Abstract: A curved vacuum cassette assembly including a rigid or semi-rigid curved structural backing that is porous or semi-porous to air flow such that one or more imaging detectors (e.g. film layers or CR plates), intensifying screens, and/or other layers may be affixed to the curved structural backing in a secure and conformal manner when a vacuum is applied to the structural backing. All of these structures are encapsulated within an airtight barrier and, optionally, another suitable rigid or semi-rigid housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to x-ray screening accessories and methods of facilitating x-ray screening.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base and an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube may be configured to generate an X-ray beam. The X-ray applicator may include an exit surface through which the X-ray beam passes in use. The X-ray unit may further include an applicator cap for covering at least the exit surface of the X-ray applicator.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base for accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an articulated arm associated with the base and coupled to the X-ray applicator. The X-ray applicator may have an X-ray tube configured to emit an X-ray beam through an exit window to irradiate an object. The mobile X-ray unit may further include a dosimetry system adapted for real time dosimetry.

Abstract: A collimator for adjusting the shape of a region irradiated by radiation and a control method thereof. The collimator includes a plurality of irises to adjust the shape of the irradiation region, a light source outputting light to display the irradiation region, a reflective mirror to adjust a path of light radiated from the light source toward the irradiation region, and an image output unit outputting to the irradiation region a visible image representing the shape of a target object for radiography or a mark indicating the center of the radiation region.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base for accommodating a control unit configured to control an X-ray applicator and a power supply configured to supply power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an articulated arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support the X-ray applicator. The X-ray applicator may have an X-ray tube for emitting an X-ray beam for irradiating an object. The mobile X-ray unit may further include a phantom-based dosimetry system configured to perform a dosimetry check of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive system includes one or more processors configured to determine spectral attenuation curves for a first basis material and a second basis material, respectively. The one or more processors are configured to substitute a k-edge feature in the determined spectral attenuation curves with an approximation of the determined spectral attenuation curves lacking the k-edge feature. The one or more processors are also configured to construct a material decomposition model based on one of the determined or approximated first and second spectral attenuation curves. The one or more processors are additionally configured to decompose X-ray projection data into basis material projection data comprising first and second line integrals based, at least in part, on the model.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system is capturing a radiographic image of a subject. The radiographic imaging system has a radiation detector that detects radiation from which the radiographic image is obtained, a radiation source that irradiates the radiation detector with the radiation, a partition that is disposed adjacent to the radiation detector and that locates the subject at a predetermined position relative to the radiation detector, a distance measuring unit that measures a distance between the partition and the radiation source, a tilt detecting unit that measures a tilt of the partition, and an image processor that corrects the captured radiographic image based on the distance between the partition and the radiation source obtained by the distance measuring unit and the tilt of the partition obtained by the tilt detection unit.

Abstract: A method for indicating a position of a radiation energy sensor element in a radiographic imaging system, the method executed at least in part by a computer, identifies the position of the radiation energy sensor element relative to a subject to be imaged and displays the identified position relative to the subject.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: In a medical image diagnostic device, wherein X-Ray CT devices and PET devices are longitudinally disposed, and which has a tubular imaging part for positioning a subject who is placed on the top surface of a bed and collecting image data, an illumination part is provided for producing a suitable level of brightness to the display part, which is for providing information to the subject without having to adopt every imaging position within the tubular imaging part, and to the imaging part.

Abstract: An X-ray examination system for analog mammography is provided. The X-ray examination system for analog mammography includes an X-ray system including an X-ray film and labeling device. The X-ray film is exposed to an X-ray beam of the X-ray system with examination images of a patient. The labeling device includes an exposure beam for exposing the X-ray film with additional patient-specific information. The labeling device is a structural component of the X-ray system and is separate from the X-ray system for exposing the X-ray film. The labeling device is positionable relative to the X-ray film. The labeling device is disposed outside the X-ray beam or in the direction of an exposure of the X-ray film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph, in which data from a rotor, which during operation of the computer tomograph rotates about an axis of rotation, is transferred optoelectronically. For that purpose, on the rotor there is located at least one transmitter, which transmits light towards a receiver mounted on the axis of rotation, the light being modulated with the data to be transferred.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for the calibration of patient dose measurement and control systems of the character used in diagnostic radiology. The calibration apparatus includes a novel ion chamber that is of rigid construction. The ion chamber has a radiation input face that incorporates an optical alignment target or reticule having markings generally corresponding to a range of field sizes and shapes. A series of radio-opaque targets are embedded beneath the surface of the optical target to facilitate alignment using a radiation image.

