Abstract: An X-ray projection exposure apparatus has at least an X-ray source, an X-ray illumination optical system which directs X-rays generated by the X-ray source onto a mask having a prescribed pattern, an X-ray projection focusing optical system which receives X-rays from the mask and projects and focuses an image of the pattern on a substrate. The X-ray projection exposure apparatus further has a mask stage which holds the mask, a substrate stage which holds the substrate, and a position detection optical system which optically detects marks on the mask and substrate. In the X-ray projection exposure apparatus, the projection focusing optical system includes a plurality of reflective mirrors that reflect the X-rays, and at least a portion of the position detection optical system is disposed among the plurality of reflective mirrors.

Abstract: Superimposed X-ray and video images can be obtained by acquiring the respective images from the optically equivalent points in space. One or more mirrors may be used to acquire the images. Alignment of one camera with respect to the X-ray source may be achieved using images of reference points in space. Once the X-ray source and the video camera are positioned at the equivalent point in space, the resultant images can be superimposed through warping.

Abstract: A medical device has a device component that is connected to a mount, which includes elements that can be moved relative to one another in a motorized fashion, and a control and computing unit which controls the motorized relative movements of the elements. A position identification arrangement is allocated to the control and computing unit which supplies signals to permit determination by the control and computing unit of lines in space with different directions, along which the device component can be moved in a motorized fashion, at least indirectly, by the mount.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for aiming an x-ray system at the surface of a target object, such that the x-ray beam will strike the surface of the target object at a predetermined angle and direction. A laser is positioned on the surface of the target object, such that the linear beam of light emitted from the laser forms an angle with respect to the surface of the target object corresponding to the predetermined angle and direction at which the x-ray beam is desired to strike the surface of the target object. A mirror is placed on the lens of the x-ray tube. The x-ray lens and the object are then configured such that the laser beam strikes the mirror and is reflected back to the point of origin. The x-ray device is thus aimed such that, when energized, the x-ray beam will strike the surface of the target object at the predetermined angle and direction.

Abstract: An X-ray exposure system has a mobile X-ray apparatus with an X-ray source and an X-ray receiver that are adjustable relative to a subject for registering successive 2D projections of the subject from different projection directions, an arrangement disposed outside the beam path of the X-ray beam emanating from the X-ray source for directly determining the projection geometries of the X-ray source and of the X-ray receiver at the points in time of the individual 2D projections, and a computer supplied with signals from the arrangement for the direct determination of the projection geometries, which reconstructs 3D images of the subject from the 2D projections.

Abstract: A device for precision X-irradiation of the macular region of the retina of a patient's eye has a mounting plate mounted to a linear accelerator collimator. A housing extends from the mounting plate, and a secondary collimator is positioned in the housing. An elongate aperture extends through the secondary collimator and is in linear alignment with an axis of an X-ray beam emanating from the linear accelerator collimator. A support member extends outwardly from a side of the housing, and an elongate, hollow, sight tube is mounted on the support member. The longitudinal axis of the sight tube aligns with the axis of the X-ray beam so that the axis of the sight tube and the axis of the X-ray beam intersect each other. A light beam is transmitted down the sight tube. The light beam impinges on a cornea of a patient's eye. Light reflected from the cornea is transmitted up the sight tube so that impingement of the light beam on the cornea can be observed through an upper end of the sight tube.

Abstract: X-ray system has an X-ray apparatus on which an X-ray source and an X-ray reception receiver mounted so as to be adjustable relative to an examination subject for registering 2D projections of a region of the subject with subsequent 3D image reconstruction of the region of the subject, the X-ray apparatus carrying transmission and reception devices for acoustic waves or electromagnetic waves for determining projection angles that belong to the individual 2D projections and are required for the 3D image reconstruction, the transmission or the reception devices being co-moved with the X-ray system.

