Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, a boom member configured to hold and arrange the X-ray generation unit at an arbitrary position, a supporting column unit connected to the boom member and configured to elevate and pivot the X-ray generation unit, a display unit, including a display screen, coupled to the X-ray generation unit through a movable mechanism configured to enable the orientation of the display screen, with respect to the X-ray generating unit, to be altered.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate radiation, a positioning unit configured to position the irradiation unit, and a cart unit configured to move while the irradiation unit and the positioning unit are mounted on the cart unit. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a moving unit configured to hold a display unit below the irradiation unit and to slide the display unit along a display screen of the display unit outwardly from the cart unit.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray generation unit; a plurality of supporting members configured to support the X-ray generation unit; and an accommodation unit configured to accommodate the X-ray generation unit and the plurality of supporting members, wherein the accommodation unit is formed by bringing a first member and a second member into contact with each other, each of the plurality of supporting members is connected to the first member by a first connecting portion that is rotatable and to the X-ray generation unit by a second connecting portion that is rotatable, and a support height of the X-ray generation unit supported by the supporting members can be adjusted in accordance with a distance between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object, comprising a scanner; and a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a crawl drive for crawling along the floor supporting the imaging system so as to index the scanner relative to an object during scanning of the object.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray source; a housing configured to accommodate the X-ray source; and a plurality of supporting legs each connected to the housing via a movable connecting portion and configured to support the housing, wherein each of the supporting legs can change, by the movable connecting portion, a support angle made by a ground plane and the supporting leg.

Abstract: A mobile C-arm fluoroscopy unit comprising a self-contained radial coordinate or vector movement mechanism utilizing at least one motor-driven wheel, wherein the at least one motor-driven wheel is individually continuously steerable around a generally vertical steering axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. For one preferred embodiment, an IGRT apparatus is provided comprising a gantry frame including a ring member, the ring member being rotatable around a substantially horizontal, longitudinally extending central axis, the ring member having first and second horizontally opposing ends. The IGRT apparatus further comprises a radiation treatment head coupled to the ring member by an arm member, the arm member being connected to the ring member at an arm member base. Preferably, the IGRT apparatus is further characterized in that the arm member extends outwardly from the first end of the ring member in a direction away from the second end and is supported only by the arm member base, and the radiation treatment head is dynamically movable in at least a longitudinal direction toward and away from the first end of the ring member.

Abstract: C-arm retention locks allowing users to secure and unsecure C-arm positioning devices of an X-ray machine, systems containing such locks, and methods of using such locks are described. The C-arm retention lock comprises a latch bail and a latching assembly. The latching assembly comprises a latch base having an ear and a generally flat engagement surface at an end of the latch base proximate the ear, a latch having an arm, the latch being pivotally connected to the latch base so the latch is rotatable between closed and open positions, and a tensioning device engaging the latch and latch base such that the tensioning device pulls the latch toward either of the closed or open positions. The latching assembly or latch bail is configured to be connected to a C-arm and the latching assembly retains the latch bail between the ear and the arm when the latch is closed.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source and can be coupled to a second display (also adjustably mounted). The second display and a first display can each be configured to control the mobile radiography apparatus and display items such as but not limited to (a) obtained images and/or related data or (b) a control panel to allow functions such as generating, storing, transmitting, modifying, and printing of the obtained images.

Abstract: An X-ray machine is provided. The X-ray machine comprises an X-ray tube; an X-ray detector placed opposite the X-ray tube in a direction of emission of X-rays; and a mobile device on which the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are mounted, the mobile device comprising a motor capable of causing the automatic movement of the X-ray machine, and an impact-sensing system coupled to the motor in order to control the movement of the mobile device in the event of an impact applied to the X-ray apparatus.

Abstract: A C-arm mounting apparatus for an x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm, a C-arm holding unit, and at least one cage guide unit. The at least one cage guide unit is moveably arranged between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit. The C-arm is moveably mounted on the C-arm holding unit. The at least one cage guide unit includes a plurality of rolling bodies and at least one rolling body cage. The small overlap between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit may facilitate greater rotations about an isocenter. An x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water.

