Abstract: A medical imaging system including an imaging device and a patient positioning area in close proximity to the imaging device. A protective bumper is attached to, and conforms to a shape of the imaging device. The system may also include a detection system that has a pressure sensing device.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray irradiating unit configured to irradiate an X-ray to an object, an X-ray detecting unit configured to detect the irradiated X-ray, an image creating unit configured to create X-ray image data based on data detected by the X-ray detecting unit, a moving mechanism configured to move the X-ray detecting unit to the object, a capacitance sensing unit, including an electrode which is positioned so as to cover at least part of a detection plane of the X-ray detecting unit, configured to obtain a capacitance value of the X-ray detecting unit by the electrode and a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance between the object and the X-ray detecting unit based on the capacitance value.

Abstract: A detector drawer is provided in which an X-ray detector can be placed, and so as to be inserted from both sides of an examination table into a detector drawer receptacle that is open on both sides. The detector drawer has a stop actuator, which as a function of the insertion of an X-ray detector can be put into an actuation position that enables the actuation of a stop of the detector drawer receptacle and as a function of the removal of the X-ray detector into a position of repose that minimizes the actuation of the stop. A detector drawer receptacle is also provided, which is open on both sides and into which a detector drawer can be inserted from both sides of the receptacle. The receptacle has a stop which is actuatable by a stop actuator of the detector drawer as a function of an insertion of the detector drawer. The stop may include a sliding stop, which is actuatable by the stop actuator in a thrust position that is dependent on the direction of insertion of the detector drawer.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus is disclosed which includes two different cooling circuits and a single cooling portion. A first heat transfer medium is circulated for absorbing heat generated in the X-ray generator. A second heat transfer medium is circulated for absorbing the heat generated in the planer type X-ray detector. A heat exchanger is provided for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium. The cooling portion is coupled to the cooling circuit carrying the second heat transfer medium in order to cool the second heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a detection section including photoelectric conversion elements that detect radiation that has been transmitted through a subject. The apparatus has a substantially rectangular detection surface; and a housing that contains the detection section. The housing has a handle in an area along a longer side of the detection surface when viewed along a direction normal to the detection surface.

Abstract: A user-friendly, inexpensive radiation image radiographing apparatus capable of easily switching between absorption contrast image radiography and phase contrast image radiography. The radiation image radiographing apparatus has: a radiation source; a subject platform for supporting a subject so as to face the subject to the radiation source; and a plurality of supporting platforms for supporting a radiation image information detecting member at a side opposite to the radiation source with respect to the subject platform, the radiation image information detecting member for detecting radiation image information based on radiation transmitted through the subject, wherein distances between the plurality of supporting platforms and the radiation source are different from each other.

Abstract: In a method and system for generating an x-ray exposure of an examination subject extending in a longitudinal direction and exhibiting, in a main projection direction, a geometry that is curved at least in sections, an x-ray source and an x-ray detector are respectively positioned and aligned appropriately with regard to one another and to the section to be acquired of the exposure subject in order to generate partial exposures along a curved course substantially adapted to the geometry of the exposure subject. The partial exposures of the sections subsequently are combined into an overall x-ray exposure of the exposure subject.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system and methodology is disclosed. The system comprises a conveyor, an X-ray source that exposes an item under inspection to X-ray radiation and at least one X-ray detector that detects X-ray radiation modified by the item. The X-ray source and X-ray detector may be movable in any of first and second dimensions. The X-ray source may also be moved in a third dimension to zoom in and out on regions of interest in the item order inspection. The system further comprises a controller that controls movement of the X-ray source and X-ray detector, independently of each other, in any of collinear and different directions, to provide a plurality of X-ray views of the item at varying examination angles of the X-ray radiation. A processor coupled to the controller may be configured to receive and process detection information from the X-ray detector and to provide processed information to an operator interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a bucky about an axis between a first and second position. The apparatus includes a base member stationarily disposed on the bucky and having a first and second rotational position; a first and second absorption member; and a first and second assembly. The first assembly is disposed at the first position and is slidably mounted relative to the base member. It includes a first detent adapted to receive a roller when the bucky is in the first position. The first assembly is disposed intermediate the first absorption member and base member such that the first absorption member biases the first assembly toward the base member. The second assembly is disposed at the second position and is slidably mounted relative to the base member. It includes a second detent adapted to receive a roller when the bucky is in the second position.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system and methodology is disclosed. The system comprises a conveyor, an X-ray source that exposes an item under inspection to X-ray radiation and at least one X-ray detector that detects X-ray radiation modified by the item. The X-ray source and X-ray detector may be movable in any of first and second dimensions. The X-ray source may also be moved in a third dimension to zoom in and out on regions of interest in the item order inspection. The system further comprises a controller that controls movement of the X-ray source and X-ray detector, independently of each other, in any of collinear and different directions, to provide a plurality of X-ray views of the item at varying examination angles of the X-ray radiation. A processor coupled to the controller may be configured to receive and process detection information from the X-ray detector and to provide processed information to an operator interface.