Abstract: After a target region for an x-ray treatment is determined by a preliminary examination, a line which indicates the position and shape of this target region is marked on the patient's body by projecting a laser beam on such a line. This is accomplished by means of a laser light source and an optical system with two mirrors which are rotatable around mutually transverse axes of rotation. Thus, the region-indicating line can be made visible without causing the brightness of the environment to be reduced.

Abstract: A soft docking system is provided for a medical treatment system, such as an intraoperative electron beam therapy system. The medical treatment system includes a treatment head, an applicator having a fixed position relative to a patient and apparatus for adjusting the position of the treatment head relative to the applicator. The soft docking system includes one or more sensing assemblies for sensing a position of the treatment head relative to the applicator and providing one or more position signals representative thereof, and a display responsive to the position signals for indicating the position of the treatment head relative to the applicator. The position of the treatment head may be adjusted so that the display indicates a desired postion. The docking system may provide an interlock signal to prevent application of the electron beam until the treatment head and the applicator are correctly aligned.

Abstract: In a stationary or mobile C-arm X-ray examination device with isocentric shifting of the C-arm, including rotation around a rotational axis, in order to enable an exact positioning of the patient, a light source is provided at the X-ray examination device which emits a light beam in the direction of the isocenter. For at least one position of the C-arm, the light beam and the rotational axis are assured to coincide, so that the projection of the light beam in a patient correctly identifies the isocenter.

Abstract: A targeting device for the straight-lined introduction of an instrument into a preferably human body with a movable light source for producing a projection in the targeting direction of the instrument. The piercing location and the directional angle of the piercing is evaluated with the help of a computer tomograph and the piercing location may be marked by a deposit, with a carriage which is traversable along a horizontal guide above the gantry of a computer tomograph and which can be fastened at any point on the horizontal guide. A laser light source is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis, with an angular scale for indicating the horizontal pivoting angle of the laser light source, the vertical guide is arranged on the first carriage and the second carriage is traversable along the vertical guide and can be fastened at any point on the vertical guide. The laser light source is mounted on the second carriage and is also pivotable about a vertical axis and can be fastened at any pivoting angle.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus is equipped with a device for marking a guide path on a patient for a medical instrument to be used in a medical procedure, such as a puncturing needle. The computed tomography apparatus produces a planning image, and a guide path is identified within the planning image. A computer, using the planning image and the path identified thereon, automatically adjusts a position of a light source, and if necessary a patient table on which a patient is supported, so that a beam from the light source is positioned to coincide with the guide path identified on the image.

Abstract: A radiation diaphragm has an arrangement for introducing at least one radiation filter into the beam path of a radiation bundle emanating from a radiation transmitter. A light transmitter is provided for creating a light beam which optically represents the area of the radiation beam. A filter identifier is provided in the diaphragm housing for changing the color of the light beam dependent on whether a radiation filter is located in the radiation beam path. Based on the color of the light beam incident on the examination subject, it is possible to determine whether a radiation filter is located in the radiation beam path, and if so, which filter.

Abstract: A monitoring installation for containers and trucks is provided making detection of large items, particularly trucks, at minimal expense possible. An X-ray monitoring installation having low X-ray energy, permits detection of stolen passenger cars, is arranged on a monitoring path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy system. The system includes a linear accelerator, including a gantry and a collimator, a couch, and a stereotactic reference system mounted on the couch. The apparatus includes a laser measuring device mounted on the gantry, the laser measuring device having a laser generator element for generating a laser light beam and a laser displacement sensor. The apparatus also includes a reference fixture, attached to the stereotactic reference system, having at least one reflective surface for reflecting the laser light beam to the laser displacement sensor, upon which the laser displacement sensor measures the distance between the reflective surface and the laser measuring device.

Abstract: A method of and operation for controlling the motions of a radiation source (24) and a radiation detector, for example a film cassette (25), in relation to an adjusted slice position, for example a slice level (19), in a linear tomography apparatus without coupling rod, which tomography apparatus includes a table (10) for accommodating an object (18) to be imaged by tomography includes adjustment of a light indicator (17), adjustably mounted on the table (10), to the position of the slice in the object (18), measurement of data indicating the adjusted slice position, application of the measured slice position data to a system control unit (22), and adjustment of the source (24) and the radiation detector (25) in relation to the measured slice position (19) in conformity with the data applied.

