With Movable Source Patents (Class 378/196)
  • Patent number: 6700951
    Abstract: To provide an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of a simplified structure of a type in which a sample can be transported to an irradiating position where the sample is irradiated with primary X-rays and analysis can be achieved by positioning a target area to be measured of the sample. When an r drive means 37 drives an r drive shaft 43, a transporting function of transporting the sample 3 and a positioning function of positioning the target area in an r direction are performed. Also, a&thgr; drive shaft 53 of a &thgr; drive means 38 for performing the positioning function for positioning the target area in a &thgr; direction and the r drive shaft 43 of the r drive means 37 form a dual coaxial shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rigaku Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Koushi Sumii
  • Patent number: 6669365
    Abstract: A support column holds an X-ray tube having a collimator and is held by a linear guide on a side of a main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of a table top board by a motor via a gear and a rack. An image receiving system to hold an image intensifier is supported by a linear guide on a side of the main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of the table top board by a drive mechanism independently from the support column. The table top board can be moved to a position close to the support column on an upper portion of the main frame. When the support column is moved in the longitudinal direction, it is possible for an operator to approach a subject person from an back side portion of the table top board while the operator is being kept in an easy body orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Iinuma
  • Patent number: 6659641
    Abstract: The X-ray system includes a patient table (1, 2, 3) and a radiation module with a radiation source (6) and a radiation receiver (7) and can be universally used for the examination of a plurality of organs by means of a wide variety of methods. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with one of the novel digital flat detectors which can thus be economically used despite their high price. This is achieved essentially in that the radiation module includes a carrier (4, 5, 51 to 55) on which the X-ray source (6) and the radiation receiver (7) are mounted so as to face one another and which is attached to the patient table so as to be pivotable in such a manner that the X-ray system can be used in the overtable technique as well as in the undertable technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Horst-Hartwig Schwieker
  • Patent number: 6647282
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for aligning a laser beam with a hidden target. In particular, a coupling is rotated which rotates a laser diode and simultaneously translates the diode to produce a spiral shaped laser beam path. The coupling is continuously rotated until it is determined that the beam has become aligned with the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology
    Inventor: Steven E. Hair
  • Patent number: 6632019
    Abstract: In a radiographic apparatus, a pole to which an X-ray tube device is fixed is independently evacuated on a head side or a foot side of a top board through an operation of an X-ray tube pole evacuating switch. A subject or patient is laid on a top board, and a secondary X-ray tube device suspended from an overhead traveling portion is moved to be positioned over a concerned portion of the subject. Then, an X-ray image detecting portion moving switch is operated so that an X-ray image detecting portion is moved to a position, corresponding to the concerned portion under the top board. Under the state, remote radiographing, such as chest radiographing, is carried out. Thus, the remote radiographing can be carried out by a radiographic stand capable of fluoroscopying and radiographing without separately installing a radiographing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Mikihiko Katoh
  • Patent number: 6619839
    Abstract: An X-ray object positioning apparatus for use in X-ray imaging apparatus which irradiates X-rays an object to be examined to produce an X-ray absorption coefficient of a desired region of the object by means of X-rays transmitted through the object. The X-ray object positioning apparatus comprises a chair for fixing and holding the object; an imaging position moving apparatus for relatively moving an X-ray imaging target area relative to the fixed object chair; and display for variably showing the relative positional relation between an object model corresponding to the object and an imaging target area index corresponding to the X-ray imaging target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6619840
    Abstract: A C-arm X-ray system is disclosed which includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a support C-arm mechanism including an outer and inner C-arm. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are oppositely disposed on the inner C-arm. The inner C-arm is suspended upon at least one wheel construction disposed in the support C-arm. The inner C-arm may be automatically driven annularly outside of a first end of the C-arm support and into a second end of the C-arm support to close a gap normally found in conventional C-arm X-ray devices. Such construction allows the X-ray source and X-ray detector to rotate at least one full 360 degree cycle, providing an C-arm X-ray device capable of performing both fluoroscopic and CT procedures without a need to move a patient under examination (i.e., monitoring the patient in a common frame of reference for both applications).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Joern Luetjens
