Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: A patient table includes a support surface for a patient. The patient table includes a first table subunit, to provide a first surface region of the support surface; a second table subunit, to provide a second surface region; and an angle unit connected thereto, to fix a position of the first table subunit relative to the second table subunit such that the first surface region is provided in a first plane and the second surface region is provided in a second plane, intersecting the first plane at an intersection angle; and such that the support surface is secured against a change of the intersection angle upon loading of the support surface by the patient. The angle unit includes at least a first coupling element, to interact functionally with a first counter-coupling element provided on the first table subunit, to releasably connect the angle unit to the first table subunit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting apparatus for a pressure paddle, the lifting apparatus for the pressure paddle comprising: a lifting belt rotated by a driving means; a lifting pulley manually rotated by the lifting belt hung thereon; a lifting frame on which the lifting pulley is mounted; and a pressure paddle mounted on the lifting frame.

Abstract: A method of contrast enhanced breast imaging, comprising injecting a contrast agent in a breast of a patient, imaging at the same time both said breast and a reference insert containing at least one known concentration of said contrast agent, quantifying enhancement of contrast enhanced breast image by comparing said breast image and reference insert image.

Abstract: An imaging breast examination apparatus for medical examination of a breast includes an insertable compression plate for compressing the breast. An electric motor which is disposed outside the compression plate in the breast examination apparatus serves to generate a rotation movement. A mechanical interface transmits the rotation movement of the electric motor to the compression plate.

Abstract: A skull clamp for patient stabilization comprises a pair of arms where the arms include upright portions and lateral portions. The upright portions and lateral portions define longitudinal axes, where the intersection of these axes defines an arm angle that is greater than about 90 degrees. In some instances the arm angle is between about 100 and about 120 degrees. In some instances the arm angle is about 110 degrees. The skull clamp can have rails integrated in the arms for attaching various accessories to the skull clamp.

Abstract: A device for fixing a femur for hip endoprosthesis surgery is disclosed. The device has a femur support including a hook configured to support the femur in a region of the femur between a greater trochanter and a lesser trochanter, and a shaft connected to the hook. A lever arm includes a column and a cantilever, wherein the femur support is disposed on the cantilever. An adjustment device is attached to an operating table. A holder is configured to couple the column of the lever arm to the adjustment device. The adjustment device has a drive motor for rotating the holder about an axis of rotation perpendicular to an adjustment plane to move the column in the adjustment plane. The adjustment plane is perpendicular to a support surface of the operating table and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the operating table.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring volumetric breast density using a low dose of radiation are provided. This low-dose image can be added to a standard mammographic screening protocol with less than a two percent increase in radiation dose imparted to the subject. This low-dose image can also be used as a single standalone test to determine breast density for younger women for the purposes of risk determination or screening regimen planning. The breast density measurement is more accurate than measurements that can be obtained with existing systems and methods by making use of a compression assembly that maintains a parallel alignment between the compression paddle and breast support table. Additionally, the compression assembly maintains a uniform known thickness of the compressed breast. The system and method have the added benefit that they can be readily implemented on a conventional digital x-ray unit with low cost.

Abstract: A breast imaging system comprising an imaging apparatus with an illumination source, a detector, a breast support, a compression paddle slidable between an upper position and an lower position relatively to the detector, a compression command displacing the compression paddle upon actuation, wherein the compression command is placed at a reachable distance from the patient, wherein the breast imaging system further comprises a feedback device giving feedback information perceivable by the patient, the feedback information varying according to the position of the compression paddle.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, curved plates for immobilizing a breast of a subject for medical imaging. In an example, an immobilization assembly Can include a curved compression plate assembly, a curved support plate assembly, an assembly coupling configured to position a first concave major surface of the curved compression plate assembly opposite a second concave major surface of the curved support plate assembly, wherein a cross section view through the curved compression assembly and the curved support plate assembly includes two portions of a single ellipse separated by a distance, and wherein the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize the biological specimen between the first concave major surface and the second concave major surface.

Abstract: The invention provides x-ray-based breast imaging systems and related methods that are, for example, applicable to contrast enhanced digital mammography and contrast enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis and allow fast, cost-effective and accurate x-ray imaging.