Abstract: A mobile type radiographic apparatus is provided, which can inhibit damage to a detecting device as much as possible. This invention provides a storage holder for storing an FPD, and catches for fixing the FPD to the storage holder so that the FPD stored cannot be taken out of the storage holder. Further, this invention provides a carriage movement controller which, when a carriage is about to be moved while the FPD is not in a locked state, notifies the operator to that effect. Consequently, the operator will become aware of having forgotten to lock the FPD when moving the carriage. This construction assures that the FPD is in a fixed state, whereby the FPD is never damaged during traveling of the carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for x-ray inspection of a pipeline girth weld. This comprises a directional x-ray source 5 which is insertable into a pipeline section and is rotatable within the pipeline. Means are provided to align the directional x-ray source with an external x-ray detector such that both may be rotated through 360 degrees substantially coaxially with the pipeline section. Means for sampling the data detected by the x-ray detector are provided so that it may be further analyzed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An elevating column for an X-ray apparatus, the X-ray apparatus preferably being mobile, wherein the column is rotationally fixed in relation to a base of the X ray apparatus, and the column having a plurality of segments, including: a first segment, having a first end and an opposite second end, arranged at the base with the first end, and a second segment having a first end and an opposite second end; wherein the second segment is arranged at its first end with an overlap of the first segment's second end and is moveable relative the first segment; and a first elevation adjustment unit including: at least a first threaded elongate member fixed at one of the first and second segments, and a first threaded receiving element arranged at the other of the first and second segments, matingly engaged with the threaded elongate member for elevation adjustment of said column.

Abstract: An imaging system including a scanner for scanning an object and creating an image of the same; and a transport mechanism mounted to the scanner for moving the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism includes a gross movement mechanism for transporting the scanner between scanning locations; and a fine movement mechanism for moving the scanner precisely, relative to the object being scanned, during scanning of the object; wherein the gross movement mechanism comprises at least one motorized wheel.

Abstract: A method for managing a portable x-ray detector for an x-ray imaging apparatus registers at least one portable detector with a processor that is associated with the x-ray imaging apparatus. A generated signal is indicative of the location of the registered portable x-ray detector relative to the x-ray imaging apparatus. An alert indication is provided when the generated signal indicates separation of the registered portable x-ray detector from the x-ray imaging apparatus beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a wheeled C-arm support device for a mobile C-arm X-ray machine and an associated method for swiveling the C-arm support device. The C-arm support device includes two steerable front wheels, two freely movable rear wheels and a steering unit that may steer the two steerable front wheels simultaneously inward by the same angle. A line of intersection of surfaces formed by outer sides of the two steerable front wheels form an imaginary swivel axis of the C-arm support device.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a portable transport frame and a sectioned vertical column mounted on the frame and defining a vertical axis and having a base section having a fixed vertical position relative to the vertical axis and at least one movable section that is translatable to a variable vertical position along the vertical axis. A counterbalance apparatus is coupled to the at least one movable section of the vertical column with an actuator that is energizable to translate the at least one movable section along the vertical axis. A boom apparatus supports an x-ray source and is coupled to the at least one movable section for vertical displacement of the boom apparatus to a height position. A height sensing element provides a signal that is indicative of the height position of the boom apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an inspection system is provided. A housing with an x-ray system located inside of the housing is moved in an environment with water relative to a location on a surface of an object to be inspected. The location on the surface of the object is submerged in the water in the environment. A number of components for the x-ray system are cooled using the water around the housing.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system comprises a main drive geared into a drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface. The drive mechanism can also include a scan drive that moves the drive mechanism and the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan, and a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode. The drive wheel supports the weight of the imaging components, but does not directly support the base assembly, which can include pedestal and tabletop support. One or more casters located on the base can support the weight of the base assembly.

