Abstract: A marking tape for transferring information written thereon to a film when the film is exposed to x-rays. The tape is a laminate of an upper film, a radiopaque emulsion, and a lower film. The top surface of the upper film is partially coated with a writable ink, and the ink coating positioned directly over the radiopaque emulsion. Pressure exerted by the user while writing on the ink surface causes the underlying emulsion to part. When the marking tape is affixed to a film cassette, x-rays penetrate the marking tape in those areas where the emulsion has been parted, the underlying film is exposed, and the information entered on the marking tape is thereby transferred to the film. The marking tape can be made in different sizes and radiopacities that can be distinguished by color-coding the writable surface.

Abstract: An apparatus has a number of operating parameters that can be set by an attendant via a control unit. The control unit has a display on which a mark indicating and influencing the value of the appertaining operating parameter on a scale can be displaced for at least two operating parameters with an input means. The scales are thereby divided into ranges indicating the admissibility and the inadmissibility of the corresponding values of the respective operating parameters and the shift of the mark belonging to one operating parameter effects, as required, a modification of the subdivision of at least one other scale.

Abstract: An X-ray marker includes a shaping material formed with a base having a substantially constant thickness and pattern formed in the base having a thickness different than the base. An X-ray attenuator is suspended in the shaping material creating a composite material having a substantially uniform density. The X-ray absorption of the base varies in proportion with the base thickness. Therefore, the different thicknesses of the base forms an image corresponding to the pattern when the marker is disposed over an X-ray sensitive image receptor and exposed to X-rays.

Abstract: A stabilizing system, which is especially useful in radiation therapy, has markers located in a body in a set of positions relative to external coordinates, the set of positions having a calibrated spatial relationship with a target volume in the body, the markers being imaged by an imager at subsequent times to produce subsequent imager output signals which are compared by a data processor which generates a control signal which drives an actuator sub-system to move the body to stabilize the target volume relative to the external coordinates, wherein confounding effects of high energy, high intensity radiations which may also be present in the body are overcome by various distinguishing arrangements.

Abstract: A device for direct, visual estimation of dimensions of measurement objects that are difficult to reach, such as organs and foreign articles within human and animal bodies. The human eye gives a good size apprehension when comparing a measurement object with a similar thing of known dimension close to that of the measurement object. The comparison can be carried out on an X-ray picture in which a measurement object as well as a comparison body are reproduced close to each other and on the same scale. Means are provided for fixing the comparison body at the exterior surface of the human or animal body. The comparison body is confined by a series of surfaces of revolution with different sizes within an interval matched to the dimension interval of the dimension object.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stereoscopic images using a viewing grid and not requiring a lenticular viewing screen. In one embodiment applied to roentgenography, the apparatus includes an X-ray source, a table or cradle disposed beneath the X-ray source for securing an image subject such as a patient, and a recording medium cassette disposed beneath the table or cradle. The cassette includes a film comprising a base, an emulsion on a first side of the base and a viewing grid on an opposite second side of the base, an image intensifying screen for exposing the emulsion films for recording an image, and a recording grid located between the phosphorous screen and the emulsion side of the film, and fixed in position relative to the image intensifying screen for masking a plurality of strips of predetermined width, of the emulsion film. During exposure, relative movement between the cradle and cassette is maintained so as to capture various views of the image subject on the emulsion film.

Abstract: An automatic computer implemented technique which may be used for identifying markers and determining the centroids of fiducial markers (e.g., cylindrical fiducial markers) attached to the head in magnetic resonance (MR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) volume images is disclosed. This technique may be referred to as image space localization. A first portion of the technique identifies many candidate voxel points included in a bright area of the image which may correspond to candidate markers. A second portion of the technique selects from the identified candidate voxels a predetermined number of candidate points of the image volume that are most likely to lie within an actual fiducial marker. The centroid for each of these markers is then determined. The method finds markers whose images are of a higher intensity than their surroundings and which have a given shape and size.