Abstract: There is described a radiological image capturing apparatus, which makes it possible to obtain a good X ray image in which contrast of the peripheral portions are emphasized by employing the Talbot interferometer method and the Talbot-Lau interferometer method. The apparatus is provided with an X-ray tube, a multi-slit member, a first diffraction grating, a second diffraction grating and an X-ray detector. The second diffraction grating contacts the X-ray detector. A distance L between the multi-slit element and the first diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.5 m, a distance Z1 between the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.05 m, and a slit interval distance d0 of the multi-slit element is set to be not less than 2 ?m. With the settings, the abovementioned good X-ray image can be obtained by using the Talbot-Lau interferometer system.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, curved plates for immobilizing a breast of a subject for medical imaging. In an example, an immobilization assembly Can include a curved compression plate assembly, a curved support plate assembly, an assembly coupling configured to position a first concave major surface of the curved compression plate assembly opposite a second concave major surface of the curved support plate assembly, wherein a cross section view through the curved compression assembly and the curved support plate assembly includes two portions of a single ellipse separated by a distance, and wherein the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize the biological specimen between the first concave major surface and the second concave major surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray photography machine (300). The X-ray photography machine includes a transfer apparatus (370) which moves a pressing member (360) which presses a target. The transfer apparatus includes a drive source (371), a drive shaft (374) which is rotated by the drive force of the drive source, first and second pulleys (375 a,b) which convert rotational force of the drive shaft into force by which the pressing member is moved, and first and second flanges (379 a,b) which make the first pulley depend on the rotational force of the drive shaft. In the present invention, because only a single drive shaft is used to move the pressing member, problems such as the occurrence of noise can be minimized.

Abstract: A mounting device for removably supporting an overflow safety switch in operable position within a condensation collecting drain pan in HVACR equipment. The mounting device includes a clip member that is secured to the drain pan side wall and locked in place by a non-penetrating thumb screw. A bracket removably attaches to the overflow safety switch at several adjusted positions and is slidably adjustable on the clip member for adjustably positioning the overflow safety switch relative to a bottom of the drain pan. The overflow safety switch is easily removed from the bracket for adjustment and replacement while the bracket remains fitted to the clip member. Moreover, the bracket is easily removed from the clip member without removing the clip member from the drain pan side wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray photographing apparatus comprising: an X-ray generator for generating X-rays; an X-ray detector for detecting the X-rays discharged from the X-ray generator; and a collimator for permitting only a portion of the X-rays to pass through and blocking the rest X-rays, wherein the apparatus further comprising a support means for supporting the X-rays generator and the X-ray detector and varying heights of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are arranged facing each other at respective left and right sides with respect to the support means for supporting the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector so as to achieve a weight balance, and the support means has an X-ray path through which the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator pass without interference.

Abstract: A tissue tray for collecting and organizing tissue biopsy samples as they are analyzed and prepared for histological analysis and other analyses. A tissue tray includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, at least one compartment formed in the upper surface of the tray configured to receive tissue and having one or more fluid conduits passing between openings in the upper and bottom surfaces, and at least one marker configured to indicate the orientation of the tray such that the tray is in the same orientation during radiological analysis and pathological analysis. Methods for fabricating the tray and methods for using the tray are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A support apparatus for positioning a patient's head in an imaging apparatus. A main body has opposing first and second sides and supports first and second holding members for positioning against the patient's head. The first holding member has a first reference position along the first side of the main body and is coupled to a first transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. The second holding member has a second reference position along the second side of the main body and is coupled to a second transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. An extension locking mechanism within the main body locks the position of the second transport apparatus when the first holding member is moved from the first reference position and locks the position of the first transport apparatus when the second holding member is moved from the second reference position.

Abstract: A cassette includes: an image capturing unit including: an image receiving unit having a flat panel shape on which a plurality of pixels are arranged on a substrate converting radiation into electric charges and accumulating the converted electric charges; and a support to which the image receiving unit is attached; and a case in which the image capturing unit is accommodated in an unfixed state, in which the support supports the image receiving unit, and an outer edge of the support is disposed on an outer side of an outer edge of the substrate of the image receiving unit in a direction parallel to an image receiving surface of the image receiving unit.

Abstract: A fixture for use in taking X-ray images of children comprising; a base including cylinder having a height adjustable piston, and at least one mounting arm. The mounting arm including a first end connected to the front wheel of a bike and a second end connected to a rear wheel of the bike. The bike including a first seat; a second seat portion supported by the mounting arm, the second seat including a back portion that is transparent to X-rays. An x-ray cassette is mounted on a swivel arm and can be positioned to take typical x-ray images of a child's torso including anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral. The fixture can work with any x-ray source and can work with wall mounted x-ray cassettes as well.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a vertical guide device, a turntable device which is movable along the vertical guide device upwards or downwards, and a first driving device which drives the turntable device moving in an upward and downward direction guided by the vertical guide device. The turntable device includes a bracket which is slidably engaged with the vertical guide device and projects perpendicularly toward a side of the vertical guide device, a turntable which is rotatably provided on the bracket, and a second driving device which rotates the turntable on the bracket.