Abstract: An interventionalist or operator uses a variety of apparatus 30 including tools, tool guides, and pointers in a procedure on a region of interest. The region of interest was previously the subject of a diagnostic imaging procedure to generate three dimensional diagnostic image data, selective slices or other portions of which are displayable on video monitors 34. The position of the apparatus 30 in operator space is determined by actuating emitters 32, receiving the emitted signals with receivers 12, and calculating the position of the pointer in operator space. A pair of radio translucent constructions 14, 16 each carry a plurality of radiopaque markers 18 which are positioned adjacent the region of interest. Two or more projection images are taken through the region of interest and the radiopaque markers using a movable x-ray tube 22 and radiation detector 24.

Abstract: A slice level display for x-ray systems has a projector arranged next to a patient-support plate which emits light beam directed onto a patient on the support plate, projector being coupled to a drive system in order to displace an x-ray radiator and an exposure cassette, seated under the patient-support plate, oppositely around the light beam axis as a pivot point of their connecting line. The x-ray radiator and the exposure cassette are displaceable via separate drives that are coupled with a control unit having a position sensor associated therewith. The position sensor supplies height position signals of the projector to the control unit which are used to calculate control signals for operating the respective drives for displacing the x-ray radiator and the cassette. The projector and a displacement mechanism therefor and the height position sensor are detachably securable to the patient-support plate as a structural unit.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing a wafer to a mask with radiation light to thereby transfer a pattern of the mask onto the wafer, includes a light emitting portion for emitting the radiation light, a stepper major assembly having a wafer stage portion for holding the wafer and being supported by a supporting system separate from the light emitting portion, an alignment measuring portion for alignment measurement for the wafer and the mask and being supported by a supporting system separate from the stepper major assembly, and a correcting system for correcting attitude of the alignment measuring portion with respect to an optical axis of the radiation light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus accurately positions the apparatus at a selected cranial implant site for x-ray tomography of the mandible and/or maxilla and the temporomandibular joint. The method and apparatus comprise making a stent of the mandible and/or maxilla of a patient and making a mark on the stent at a position that corresponds to the selected dental implant site. The stent is then positioned on a fixating device and the x-ray imaging apparatus is positioned with regard to tomographic imaging so that (a) the mark on the stent is at the intersection of the projected cross light beam and (b) the arm of the cross is aligned with the tangent of the dental arch at the site of interest. This positioning data is input to a program that will then operate the positioning motors and the x-ray source to project the tomographic images of the selected site.

Abstract: An alignment cross hair apparatus for partially eclipsing a laser beam includes a laser generator that emits a laser beam. A frame includes a pair of members that cross one another at an intersection within the frame. The frame is attachable to the laser generator in such a manner that the intersection of the members is within the laser beam so that the laser beam is partially eclipsed by the pair of members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus, including an X-ray source (3, 4) for generating X-rays and a diaphragm unit (5) which is connected to the X-ray source (3, 4) and includes shutters (6) which can be adjusted by a drive device (11, 12) so as to limit the radiation beam (100, 200) emanating from a first source (1) or from a second source (2), and a control unit (13) which controls the drive device. Correspondence between the radiation fields emanating from both sources can be achieved also in the case of different sizes of the sources; the control unit (13) then controls the drive device (11, 12) in such a manner that the shutters occupy a first position (h.sub.1) when limiting the radiation beam (101) from the first source (1) and a second position (h.sub.2) when limiting the radiation beam (200) from the second source (2), the first and the second position being such that the respective radiation fields of the first and the second source, as defined by the shutters, have equal size (H).