Abstract: A security system for digital x-ray images is disclosed. In one example system, a direct capture digital x-ray imaging device is used to capture digital x-ray images. The direct capture digital x-ray imaging device then associates an identifier with the image. This identifier identifies the source of the image as being that particular device. In some example systems, the identifier is used to create a digital signature that identifies that particular image as being from that particular device. Some systems optionally include image encryption and/or compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to xray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing a tomosynthesis exposure of an examination subject, an X-ray beam is directed at the subject from different directions and a reference object composed of at least two sub-objects is disposed in the X-ray beam together with the subject. X-rays attenuated by the reference object composed of at least two sub-objects and the examination subject are received by a radiation receiver, which generates electrical signals corresponding to X-rays incident thereon, from which a tomosynthesis image is constructed.

Abstract: To provide a method and an instrument capable of easily and accurately measuring a size of an affected part present in a body of a patient, there is provided a measuring instrument 1 including at least four sheets of acrylic plates having indices of a substance of X-ray image forming performance of metal balls 2 and 3, metal wires and the like in which sets of two sheets of the acrylic plates are arranged in parallel to each other and a space defined by the sets of acrylic plates arranged in parallel, is provided with an interval capable of receiving a part of a patient to be measured, such as the head or the like.

Abstract: A medical X-ray machine for taking X-ray pictures which includes a radiation source (9), a recording medium (10), and a component, such as a diaphragm (2), for generating at least one machine-specific and/or component-specific marking or data identifier which is automatically assigned to an X-ray picture which is to be or has been taken.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics apparatus for tomosynthesis has a radiation emitter and a reference object exclusively connected thereto so that the reference object has a fixed reference relationship to the radiation emitter. It is thus possible to determine the spacing of the radiation emitter from the radiation receiver and from the examination subject, the radiation angle and the transirradiation direction on the basis of the signals obtained from the radiation receiver upon transirradiation of the reference subject without having the reference object representing an impediment in the region of the examination subject.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the irradiation field of a radiographic image, wherein digital image data is acquired and subjected to multiple phases of digital imaging processes. The image is first acquired by a radiation image recording apparatus through a landmark-synthesizing device that generates landmark patterns on the acquired image. These patterns are indicative of where the irradiation field is located, and are subsequently detected by digital image processing techniques. Next, the irradiation field is robustly and efficiently identified through these landmark patterns. An irradiation map is then created that functions as a template for any further image processing to be done on the irradiation field. Once the irradiation field is identified, the landmark patterns are removed from the acquired image using digital image processing techniques if desired.

Abstract: Radiopaque marker and method for use in nuclear medicine imaging, (particularly with X-ray radiology) of soft tissue landmarks of a patient's body. The radiopaque marker includes a spherical ball of radiopaque material attached to an adhesive sheet which is positioned on a sheet of release film. Radiopaque markers are removed from the release film and applied to soft tissue landmarks on the patient. The patient's body, with the radiopaque markers, is then imaged, e.g. with X-ray radiology. The radiopaque markers leave circular shadows on the X-ray film, regardless of the contours of the portion of the body to which the radiopaque markers are applied, and can be used to accurately mark soft tissue landmarks.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus for X-ray geometry, for use in conjunction with a portion of a patient's body to be X-rayed, an X-ray source, and imaging arrangement for forming an image, wherein the imaging arrangement is at a given orientation and distance from the portion of a patient's body, comprises a calibration ring adapted for being fastened to a portion of a patient's body, such as a patient's head. The ring exhibits a first degree of transparency to X-rays.

Abstract: A marker apparatus and method for identifying radiation imaging recording media, particularly x-ray media. The apparatus includes a container having a recessed area and a reservoir communicable with the recessed area. A surface, disposed within the recessed area, includes a marking area on which identifying characters are formed using a marking instrument. An imaging media comprised of a material opaque to radiation is disposed within the reservoir. Flow of the imaging media is effected from the reservoir into the recessed area and across the surface to collect at the identifying characters. In one embodiment, the surface is a deformable surface on which depressions are formed, and the imaging media collects in the depressions. In another embodiment, the surface is a magnetic surface which attracts magnetically-attractable imaging media.

Abstract: A self-calibrating tomosynthetic x-ray system is provided. A calibrated device for recording radiographic images of a selected object irradiated by a source of radiation includes a first radiolucent radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device for recording a first projected radiographic image of the selected object. A second radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device is supported in fixed generally parallel position relative to the first radiographic recording medium to permit radiation from the source to pass through the first radiographic recording medium and to impinge upon the second radiographic recording medium for recording a second projected radiographic image of the selected object. A radiopaque fiducial reference in the form of a grid is supported in fixed position generally between the first and second radiographic recording mediums to permit a projected image of the radiopaque fiducial reference to be recorded on the second radiographic recording medium.