Abstract: In order to provide an improved X-ray imaging quality an X-ray detector (14) is equipped with means (13, 15) for orienting it towards an X-ray source (2) during a scan (8a, 8b, 27). Means (9, 10, z) for reorienting a housing (10) comprising the X-ray detector (14) and a conventional cassette holder (4) and detector positioning means (9-12) cooperate to receive an X-ray beam (26a) with improved collimation quality. Thus the detection efficiency is increased, the image resolution is enhanced, and the beam exposure of patients (5) can be minimized. Embodiments relate to a linear X-ray detector (14) designed for a serial readout of image pixels, a collimator (3, 3a, 3b) for both scanning and wide-perture X-ray imaging, and a supporting arm (9) carrying the X-ray source (2), collimator (3) and detector arrangement (17).

Abstract: X- and y-axis moving mechanisms are provided for positioning a sample table in the x-axis and the y-axis directions. A yT-axis moving mechanism for moving those moving mechanisms in a direction along a tilting direction of a X-ray camera is provided separately from the x- and y-axes moving mechanisms. When the X-ray camera is tilted, the sample table is moved by the yt axis moving mechanism and a z-axis moving mechanism, whereby a viewpoint of the sample and a fluoroscopic magnification factor set before the X-ray camera is tilted are left unchanged. The coordinates on the sample table by the moving mechanisms before the X-ray camera is tilted can be used as they are even after the camera is tilted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable apparatus adapted to be battery powered is used to scan an object in situ with x-rays and measure the intensity of the diffracted x-rays. The apparatus includes a scanning head having an x-ray source that is battery powered and an x-ray detector. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are aligned in one of a plurality of predetermined alignments such that x-rays from the x-ray source are incident upon an object at a specific angle and the x-ray detector is aligned to detect x-rays that are diffracted at a specific angle, wherein the specific angle is a Bragg angle for a particular plane of atoms in the object.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system and methodology is disclosed. The system comprises a conveyor, an X-ray source that exposes an item under inspection to X-ray radiation and at least one X-ray detector that detects X-ray radiation modified by the item. The X-ray source and X-ray detector may be movable in any of first and second dimensions. The X-ray source may also be moved in a third dimension to zoom in and out on regions of interest in the item order inspection. The system further comprises a controller that controls movement of the X-ray source and X-ray detector, independently of each other, in any of collinear and different directions, to provide a plurality of X-ray views of the item at varying examination angles of the X-ray radiation. A processor coupled to the controller may be configured to receive and process detection information from the X-ray detector and to provide processed information to an operator interface.

Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: To improve the positional precision of a solid-state radiation detector within a casing of a radiation detecting cassette while ensuring a shock resistance. A radiation detecting cassette 1 comprises a casing constituted by upper and lower shell halves 11, 12 and a frame 13 fixed therein; and a solid-state radiation detector 10 which is an image pickup device. Four corners of the solid-state radiation detector 10 are sandwiched by plate springs 41 and 42 both of which are fixed to the frame 13.

Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner having an X-ray tube for radiating X-rays to a subject, an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays that have penetrated the subject, a circular plate-like rotary member with an opening for insertion of a subject and having the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector mounted thereon at opposing positions with respect to the opening, a support for rotatably supporting the rotary member, and a rotary drive for rotating the rotary member around the subject. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are mounted on a side surface of the rotary member, the side surface being a unit mounting surface for mounting a control unit relating to at least one of generation and detection of the X-rays.

Abstract: A portable device for recording X-ray images. The device comprising an X-ray image capture panel, a housing member connected to and surrounding the X-ray capture panel, at least a first handle secured to the housing member, means moveably connected to the at least first handle for moving the handle from a position parallel to the plane of the portable device to a position perpendicular to the plane of the portable device and from a position perpendicular to the plane of the portable device to a position parallel to the plane of the portable device. An accessory for carrying or holding the portable device, wherein the accessory is in the form of a frame secured to the portable device or a cover that portable device is placed within.