Abstract: A filter arrangement in a radiography apparatus in order to define the intensity of the radiation beam incident upon the object. To the movable filter part in front of the radiation source (2) there is coupled an electric circuit element, for example a potentiometer, from which the signal is applied further to a row (8) of light-emitting diodes in the vicinity of the object to be radiographed, for example the patient's head (7). When the filter is moved, the electric signal controls the light-emitting diodes so that the light-emitting diodes which become illuminated in the row will indicate the boundary of the filtered radiation beam at a given time.

Abstract: A medical radiological apparatus, such as an x-ray bone densitometry apparatus includes patient positioning aides for accurate patient placement and consistent positioning during a single scanning procedure, or during subsequent procedures. An optical crosshair device helps align the patient's spine along the Y-axis of the apparatus and the patient's hips along the X-axis of the apparatus, perpendicular to the spine. Spinal and forearm positioning aides help the patient maintain consistent, comfortable positions within scans. They also enable reproducibility of patient position in subsequent scans, so that scan results from one scan to another may be compared by a medical practitioner, with reasonable assurance that the respective scan results are not unduly compromised by inconsistent patient placement. The forearm positioning aide consistently places the forearm flat on the patient support table in a proper position parallel to the longitudinal table axis.

Abstract: To improve the reliability of a process for determining the position of a body part in which bone screws are screwed into the bone of the body part in question, each bone screw is provided with a radiation emitter or radiation receiver. A number of fixed receivers or emitters are used as appropriate to receive radiation from the bone screw transmitters or direct radiation towards the bone screw receivers. The radiation direction and/or radiation propagation time and/or radiation field strength or frequency is used to determine the position of each radiation emitter or receiver. A system for determining position based on this procedure and bone screws which can be used therefor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of reference plates is so arranged as to have a predetermined positional relationship on a carriage that integrally holds a mask and a photosensitive substrate such that the mask and the photosensitive substrate oppose each other on two sides of a projecting optical system. By periodically detecting the positional relationship between the reference plates in the optical axis direction, a variation with time occurring in the detection characteristics of position detecting devices is detected. Both stable image formation characteristics and a high throughput are realized by correcting a driving signal to be supplied to a driving device in accordance with the detected variation.

Abstract: A device for marking a planned guide path of a medical instrument such as a puncture needle is disclosed. The device incorporates two sources of electromagnetic radiation, such as lasers, which produce two light rays. The intersecting line of the light rays marks the guide path for the puncture needle. Deviations of the angle position of the puncture needle from the planned guide path are visible by examining the reflection of the light from the puncture needle. Different colors of light may be used with the light rays being formed in a fan-shape in a common plane. In this manner, the color of the reflected light on the surface of the puncture needle changes depending on whether the puncture needle is located at the intersection of the light rays.

Abstract: For quality assurance of radiation beams from a radiation source used for therapy of a patient, a reference structure is attached to the patient on the radiation therapy machine in a known position relative to the patient and the radiation machine. Predicted projection contours of the radiation beams onto the reference structure are determined and described on the reference structure. Field lights in the radiation machine through the collimator aperture of the beams are cast upon the reference structure and the associated light contours of the beam apertures are compared to the described or predicted contours from treatment planning or from quality assurance set up. Several forms of such beam quality control system and methods accommodate the specific objectives. Computer-generated beams projection sheets are overlaid on the reference structure corresponding to predicted field light projections.

