Abstract: The invention comprises intensity control of a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Particularly, intensity of a charged particle stream of a synchrotron is described. Intensity control is described in combination with turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, and extraction elements of the synchrotron. The system reduces the overall size of the synchrotron, provides a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduces the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allows continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus including: a radiation source configured to irradiate an irradiation point on a sample with radiation; an X-ray detector configured to detect a characteristic X-ray emitted from the sample, and output a signal including energy information about the characteristic X-ray; an analyzer configured to analyze the signal; a sample stage configured to allow placement of the sample thereon; a shifting mechanism being capable of relatively shifting the sample on the sample stage and the radiation source and the X-ray detector with respect to each other; a height measuring mechanism being capable of measuring the height of the irradiation point on the sample; and a controller configured to control the shifting mechanism on the basis of the measured height of the irradiation point on the sample and adjust the distance of the sample with respect to the radiation source and the X-ray detector is used.

Abstract: Image tracking systems, and corresponding methods, are described. In some embodiments, conventional imaging components are placed on a platform having wheels, thereby providing a mechanism for imaging a moving subject. In other embodiments, conventional imaging components are situated on non-parallel rails, and moved along those rails, thereby providing a mechanism for imaging an anatomical region of a subject as that region moves in two dimensions. For yet other embodiments, image recognition and tracking approaches are provided to track the movement of a non-stationary anatomical region. The tracking of the non-stationary anatomical region permits imaging of a moving anatomy. For some embodiments, the anatomy moves within its normal range of motion.

Abstract: A medical device includes a moving gantry, on which a radiation source is arranged, and a collision-protection apparatus for preventing a patient from colliding with the moving gantry. The gantry is operable to be moved around a patient-positioning apparatus. The collision-protection apparatus can be configured as a mechanical collision-protection apparatus that is operable to be positioned between the patient and the moving gantry. The collision-protection apparatus can also be configured as a collision-monitoring apparatus that detects the crossing of a predefined volume by an object, the collision-monitoring apparatus having a control apparatus that controls the motion of the gantry as a function of whether a crossing of the volume has or has not been detected.

Abstract: The invention comprises intensity control of a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Particularly, intensity of a charged particle stream of a synchrotron is described. Intensity control is described in combination with turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, and extraction elements of the synchrotron. The system reduces the overall size of the synchrotron, provides a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduces the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allows continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging system a holding device holds an X-ray imaging unit that performs X-ray imaging of a subject, a bed supports a subject, and a driving unit moves the holding device and the bed. A position detector detects positions of the holding device and the bed either when X-ray imaging is performed and/or when the driving unit has not performed driving for a predetermined time or more. A memory stores positions of the holding device and the bed detected by the position detector in a time series. An operation unit selects positions of the holding device and the bed stored in time series in either a time-series sequence or a reverse time-series sequence. Based on instructions from the operation unit, the controller reads out detection results from the memory and drives the driving unit based on the detection results.

Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.

Abstract: A suspension system for a ceiling mount of a medical device is suggested, comprising an attachment device provided at a ceiling and a console arranged between the attachment device and the ceiling mount for movement of the ceiling mount parallel to the ceiling. Said console comprises a support plate connected to the attachment device and a carriage that is movable with respect to the support plate and is connected to the ceiling mount. This allows movement of the medical device to the greatest extent possible to all positions in the surgical area without colliding with alternately usable operating lights.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The patient positioning system is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor using a targeting system. The patient positioning system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems.

Abstract: In an arrangement and associated method for positioning of apparatuses (in particular of a C-arm), the position and orientation of a C-arm and of a pointer instrument are determined by a navigation system, and an alignment of the C-arm is conducted based on the orientation of the pointer apparatus.