  • Patent number: 6614871
    Abstract: To a supporting frame having an opening portion used to insert a table for mounting thereon an object under examination along a horizontal direction, a rotary member rotated around the opening portion is mounted; and a medical X-ray apparatus is provided with a first supporting member supported by the rotation member, for supporting an X-ray tube apparatus which irradiates an X-ray to an object under examination; a second supporting member for supporting a detection apparatus for detecting a transmission X-ray of the object under examination, the second supporting member being supported by the rotary member and being arranged opposite to the X-ray tube apparatus; a rotation control apparatus for controlling a rotation of the rotary member; a control apparatus for setting an irradiation angle of said X-ray with respect to a body axial direction of the object under examination to an arbitrary irradiation angle, and also for arranging the detection apparatus opposite to the X-ray tube apparatus in correspondence
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Kobiki, Tsutomu Suzuki, Yutaka Takuma
  • Patent number: 6604855
    Abstract: An X-ray tube device is rotated to a projected portion in a subject by a rotating mechanism for the X-ray tube device according to an operation for an oblique fluoroscopy. A CPU recognizes information about a rotating angle and rotation speed, and a stand for the X-ray tube is moved along a longitudinal direction of a top plate by a driving mechanism for the stand according to the information. An X-ray image detector disposed under the top plate is moved in a direction opposite to the movement of the stand to a corresponding position of the X-ray tube device by a driving mechanism for the X-ray image detector. The X-ray tube device, the projected portion in the subject and the X-ray image detector are always arranged in a straight line by the CPU and the independent driving mechanisms. A tomography may also be carried out by moving continuously the X-ray tube device and the X-ray image detector parallel to the top plate in the opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Mikihiko Katoh, Katsuhiro Masuo
  • Patent number: 6592259
    Abstract: Two independently articulated arms supporting 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 arms are at least partially defined by a plurality of links that are connected at joints having independent axes of motion. The number of links, and corresponding degrees of freedom for the arms may be predetermined based on the end user application for the positioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology
    Inventors: Michael M. Crain, Seth R. Banks, Michael J. Pajerski, Michael J. Barber
  • Patent number: 6590958
    Abstract: An integrated x-ray imaging detector assembly is provided for use in an x-ray imaging system. An x-ray detector module is supported by a frame and receives a beam of x-rays emitted from an x-ray source and passed through a target along a detector axis. The x-ray detector is further operable to produce electrical signals in response to the received beam of x-rays. A display terminal is supported by the frame and disposed behind the detector module with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel. The display terminal is configured to receive the electrical signals and produce an output image corresponding to the electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology
    Inventors: Michael J. Barber, Douglas P. Dietz
  • Patent number: 6584171
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging detector for generating X-ray transmission image in a form of electric signal, for use in X-ray imaging apparatus which comprises the X-ray imaging detector, an X-ray generator and a fixing support for fixedly positioning an object to be examined between the X-ray generator and the X-ray imaging detector mounted thereon, whereby X-ray imaging is performed by moving the X-ray generator and the X-ray imaging detector both interposing the object fixedly positioned by the fixing support while keeping facing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Suzuki, Takeshi Hayashi, Yutaka Ito, Akifumi Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6582121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology
    Inventors: Michael M. Crain, Douglas P. Dietz
  • Patent number: 6582120
    Abstract: A method for the acquisition of a set of projection images for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image data set of an object to be examined that is arranged in an examination zone, said acquisition being performed by way of an X-ray device that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, said X-ray source being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone, said trajectory being situated essentially on a spherical surface, in order to acquire the projection images. In accordance with the invention the trajectory is configured in such a manner that the X-ray source can continuously follow the trajectory in order to acquire the set of projection images and that not all points of the trajectory are situated in a common plane. This enables fast acquisition of a set of projection data that enables an exact reconstruction of the object to be examined. The invention also relates to a corresponding X-ray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20030112926