Abstract: In an x-ray apparatus and method to determine the radiation dose in x-ray examinations, the x-ray apparatus has an x-ray radiator, an automatic exposure timer, and a laser range finder to detect the focus-patient separation between the x-ray radiator and a patient, and a computer device determines the necessary radiation dose using the thickness of the body part of the patient to be examined. The thickness is calculated from the acquired focus-patient distance and geometric data of the x-ray apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring x-ray roentgenograms to a digital format for patient hospital or office records is provided. A high resolution digitizer interfaced with computer technology is used to scan each x-ray as it is delivered from the x-ray processor, to encode the x-ray with selected information such as the patient's name and medical record number, and to immediately print a hard paper copy to be included with the patient record. The hard paper copy can be a high resolution plain paper print out. The system can simultaneously store a digital representation of the x-ray picture in a computer readable format for easy access, and/or transmission to another site, at any time. Thousands of x-ray prints can be stored indefinitely on discs, saving vast amounts of storage space.

Abstract: X-ray images are displayed at both high-resolution and high illumination with annotation superimposed in registration therewith to point out suspected abnormalities identified through a process in which the x-ray images are digitized and the digitized information is subjected to feature extraction processing. For example, the x-ray images are displayed at both high-resolution and high illumination in the form of x-ray film images displayed on a light box while the annotation information is selectively superimposed on the same image by a separate imaging system co-acting with the light box. In this manner, the radiologist can view either the x-ray film alone, in the conventional manner, or the same x-ray film, at the same position and at the same high resolution and at the same or substantially the same illumination level but with annotation information superimposed and in registration therewith.

Abstract: An X-ray film marking unit for exposing a portion of the film with a label having indicia relating to patient identifying and X-ray machine identifying information. A computer or microprocessor system is fully integrated as part of a smart marking system which may retrieve data from various sources via digital interface ports. Three modes of operation, full-automatic, semi-automatic and stand-alone, are utilized for data retrieval.

Abstract: A camera that projects data onto an X-ray film (2). The film is accommodated in a light-tight cassette (3). The data is imaged onto the film with light projected along a row (A) through an open window (4) in the cassette. The camera is characterized by means (24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, & 29) of releasably securing the cassette relative to the top (1a) of the camera along and/or across the row and by a control unit (27) that actuates the securing means during exposure and acts in conjunction with sensors (15a, 15b, & 15c) which emit signals in accordance with the orientation of the cassette.

Abstract: A cassette containing an x-ray film with a latent image is placed in a camera having a memory which receives data relating to the image. The cassette is provided with a window which is closed by a cover and, once the cassette is in the camera, the window is sealed from external light. A moving mechanism then slides away the cover to open the window. The moving mechanism carries a printed circuit board which supports the memory, two parallel rows of LEDs and a microprocessor connected to the memory and the LEDs. The rows extend perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving mechanism, and the LEDs of the rows are offset relative to one another. After the window has been opened completely, the moving mechanism begins to close the window. As the window closes, the microprocessor activates the LEDs so that the latter print the data in the memory on the portion of the film in the window.

Abstract: An x-ray cassette including a body having an interior configured to hold a sheet of x-ray film. The body has a window disposed for the transmission of light into the interior of the body. A shutter is mounted on the body. The shutter is free of apertures. The shutter is slideable relative to the window between a closed position, in which the shutter occludes the passage of light through the window, and an open position, in which the shutter is spaced apart from the window to allow the passage of light through the window. A mechanical latch is reversibly translatable between locked and released configurations. The latch in the locked configuration arrests the shutter in the closed position. The latch in the released configuration frees the shutter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assembly, apparatus and process for scanning input information from patient information cards, processing the information and imaging the processed information on films and, in particular, on X-ray films in automatic daylight film handling systems.

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: An X-ray film marking unit for exposing a portion of the film with a label having indicia relating to patient identifying and X-ray machine identifying information. A computer or microprocessor system is fully integrated as part of a smart marking system which may retrieve data from various sources via digital interface ports. Three modes of operation, full-automatic, semi-automatic and stand-alone, are utilized for data retrieval.

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: 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: An automatic opening device for the window of a radiographic cassette including a fixed bracket (1); motor-driven equipment (8) sliding along the bracket (1) between a position of engagement with the window and a position of full opening of the window, including a cap element (12) sliding vertically between positions of engagement and disengagement with the window and equipped with a spring (15) which is compressed when the cap element (12) is in the disengagement position as to the window, at least one movable side (10) sliding on the fixed brakcet (1), and trailing with it the cap element (12), and a wedge element (11) causing the cap element (12) to move vertically.

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: An X-ray cassette 30 has a window 32 for mounting a back-lit LCD 34 to expose the film therein with patient identifying information in the form of a barcode. A strip of lead 38 opposite window 32 shields film 37 when cover 31 is closed. The LCD is activated after a sensor 56 connected to an X-ray tube 54 detects the discharge of X-rays. The patient identifying information may be read directly from the patient's bracelet 47 at the same time the X-ray is taken using barcode scanner 44.

