Abstract: A radiation filter for filtering radiation beams of wavelengths within a preselected range of wavelengths comprises a radiation transmissive substrate and an attenuating layer deposited on the substrate. The attenuating layer may be deposited by a sputtering process or a vacuum process. Beryllium may be used as the radiation transmissive substrate. In addition, a second radiation filter comprises an attenuating layer interposed between a pair of radiation transmissive layers.

Abstract: A radiographic equalization apparatus comprises a plurality of juxtaposed disks each having a plurality of unique filtration patterns annularly disposed therearound. The disks are rotated relative to one another to obtain a unique attenuation pattern for correcting for overexposures in an x-ray image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the fast inspection of objects for the detection of elementary or compounded metals of the kind that are capable of producing with impinging X-radiation within the range of 60-160 KeV a detectable photoelectric interaction. A 110-160 KeV X-ray source is used in association with collimating and filtering apparatus, capable of generating a collimated X-ray beam consisting of repeating cycles comprising each one energy bin having a flux centred around the K-edge energy of the target metal and, if desired, comprising additionl energy bins. There is also provided a linear array of solid state, spectroscopy grade detectors.

Abstract: In general, it can be difficult and time consuming to mount X-ray shields or filters on an X-ray machine. An even more serious difficulty is that of effectively masking all but a specific area. A relatively effective X-ray shielding support, which can be adjusted in any direction to mask all but a specific area includes an apertured base plate for mounting on the machine to define a frame around the collimator aperture of the machine, a variety of spacers for mounting on the base plate, and filter holders for mounting on at least one of the base plate and spacers. The spacers and filter holders are magnetic to make interconnection of the elements quick and easy.

Abstract: A method and device for producing flux equalized x-ray images for medical radiography through the use of a scanning fan shaped x-ray beam and a feedback control system which regulates the beam intensity at a multiple number of points along the fan beam to compensate for the x-ray attenuation variations of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting baggage moved relative to an x-ray beam. The apparatus causes a beam of x-rays to pass through a reference in the course of exposure and detects the presence of the reference material contained within the baggage by matching the effective atomic number of the materials within the bag, with the atomic number of the reference.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an X-ray filter which significantly reduces low energy radiation normally absorbed by the examination object without significantly affecting the desired high energy radiation. The filter is comprised of one or more materials containing as the major component elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum and elements having atomic numbers between 26 and 50 with the filter being selected to have X-ray filtering characteristics such that the intensity of X-rays having energies of 50 keV are reduced by about 8% to about 35% of the normal radiation levels. As a result of the construction immediately above, the filter of the present invention filters energy from the X-ray beam which is usually absorbed by the examination object and does not contribute to the radiographic image of the examination object. This is achieved with little, if any, increased loading of the X-ray tube which would otherwise reduce its effective life.

Abstract: A simulation/generation/verification system for blocker patterns and blockers for use in radiation therapy comprises a fluoroscopic simulator apparatus, a computer system for acquisition and processing of fluoroscopic images, a manual input device for superposing blocker pattern outlines onto such images, display and storage devices for such images, apparatus for automatic cutting of blocker contour templates, blocker patterns and blockers, and apparatus for verification thereof. The system also facilitates acquisition of compensator contours and generation of corresponding compensator filters for incorporation with blockers. The system facilitates simulation, generation, and verification of blocker patterns or blockers per se in one substantially continuous procedure that minimizes intervening manual steps, while a patient is aligned within the system during an uninterrupted session.

Abstract: An apparatus for slit radiography comprising discrete controllable attenuation elements coacting with a slit diaphragm, each attenuation element being affixed to damping means.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus (10) includes an x-ray tube (16), an off-focal radiation collimator (20), a shutter (22), and a primary beam defining collimator (24) between the x-ray tube and patient receiving region (14). The off-focal collimator is mounted within a collar (48) which surrounds an x-ray port (36) of the x-ray tube. The tube port is sealed from the atmosphere by an aluminum window (46). A plate (62) of a radiation blocking material is rotatably mounted by a bearing (70) within the collar closely adjacent the aluminum window. By rotating the moveable plate, aperture or radiation passing slots or portions (62, 64) of different sizes are selectively brought into alignment between a focal spot (34) of the x-ray tube and a radiation passing region or slot (52) of a stationary plate (50) at the distal end of the collar. The aligned slots block the passage of off-focal radiation. Moreover, rotating slots of different sizes into alignment changes the size or angle of the x-ray fan beam.