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus has a radiation source and a radiation receiver that are movably mounted at a stand arranged at the ceiling of an installation room. The stand has a first slide system and a second slide system with respective slide directions that are orthogonal relative to one another. A rotary device that is displaceable via the second slide system is provided at the second slide system. The radiation source and the radiation receiver are seated so as to be rotatable in common via the rotary device. The radiation source and the radiation receiver are arranged at respective telescoping carriers that are in turn displaceable at a third slide system that is arranged at the rotary device and that is rotatable by the rotary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Atzinger
  • Patent number: 6575624
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus, having a C-arm X-ray device with at least one electrically operable component that is arranged at a C-arm that is adjustable relative to a holding mechanism, has an arrangement disposed in or at the C-bend or the component and are connected to the component for the transmission of data and/or energy, and another arrangement for the transmission of energy that are disposed in or at a housing connected to the holding mechanism. The exchange of data and/or the transmission of energy between these arrangements ensues in contactless fashion, and the transmission of the data and/or of the energy ensues continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Noegel, Andreas Schultz
  • Publication number: 20030091151
    Abstract: A universally employable radiography system has a first ceiling-suspended system for an X-ray radiator that is movable in the three spatial coordinates by means of the first ceiling-suspended system and is pivotable around at least two axes, a second ceiling-suspended system independent of the first for a radiation receiver that is movable in the three spatial coordinates by means of the second ceiling-suspended system, and a bracket, attached to the second ceiling-suspended system, at which the radiation receiver is suspended so as to be movable around at least two axes. The X-ray radiator and the radiation receiver can be positioned opposite one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Heinz Horbaschek, Claudius Molz
  • Publication number: 20030072416
    Abstract: A C-arm X-ray system is disclosed which includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a support C-arm mechanism including an outer and inner C-arm. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are oppositely disposed on the inner C-arm. The inner C-arm is suspended upon at least one wheel construction disposed in the support C-arm. The inner C-arm may be automatically driven annularly outside of a first end of the C-arm support and into a second end of the C-arm support to close a gap normally found in conventional C-arm X-ray devices. Such construction allows the X-ray source and X-ray detector to rotate at least one full 360 degree cycle, providing an C-arm X-ray device capable of performing both fluoroscopic and CT procedures without a need to move a patient under examination (i.e., monitoring the patient in a common frame of reference for both applications).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Joern Luetjens
  • Publication number: 20030058996
    Abstract: A C-arm X-ray system has a C-arm that carries an X-ray source and a detector opposite one another at its ends and that can be swiveled around the subject in multiple axes. The detector is mounted so as to be rotatable around the proceeding axis therefrom to the X-ray source and/or to be displaceable parallel to the detector surface and/or along a arcuate path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Graumann, Oliver Schuetz, Norbert Strobel
  • Publication number: 20030053599
    Abstract: A multi-functional X-ray examination has a base, a guide rail attached to the base and two trucks that are attached to the guide rail and are movable along the guide rail. An X-ray exposure system is movable in the longitudinal direction with the first truck, and a patient support mechanism is movable in the longitudinal direction with the second truck. The two trucks can be driven along the guide rail independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Meyer, Peter Soukal
  • Publication number: 20030048875
    Abstract: An x-ray treatment apparatus includes an x-ray generating device, a head unit, a manipulator and a microwave source. The x-ray generating device produces x-rays, by letting electrons, which have been emitted from an electron gun, be accelerated by a linear accelerator and strike a target. The acceleration of electrons is effected by microwaves. The x-ray generating device is accommodated in the head unit. The head unit is attached to a distal end portion of the manipulator. The manipulator positions the head unit such that x-rays emitted from the head unit may be applied to a part for medical treatment in a patient. The microwave source is disposed at a proximal end portion of the manipulator. Microwaves are propagated from the microwave source to the accelerator through a waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Mihara, Yuichiro Kaminou, Akira Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 6513973
    Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic device having a positioning plate for an examination subject mounted to as to be adjustable at a base has a radiation receiver implemented as a solid state detector that is mounted at the base via a gallows frame so as to be adjustable with respect to the positioning plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Fadler, Karl Heinz Kaul, Stefan Leidenberger
  • Patent number: 6508586