Abstract: An X ray film cassette has a marking mechanism whereby unique identification of the film cassette is provided by film exposed therewithin. Plural light-opaque markers mounted in the film cassette provide means for marking the X ray film therein during exposure with an image correlated with a marking on the cassette exterior, thereby indicating the particular cassette within which the X ray film was exposed.

Abstract: A film information detecting method for detecting information provided on a film for photography and a device for practicing the same. The film information detecting method includes the steps of irradiating a film information display portion on the film for photography with a light to which the film is not sensitive and detecting the film information. The film information detecting device for detecting information provided on a film for photography includes a light irradiation device for irradiating an information display portion with a light to which the film is not sensitive and a film information detecting device for detecting film information displayed by the film information display portion.

Abstract: A chirally asymmetric marking on a sheet of radiographic film, positively identifies the side of the film sheet facing the front of an x-ray cassette during radiographic exposure. The marking is permanent and is accomplished automatically in an inexpensive, convenient and highly reliable manner.

Abstract: A radiograph identification and filing apparatus and method for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film and filing the radiographic film. The apparatus comprises an adhesive-backed label and a jacket for storing the film. When used with a darkroom radiograph imprinter, the label, the adhesive backing for the label, and the release liner are all photo-transparent. When used with a radiograph ID camera, the label is photo-opaque. The label is divided into a plurality of information fields which include print information material. In a label for use with an imprinter, the print information is photo-opaque. The jacket includes a pocket for receiving the film and exterior surfaces for receiving the label. For an imprinter, the method includes providing a label having an imprint field having substantially the same dimensions as the light window of the imprinter.

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 is achieved irrespective of whether the film is exposed through the cover or base of the cassette and does not require any separate action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. In a preferred embodiment, the working means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette. A user friendly apparatus is described, for installing the light-opaque markers on the intensifying screens of the X ray film cassette.

Abstract: An improved intra oral dental x-ray packet structured to both prevent x-ray radiation from passing completely through the packet into the patient's mouth and to prevent x-ray exposure of a small transverse strip at one end of the unexposed x-ray film within the packet. The unexposed portion of the x-ray film is sized so as not to significantly reduce the useful area for tooth exposure, yet providing an area for imprinting as by light exposure patient identification indicia thereonto after x-ray radiation exposure, but prior to developing the exposed x-ray film.

Abstract: The improved apparatus for writing information on X-ray films comprising:means for exposing said X-ray films to write said information,means for identifying a type of said X-ray films, andmeans for adjusting an amount of exposure of said means for exposing in accordance with said means for identifying.

Abstract: A dental x-ray patient identification marking device for use in conjunction with an identification camera to permanently imprint preselected patient identification indicia onto each small dental x-ray before developing. A thin aperture plate, which may be removable, is positioned atop the working surface of the identification camera having a light-emitting area there within. The aperture plate includes an elongated hole near one end of structure for properly aligning the dental x-ray so that the hole is in alignment and registry with a particular portion of the x-ray. A thin indicia card having the preselected patient identification indicia written or typed thereon in a specified region of the card, is positionable between the aperture plate and the light-emitting area in alignment with the hole which produces an exposure of the preselected patient identification indicia at one end of the x-ray in response to light passing through the card.

Abstract: A radiographic film cassette exposes a sheet of film to X-rays projected along an X-ray path by an X-ray tube. The cassette has an inner surface defining a recess for receiving the film sheet. A base having an inner surface is adapted to close upon the cover for securing the film sheet. A key is permanently mounted to the cover and disposed within the recess to provide the recess with chiral asymmetry. The sheet of film has a cutout adapted to engage the key. A marker is permanently fixed along at least one edge of the film. The key is so mounted that its disposition within the recess permits engagement with the cutout in only one orientation of the film sheet therein. The marker has chiral asymmetry and cooperates with the key and the cutout to identify the side of the film sheet facing the X-ray tube during exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for imprinting information, particularly identifying an intensifying screen and cassette used to produce a radiograph, permanently on the radiograph.

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 is achieved irrespective of whether the film is exposed through the cover or base of the cassette and does not require any separate action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. In a preferred embodiment, the working means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette. A user friendly apparatus is described, for installing the light-opaque markers on the intensifying screens of the X ray film cassette.

Abstract: A dental X-ray patient identification marking device for use in conjunction with an identification camera to permanently imprint preselected patient identification indicia onto each small dental X-ray before developing. A thin aperture plate, which may be removable, is positioned atop the working surface of the identification camera having a light-emitting area there within. The aperture plate includes an elongated hole near one end of structure for properly aligning the dental X-ray so that the hole is in alignment and registry with a particular portion of the X-ray. A thin indicia card having the preselected patient identification indicia written or typed thereon in a specified region of the card, is positionable between the aperture plate and the light-emitting area in alignment with the hole which produces an exposure of the preselected patient identification indicia at one end of the X-ray in response to light passing through the card.