Abstract: A portable medical digital radiography apparatus includes a ruggedized transport case housing several system components, a digital X-ray image sensor and an X-ray generator. The digital X-ray image sensor is hingedly coupled to a stand that is mounted to the ruggedized transport case. The X-ray generator is preferably positioned opposite to the center of digital X-ray image sensor. A patient support unit is disposed between digital X-ray image sensor and the X-ray generator. An image acquisition unit is connected to the X-ray generator and to the digital X-ray image sensor and fixedly mounted in the ruggedized transport case. An image display unit is connected to the image acquisition unit and spaced from the X-ray generator.

Abstract: An electronic cassette accommodating a sensor for converting radiation into an electric signal. A cable with a specific length is connected to a side surface of the electronic cassette. A connector that is connectable with a wireless communication unit or an external power source is provided at an end of the cable.

Abstract: A description is given of a method and a device for the calibration of an image pick-up device which is sensitive to gravity. Also described are a method and a device for imaging by means of such an image pick-up device; they are used in particular in X-ray systems, for example, systems provided with a C-arm. Calibration is performed essentially by forming and storing a look-up table whereby the calibration data required for the correction of distortions due to the supporting construction is associated with a plurality of position data of the supporting construction. During imaging the direction of the force of gravity relative to the supporting construction is measured; therefrom the position data is calculated and the calibration data associated with this data in the table is read out and used for the correction of the acquired image.

Abstract: In the holder set for digital sensors for dentistry, the holders for each kind of radiograph such as periapical radiographs of front teeth (anterior teeth) and lateral teeth (posterior teeth), on one hand, and bitewing radiographs, on the other hand, can be used for all sensor formats, the sensors being seized in the respective holders in a self-centered manner by two arms independently of their format.

Abstract: An X-ray flat panel detector includes sensor elements constituted by a plurality of effective pixels that detect X-rays and a plurality of dummy pixels that are arranged adjacent to the effective pixel area and generate electrical signals irrelevant to X-rays, signal lines which read out electrical signals from the respective pixels, scanning lines which scan the respective pixels, a first electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the signal lines, and a second electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the scanning lines. A plurality of dummy pixels are classified into a DA area where noise superposed on the signal lines are removed and a DB area where noise superposed on the scanning lines are removed. The first and second electrostatic wiring lines are laid out around the sensor elements, and physically disconnected between the DA area and the DB area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stand for a radiography imaging apparatus and comprises: a tower; a clevis having a base movably attached to the tower such that the clevis is movable along the length of the tower, and an arm extending from the base; and, an imaging device holder including a main body pivotably attached to the clevis and extending along a main body axis, and an imaging device mount rotatably attached to the main body such that the mount is rotatable about the main body axis. The stand when in an upright position, enables an imaging device attached to the mount to be placed in multiple positions, including positions to examine both standing and recumbent patients.

Abstract: A sensor assembly that allows a sensor to be detachably mounted onto a fluoroscopic mount, such as a C-arm, is provided. The sensor assembly includes an electromagnetic sensor that is configured for outputting positional data relating to the fluoroscopic mount. The sensor includes a mount engaging element, and the sensor mount includes a sensor engaging element, both of which are configured to be removably mounted in an interference relationship with each other. The mount engaging element of the sensor can be a sensor housing, or alternatively, an element that is separate from the sensor housing. The sensor mount, which is composed of a non-ferromagnetic material, further includes a spacer for maintaining the sensor a prescribed distance from the ferromagnetic fluoroscopic mount, thereby minimizing any adverse ferromagnetic effects on the sensor.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus has an imaging bed for placing a subject thereon, the imaging bed having a recording unit for temporarily recording radiation image information of the subject on a stimulable phosphor sheet, a housing accommodating therein a reading unit for photoelectrically reading the radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and an erasing assembly for erasing remaining radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a lifting/lowering mechanism for lifting and lowering the imaging bed with respect to the housing. The subject can easily be put onto the imaging bed, and the imaging bed can easily be operated.

Abstract: Removable digital X-ray imaging device intended for mammography, comprising X-ray detectors placed on one edge of the device upon imaging. The device contains box for protecting the X-ray detectors by separating the X-ray detectors from the edge of the device, the device being in rest position.

