the second collimator element across the gap.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting radiation emitted from a number of volume elements of a body. The apparatus includes a first plurality of detector elements, each detector element being configured to output signals indicative of an intensity of radiation that is incident thereon. The apparatus also includes a first plurality of adjustable collimator channels, each adjustable collimator channel being associated with and being positioned between a respective detector element and the body, each adjustable collimator channel having a second plurality of dimensional configurations defining respective different sets of the volume elements from which emitted radiation impinges on the respective detector element. A processor computes a radiation intensity from at least a portion of the volume elements in response to the signals output by the detector elements in at least two of the dimensional configurations of the adjustable collimator channels.

Abstract: A radiation converter is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the converter is for x-ray or gamma radiation and includes a multiplicity of scintillation elements which are separated from one another by separating septa. To reduce cross-talk between adjacent scintillation elements, the separating septa have a layer structure. The layer structure includes two backscatter layers, between which an absorber layer which is essentially opaque to the radiation, to scatter radiation and/or scintillation light is disposed.

Abstract: A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole.

Abstract: A radiation collimator for use in either radiation-emitting devices (e.g., radiation therapy) or radiation-sensing imagery devices (i.e., gamma/X-ray cameras) is disclosed. The collimator's interior surface is basically a cylinder or a truncated cone, whereas its exterior shape is generated by the revolution of the graph of a function about the cylinder's symmetry axis, that function being determined such that the attenuation in the center of the sensor is constant as seen from any direction. The collimator is a body of revolution. The said collimator improves collimation and image resolution when compared to cylindrical, pinhole, laminar, or to other art collimators.

Abstract: The invention involves a rotary focused gamma-ray radiotherapy device. The invention includes a frame, a rotary ring positioned at the frame, and a source carrier and a collimator carrier that can rotate around a rotary axis respectively. The source carrier is equipped inside with multiple radiation sources. The collimator carrier is equipped inside with a corresponding beam channel to the radiation sources, which focus at a shared focus of the rotary axis through the beam channel. The source carrier and the collimator carrier are connected at both ends with the rotary ring and the frame, respectively.

Abstract: A scattered radiation collimator is disclosed for radiological radiation. In at least one embodiment, the scattered radiation collimator includes a multiplicity of absorber elements connected one behind the other in a collimation direction and at least two plate-like holding elements which are arranged substantially parallel with respect to one another and have absorber element holders for holding the absorber elements. In order to avoid erroneous positioning when transverse forces are acting, it is proposed in at least one embodiment, to connect the holding elements to each other by cross beams running along the end face of the absorber elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collimator that comprises grooves or channels in the submicrometer to micrometer range. The present invention is also related to uses of a collimator and collimator holder as described herein as well as apparatuses comprising the same.

Abstract: A flexible multi-leaf collimator for electron radiotherapy is provided, where the leaves are not a single rigid component, but are configured in a manner that curves away from the patient to provide greater clearance. The invention includes a plurality of flexible assemblies, at least one guide supporting the assemblies, and a plurality of assembly drivers. The driver engages the assembly and moves the assembly along the guide. The assembly has an extended state and a retracted state relative to the guide, such that when in the extended state the assembly is held in the aperture plane and when in the retracted state the assembly conforms along the guide. When in the extended state the assemblies are disposed as a treatment aperture.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided with a minimum weight of shielding material. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) systems and related methods involving forward collimation are provided are provided. In this regard, a representative method involving forward collimation of X-rays includes: emitting X-rays from a housing in which an X-ray source is mounted; collimating the X-rays downstream of the housing; and directing the collimated X-rays at a target.

Abstract: By simultaneously administering a chemical using a nuclear species releasing a single photon (a first chemical) and another chemical using a nuclear species releasing a positron to a subject, the cumulative distributions of the respective chemicals are monitored. A plural number of ?-ray detectors, which are circularly located, and a collimator covering some of the ?-ray detectors and rotates along the front face of the ?-ray detectors are provided. Also, an energy discriminating means for discriminating signals having a single photon ?-ray energy (first signals) from signals having annihilation ?-ray energy (second signals) among all of the signals detected by the detectors is provided. Further, the cumulative position of the first chemical is specified based on the signals corresponding to the ?-ray detectors covered with the rotating collimator from the first signals.