Abstract: An x-ray film holder is provided to attach to a dental simulation model and to support an x-ray film. The x-ray film holder includes a base with a releasable contact fastener for attaching the dental simulation model thereto. The x-ray film holder also includes a support member to releasably hold an x-ray film. The support member can be configured as an adjustable support member for accommodating x-ray films of various film thicknesses.

Abstract: A mammographic apparatus is set to take a medio-lateral oblique view (MLO) of a breast with an arm being tilted. After having positioned the breast on an image capturing base, the radiological technician moves a breast compression plate, which is tilted with respect to the image capturing base, toward the image capturing base. When the breast compression plate abuts against the breast and the breast is braced from below by the image capturing base, the radiological technician removes a hand from between the image capturing base and the breast compression plate, and then further moves the breast compression plate toward the image capturing base. A compression plate support mechanism turns the breast compression plate to make it substantial parallel to the image capturing base, thereby positioning the breast.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: A child positioning apparatus for X-ray photography having improved adjustment mechanisms. In particular the positioning of the X-ray film cassette has been improved by using a friction fastner. The friction fastner passes through a groove in the vertical portion of a L-bracket and attaches to a tray for holding the X-ray film. The position of the tray is adjusted by loosening the friction fastener, positioning the tray and then re-tightening to fix the X-ray film cassette into place.

Abstract: An apparatus to couple rigid items to a patient support including a patient support coupler and a holder.

Abstract: A radiolucent clip-on limb positioning system for X-ray cassettes maintains a patient's limb and/or extremities in a position on the X-ray cassette without requiring an attendant, thereby eliminating radiation exposure to the attendant. One or more pairs of radioluscent clip members are releasably engaged on the peripheral sides of an X-ray cassette at selective positions and receive and secure the free ends of resilient hold-down bands that extend across the patient's limb and/or limb extremities to resiliently maintain the limb or extremities in a position against the X-ray cassette while obtaining intraoperative radiographs.

Abstract: A rheumatism scanner has a hand rest arranged between a radiation source and a detector unit and a holder for immobilizing the examined finger joint on the hand rest. The holder is a finger sled which can be fastened to the finger joint at a location remote from the hand rest, and thus remote from the rest of the scanner, and which is provided with a continuous joint recess. After a finger is fixed in the finger sled the finger sled can be brought into engagement with, and positioned exactly at, the hand rest by adjusting and/or fixing elements.

Abstract: An autoclavable X-ray cassette holder removably receives and contains an X-ray cassette and maintains a patient's limb and/or extremities in a position on the holder relative to the X-ray cassette without requiring an attendant, thereby eliminating radiation exposure to the attendant. The holder has a thin rectangular hollow box-like main body formed of rigid radiolucent autoclavable material with an open end defining a central compartment surrounded by contiguous top and bottom walls, side walls, and an end wall. A plurality of slot-like depressions are formed along its side walls and end wall. An end cap removably snap fits on the main body open end to enclose the central compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus which attaches to the outer rim area or bottom surface area of an x-ray cassette holder used to support the x-ray cassette upright (parallel to or with the top surface of the holder) and next to the edge of a resting table or surface. The apparatus allows this particular type of cassette holder to rest the entire holder on top of a table and have the holder even, level or horizontal with the table top while the holder's slot supports the x-ray cassette upright perpendicular to the table top. The apparatus adjusts the holder into proper alignment so that the top of the slot and the top surface of the holder (including the outer edge or rim area) are even and horizontal to the top of the table.

Abstract: A support and indexing apparatus and method are provided for use in imaging a lumbar region of a patient. A base is adapted for insertion into a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a support structure is rotatably affixed thereto at a pivot point atop the base. The support structure is adapted for receiving a side of a trunk of the patient, and the pivot point is positioned to permit flexion of the lumbar region. Biasing means are provided for preferentially positioning the support structure in one of a sequential series of rotational positions relative to the base. An indexing mechanism provides an angular measurement of the rotational position.

Abstract: A compact peripheral densitometer allows multi-use imaging of the foot and arm by means by simple rotation of the entire unit to be supported on different portions of its base at either of two angles. A slot in the unit may thus open upward for foot imaging when the unit is placed on the ground or open sideways for arm imaging with the unit resting on a table or the like.