Abstract: Two independently articulated arms, each having at least two independent axes of motion, support an X-ray tube and X-ray detector, respectively, are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to simulate a wide variety of conventional X-ray positioners. The two arms are each supported at one end by a common base wherein the common base provides at least one common axis of motion for both the first and second articulated arms. Further, an axis controller sends movement signals to the common axis and independent axes and receives position signals from the common axis and independent axes to coordinate movement of the first and second arms according to a predefined program.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system is provided having an x-ray source that emits x-ray beams into a patient. The beam is received at an x-ray detector assembly having a detector module that receives the x-ray beams, a processing card that provides a control function, and a display terminal being configured to produce an image based on x-rays received at the detector module. The display is rotatable with respect to the detector module while maintaining registration between the output image and the detector module.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system is presenting having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively. The detector is included in a detector assembly that further includes a display and user interface for controlling the arms. The detector assembly further includes at least one lead shield that is extendable to protect an operator stationed at the display during use.

Abstract: Covering device comprising two rigid cover elements associated respectively with a first and with a second unit having a relative mobility, the two rigid cover elements having apertures opposite one another, and a flexible cover element having two opposite ends a first end of the flexible cover element being fixed directly to the aperture of the first rigid cover element and its second end being fixed to a rigid positioning flange whose shape is adapted to the shape of the aperture of the second rigid cover element and which comprises joining means cooperating with complementary means provided on the second unit for the flange to position the second end of the flexible cover element, in all relative positions of the two units, in such a way that the position of the second end corresponds to the position of the aperture of the second rigid cover element after placement of the latter on the second unit.

Abstract: System for locating cassettes for producing digital images, in a radiography apparatus of the type comprising an X-ray source, means for data processing, a support for the cassette in an active position and a storage space for the cassette in the inactive position. The cassette comprises means for detecting the insertion of the cassette into the support and means for detecting the identification of the cassette.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray image sensor, a computing device, and an interface package is provided. The interface package includes a first interface to the X-ray image sensor and a second interface to the computing device. A sensor holder is integrated with the interface package to hold the X-ray image sensor when the sensor is not being used. The interface package may include an electrical cable coupled to the interface for connecting the interface to the sensor or to the computing device. The sensor holder may be integrated with a housing of the interface package. Alternatively, the sensor holder may be integrated with a connector on the electrical cable. In other embodiments, the sensor holder may be attached to the electrical cable. The interface package may include a wireless e to a wireless sensor and/or to the computing device.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a detection section including photoelectric conversion elements that detect radiation that has been transmitted through a subject. The apparatus has a substantially rectangular detection surface; and a housing that contains the detection section. The housing has a handle in an area along a longer side of the detection surface when viewed along a direction normal to the detection surface.

Abstract: An X-ray installation has a radiation source and a transportable radiation receiver in the form of a solid state detector, and a mobile central control device, the transportable radiation receiver communicates for information transmission via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning an image receptor based on the position of a manually positioned diagnostic source assembly in an X-ray imaging device is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the automated tracking system, an operator manually positions a diagnostic source assembly (DSA) over the area of a patient to be imaged. Sensors in the diagnostic source assembly transmit the position of the DSA to a system controller. The system controller then calculates an optimal position of an image receptor based on the position of the DSA. Once the optimal position is calculated, the system controller sends the optimal position to a motor drive, which positions the image receptor in the calculated optimal position. Position sensors in the image receptor then send positional data of the image receptor to the system controller, which verifies that the image receptor is in the calculated optimal position.

Abstract: A radiation protection system around a patient on an x-ray table includes a radiation protection wall with an opening around the x-ray table, a radiation screen over the patient, and a flexible interface joining the cubicle and the x-ray table. The wall shields medical personnel in an operating region from most radiation output by an x-ray emitter. The radiation screen is attached to the x-ray table such that it can be retracted to the foot of the x-ray table and extended over the patient such that it is interposed between the patient and the medical personnel. The interface has flexible joints attached to the wall and a flexible radiation-resistant skirt that joins the wall to the screen and covers the opening in the wall. An access port may be formed in the screen, and a shielding cloak can cover the access port to surround medical instruments that are threaded through the port and inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus in which the X-ray detector 1 and the X-ray source 2 are subject to keeping the temperature constant and to cooling by way of a common cooling circuit. To this end, a cooling medium of constant temperature is applied to the X-ray detector 1 in order to make the X-ray detector 1 operate at uniform ambient temperatures. The temperature of the cooling medium, thus increased a first time, still suffices to perform cooling of the X-ray source 2. Consequently, the heated cooling medium, after application to the X-ray detector 1, is applied to the X-ray source 2 where a second exchange of heat takes place, so that at the same time the X-ray source 2 is cooled without utilizing an additional cooling circuit.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a patient support portion, at least one digital x-ray cassette coupled to the patient support portion, the digital x-ray cassette having a first port, and a second port coupled to the first port of the digital x-ray cassette, the second port also coupled to one of the base and the patient support portion.