Abstract: An x-ray film changer includes a removably mounted, passive-type cassette having no film driving mechanism and comprising a film-receiving spiral guide plate extending within the cassette in excess of one and one-half 360.degree. turns. The cassette further comprises an anvil bar for reverse bending of the guide plate when the cassette is opened, to facilitate film removal, a light-blocking gate which uncovers a film feed-in slot in response to mounting of the cassette on a film exposure device, and a combination carrying handle-latch mechanism.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette is disclosed which includes a window for allowing imaging of patient identification data onto a film in the cassette by light. The window includes a slidable member made from a single piece of plastics material folded onto itself to form two leaves. The two leaves are secured to one another except in a region adjacent the free end of one of the leaves. One of the leaves is stiff and the other is resiliently flexible. The stiff leaf faces outwardly of the cassette and has an aperture in a region overlying the unsecured region to the flexible leaf to allow a probe to deflect the unsecured region of the flexible leaf. The free end of the flexible leaf has catch means which cooperate with other catch means to prevent movement of the slidable member away from the closed position when the free end region of the second leaf is in the non-deflected condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film feeding mechanism for use during medical x-ray techniques, particularly angiography. Sheets of film are fed sequentially at high speed into and out of a film exposure device, by a feed mechanism including continuously driven feed wheels and movable pinch rollers, in a manner so as to reduce damage to the films, including the build-up and discharge of static charge on the films. In the film exposure device, a free-floating lower clamping assembly, having a natural substantially flat configuration, clamps each film against an upper clamping assembly from the center of the film progressively outward towards its leading and trailing ends, to eliminate wrinkling of the film. A firing command is transmitted to an X-ray generator before each unexposed sheet of film reaches the exposure position and each cycle of operation is accomplished by energizing a single revolution clutch connectable to a continuously running, constant speed motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for marking a film with information, e.g. patient data and other possible information in X-ray photography, such as panoramic tomography. The X-ray beam creating the X-ray photograph, and the X-ray film move in a certain manner in relation to one another. A certain area of the film is reserved for markings which are latently made thereon, to become visible when the X-ray film is developed. Markings are made simultaneously with the film exposure to the X-ray beam for the X-ray photography. The markings are sequentially made by using relative movement of the radiation with which the marking is made upon the film and the film itself, such relative movement being synchronized with the relative movement of the X-ray beam to which the film is exposed for the actual X-ray photography, and the film itself, the relative movement preferably representing a parallel deflection or displacement along a marking row.

Abstract: A data processing system for a radiation image reproducing apparatus includes an input device for entering an identification code assigned to a radiation image storage panel and data related with an exposure at an exposing device when the storage panel is exposed to an imagewise radiation. The input device is associated with the exposing device.

Abstract: The present invention uses the patient's history form for marking the patient identification indicia on to the X-ray for the patient. A patient identification section of the history form is placed in registered alignment with an unexposed patient identification portion of the X-ray film. Light is passed through the patient form and also through the patient identification portion of the film so as to transfer the image of the indicia in the history form onto the patient identification portion of the film. A light exposure box includes a window for exposing the film to the light through the patient history form.

Abstract: Swingable front and back plates are supported by a hinge. Cushion members are pasted individually on the inner surfaces of the front and back plates. The cushion members individually have two-dimensional curved surfaces with the same radius of curvature, and are arranged so that the directions of curvature of their curved surfaces cross substantially at right angles. Intensifying screens curved to match the surfaces of the cushion members are pasted thereon. An X-ray film is sandwiched between the intensifying screens, and the front and back plates are joined together. Thereupon, the region of each cushion member, pressing the X-ray film through its corresponding intensifying screens, extends gradually, moving its center from the hinge side to the free-end side. When the front and back plates are joined together, the X-ray film receives a maximum pressing force from the center of each cushion member. The pressing force decreases with radial distance from the center.

Abstract: An arrangement for projecting data onto an X-ray film has a housing which is designed to support a film cassette. The housing has a pair of mutually perpendicular slots which are capable of receiving a data carrier card. The slots are so designed that the data-carrying part of the card is exposed when the card is supported in either of the slots. A light source for illuminating the data-carrying part of the card is positioned so as to be on the optical axis of the data-carrying part when the card is accommodated in a first one of the slots but not the second. A partially light-transmissive mirror is mounted between the latter slot and the light source and is inclined at an angle of 45.degree. to both of the slots. The mirror transmits a portion of the light from the light source to one of the slots and reflects the light returning to it from this slot towards the film inverting the image of the data in the process.