With Movable Source Patents (Class 378/196)
-
Patent number: 6700951Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Rigaku Industrial CorporationInventor: Koushi Sumii
-
Patent number: 6669365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Masao Iinuma
-
Patent number: 6659641Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Horst-Hartwig Schwieker
-
Patent number: 6647282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global TechnologyInventor: Steven E. Hair
-
Patent number: 6632019Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Mikihiko Katoh
-
Patent number: 6619839Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
-
Patent number: 6619840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Volker Rasche, Joern Luetjens
-
Patent number: 6614871Abstract: 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 correspondenceType: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Takaaki Kobiki, Tsutomu Suzuki, Yutaka Takuma
-
Patent number: 6604855Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Mikihiko Katoh, Katsuhiro Masuo
-
Patent number: 6592259Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global TechnologyInventors: Michael M. Crain, Seth R. Banks, Michael J. Pajerski, Michael J. Barber
-
Patent number: 6590958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global TechnologyInventors: Michael J. Barber, Douglas P. Dietz
-
Patent number: 6584171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Masakazu Suzuki, Takeshi Hayashi, Yutaka Ito, Akifumi Tachibana
-
Patent number: 6582121Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global TechnologyInventors: Michael M. Crain, Douglas P. Dietz
-
Patent number: 6582120Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
-
Publication number: 20030112926Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Franz Atzinger
-
Patent number: 6575624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Noegel, Andreas Schultz
-
Publication number: 20030091151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Heinz Horbaschek, Claudius Molz
-
Publication number: 20030072416Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Volker Rasche, Joern Luetjens
-
Publication number: 20030058996Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Siemens AktiengessellschaftInventors: Rainer Graumann, Oliver Schuetz, Norbert Strobel
-
Publication number: 20030053599Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Michael Meyer, Peter Soukal
-
Publication number: 20030048875Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazumasa Mihara, Yuichiro Kaminou, Akira Ishibashi
-
Patent number: 6513973Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Franz Fadler, Karl Heinz Kaul, Stefan Leidenberger
-
Patent number: 6508586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Satoshi Oota
-
Patent number: 6501821Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Roland Betz
-
Patent number: 6461039Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Hermann Schomberg
-
Publication number: 20020141539Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Masao Iinuma
-
Patent number: 6457858Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Kouji Nakamura, Katsuhiro Masuo, Tatsuya Araki, Mikihiko Katoh
-
Patent number: 6459760Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Exotic Metals Forming Company, Inc.Inventor: Karl V. D'Ambrosio
-
Publication number: 20020122533Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Alain Marie, Serge Louis Muller
-
Patent number: 6435713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Senichi Iizuka
-
Patent number: 6435714Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Herbert Bruder
-
Publication number: 20020090058Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Mitsunori Yasuda, Satoru Ohishi
-
Patent number: 6416219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Pflaum, Reinhard Zitzmann
-
Patent number: 6412978Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoto Watanabe, Satoru Oishi
-
Patent number: 6382835Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Graumann, Jochen Kusch
-
Patent number: 6382832Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Horst Schwieker, Harald Kayser, Heinz Haarmann, Jürgen Rothenstein
-
Patent number: 6382833Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Siemens-Elema ABInventors: Enar Leandersson, Arne Borggren, Jan Narfström
-
Publication number: 20020051517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventor: Horst-Hartwig Schwieker
-
Variable self-compensating detent control system for improved positioning accuracy and repeatability
Patent number: 6379042Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Vincent S. Polkus, Mark Anthony Hammel, John Jun Zhang -
Publication number: 20020048346Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Edward G. Solomon, Douglas D. Elliott, Brian Skillicorn, Peter E. Loeffler, David E. Baker
-
Patent number: 6375353Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Arthur R. Van Es
-
Patent number: 6375352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ralph Allen Hewes, Mehmet Yavuz
-
Publication number: 20020041654Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Takashi Hayashi
-
Publication number: 20020039403Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Satoshi Oota
-
Patent number: 6364525Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Siemens Elema ABInventors: Erik Mellström, Per Stenfors, Jan Narfström
-
Patent number: 6341893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Junichi Yamayoshi, Osamu Tsujii, Tsukasa Sako
-
Patent number: 6341156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Lothar Baetz, Wolfgang Haerer, Thomas Mertelmeier
-
Publication number: 20020006184Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventors: Mikihiko Katoh, Katsuhiro Masuo
-
Publication number: 20020003864Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Mikihiko Katoh
-
Publication number: 20010053201Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Enar Leandersson, Arne Borggren, Jan Narfstrom