Abstract: An image pickup device has a plurality of photoelectric converter substrates carring respective input/output terminals connected to the photoelectric converters. The device comprises leads connected to the input/output terminals and extending to the side opposite to the light recieving surfaces of the photoelectric converter substrates thorough the gaps separating the substrates.

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette comprises a radiation detector and a flat-shaped case housing for accommodating the radiation detector. The radiation detector is provided with a plurality of solid-state detecting devices, which are arrayed in a two-dimensional form and which detect radiation carrying image information of an object and convert the radiation into an image signal representing a radiation image of the object. The radiation detector further comprises a receiving device for receiving necessary information from the exterior in cases where an image recording operation is to be performed, and a display device for displaying the information having been received by the receiving device. The radiation detecting cassette enables an image recording menu, such as image recording conditions to be used, an image recording method to be used, and a portion of an object, the image of which is to be recorded, to be found at an image recording site in cases where a radiation image of a patient is to be recorded.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray image sensor, a computing device, and an interface package is provided. The interface package includes a first interface to the X-ray image sensor and a second interface to the computing device. A sensor holder is integrated with the interface package to hold the X-ray image sensor when the sensor is not being used. The interface package may include an electrical cable coupled to the interface for connecting the interface to the sensor or to the computing device. The sensor holder may be integrated with a housing of the interface package. Alternatively, the sensor holder may be integrated with a connector on the electrical cable. In other embodiments, the sensor holder may be attached to the electrical cable. The interface package may include a wireless e to a wireless sensor and/or to the computing device.

Abstract: Covering device comprising two rigid cover elements associated respectively with a first and with a second unit having a relative mobility, the two rigid cover elements having apertures opposite one another, and a flexible cover element having two opposite ends a first end of the flexible cover element being fixed directly to the aperture of the first rigid cover element and its second end being fixed to a rigid positioning flange whose shape is adapted to the shape of the aperture of the second rigid cover element and which comprises joining means cooperating with complementary means provided on the second unit for the flange to position the second end of the flexible cover element, in all relative positions of the two units, in such a way that the position of the second end corresponds to the position of the aperture of the second rigid cover element after placement of the latter on the second unit.

Abstract: Cassette device for producing images, for a radiography apparatus of the type comprising a means for receiving mobile cassettes. The cassette comprises a casing of substantially parallelepipedal shape surrounding a means for producing images. The device comprises a means which forms a handle and is arranged on a small face of the casing The means which forms a handle is provided with a stop surface for insertion of the cassette into the reception means of the radiography apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital radiography device with protection against electrical risks, having: a radiation source (10); a sensor (12) connected to an electronic card (13) of a computer (14), first and second assemblies (20, 21) isolated from each other from the galvanic point of view, the first assembly (20) comprising electronic means connected to the sensor (12), the second assembly (21) comprising means for supplying a voltage for supplying the sensor (12) during the presence of radiation and a voltage for supplying the sensor part of the card (13), and means for providing management of the sensor, recovery of the data and processing thereof; the two assemblies (20, 21) exchanging information by optical means.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus has an imaging bed for placing a subject thereon, the imaging bed having a recording unit for temporarily recording radiation image information of the subject on a stimulable phosphor sheet, a housing accommodating therein a reading unit for photoelectrically reading the radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and an erasing assembly for erasing remaining radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a lifting/lowering mechanism for lifting and lowering the imaging bed with respect to the housing. The subject can easily be put onto the imaging bed, and the imaging bed can easily be operated.

Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading information stored in a memory layer (15) which includes a shielding device (22), and an X-ray cassette and an X-ray table for use with the apparatus, are disclosed. The shielding device (22) serves to shield a reader device (10) from an information recording beam (25). The reader device (10) includes a receptor (12) to receive emission radiation (17) that contains an image of the information recorded in the memory layer (15). Instead of the shielding device (22), it is also possible to provide a converter (29) that serves to convert an information-recording beam (25) into converted radiation (28) that possesses less energy than the information recording beam (25).