    Abstract: An IVR-CT apparatus of the present invention includes a bed including a table top movable in its longitudinal direction, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including an arm movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, an X-ray CT apparatus including a CT gantry movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, a position memory for storing a plurality of position data sets containing position data of the arm and position data of the CT gantry, a control panel including a plurality of positioning switches for selecting an arbitrary one of the plurality of position data sets, and a controller for controlling the movements of the arm and the movements of the CT gantry in accordance with the selected position data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Satoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 6501821
    Abstract: A medical device which has a data generating unit and a data processing unit that can be displaced relative to each other, as well as an arrangement for transferring the data from the data generating unit to the data processing unit. The arrangement for transferring the data includes a hollow conductor and an antenna that works in conjunction with the hollow conductor, which are displaced relative to each other in a defined manner in the displacement of the data generating unit and the data processing unit relative to each other, and via which the data transfer is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Betz
  • Patent number: 6461039
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device which includes a C-arm (12) carrying an X-ray source (2) and an X-ray detector (3), and includes a suspension device (14) with a joint (13), the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) being rotatable about a propeller axis (z4) which extends through the joint (13). In order to enable flexible movements in such an X-ray device, notably a wide variety of trajectories, according to the invention the X-ray device is construction in such a manner that the position of the propeller axis (z4) can be changed in all spatial directions (z1, z2, z3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20020141539
    Abstract: A support column holds an X-ray tube 1 having a collimator and is held by a linear guide on a side of a main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of a table top board by a motor via a gear and a rack. An image receiving system to hold an image intensifier is supported by a linear guide on a side of the main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of the table top board by a drive mechanism independently from the support column. The table top board can be moved to a position close to the support column on an upper portion of the main frame. When the support column is moved in the longitudinal direction, it is possible for an operator to approach a subject person from an back side portion of the table top board while the operator is being kept in an easy body orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masao Iinuma
  • Patent number: 6457858
    Abstract: During X-ray irradiation, a lever is operated to simultaneously move an imaging part and table in opposite directions from each other. A contrast medium's flow in an artery may be followed so that it is shown on a monitor. Relative speed of the table to X-ray imaging part can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of inclination of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Nakamura, Katsuhiro Masuo, Tatsuya Araki, Mikihiko Katoh
  • Patent number: 6459760
    Abstract: An automated real-time, non-destructive inspection system usable to inspect a selected structure for a defect and visually identify a defect's location. In one embodiment, the inspection system is an x-ray inspection system mounted to an articulatable robot arm movable relative to the selected structure. A support system is attached to the articulatable robot arm that supports an imaging source on a first support portion and a detector panel on a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion. A visual targeting system configured to identify where an imaging beam axis intersects the selected structure is positioned adjacent to the imaging source. The inspection system is configured to maneuver the imaging source and detector panel around the selected structure such that the desired areas on the selected structure may be fully inspected without having to reposition the selected structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Exotic Metals Forming Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl V. D'Ambrosio
  • Publication number: 20020122533
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus has an examination arm with a radiation delivery head and an image receiver. The examination arm is mounted for iso-centric rotation in a plane. A support for the arm and a support column on which the support is mounted allow the height of this plane to be adjusted. Patients can be examined in the standing, leaning, sitting or laying position while in each case maintaining the axis of rotation of the examination arm on the axis of the (compressed) breast to be examined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Alain Marie, Serge Louis Muller
  • Patent number: 6435713
    Abstract: In order to provide a biplane angiography/CT apparatus which can alternately perform CT imaging and simultaneous angiographic imaging in frontal and lateral planes, and which does not make a subject feel discomfort and has improved safety, a lateral arm 30 for performing angiographic imaging in the lateral plane is provided in addition to a frontal arm 20 and a CT gantry 40. Moreover, a control apparatus 50 is provided for, when angiographic imaging is to be performed, retracting the CT gantry 40 to a position not hindering the angiographic imaging and moving the frontal and lateral arms 20 and 30 to an angiographic imaging position, and when CT imaging is to be performed, retracting the frontal and lateral arms 20 and 30 to positions not hindering the CT imaging and moving the CT gantry 40 to a CT imaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Senichi Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6435714
    Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic device has an x-ray source, with a two dimensional detector arranged opposite thereto for detecting x-rays emitted from the x-ray source as a conical x-ray beam, and with a positioning device for an examination subject arranged between the x-ray source and the detector. The x-ray source in tandem with the detector can be rotated in an oscillating manner around a system axis. The x-ray source and the detector, and the positioning device are linearly adjustable relative to one another substantially in the direction of the system axis and a computer reconstructs images of the examination subject from the output signals of the detector occurring thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Herbert Bruder
  • Publication number: 20020090058
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an imaging system which detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object to be examined and generates X-ray image data, an arm which supports the X-ray tube and the imaging system, an arm support mechanism which rotatably and movably supports the arm, and a bed which holds the object between the X-ray tube and the imaging system. This X-ray diagnosis apparatus further includes a three-dimensional image generating unit which generates three-dimensional image data from volume data concerning the object, a display unit which displays the three-dimensional image data, an input device which designates an interest point on the displayed three-dimensional image data, and a controller which controls at least one of the arm support mechanism and the bed, such that the center of the X-ray image data generated by the imaging system is positioned on a portion of the object which substantially corresponds to the designated interest point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Mitsunori Yasuda, Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 6416219
    Abstract: A treatment-diagnostic apparatus has a positioning device with a positioning plate for the treatment and/or examination subject that is adjustable at a base and is transparent for radiation in at least one region. The positioning plate, with reference to the base, is mounted so as to be adjustable at least along its longitudinal axis and is mounted at the base so as to be adjustable in height, as well as around three spatial axes x, y, z. Due to the versatile adjustability, such an apparatus meets the demands for an angiographic diagnostic and/or therapy as well as for surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Pflaum, Reinhard Zitzmann
  • Patent number: 6412978
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube for irradiating a subject with X-rays, a rectangular planar type X-ray detector formed by arraying a plurality of solid-state detection elements, a supporting mechanism for supporting the X-ray tube and the planar type X-ray detector in arbitrary postures with respect to the subject, and a suspending mechanism for suspending the planar type X-ray detector from the supporting mechanism. The suspending mechanism has a rotating mechanism for rotating the planar type X-ray detector through an arbitrary angle about a central path of the X-rays. When necessary, the planar type X-ray detector is rotated about the central path of the X-rays so as to be very close to the subject. When necessary, the planar type X-ray detector is rotated, so that the longitudinal direction of the subject on the image and the vertical direction of the screen can coincide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Naoto Watanabe, Satoru Oishi
  • Patent number: 6382835
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a mobile X-ray apparatus having an X-ray system comprising an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that is arranged at a carrier device. For registering a series of 2D projections of a subject, the carrier device is pivotable under motor drive around an axis that proceeds at least essentially horizontally through the carrier device. The X-ray apparatus comprises means for generating a 3D image dataset from the registered 2D projections. The invention is also directed to a method for determining the projection geometries required for producing a 3D image dataset from registered 2D projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Graumann, Jochen Kusch
  • Patent number: 6382832
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus which can be universally used for X-ray fluoroscopy and X-ray exposures. It includes a tiltable patient table, a horizontally displaceable stand on which an X-ray source is mounted so as to be vertically displaceable, and a coupling member which couples the stand or the X-ray source to the image converter arrangement provided in the patient table. Depending on the type of coupling, either X-ray fluoroscopy and Bucky exposures or slice exposures are possible. Furthermore, other exposure modes can be performed when the stand is decoupled from the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Horst Schwieker, Harald Kayser, Heinz Haarmann, Jürgen Rothenstein
  • Patent number: 6382833
    Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus has a base and a support connected by an arm arrangement. The support is connected to a holding device in which a curved carrier is displaceably mounted, the curved carrier having an X-ray emitter at one end and a radiation detector at an opposite end. An examination table is movable between the X-ray emitter and the radiation detector. The arm arrangement is composed of at least first and second arms. The first arm is rotatably mounted at a shaft at the base, and the second arm is rotatably mounted at a shaft at the carrier. The respective free ends of the first and second arms are rotatably connected to each other by another shaft. The carrier, without bothersome components of the stand beneath the examination table, can be rotated 90° from a head-adjusted position in both directions to lateral positions, while maintaining the isocenter at a fixed position, and the carrier also can be lowered to the floor on which the base is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventors: Enar Leandersson, Arne Borggren, Jan Narfström
  • Publication number: 20020051517
    Abstract: The X-ray system includes a patient table (1, 2, 3) and a radiation module with a radiation source (6) and a radiation receiver (7) and can be universally used for the examination of a plurality of organs by means of a wide variety of methods. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with one of the novel digital flat detectors which can thus be economically used despite their high price. This is achieved essentially in that the radiation module includes a carrier (4, 5, 51 to 55) on which the X-ray source (6) and the radiation receiver (7) are mounted so as to face one another and which is attached to the patient table so as to be pivotable in such a manner that the X-ray system can be used in the overtable technique as well as in the undertable technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Horst-Hartwig Schwieker
  • Patent number: 6379042
    Abstract: A variable self-compensating detent control system for improved positioning accuracy and repeatability is provided. The detent control system provides a system for reducing positioning errors in the positioning of an X-Ray tube in an X-Ray imaging system, such as accurate and repeatable positioning of the X-Ray tube at detents. The control system preferably includes a sensor unit generating positional or velocity signals indicative of the position or velocity of the X-Ray tube and a microprocessor receiving the positional signals and determining an overshoot correction. The overshoot correction is used by the X-Ray system to control a locking system controlling the position of the X-Ray tube. The sensor unit may employ a potentiometer, a digital encoder, or preferably both in combination to determine the positional or velocity signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent S. Polkus, Mark Anthony Hammel, John Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20020048346
    Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Edward G. Solomon, Douglas D. Elliott, Brian Skillicorn, Peter E. Loeffler, David E. Baker
  • Patent number: 6375353
    Abstract: An X-ray device includes a C-shaped arm, a first end of which supports an X-ray source and a second end of which supports an X-ray image pick-up device. The C-shaped arm is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to a carriage. The carriage is tiltable about a tilting axis relative to a guide. The guide is rotatable about a propeller axis. The tilting axis extends at an angle relative to the propeller axis. A leverage point on the propeller axis is situated near the tilting axis. The mass center of the C-shaped arm is situated on the pivot axis. The mass centers of the C-shaped arm and of the carriage are situated on a leverage line which extends at least substantially through the leverage point. The mass centers of the C-shaped arm and of the carriage are situated to both sides of the leverage point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur R. Van Es
  • Patent number: 6375352
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining x-ray tomosynthesis data desirable for mammography. The apparatus operates in conjunction with gravity to quickly and smoothly move an x-ray source through a plurality of positions relative to a stationary digital detector and a patient's breast to obtain a plurality x-ray images of the patient's breast which can then be processed for examination by a physician or radiologist. In one embodiment, an actuator such as a hydraulic system is operably connectable to the radiation source to controllably allow the radiation source to move under the influence of gravity from an elevated position to a lower position relative to the digital detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ralph Allen Hewes, Mehmet Yavuz
  • Publication number: 20020041654
    Abstract: An angiography apparatus includes a bed having a top on which a patient to be examined lies down, a substantially C-shaped C-arm, and an X-ray generating means and X-ray detection means which are arranged to oppose one end and the other end of the C-arm. According to this angiography apparatus, in chasing and imaging the flow of a contrast medium injected into the patient, the C-arm 3 can be arbitrarily moved in a direction. In addition, according to the angiography apparatus of this invention, by displaying a simulated image of the flow of the contrast medium, an operator can simulate contrast medium chase imaging before actual contrast medium chase imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: Takashi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20020039403
    Abstract: An IVR-CT apparatus of the present invention includes a bed including a table top movable in its longitudinal direction, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including an arm movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, an X-ray CT apparatus including a CT gantry movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, a position memory for storing a plurality of position data sets containing position data of the arm and position data of the CT gantry, a control panel including a plurality of positioning switches for selecting an arbitrary one of the plurality of position data sets, and a controller for controlling the movements of the arm and the movements of the CT gantry in accordance with the selected position data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Satoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 6364525
    Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus has a base with at least one fixed part and one carriage that can be vertically shifted in relation to the fixed part. The carriage is provided with a horizontally projecting shaft, to which an apparatus component is mounted and which has a center axis around which the apparatus component can rotate. A pulley with a peripheral surface that is at least partially round is rotationally mounted to the shaft and is firmly connected to the apparatus component. A first pair of wheels is arranged at the fixed part of the base and a connector is provided to connect the pulley to the wheels so that whenever the wheels are respectively simultaneously rotated in different directions, the pulley and thus the apparatus component are vertically shifted and whenever the wheels are rotated in the same direction, the pulley and thus the apparatus component are caused to rotate around the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventors: Erik Mellström, Per Stenfors, Jan Narfström
  • Patent number: 6341893
    Abstract: A radiographic stand with a radiation image receiving portion includes a lying stand having a top plate on which a subject lies down, a radiation image receiving portion located below the top plate, and a moving mechanism for making the radiation image receiving portion movable in the widthwise direction or the lengthwise direction of the top plate. The moving mechanism also makes the radiation image receiving portion erectable in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Junichi Yamayoshi, Osamu Tsujii, Tsukasa Sako
  • Patent number: 6341156
    Abstract: In an x-ray diagnostic apparatus for tomosynthesis or laminographic imaging using a patient positioning table, an x-ray source which emits an x-ray beam on one side of the patient positioning table, an x-ray detector arranged on the other side of the patient positioning table for the capture of the x-ray beam and for producing digital images, a device for movement of the x-ray source, a device for shifting of the x-ray detector and a device for superimposing the digital images so that only the details lying in a specific longitudinal slice for an examination subject are sharply imaged, the x-ray detector is rotated relative to the movement direction at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Baetz, Wolfgang Haerer, Thomas Mertelmeier
  • Publication number: 20020006184
    Abstract: An X-ray tube device is rotated to a projected portion in a subject by a rotating mechanism for the X-ray tube device according to an operation for an oblique fluoroscopy. A CPU recognizes information about a rotating angle and rotation speed, and a stand for the X-ray tube is moved along a longitudinal direction of a top plate by a driving mechanism for the stand according to the information. An X-ray image detector disposed under the top plate is moved in a direction opposite to the movement of the stand to a corresponding position of the X-ray tube device by a driving mechanism for the X-ray image detector. The X-ray tube device, the projected portion in the subject and the X-ray image detector are always arranged in a straight line by the CPU and the independent driving mechanisms. A tomography may also be carried out by moving continuously the X-ray tube device and the X-ray image detector parallel to the top plate in the opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mikihiko Katoh, Katsuhiro Masuo
  • Publication number: 20020003864
    Abstract: In a radiographic apparatus, a pole to which an X-ray tube device is fixed is independently evacuated on a head side or a foot side of a top board through an operation of an X-ray tube pole evacuating switch. A subject or patient is laid on a top board, and a secondary X-ray tube device suspended from an overhead traveling portion is moved to be positioned over a concerned portion of the subject. Then, an X-ray image detecting portion moving switch is operated so that an X-ray image detecting portion is moved to a position, corresponding to the concerned portion under the top board. Under the state, remote radiographing, such as chest radiographing, is carried out. Thus, the remote radiographing can be carried out by a radiographic stand capable of fluoroscopying and radiographing without separately installing a radiographing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Mikihiko Katoh
  • Publication number: 20010053201
    Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus has a base and a support connected by an arm arrangement. The support is connected to a holding device in which a curved carrier is displaceably mounted, the curved carrier having an X-ray emitter at one end and a radiation detector at an opposite end. An examination table is movable between the X-ray emitter and the radiation detector. The arm arrangement is composed of at least first and second arms. The first arm is rotatably mounted at a shaft at the base, and the second arm is rotatably mounted at a shaft at the carrier. The respective free ends of the first and second arms are rotatably connected to each other by another shaft. The carrier, without bothersome components of the stand beneath the examination table, can be rotated 90° from a head-adjusted position in both directions to lateral positions, while maintaining the isocenter at a fixed position, and the carrier also can be lowered to the floor on which the base is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Enar Leandersson, Arne Borggren, Jan Narfstrom