Abstract: A patient positioning device (FIG. 1a) made of a sheet of rigid material having a back (10) and a base (12) at right angles to one another, and of sufficient size to support a patient (24) (FIG. 2a) during movement into a lateral decubitus position. A pad (14) is placed upon the top surface of the base (12) of sufficient size to provide comfort and elevation to the patient (24). The pad (14) is placed at a certain distance from the back (10) to create a slot (16) to accommodate a film cassette (28) parallel to the back (10). The patient (24) is supported on an even plane with the film cassette (28) between patient (24) and back (10) when in a proper lateral decubitus position (FIG. 2e).

Abstract: Improvements for a positioner for a child being X-rayed are disclosed. The improvements include an improved latch for securing the carriage that supports the X-ray film cassette in a positioner for a child being X-rayed at a position after the carriage is adjusted upwards or downwards; and, the addition of resilient pads for increasing the friction between glide strips and foot members of a positioner for a child being X-rayed so that the foot members will be more effectively secured to the glide strips. The improvements also include an improved latching mechanism used in securing the film holder of the positioner for a child being X-rayed in a position as it is moved towards or away from the upstanding members that secure the child. The buttons that are used to secure the foot members to the glide strip have also been improved by providing them with a tapered bottom surface. The taper compensates for variable thickness in the foot member.

Abstract: A support for an x-ray cartridge includes a base to be placed under the patient having a series of projections or tie downs to which a length of gauze or surgical sponge may be attached. On one end of the base is a U-shaped member for receiving one edge of the x-ray cartridge. An upright U-shaped member is aligned with the first U-shaped member for supporting the cartridge in the aligned groove provided by the U-shaped members. The upright U-shaped member includes one or more projections or tie downs to which the gauge or surgical sponge may be attached. In use, a patient's foot is tied to the base and the upright member to stabilize the foot during exposure by a portable x-ray machine.

Abstract: An appliance in which a patient's forearm and hand can be secured by straps at a prescribed angle that will enable X-ray pictures to be made at a specific angular relationship each time a X-ray is made so that the physician can evaluate the patients condition and changes in the patient's condition over a treatment period.

Abstract: A combination spinal immobilization and x-ray examination board for use in extricating, rescuing and transporting a traumatized victim from the place of the trauma through hospital emergency room procedures including x-ray examinations. The board comprises a main patient support board having an x-ray cassette holder attached thereto which allows a trauma victim to be placed upon the board at the trauma scene, restrained thereto, and transported to an emergency room facility to undergo various procedures, tests and treatments including the taking of x-rays, without having to lift the patient from the board until after learning of the extent of the injuries suffered by the patient.

Abstract: A jaw bone anchored type head positioner for positioning the head of a subject which is employed in a cephalotomograph or temporomandibular joint radiograph using X rays or the like. A die patterned on an impression taken from the dentition of the subject is fixed to the positioner so that the head of the subject is fixed in position by means of the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for immobilizing at least a portion of a domestic animal for treatment in which the portion of the animal is submerged in a fluidized bed of solid particles, and the bed de-fluidized to immobilize the portion of the domestic animal for a desired period of time. The invention may be employed to immobilize a large domestic animal, such as a horse, up to the chest of the animal, for post-operative care, and to immobilize a body portion of an animal, such the leg, for purposes of X-ray photography.

Abstract: A portable x-ray cassette holder apparatus includes a flat radiolucent patient supporting surface having a flat base surface and a patient supporting surface. The flat base surface is spaced a predetermined spaced distance from the patient supporting surface with spacer members. An x-ray cassette holding portion holds an x-ray cassette between the patient supporting surface and the flat base for holding the cassette loaded with film in predetermined position. An x-ray cassette guide utilizes the spacing members for guiding the x-ray cassette into the x-ray cassette holder where the x-ray cassette is held in position during the taking of an x-ray. A patient gripping member handle is removably attached to the patient supporting surface in a predetermined position and extending substantially perpendicular therefrom for gripping by a patient during the taking of an x-ray in a sitting position.