Abstract: A radiographic film marking kit for use during radiographic procedures to identify a right or left anatomical area or position. The kit consists of two markers with radio-opaque indicia which are removably attachable to a clip for use in positioning a marker along an edge margin of a vertically oriented radiographic film cassette. The markers can also be used individually separate from the clip so that they can be positioned anywhere on the face of a horizontally oriented radiographic film.

Abstract: A marking device, preferably for use with x-ray film to be exposed, has an indicia supporting member that is transparent to the x-ray energy, at least one indicia opaque to the x-ray energy, a movable cover shield also opaque to the x-ray energy, an attaching means for temporarily securing the device to an x-ray film or a film cassette, and a removable carrying case. The cover shield is moved from a shielding position relative to the indicia to an non-shielding position relative to the indicia. When the indicia is not shielded then the indicia appears on the exposed x-ray film. The carrying case substantially encloses the attaching means to prevent its contamination when the marking device is not in use, and includes means for attaching the case and device to the user in a visible and accessible location, as well as containing radio opaque indicia for marking the film with additional information.

Abstract: A film pack holder having a built in scale for use in calibrating the positioning accuracy of an irradiation device to move a radiation source a selected distance along a given path.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an X-ray imaging system includes a cassette with a section for receiving a sheet of photographic film. An intensifier screen emits light upon being stuck by X-rays and is positioned within the cassette so that the light strikes the photographic film. A light sensor produces an electrical signal representing the intensity of light emitted by the intensifier screen and an electrometer integrates the signal. A first analog to digital converter produces a digital value that corresponds to the magnitude of the integrated signal. The digital value is recorded on the photographic film by a light emitting numerical display. A control circuit activates the numerical display after an X-ray exposure has terminated so that the value recorded on the film represents the magnitude of that exposure.

Abstract: The extracorporeal treatment apparatus has an electroacoustic transducer for producing focused sound waves and a patient support which can be moved with respect to the transducer for the purpose of positioning a patient. The transducer is arranged pivotably about its focus with respect to the patient support. The treatment apparatus is provided to connect an external X-ray location device essentially comprising an X-ray source, an X-ray image-receiver and a support frame connecting these components. Mechanical coupling between the X-ray location device and the transducer of the treatment apparatus takes place such that the X-ray location devices may follow the pivoting movements of the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, kit and method for annotating information on an assay medium, such as an electrophoresis gel, thin-layer chromatography plate, x-ray film, and the like, prior to recording the data on the assay medium by photography or other like means. The apparatus is composed of a planar base with grooved tracks, or of two or more side rails that are placed on a planar base adjacent the assay medium, with markers for designating information about a sample or its separated components on the assay medium.

Abstract: The device of the present application is an adhesive surface marker comprising a gel sealed by a casing and membrane structure. The markers of the present invention can include a cavity for receiving imaging materials. The markers provide means for marking patients and diagnostic images taken of those patients through different methods including X-Ray, Computerized Tomography, Positron Emission Tomograph, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging among others, retain their shape and size, and do not suffer from water-loss which can lead to reduced density to certain radio-graphic modalities (e.g. MRI).

Abstract: A method and apparatus accurately positions a selected cranial implant site for x-ray tomography. The method and apparatus comprise making a stent of the mandible and maxilla of a patient and making a mark on the stent at a position which corresponds to the selected cranial implant site. The stent is then positioned with regard to a tomographic x-ray imaging apparatus so that, (a) the mark on the stent is aligned with a light beam, preferably generated by a laser source, projected downwardly to intersect the central axis of the tomographic apparatus and, (b) the selected plane through the mark is perpendicular to the x-ray beam of the tomographic apparatus.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for transferring electrical signals and electric energy to a data memory (6) of a cassette (1) for radiation-sensitive recording material (11), the memory being connectable to a signal processing unit (4) and a power source (5) of a cassette identification apparatus (2). Means are provided between cassette (1) and cassette identification apparatus (2) for radio-frequency and galvanically insulated transfer of the signals and the electric energy. Such means feature a coupling device (3) having capacitive, inductive or opto-electric coupling elements that are resistant to corrosion, soiling and wear. Furthermore, the means comprise a signal processing unit (4) having signal transmitter circuits (41, 42, 43) and signal receiver circuits (44, 45, 46) for radio-frequency signals, and a power source (5) having an energy transmitter circuit (52) and an energy receiver circuit (53) for a radio-frequency voltage.