Abstract: A flexible, lightweight, easily maneuverable positioner for an imaging system. The positioning system in one example has a cart section with a base frame coupled to one or more wheels. There is a mast extending from the cart section and a linkage assembly coupled to a second end of the mast, wherein the mast is configured to swing about a vertical plane. There is a positioning arm coupled to the linkage assembly, wherein the positioning arm is configured to swing about at least one of a horizontal plane and the vertical plane. An imaging bracket is used to couple to the positioning arm and configured to receive an imaging unit. In one example, the positioner is coupled together by fasteners, wherein the positioner can be assembled and dis-assembled via the fasteners without tools.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray apparatus for medical examination includes an apparatus for producing X-ray images having a digital Radiography detector positioned at a first spatial position, an X-ray tube assembly positionable at a second spatial position relative to the first spatial position, sensor(s) for providing the first spatial position and/or the second spatial position, a control unit for receiving the first and/or the second spatial position(s) from the at least one sensor and for controlling the first or second spatial position for alignment of the X-ray tube assembly with the detector based on the first and second spatial positions, a drive wheel, a base, optionally an elevating column, and a telescopic arm which is rotatable into a direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the base. The apparatus is controllable to drive along a patient table and/or the X-ray tube assembly is height adjustable in front of a wall stand, for alignment.

Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention is to always keep an imaging angle of an X-ray detector to an object constant before and after an imaging unit is moved. In order to solve the problem, a mobile X-ray diagnostic apparatus related to the present invention detects a rotation amount of a main body in a horizontal surface due to movement on a floor surface and controls rotation drive of the X-ray detector based on a detection result.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a mobile cart having a casing as an exterior member; an X-ray generation unit that can be stored in the casing; a handle portion arranged on an upper portion of the casing; and a movable portion having the handle portion and configured to be alternately stored in and pulled out from the casing, wherein an upper portion of the movable portion is pulled out in an inclined state from the mobile cart through a drawing-out operation performed on the handle portion by the operator.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus comprises an arm assembly coupled to an imaging arm. The arm assembly includes a shoulder joint, an elbow joint, and an articulation assembly. The shoulder joint is configured to travel a vertical distance in a substantially linear fashion and provide rotational movement. The imaging arm comprises a first end and a second end. As such, the imaging apparatus is configured to provide radial motion along a path equal to the length of the arm assembly and the imaging aim along the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the shoulder joint. The imaging apparatus may also comprise a movable cabinet, a monitor, and a control, with the arm assembly coupled to the movable cabinet. Furthermore, the imaging arm may comprise an x-ray source and a sensor, with the monitor displaying data detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system comprises a main drive geared into a drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface. The drive mechanism can also include a scan drive that moves the drive mechanism and the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan, and a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode. The drive wheel supports the weight of the imaging components, but does not directly support the base assembly, which can include pedestal and tabletop support. One or more casters located on the base can support the weight of the base assembly.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray source unit, a measurement unit configured to measure either one or both of a force and a torque applied to the X-ray source unit, at least one motor configured to move the X-ray source unit, and a system control unit configured to control the at least one motor to move the X-ray source unit according to a direction and a magnitude of the either one or both of the force and the torque measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of inspecting unidentified packages placed on the floor or ground, or on desktops or counters. The method uses a transmissive x-ray system mounted on a small mobile platform such as robots. X-ray is emitted from the source directed away from the platform and detected by a detector arm supported on an extended member attached to a vertical member such that the object to be inspected can pass in between the detector arm and the x-ray source. To scan portions of the object close to the ground, the height of the x-ray source is lowered close to the ground, and during transportation, it is raised up so that there is more clearance from the ground. To scan objects located on higher levels such as desks, the detector arm has an angular movement greater than ninety degrees with respect to an axis that has a vertical component.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus comprises an arm assembly coupled to an imaging arm. The arm assembly includes a shoulder joint, an elbow joint, and an articulation assembly. The shoulder joint is configured to travel a vertical distance in a substantially linear fashion and provide rotational movement. The imaging arm comprises a first end and a second end. As such, the imaging apparatus is configured to provide radial motion along a path equal to the length of the arm assembly and the imaging arm along the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the shoulder joint. The imaging apparatus may also comprise a movable cabinet, a monitor, and a control, with the arm assembly coupled to the movable cabinet. Furthermore, the imaging arm may comprise an x-ray source and a sensor, with the monitor displaying data detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray capturing apparatus includes an X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X ray, an arm for holding the X-ray tube, and a support pillar for holding the arm so as to facilitate arrangement of units. Further, the mobile X-ray capturing apparatus includes an arm energizing unit provided with an electrode incorporated in the arm for supplying power or a signal necessary for the X-ray tube, and a support pillar energizing unit provided with an electrode incorporated in the support pillar for supplying the power or the signal to the arm.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray generation apparatus includes an X-ray tube unit, a collimator configured to shape an X-ray bundle generated by the X-ray tube unit, a positioning member configured to arrange the X-ray tube unit and the collimator at respective specific positions, a cart configured to support the positioning member, a first handle fixed to the X-ray tube unit, a second handle fixed to a side surface of the collimator, and a storage portion provided in the cart and configured to protect an exit surface and the side surfaces of the collimator when the X-ray tube unit and the collimator in a stored state in which the X-ray tube unit and the collimator are brought into the storage portion.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to emit X-rays, an extendable arm configured to support the X-ray tube, a support post configured to move the extendable arm in a direction perpendicular to the ground, a carriage portion configured to control the X-ray tube to emit the X-rays and to support the support post, and including a movable unit, a monitor disposed on an upper surface of the carriage portion, and an arm opening and closing unit configured to open and close the extendable arm with respect to the support post.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a digital dual mode mobile x-ray cart from an analog or single mode (e.g., film/CR) mobile x-ray cart. In some exemplary embodiments, a retrofit apparatus does not change interior components or certification of the single mode mobile x-ray imaging system. Further, a single operator switch can be used to initiate x-ray exposure in both operating modes.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube portion, an arm capable of holding the X-ray tube portion, and a moving handle portion provided on the X-ray tube portion and operable to move the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation generation unit configured to generate radiation, a cart, a supporting member formed on the cart and configured to hold the radiation generation unit in a movable manner with respect to the cart, a detection unit configured to detect arrangement of the radiation generation unit in a particular non-imaging position, and a control unit configured to limit a motion of the supporting member according to a detection result by the detection unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.