Abstract: Arrangement for supporting and positioning X-ray cassettes (13) in the required position in radiography of patients confined to bed. The arrangement comprises at least one holder (10) and a lifting means (30). The holder (10) may be of different design, and in one preferred embodiment it comprises a base member (11) and a cassette support (12) extending upwardly therefrom, the base member (11) being supported by the bedstead bottom (15), and the X-ray cassette (13) being fixable standing on edge between the base member (11) and the cassette support (12). The lifting means (30) is adapted to be inserted between the bedstead bottom (15) and the mattress (14) in order to raise the latter, so that the X-ray cassette (13) is insertable in the space thus formed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for efficiently and quickly determining the exact location of spicules of calcium within a test specimen of human tissue removed from a woman's breast. By exactly locating the clusters of calcification, a pathologist can dissect the portion of the test specimen containing the calcifications and quickly analyze the same to determine whether or not malignancy exists. A pair of grid plates is provided, one on top of the other, with clamping means to compress a test specimen therebetween in the present invention. The plates include a grid system which is opaque to radiographic filming which allows the determination of the exact location of the clusters of calcifications.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic installation for producing mammography exposures having a compressing means for compressing the breast tissue, may be designed such that the breast tissue is compressed uniformly. A compression plate and a seating plate are arranged in a acute interspacial angle, such that the compression plate tapers toward the examination subject. The compression plate is seated such that the angle of the compression plate relative to the seating plate diminished upon compression of the breast tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette for supporting a material sample, the cassette including a housing and a retaining assembly for retaining the sample in the housing. The retaining assembly includes a plurality of retaining members adapted to be disposed about the periphery of the sample for movement radially thereof, a biasing spring encircling the retaining members for biasing the retaining members into engagement with the sample, and a cover supported by the housing for securing the retaining members and the biasing member within the housing.

Abstract: An instrument and system precisely positions a selected cranial implant site for X-ray tomography. The system and method involve first positioning the patient accurately in a straight-ahead reference position using a cephalostat, with the ears positioned in the vertical plane containing all X-ray axes and at a particular reference level which may be the level of horizontal X-ray projection. The apparatus includes a pointer system which pivots on the cephalostat vertical center of rotation to measure the angle to a site of interest on the mandible or maxilla, with an adjustable pointer for measuring the height and radial distance of the site from reference positions. The pointer may be extended to directly contact the site of interest on the patient. The information thus obtained gives polar coordinates of the site.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for immobilizing a child and shielding its gonads during X-ray examination. The child is held on the upper surface of an X-ray transparent horizontal platform with its legs straddling a vertical post bearing a laterally extending lead shield. The lead shield is both vertically and horizontally positionable so as to permit precise and close spacing above the child's body. The lower surface of the child supporting platform is flanged to provide a frame which retains an X-ray film cassette and minimizes blurring resulting from the child's movement. A gonadal shield assembly which is suitable for both male and female children has a generally triangular sheet of lead mounted on a rotatable X-ray transparent plate which is supported by an X-ray transparent arm extending laterally from the post.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for positioning a patient's head for producing a remote X-ray photograph of the skull of the patient. The apparatus includes a device for holding the skull, which is mounted at one end of a cross carrier which is connected to an X-ray diagnostics installation for producing slice exposures of the jaw of a patient. The skull holder contains ear button holders which are adjustable, as well as a nose support for positioning the patient in the skull holder. The apparatus also includes a device for mounting a film cassette, which device is adjustable in a direction towards the radiation source of the X-ray diagnostics installation. In order to be able to make reproducibile temporomaxillary joint exposures, the skull holder is mounted to pivot around a horizontal axis so that the head of the patient can be adjusted in various inclined positions with relation to the sagittal plane.

Abstract: A device for holding a tissue specimen for radiographic exposure and assisting in the location of an abnormality in the specimen as detected by said radiographic exposure. The device comprises first and second platen members of radiolucent material, a radiopaque grid dividing one platen member into a plurality of regions, and a mechanism for drawing the two platen members toward one another thereby to compress a tissue specimen and flatten it to a substantially uniform thickness prior to radiographic exposure. An improved biopsy procedure utilizing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheelchair X-ray radiograph apparatus and method is disclosed for taking a radiograph of a patient in a wheelchair from almost every medically required position. This apparatus includes a modified wheelchair with detachable armrests and backrests, and a radiograph accessory consisting of a radiograph film cassette holder and an opposed brace member attachable to the modified wheelchair utilizing the same mounting used by the detachable armrests and backrests. The apparatus allows the taking of anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, right and left lateral and skull and cervical spine radiographs of a wheelchair confined patient or trauma patient.

Abstract: A foot and ankle positioning and holding fixture for medical examination and X-ray of the foot and ankle, with film holding means enabling views in a single film of both side and top for easier comparison. The fixture is easily adjustable for dorsiflexion and internal and external rotation.