Abstract: An isosurfacial three-dimensional imaging system and method uses scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging of an assumed opaque object providing a series of tilt images for generating a sinogram of the object and a voxel data set for generating a three-dimensional image of the object having exterior surfaces some of which may be obscured so as to provide exterior three-dimensional surface imaging of objects including hidden surfaces normally obscured from stereographic view.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching the drive system and stand to a ring in a medicine gantry is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes at least one mounting bar (e.g., two mounting bars), at least one mounting plate and at least one adjuster (e.g., a screw). The mounting bar is securable to a portion of the ring. The mounting bar includes a base and at least one transverse face. At least a portion of the base is substantially parallel to a surface of a portion of the ring and at least a portion of the transverse face is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the portion of the ring. The mounting plate is secured to the drive system and is securable to the transverse face of the mounting bar. Movement of the adjuster moves the drive assembly relative to the mounting bar when the mounting plate is adjacent the transverse face of the mounting bar.

Abstract: A CT scanning device includes a scanning gantry, a supporting means for a scanning table, and a supporting base for fixing and supporting the scanning gantry. The scanning gantry is configured to scan a subject and to collect scanning data. The supporting means supports the scanning table, and is mounted on the supporting base and located between the scanning gantry and the supporting base.

Abstract: A motor assisted movement assembly 2 is provided comprising a motor arrangement 3, which motor arrangement 3 may assist a manually controlled movement of a first structural element 5 relative to a second structural element 6. A motor element 3a of the motor arrangement 3 is adapted to detect a manual indication of a desired movement of the second structural element 6 relative to the first structural element 5 with the motor arrangement 3 being adapted to assist, e.g. support the movement by providing an additional force.

Abstract: A medical imaging system comprising an x-ray image detector mounted on a robotic arm and an x-ray generator mounted opposite the x-ray image detector. The robotic arm includes two pivots and a plurality of telescoping segments to adjust the height and angle of the x-ray image detector. In some embodiments, the medical imaging system includes a second x-ray image detector and a second x-ray generator and is capable of capturing biplane stereophotogrammetric images.

Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system (10) having a pedal-switching mechanism (14) for lateral and frontal imaging. The imaging system (10) is particularly useful for positioning an image-capturing device (18) with respect to a patient disposed on an imaging system (10) and may include a support member (20) configured to support a patient or object of interest, and a c-arm imaging equipment (12) configured to be removable to capture images in various directions.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching the drive system and stand to a ring in a medicine gantry is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes at least one mounting bar (e.g., two mounting bars), at least one mounting plate and at least one adjuster (e.g., a screw). The mounting bar is securable to a portion of the ring. The mounting bar includes a base and at least one transverse face. At least a portion of the base is substantially parallel to a surface of a portion of the ring and at least a portion of the transverse face is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the portion of the ring. The mounting plate is secured to the drive system and is securable to the transverse face of the mounting bar. Movement of the adjuster moves the drive assembly relative to the mounting bar when the mounting plate is adjacent the transverse face of the mounting bar.

Abstract: A radiation apparatus includes a radiation source movable in translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom, and a structure adapted to support a body. The structure is provided with an opening to allow a portion of the body passing through to be exposed to at least a portion of the therapeutic radiation while in use.

Abstract: To realize a method of automatically identifying a table apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus. There is provided a table apparatus identifying method in which when a table apparatus having a plurality of movable portions that are movable in the respective axial directions, independently, an absolute position of each of the movable portions on the axis is detected with respect to each of the axes, the passages of the movable portion at the predetermined two positions apart from each other by the given distance along the axis are optically detected, the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time is stored as characterization information, and the arrivals of the movable portion at two block positions on both ends of the axis are detected, respectively, and the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time are stored as the configuration information.

Abstract: A patient treatment arrangement is provided which includes a fixed beam irradiation source; and a patient positioning apparatus, the patient positioning apparatus comprising: a support member; a patient securing mechanism arranged to secure a patient to the patient support member; and a patient positioner in communication with the patient support member and operative to achieve positioning of the support member equivalent to rotation of the patient support member about a plurality of axes and translation of the patient support member along a plurality of axes, the patient positioner thereby providing substantially unrestricted variable angular access for irradiation of a target tissue of a patient secured to the patient securing mechanism from the fixed beam irradiation source.