Abstract: The accuracy of pre-treatment radiographic images is improved by standardizing a technique for placing a bite block in a patient's mouth, by minimizing distortion in the resulting radiograph, and by providing a means for measuring the remaining distortion in the radiographic image. The placement of the bite block is registered on study models prior to the taking of the radiograph such that the dental practitioner can predetermine the best possible position for the bite block per individual patient outside the patient's mouth. The best possible position allows the dental practitioner to optimize the position of the bite block to obtain a radiograph having minimal vertical distortion and mesio-distal distortion. As some distortion is inevitable, the invention also allows for a means to measure the resulting distortion based on spatial markers set at a predetermined distance apart which are superimposed onto the radiographic image.

Abstract: Information on positioning of a patient during x-ray examination is provided by imaging a marker, notably a lead-letter, simultaneously with imaging a patient. Remote-controlled markers are provided attached to separate moveable flat frames. The use of a flat frame makes possible to incorporate an arrangement for remote-controlled position and/or orientation, within the serial film changer without increasing required vertical space. Thus comfortable and easy access for a patient onto the patient table is provided. The motion of relevant frames along guide rails is performed by means of a system of motors, belts or chains and pulleys. The motors are controlled by means of potentiometers and a micro-processor that supplies signals in correspondence with a required motion of a relevant frame. The motors are positioned within the serial film changer and aside of the patient support table. As a consequence restriction of the longitudinal motion of the patient support table is avoided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a marking system for taking X-ray films. The marking system comprises an X-ray transparent letter holding means configured to hold one or more X-ray opaque letters and/or indicia, said holding means having one or more fastening members that permit it to be removably attached to an X-ray film holder, and cooperating fastening members on the X-ray film holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orbital aiming device for aiming a puncturing instrument to a targeted object for use with an isocentric mammo fluoro X-ray apparatus.The device comprises a guide supporting the puncturing instrument so that it aims at the isocenter of the mammo X-ray apparatus, which guide is mounted on an arcuate member orbitally movable and supported by a swiveling arm swiveling about an axis passing through the isocenter so that the puncturing instrument can be pivoted about the isocenter around two rotational axis for real-time selection of the penetration path, which path can be from any direction around a patient's breast.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus has a source of acoustic waves which generates acoustic waves focused onto a focus and which has an x-ray-transparent region, and the focus lying in an isocenter and an x-ray locating system whose central ray proceeds through the isocenter and is adjustable relative to the source in a locating sequence such that a subject to be treated is irradiated by locating radiation from different directions, with the central ray in one of the irradiation directions proceeding through the x-ray transparent region and the acoustic wave source is maintained stationary during the sequence. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marker for forming identifying indicia on X-ray film is comprised of two overlapping layers of material which define a predetermined shape, with a first layer of material having first predetermined X-ray absorbing characteristics, and-a second layer of material having second X-ray absorbing characteristics complementary to the X-ray absorbing characteristics of the first material, such that the combination of the two layers block a sufficient portion of the X-rays imparted to the X-ray film to form an identifying indicia on the X-ray film having good contrast. The combination of the two layers of material block a substantially greater portion of the X-rays than that blocked by either of the two materials alone. A plurality of indicia-defining layers of material are encapsulated within a clear encapsulating material having magnetic engaging means, whereby a single marker having a plurality of identifying indicia may be easily picked up and engaged with the platen containing the X-ray film.

Abstract: A device for marking body sites for imaging medical examinations, such as nuclear spin resonance tomography (NMR), computed tomography (CT), roentgen ray analysis (X-ray), or positron emission tomography (PET), comprises fixtures (10) which are adapted to be fastened to the body and/or to a stereotaxic means or a mask arrangement. Markers (18) containing a substance (20) which provides sharp contrast in the generation of images are adapted to be slid selectively into those fixtures. The fixtures are made of a material which does not disturb the imaging, with at least two different imaging examination procedures.