Abstract: A system and method for applying radiation therapy include utilizing a radiation applicator that is spaced apart from and mechanically independent of a radiation source. An array of targets is affixed to the radiation applicator and cameras image the targets to determine coordinates that are compared to desired target coordinates. If there is a correlation between actual target coordinates and desired coordinates, radiation source-to-applicator alignment is achieved. Consequently, the patient is properly positioned relative to a radiation beam, such as an electron beam. On the other hand, if the actual and desired coordinates are different, the relative position of the radiation source and the gantry is adjusted. Preferably, the adjustment is automated.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for and method of precalibrating the position of the focal spot of an X-ray tube before its installation in a CT scanner system so that the focal spot of the tube is properly aligned with the off-focal aperture, slice-defining aperture and detectors of the scanner system. The precalibration is performed using an interface registration support that receives the X-ray tube and supports the X-ray tube on a mount provided in either the precalibration system or the scanner system. The mount of the precalibration system duplicates the mount of the scanner system, so that desired position of the focal spot in the scanner system relative to the scanner system mount is duplicated in the precalibration system relative to the precalibration system mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a target apparatus for linearly inserting an instrument into a human body comprising a computer tomograph for determining the piercing spot and marking it, the improvement comprising: a slide which is adjustably guided above the gantry of the computer tomograph along a horizontal guide means, preferably along a transversal plane, which slide can be arrested in any position along the guide means, a laser device for producing a target mark in space, a supporting means for mounting the laser device to the slide for being pivoted about a horizontal axis such that the beam of the laser device is pivoted in a vertical plane and further comprising an angular scale attached to the slide for indicating the pivoting angle of the laser device.

Abstract: A device (10) for positioning the location of an emitted x-ray (1 2a) has an optical mirror (20) having at least two leg portions (31, 32) separated by stepped portion (30) formed therewith. Leg portions (31, 32) and stepped portion (30) have substantially uniform x-ray transmisivity. A light emitting assembly (21) for transmitting a locating beam of light (14) onto the stepped portion (30). The device also includes mounting means (13, 22) for mounting the optical mirror (20) proximate to the x-ray emitting device (11) and completely encompassing the emitted x-ray (12a). The locating beam of light (14) is caused to be directed toward the target (15) by the angle of the mirror (20).

Abstract: The invention related to positioning and marking a patient at a diagnostic apparatus, for example before and after a fluoroscopic examination in a computer tomograph comprising at least four line lasers being movably supported for travelling along a respective axis, two line lasers being arranged above a patient placed on a movable table projecting a sagittal line and a transverse line on the body of the patient and two further line lines arranges sidewards of the table each projecting a line along the body axis sidewards on the body, further comprising numerically controlled drive means for moving the line lasers to adjust the projected lines in a transverse direction and comprising a positioning control device, controlling the drive means and a manually operated input device for supplying the coordinates, the location and extension of the radiation zone as determined by the computer tomograph for being supplies to the control device, and projecting orthogonal coordinate axes on the patient for marking the p

Abstract: A portable battery powered tool for aligning equipment in an X-ray room includes two spaced apart channel engaging connectors carried by a reference surface of the tool for engaging the usual recessed channels in the ceiling of the X-ray room, a laser carried by the tool for projecting a line in a projection plane parallel to the reference surface and an electronic sensor and indicator carried by the tool for indicating with an array of LEDs whether the projection plane deviates from level along each of two orthogonal axes. The tool also includes adjustment screws for finely adjusting the orientation of the reference surface relative to the ceiling. When mounted to the ceiling and leveled, the tool projects a line on a surface of the rail which projected line is used as a reference for leveling the rail. A stand is provided for the tool to establish a vertical projection plane so as to produce corresponding projected lines on the floor and ceiling.

Abstract: A method of establishing coincidence between a field size of a light field used in a setup mode of a radiation system and a field size of a radiation field used in an operation mode of the system includes providing automatic adjustment of field-defining structure to compensate for differences in optical properties of the light and the radiation. A light beam passing through the field-defining structure typically exhibits greater scattering than an X-ray beam passing through the structure. For each of a number of different settings of the field-defining structure, the difference between the field sizes of the light and the radiation are determined and recorded. Then, for a particular desired field size, the field-defining structure can be automatically adjusted to provide compensation.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and marking a patient at a diagnostic apparatus, for example prior and after transillumination in a computer tomograph, comprising a plurality of line lasers which project lines in planes perpendicular to each other for alignment with a patient body zone to be irradiated and for marking thereof, the improvement of which comprises a first line laser being fixed to a support member which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis adapted to be aligned substantially to a central axis of the diagnostic apparatus, e.g.