Abstract: Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).

Abstract: A method for determining a change in a position of a support is described. The method includes determining the change in the position of the support used in an imaging system, where determining the change includes computing the position by operating a photodetector configured to detect laser energy that provides information regarding the position.

Abstract: A support stand for an associated handheld analyzer is used to measure properties of an associated soil sample. The stand includes a shield situated in a first plane above an associated soil sample, a platform opening in the shield, a support platform moveable relative to the platform opening, and a mechanism to move the platform relative to the shield along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The platform supports the associated analyzer above the associated soil sample such that the associated analyzer can move relative to the associated soil sample.

Abstract: The mammographic apparatus of this invention maintains peripheral portions of the breast area Ma of the sternal plate of a patient M in contact with a sternal plate contact box 3 during radiography for RI distribution images of the breast area Ma of the patient M. Since the body motion accompanying respiration of the patient M shifts from the breast side to the back side, the motion of the breast area Ma of the patient M accompanying respiration of the patient M is suppressed easily. In addition, since radiography for RI distribution images is carried out with the patient M in a seated position seated on a seating unit 2, the apparatus is compact and can installed in a limited area, compared with an apparatus that carries out radiography for RI distribution images with a patient in a sleeping position lying on her back or on a side on a top board.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is disposed with an imaging table that includes an imaging surface with which a breast of an examinee in an upright posture is brought into contact and handles that are disposed higher than the imaging surface during craniocaudal imaging. Grip portions of the handles slant so as to gradually become closer to a chest wall contacting portion as the grip portions approach the imaging surface. Thus, when an examinee is made to grasp the handles, the posture of the examinee can be made more natural.

Abstract: A mammography system including a compression device, comprising two compression members to compress a breast, a sensor to sense the pressure exerted by the breast on one of the members and/or a device to determine the distance between the two members, an X-ray image acquisition system, means to adjust an initial position of the members. The system further comprises means to monitor variations in pressure and/or variations in thickness relative to their initial value, for an estimation of the risk of breast movement. The system further comprises means to present the user with information signaling breast movement, in relation to the estimation.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system (10) having a pedal-switching mechanism (14) for lateral and frontal imaging. The imaging system (10) is particularly useful for positioning an image-capturing device (18) with respect to a patient disposed on an imaging system (10) and may include a support member (20) configured to support a patient or object of interest, and a c-arm imaging equipment (12) configured to be removable to capture images in various directions.

Abstract: A device for inspecting contraband in an aviation cargo containers includes: a turntable located at an object inspecting position and configured to carry the object to be inspected and bring the object into rotation; an object conveying system; a scanning system including a radiation source and a detector which can synchronously move in the vertical direction; a turntable drive/control system which drives and controls rotation of said turntable so that the turntable can continuously rotate about its rotation axis or rotate to any predetermined angular position; a scanning drive/control system which drives and controls the radiation source and the detector into synchronous movement in the vertical direction so that the radiation source and the detector can continuously move in the vertical direction or move to any predetermined vertical position. The device of the present invention can scan the object and form images in various scanning modes to meet different needs.

Abstract: Compression pad for a mammography apparatus comprising a compression plate made of a material transparent to X-rays, and a support by which said pad is configured to be mounted onto a mammography apparatus. The support has an arch shape configured to go over the edge of a compression plate, and said compression plate and said support comprise complementary mechanical means capable of enabling manual locking/unlocking of the support on said plate, in particular for cleaning said plate and said support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the set relative position of a patient in a dental panorama X-ray apparatus during which the curvature of a front area of a dental arch of a patient is determined. Set position coordinates for the patient are calculated based on this curvature and on a projection arch surface. In addition, the curvature of a middle area and/or of a rear area of the dental arch is determined and is taken into consideration during the calculation of the position coordinates. During a method for determining the set path of a diagnostic unit, the curvature of a front area of a dental arch of a patient is determined and is fixed at a location in the X-ray apparatus located within the space scanned by an X-ray source and by a detector unit. In addition, the curvature of a middle area and/or of a rear area of the dental arch is determined and a set path curve for the diagnostic unit is calculated based on the measured curvatures.