Abstract: The therapy apparatus described for treating concretions and tissue in the body of a patient by means of sound waves comprises a sound wave generator and an available X-ray device for locating an object for therapy, wherein the therapy apparatus has a spot film device. The spot film device is arranged within the axial passage of an X-ray cone for the available X-ray device attached to the sound wave generator and with its central longitudinal axis aligned with the focus thereof to be able to precisely adjust and fix a known X-ray device available to the therapy apparatus relative to the therapy apparatus quickly and safely.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying a concretion in a patient with focussed pressure waves includes a pressure wave source for generating focussed pressure waves focussed at a pressure wave focal point for destroying a concretion in a patient, an X-ray source for emitting X-rays, an X-ray receiver for receiving the X-rays from the X-ray source, and an aiming device for enabling the concentration to be positioned at the pressure wave focal point. The aiming device is disposed in an X-ray path between the X-ray source and the X-ray receiver for projecting a pattern on the X-ray receiver when the X-ray source emits X-rays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying the artifactual radiographic images caused by epithelial protuberances. The claimed method employs a partially radiolucent, faintly radiopaque marker which is secured around an epithelial protuberance. The marker is designed so that when secured it not only preserves the generally cylindrical shape and vertical boundaries of the protuberance, but also ensures that a thin layer or film of air is maintained surrounding the protuberance. After the marker is secured, the preserved vertical boundaries of the protuberance are presented tangentially to an xray beam to produce a radiographic shadow of both the protuberance and the marker. The artifactual radiographic image caused by the protuberance can then be readily identified by detecting the radiographic shadow cast by the protuberance in association with the shadow cast by the surrounding, faintly opaque marker.

Abstract: A programmable dental x-ray inscription system is disclosed for use in physically inscribing developed dental x-rays with patient identifying indicia representative of the identity of the patient, the esposure date of the dental x-ray, the tooth numbers of teeth represented in the x-ray and other related information. The physical inscriptions have a depth dimension into the developed dental x-ray. The programmable dental x-ray inscription system includes a housing which is positionable on a work surface such as a desk or countertop. During the programming cycle of the system, the user places a developed dental x-ray within the projected support tray of the system, which is thereafter retracted within the housing. Then during the programming cycle, user-directed prompts and queries are displayed on the display panel of the system so that the user selects a suitable inscription field and enters data representative of desired patient identifying indicia.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing an object to be examined, includes X-ray radiating means for radiating an X-ray on the object to be examined, means for detecting the X-ray passed through the object to be examined and obtaining an X-ray static image of the object to be examined, and means for adding discrimination information to the X-ray static image of the object to be examined and outputting a static image to which discrimination information is added. In addition, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention further comprises means for recording a motion image of the object having information corresponding to the static image having to which the discrimination information has been added.

Abstract: A self-calibrating tomosynthetic x-ray system is provided. A calibrated device for recording radiographic images of a selected object irradiated by a source of radiation includes a first radiolucent radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device for recording a first projected radiographic image of the selected object. A second radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device is supported in fixed generally parallel position relative to the first radiographic recording medium to permit radiation from the source to pass through the first radiographic recording medium and to impinge upon the second radiographic recording medium for recording a second projected radiographic image of the selected object. A radiopaque fiducial reference in the form of a grid is supported in fixed position generally between the first and second radiographic recording mediums to permit a projected image of the radiopaque fiducial reference to be recorded on the second radiographic recording medium.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus includes a multi-leaf attenuator having a first plurality of radiation attenuating leaves and a second plurality of radiation attenuating leaves. The first plurality of leaves is spaced with gaps between adjacent leaves within a radiation beam so that the leaves and the gaps therebetween divide the radiation beam into rays. The second plurality of leaves is disposed directly under gaps in the first plurality of leaves so that each ray of the beam can be occluded by a leaf in either the first or second plurality. The gaps eliminate interference between leaves; the staggering prevents radiation leakage between leaves. Each leaf, in both groups, may be moved between a first open state on one side of the beam, a closed state within the beam thus occluding one ray of the beam, and a second open state on the other side of the beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for marking a radiographic film in a dark room with patient data and/or similar information. The marks to be produced are made latent onto the film (F) in a form turning visible during the development of the film (F). The film (F) to be marked is transferred linearly in the marking apparatus, while the film (F) is simultaneously subjected to exposing marking radiation. The marking characters to be formed are sequentially composed from vertically adjacently placed elements (C.sub.1 . . . C.sub.N) using the above-mentioned linear motion of the film (F) as the shift in the direction of the marking character row. In conjunction with the entry of patient data, the identification information for the film cassette to be marked is entered from a keyboard such as a cassette number which is marked on the cassette in a form visible in the dark.