Abstract: A high-speed image recording apparatus comprises a sheet changer for changing a stimulable phosphor sheet at an image recording position, a radiation source drive controller, and a filter changer for changing a radiation filter on a radiation passage between a radiation source and a stimulable phosphor sheet at each image recording step. The sheet changer, the radiation source drive controller and the filter changer are activated by signals sent from a controller to load the stimulable phosphor sheet to the image recording position, to change over the radiation filter, and then to emit radiation to the stimulable phosphor sheet via an object, thereby recording a high energy image and a low energy image of good energy discrimination in stimulable phosphor sheets.

Abstract: An aperture device defines X-ray beams emitted from X-ray focal points L and R spaced apart from each other along the first direction. This defining operation is performed along the first direction and a second direction crossing the first position, thereby shaping a rectangular X-ray radiation area. Blades defining the two edges of the X-ray beam along the first direction and blades defining two edges of the X-ray beam along the second direction are supported by engaging portions into which screw portions of screw rods are screwed and engaging portions slidably fitted around round portions of the screw rods, respectively. When the screw rods are rotated by activation of corresponding stepping motors, the corresponding engaging portions are moved parallel to the screw rods. The respective blades can be variably moved along the first or second direction, thereby forming an X-ray radiation area having any shape in any position.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus employing hard X-rays comprises a pair of sensors receiving substantially simultaneously hard X-ray beam emitted from an X-ray source, one of which sensors receives the beam directly from the source and not passed through an object to be measured while the other sensor receives the beam passed through the object. The other sensor comprises an X-ray image receiving camera providing an X-ray image of the object and a spot X-ray sensor for receiving the beam passed through a restricted measuring zone or spot in the object, and the camera and spot sensor are shiftable alternately to a position of receiving the beam passed through the object, whereby, after visual observation of the X-ray image for discrimination, the restricted zone or spot can be determined for a higher precision measuring, and a precise quantitative measurement can be carried out by the spot sensor with respect to the restricted zone or spot.

Abstract: In radiology X-radiation from, an X-ray tube is directed toward a patient and received by an image means, which may be a film, to produce a visual image. The X-ray may be intended to detect a particular feature or area; however, the picture may be obscured by the unequal X-ray attenuation effect of the patient. That adverse effect is minimized by an attenuation mask which equalizes attenuation across the entire field. An individual mask is formed for each patient, on an almost real-time basis, by a first X-ray exposure which is analyzed to determine the extent and location of the patient's attenuation. The mask is produced, based upon that analysis, providing different attenuation at different areas, by depositing ink jet droplets, having suitable metal material, on an absorbent substrate.

Abstract: An off-focal radiation collimator is disclosed which includes a plurality of radiation absorbing elements supported in spaced relationship with respect to one another in a housing such that each element is aligned along radii extending from the focal spot of a radiation source. The off-focal collimator is preferably disposed between the radiation source and a primary beam collimator. The off-focal collimator also acts as a radiation beam compensator. By varying the spatial density of the radiation absorbing elements by a function of location within the housing, the radiation beam can be shaped to any desired profile.

Abstract: X-ray compensation masks (51) are prepared by exposing an X-ray target object (43), such as a patient, to a first beam of X-rays. The X-ray fluence from the patient is received by an electronic image receptor (44) which provides an output signal indicating the intensity of the X-rays at all positions in the image field. The image information is converted by an image processor (47) to transformed X-ray intensity values for a plurality of pixels which cover the image field. A mask generating controller (48) determines the minimum transformed intensity value for any pixel, assigns to each pixel an attenuation number which is proportional to the difference between the transformed intensity value for the pixel and the minimum transformed intensity value, and issues control signals to a mask former (49) which deposits on a non-attenuating substrate (50) attenuating masses in a two dimensional array of pixels with the mass thickness in each pixel proportional to the attenuation number.

Abstract: By moving a wedge (18) within the radiographic field during exposure of an area of interest, steps of the wedge are presented one by one at the same film location over sequential exposures. Wedge steps are thus superimposed over an identical position within the radiographic field, and a correlation may then be made between wedge step thickness and film optical density over successive exposures for calibrating the radiographs. A preferred form of the stepped wedge is circular (FIG. 2). An alternate form is a circular ramp (FIG. 3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which removes harmful radiation from the visible image producing radiation emitted by a cathode ray tube. The apparatus comprises an image conveying member for conveying by reflectance the visible image originating from a cathode ray tube and an image receiving member for receiving the image conveyed by the image conveying member. The image conveying member is comprised of a reflective layer and an absorptive layer. The reflective layer of the image conveying member is substantially reflective of visible electromagnetic radiation and substantially transmissive of electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths shorter than visible radiation. The absorptive layer of the image conveying member is comprised of a material capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reflective layer of the image conveying member.