Abstract: In a method for simplified positioning of a patient bed positioning information of a measurement position of the patient bed is recorded and retained as a forced stop position. The positioning of the patient bed between the measurement position ensues such that, given a movement of the patient bed from the withdrawn position, the positioning procedure is automatically halted upon reaching the measurement position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for coordinating a radiological imaging subsystem with a component including: a first communication device located on the radiological imaging subsystem; and a second communication device located on the component, wherein the first and second communication devices are capable of communicating to indicate a positional relationship between the radiological imaging subsystem and the component. In an embodiment, the component includes an imaging table. In an embodiment, at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system is determinable based at least in part on the communicating to indicate a positional relationship. In an embodiment, the at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system includes at least one range of motion of a gantry.

Abstract: A radiation shield (24) for use with a tomographic scanner (10) provides a shielded region which at which a clinician or other person is shielded from radiation generated during a scan of a patient. A support (20) supports the first radiation shield (24) in a location near the scanner (10). The shield support (20) may be attached to the scanner (10).

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic patient table positioning are provided. The method includes determining patient specific scan parameters and positioning the patient with the imaging scanner based on the determined patient specific scan parameters.

Abstract: A first laser device and a second laser device direct a laser beam towards a patient before a CT scan to visually indicate an outer boundary of an area where x-rays will be directed during the CT scan. Each laser device includes a prism that deflects the laser beams to form lines on the patient that define an outer boundary of an area of the patient that will be exposed to the x-rays. If the area of the patient between the lines is not the desired area, the operator can move the patient until the desired area of the patient is located between the lines. A third laser device can direct a laser beam to define an outer boundary that is used to ensure proper orientation of the patient in the space.

Abstract: A positioning device for an X-ray detector or an X-ray source is provided. The positioning device includes an arched arm, inside of which the X-ray detector or the X-ray source can be mounted in a manner that enables the detector or source to be displaced in the direction of the arch. The positioning device includes a base, inside of which the arched arm is mounted in a manner that enables the arched arm to be displaced in the direction of the arch. Either the X-ray detector is mounted in the positioning device and the X-ray source is placed separately therefrom or, conversely, the X-ray source is mounted in the positioning device and the X-ray detector is placed separately there from.

Abstract: A collimator handling system for partially or fully automating the task of replacing and storing collimators in nuclear imaging systems. A collimator server stores a set of different collimators in stacked drawers which may be automatically extracted into the detector. The reduction in time spent on these tasks reduces cost and increases throughput. Furthermore, the automation of handling heavy lead (or like) collimators increases technician safety.

Abstract: A radiation system includes a frame having a housing, a radiation source disposed in the housing of the frame, and a supporting device. The frame is curve-shaped and rotatably supported on a floor partially enclosing a space. The supporting device is disposed in the space and movable. The supporting device is adapted to support a patient in a generally seated position. A radiation method is also provided.

Abstract: A medical lifting device is provided. The medical lifting device comprises a lifting unit that is operable in a linear motion. A spindle drive is operable to adjust the lifting unit. A first ball joint is disposed in the lifting unit and a second ball joint is disposed where the spindle drive is respectively supported.

Abstract: An x-ray microscope stage enables alignment of a sample about a rotation axis to enable three dimensional tomographic imaging of the sample using an x-ray microscope. A heat exchanger assembly provides cooled gas to a sample during x-ray microscopic imaging.

Abstract: A radiation shield (24) for use with a tomographic scanner (10) provides a shielded region which at which a clinician or other person is shielded from radiation generated during a scan of a patient. A support (20) supports the first radiation shield (24) in a location near the scanner (10). The shield support (20) may be attached to the scanner (10).