Abstract: A support assembly for conveniently carrying radiology or X-ray markers includes a flexible cord forming a loop with a support element connected to the cord. First and second radiology or X-ray marker elements each are provided with adhesive for enabling the marker elements to be removably attached to the support element, whereby the loop can be positioned around a user's neck to provide quick and easy access to the marker elements.

Abstract: A uniform system for marking X-Ray films with pertinent data. Further, it establishes a technique for manufacturing X-Ray markers which vary only slightly, so that by piggy-backing or stacking, virtually any thickness of marker can be obtained. In addition a method for making a transparent, adherent, and reusable marker is described. The markers are made of brass by a photo-chemical-etching technique and are coated with nickel in order to achieve permanency and contrast against a black plastic background for easy identification and storage.

Abstract: An identification labeling unit for applying identifying data to a sheet of X-ray film enclosed in a film cassette has data input means and a cassette insertion slot extending into the interior of its housing; a data display device, such as a vacuum fluorescent data display screen, defines an object plane inside the housing, and an optical system delivers an image of the data display screen focussed at an image plane within the cavity slot. When the X-ray film-enclosing cassette is fully inserted into the insertion slot, with a corner window hatchcover on the cassette being automatically opened by the cassette's insertion into the cavity slot, the corner of the X-ray film receives the focussed labeling data image from the optical system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X ray film cassette with a permanent marking means for identifying the side of the radiographic film that faced the X ray tube during exposure. Such identification does not require any action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. The marking means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette to intersect overlapping portions of an X ray path projected during exposure.

Abstract: A radiation therapy skin marking device which may be used to delineate a radiation therapy portal area on a patient's skin surface. The device is a set of radiation therapy skin markers which are releasably attached to a backing liner and include an adhesive surface such that the markers may be releasably attached to a patient's skin surface. The markers include printed lines so as to facilitate radiation therapy treatments by more obviously defining a radiation therapy portal area. The shape of the markers may vary including, for example, a marker of substantially circular shape with a ninety degree wedge cut therefrom such that the marker may be used to outline a ninety degree corner and a marker of substantially circular shape with a circular cut-out center such that the marker is defined by a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge both of which circular edges share a common center point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to apparatus determining the exact position of a target relative to a reference of known co-ordinates. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation for forming an image of a target, which image is received by a receiver device situated beyond the target. A mask-forming device is interposed between the receiver device and the source of radiation, the mask-forming device including at least one localization means of known position relative to a reference point and suitable for forming an image in said image-forming radiation, means are also provided for displacing the radiation source in three dimensions, at least between two different angular positions, thereby displacing the co-ordinates of two different images of the target obtained from the two different angular positions of the source. The invention makes it possible to determine the exact position of a target with a very high degree of precision using a method which is simple and which limits the radiation dose.

Abstract: An x-ray identification module includes a strip having recesses formed in opposite surfaces thereof. An opaque x-ray marker is received within one of the recesses, and a lateral strip portion is defined adjacent each recess. At least two suction cups are mounted to the lateral portion adjacent each recess, in non-overlying relationship to the marker-so as to avoid adding thickness to the strip in the area of the marker. The module is particularly useful for mammography.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for identifying dental x-ray films that allows a health practitioner or staff member to permanently emboss indentifying indicia directly on to a patient's x-ray films. The device is portable and lightweight. Constructed from a plastic or PVC material, it is impervious to x-ray film fixer or developer, as well as the emulsion used on x-ray film. The device is unique in that it neither etches nor destroys the emulsion on the x-ray film.