Abstract: An improved x-ray laser aiming system providing coaxial laser aiming in a configuration opposed to the x-ray emitter is disclosed. The present invention comprises two basic components: 1) a laser sight coupled to an x-ray emitter, and 2) a laser device assembly coupled to an x-ray collector. The laser sight provides a means for aligning the x-ray emitter with a laser beam during surgical or diagnostic procedures. The laser device assembly is removably coupled to the image intensifier or x-ray collector. The laser device assembly contains a point laser source and a fixed reflective surface or mirror for directing a laser beam coaxially with the center ray of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray emitter, but in the opposite direction. The laser source is, therefore, in a configuration opposed or opposite to the x-ray emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and marking a patient at a diagnostic apparatus, for example before and after being scanned in a computer tomograph, comprising at least four line lasers adapted to be displaced along an axis, two of said line lasers being arranged above the patient lying upon a displaceable bed so as to project a sagittal line and a transversal line onto the body of the patient and two of said line lasers being arranged laterally of the bed so as to project a line along the body axis laterally onto the body, numerically controlled drives for said line lasers for adjustment thereof transversely to the respective projected lines, position control means for said drives, and manually operable input means for said control means for entering coordinates related to the position and extent of an area to be irradiated and determined by the computer tomograph.

Abstract: Subsurface regions of an X-ray transparent but optically opaque object (60) are targeted along a visible line of sight (42) obtained by the use of two radiation sources (an X-ray (46) and light beam source, preferably a laser (6)). The central ray from the X-ray source and the light beam are aligned using a calibration fixture (15), one to the other and both with respect to structures (59) internal to the object being imaged to provide the visible line of sight. The system, method and apparatus may be used in surgical applications for selective illumination and sighting to reach specific subsurface members of a patients anatomy by guiding an incision.

Abstract: A surgical alignment system employs a laser beam generating device and a lens system to convert the beam into a plane of light which is aligned along a desired axis of the human body to provide proper alignment to the surgeon to enhance the accuracy of orthopedic surgery such as total knee, hip or back surgery. The laser beam generating device is mounted on a bracket which is fixed to a cassette holder positioned beneath the patient and having a chamber designed to removably receive an x-ray film cassette. The cassette holder is made of a material which is transparent to x-rays. Straps incorporated into the cassette holder are designed to fix the patient to the cassette holder during surgery. The cassette holder includes a radio-opaque indicator with the bracket holding the laser beam generating device having a second radio-opaque indicator so that when an x-ray is taken of the patient affixed to the inventive device, compensation for parallax may be carried out.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for transferring a pattern of a mask onto a substrate, includes a regulating an member for regulating exposure beam from a light source, and an alignment optical system for projecting an alignment beam to an alignment mark of the mask, to perform alignment between the mask and the substrate. The regulating member is arranged to pass the alignment light therethrough. The distance E from the regulating member to the mask satisfies the relationE.gtoreq.(f+m)/2(tan.theta.+tan.gamma.,)where, as viewed from a direction of formation of an edge of the regulating member, .theta. is the angle defined between an optical axis of the alignment beam and an optical axis of the exposure beam, f is the beam width of a portion of the alignment beam passing through the regulating member, .gamma. is the maximum of a divergence angle, in an exposure region, of the exposure beam, and m is the width of the alignment mark.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostics installation includes a device for positioning a radiation emitter such that the reference ray of an emitted ray beam always and automatically intersects a reference axis that is stationary with reference to said device at an acute angle .alpha. when the radiation emitter is coupled to the device. X-ray exposures for tomosynthesis can thus be produced in a simple way.

Abstract: A portable laser guided alignment apparatus includes a laser line beam source and a laser fan beam source, with the line beam being in the same plane as the fan beam. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for adjusting the angle of the fan beam relative to a vertical reference plane and for adjusting the angle of the line beam within the plane of the fan beam. Additionally, measurement devices are included to measure the angle of the fan beam relative to the vertical reference plane, and to measure the angle of the line beam relative to a vertical reference line within the fan beam plane. The apparatus provides precise alignment for biopsy tools and other instruments used in standard biopsies, discolysis, stereotaxis, and other medical procedures wherein highly accurate positioning and insertion of instruments into a patient are required.