Abstract: A frame (10) for an x-ray inspection device comprises a structural member (16) to which is pivoted an arcuate frame (21). An x-ray source (12) is in use mounted directly to the member (16), and an x-ray detector (13) is movable around the frame (21). A three axis sample support for items to be imaged is arranged between the source (12) and detector (13). The frame (10) of the invention is particularly rigid.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography scanning system for inspecting an object includes a platform configured to support the object. The platform is rotatable about an axis and movable in a direction parallel to the axis. At least one X-ray source is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform and configured to transmit radiation through the object. At least one X-ray detector is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform. The at least one X-ray detector is configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and generate a signal representative of the detected radiation.

Abstract: Mammography imaging apparatus according to the invention contains e.g. an essentially vertically standing body part and an arm structure in connection with it, being turnable with respect to a horizontal rotating axis, a radiation source on one hand and image data receiving means on the other hand being located at essentially opposite ends of the arm structure. The arm structure includes at least two arm parts orientating essentially parallel and means for changing mutual orientation of at least the first and the second of the said at least two arm parts, first means for turning the said first arm part around a horizontal axis and second means arranged to the said second arm part with help of which, when turning the said first arm part, it is possible both to maintain orientation of the said second arm part with respect to the said first arm part and to turn the said second arm part in a different direction and/or at a different angular velocity with respect to the movement of the said first arm part.

Abstract: Numerous structural/patient positioning features are provided for use with a dental x-ray machine. At least the following features are included: an inverted motor arrangement to actuate an outer support column with respect to an inner support column; wiper elements disposed between the inner and outer support columns to provide enhanced electrical grounding therebetween; adjustable roller subassemblies disposed between the inner and outer columns; a flexible electrical cable disposed inside the inner column; a self-aligning base for use with the inner column, the base having symmetric halves; an adaptable handgrip handrail extending from the outer column at compound oblique angles; a drive system for film transport; and a side projection system for patient head positioning, including multiple horizontal light beams.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a floor rotating arm whose one end is mounted on a floor surface to be rotatable around a substantially vertical first rotation axis, a stand mounted on the other end of the floor rotating arm to be rotatable around a substantially vertical second rotation axis, an arm holder which is mounted on the stand so as to be rotatable around a substantially horizontal third rotation axis, a substantially C-shaped, C-arm which is mounted on the arm holder so as to be slidable/rotatable around a substantially horizontal fourth rotation axis, with an isocenter at which the fourth rotation axis intersects the third rotation axis being located on the first rotation axis when the C-arm is folded above the floor rotating arm, an X-ray generating unit mounted on one end of the C-arm, and an X-ray detecting unit mounted on the other end of the C-arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording x-ray images with a C-arm system, which comprises an image recording system rotatable about a center of rotation in a recording plane, a number of x-ray fluoroscopic images of an area of interest of an object lying on an object supporting device are recorded at a plurality of angles of rotations by the image recording system, from which one or more cross-sectional images or a three dimensional can be reconstructed. The method is characterized in that the object supporting device is guided synchronously and in a non-colliding manner with the rotation of the image recording system, such that at every angle of rotation at which the recording of an image takes place, the area of interest of the object lies within a beam cone of the x-ray radiation beam of the image recording system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceiling support for a medico-technical radiation source. The inventive support comprises a telescopic element (2) consisting of several tubes (3) which fit in each other and are connected to a compensation weight device of the radiation source connected to the free end (E) of said telescopic element (2) with the aid of a first cable (12). The inventive weight compensation device comprises a cable drum (11) for winding and unwinding said first cable (12), a helical winch (15) associated thereto and connected to a sliding element (8) by means a second cable, said sliding element being displaceable against a pressure spring (6). The radius of said helical winch (15) gradually reduces according to the increasing force of the pressure spring (6) in such a way that the compensation couple of the weight remains identical aside from the respective length of the telescopic element (2).