Abstract: A mobile C-arm is able to be positioned in a predetermined alignment by a positioning unit and an associated method. The apparatus has a positioning unit containing a controllable section having at least a first hinged bracket and a first hinge and is able to be positioned with a removable connection to the medical device at a determinable location. The medical device is able to be positioned at a predetermined location by means of the positioning unit.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing mobile or portable film X-ray examination apparatus typically configured solely for analog radiography to enable said examination apparatus for digital radiographic applications. The kit includes a tablet PC that is attached to the wheeled chassis of the mobile or portable apparatus, and an input/output device used to divert the exposure control signal from the user actuable exposure control switch of the apparatus to the tablet PC. The tablet PC includes image processing software that controls the operation of a digital flat panel detector. The tablet PC can further be used to separately control other mobile or portable apparatus or a facility or examination room that was previously configured only for analog radiography.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source and can be coupled to a optional second display (also adjustably mounted). Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus by which mobile radiography carts can provide a single secure access apparatus and/or methods to control at least two of (i) a transport mechanism, (ii) x-ray generator control, (iii) remote detector control and image processing control, or (iv) secured storage for at least one radiographic detector by a single operator action.

Abstract: An imaging device has a gantry that is movable along a floor, and a supply unit for transmission of power and/or data between a stationary supply source and the movable gantry. The transmission of the power and/or data takes place via wireless transmission elements. This wireless transmission of the power and/or data between the transmission elements can take place via conductor structures, and the wireless transmission elements are arranged in the floor of the room of the imaging device and in a sled of the movable gantry.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a portable transport frame. A sectioned vertical column mounted on the frame defines a vertical axis and has a base section having a fixed vertical position relative to the vertical axis and at least one movable section that is translatable to a variable vertical position. A boom apparatus supports an x-ray source and extends outward from the movable section and has an adjustable height relative to the vertical axis. A counterweight is operatively coupled to the boom apparatus to support displacement of the boom apparatus to any of a plurality of vertical positions along the movable section, wherein the counterweight, in cooperation with boom apparatus movement, travels along a shaft that extends within the movable section, wherein, at one or more of the height positions of the boom apparatus, a portion of the counterweight extends upward above the shaft of the sectioned vertical column.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present invention is an improved method and system with a novel boom structure that reduces the weight of the boom. The single, light-weight boom of the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low height and center of gravity lending to greater maneuverability.

Abstract: This invention is designed to provide a device for sideways movement which will permit an element to move laterally, such as a set of portable x-ray equipment which is affixed to said device.