Abstract: An examination apparatus is equipped with a medical examination unit for performing medical examination of an examination body, and a medical examination area display means for indicating, with light, a medical examination area on the examination body placed in the medical examination unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation diagnosis apparatus which comprises a radiation generating apparatus for emitting radiation to a subject placed on a bed, an image pickup apparatus arranged so as to face the radiation generating apparatus for picking up the radiation passed through the subject as radiation image, a first light projecting device for irradiating first light along a central axis of irradiation visual field of the radiation, and a second light projecting device for irradiating second light intersected with the first light irradiated by the first light projecting means along the central axis, whereby the center of the irradiation visual field can be indicated.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus is provided which allows the diaphragm aperture and the diaphragm position to be precisely identified in a simple manner. For this purpose, a radiation imaging system is provided which produces an image of the aperture of the primary diaphragm on a radiation-electrical transducer, the radiation-electrical transducer on which the aperture is imaged being separate from the radiation detector on which the complete diagnostics image is produced. The radiation-electrical transducer is followed by evaluation electronics for forming electrical signals corresponding to the diaphragm aperture size and position.

Abstract: A medical X-ray apparatus capable of indicating the center of radiation cone of X-ray, regardless of the positioning distance or angle, always with high visibility on the irradiation surface of the patient,in which a plurality of visible optical means are provided outside the radiation cone of X-ray at intervals in the peripheral direction of an irradiation tube, and the visible optical means generates a visible light on a plane including the axis of X-ray, and thereby emitting a cross optical pattern on the irradiation surface of the patient, and the center of X-ray irradiation can be indicated on the irradiation surface as the intersecting position of the linear optical images. An X-ray irradiation tube which can be incorporated in the X-ray apparatus, and which is excellent in controllability, small in power consumption, capable of obtaining a stable quantity of light, and light in weight and small in size is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy system. The system includes a linear accelerator, including a gantry and a collimator, a couch, and a stereotactic reference system mounted on the couch. The apparatus includes a laser measuring device mounted on the gantry, the laser measuring device having a laser generator element for generating a laser light beam and a laser displacement sensor. The apparatus also includes a reference fixture, attached to the stereotactic reference system, having at least one reflective surface for reflecting the laser light beam to the laser displacement sensor, upon which the laser displacement sensor measures the distance between the reflective surface and the laser measuring device.

Abstract: A coaxial laser targeting device is provided for use with x-ray equipment. The device includes an x-ray transparent housing, which encloses a gimbal platform that may be adjustably inclined in any direction. A laser source supplies light through an optical fiber to a lens assembly in the center of the gimbal platform and directs light through a laser emitting aperture in the housing. Three adjustment members arranged in a triangular configuration are used to incline the gimbal platform in any direction relative to the housing to angularly align the laser beam with an x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray equipment so that the beams are coaxial. A visible target created by the laser beam on a patient allows surgeons and the like to accurately perform medical operations without the need to continually operate an x-ray machine.

Abstract: A computer Tomograph having a housing with an aperture (2) for the patient in which computer-controlled scanning devices are arranged to generate computer tomograms, and into which a motor-driven, and also computer-controlled, patient's couch can be inserted from the front of the housing (1). The patient's couch also acts as an operating table, such that as little information as possible is lost in the treatment of the patient between diagnosis and the action on, or treatment of, the patient. The action or treatment can thereby be as close as possible to the diagnosis both in time and place. At the front of the housing (1), there is a plurality of information displays connected to the computer, especially in the form of display screens. In front of the housing (1) there is an operation and treatment area for the patient, to which further diagnostic and/or operative and/or therapeutic auxiliaries are allocated.