Abstract: In an apparatus without a helical movement, a reconstruction error considerably increases as a radiation angle increases. In a prior art embodiment, for example, a one-side value of the radiation angle is 9.5 degrees, and it is predicted that the reconstruction error at its periphery considerably increases. In a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation generating source for radiating radiation to a subject, a rotating unit for rotating the subject exposed to the radiation from the radiation generating source, and a two-dimensional detector for detecting the radiation, a distance between the radiation generating source and the two-dimensional detector is approximately set to a value equal to or more than 240 cm.

Abstract: The X-ray inspection device and the X-ray inspection method according to the present invention are configured to hold an object to be inspected irradiated with an X-ray from an X-ray irradiation device, uses a swinging device for performing swinging motion of tilting the object to be inspected at an arbitrary angle and in an arbitrary direction, images the X-ray that passes through the object to be inspected in an X-ray detection device and extracts data of a desired cross section from the X-ray image of the X-ray detection device in a control device.

Abstract: An operator shielded X-ray imaging system has sufficiently low mass (less than 300 kg) and is compact enough to enable portability by reducing operator shielding requirements to a minimum shielded volume. The resultant shielded volume may require a relatively small mass of shielding in addition to the already integrally shielded X-ray source, intensifier, and detector. The system is suitable for portable imaging of well cores at remotely located well drilling sites. The system accommodates either small samples, or small cross-sectioned objects of unlimited length. By rotating samples relative to the imaging device, the information required for computer aided tomographic reconstruction may be obtained. By further translating the samples relative to the imaging system, fully three dimensional (3D) tomographic reconstructions may be obtained of samples having arbitrary length.

Abstract: A patient support device with shoulder depression devices for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient on a treatment table. The patient support device includes a headrest frame and an adjustable shoulder depression device and optionally includes a torso positioning device and a buttock restraint device.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one extremity of a patient during medical imaging is disclosed. The device comprises a radiotranslucent platform, at least one radiotranslucent support object, and at least one attachment to releasably secure the support object to the platform.

Abstract: A curved wing board is provided for use on a CT cradle having a curved upper surface. The wing board includes a base with a curved lower surface and opposite sides. A pair of wing boards extend upwardly and outwardly from the sides of the base to support a patient's arms raised above their head. A pair of hand grips are provided on the base for gripping by the patient. The curved wing board matingly engages the curved CT cradle so as to comfortably support the patient in a stable orientation during CT imaging.

Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: A tomography imaging system, preferably a CT device, includes at least one acquisition unit and a patient positioning table with a horizontally movable board, which can be slid through the scanning region of the acquisition unit for examination. The imaging system includes at least one first support device, which supports the patient board after passing through the scan region, which support device is directly attached to the acquisition unit on a side of the unit opposite the side facing the patient positioning table. The system can include a second support device, which is mounted on the patient positioning table for supporting the patient board before it enters the scan region of the acquisition unit.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics device for mammography examinations has an arm for an X-ray tube and a subject table as well as a compression plate arranged between the X-ray tube and the subject table, the compression plate being connected to the arm and being displaceable along it to compress a female breast. The arm is rotatable around a horizontal shaft, and the shaft is secured to a mount that is laterally displaceable. The mount is displaceably attached to a lifting arrangement connected to the stand that is height-adjustable. A control device accepts output signals from position sensors that indicate the height and lateral positions of the arm as well as from a synchro system that indicates the rotational angle of the arm, to control displacement arrangements the arm such that a rotation of the arm around an axis that can be arbitrarily selected along the longitudinal axis of the stand that is substantially aligned with the center axis of the compressed breast.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation generating section, a compression plate to compress an object, and a compression plate moving section which moves the compression plate. The apparatus detects the image of radiation generated by the radiation generating section and transmitted through the compression plate and object, thereby executing radiography. At this time, radiography is executed while keeping the object compressed by the compression plate and causing the compression plate moving section to move the compression plate.

Abstract: A small surgical table which can be attached directly to a C-arm X-ray machine. A flat plate of X-ray transparent material is provided as a surface on which surgical procedures can be performed. Clamping features are provided on the underside of this plate to allow its attachment to an image intensifier or an emitter of a C-arm machine. The clamping features are preferably made readily adjustable in order to allow the attachment of the surgical table to a wide variety of X-ray machines. The invention is particularly suited for surgeries involving a small portion of the anatomy—such as the hand. The direct attachment of the surgical table to the X-ray machine allows the surgeon to conveniently visualize the internal placement of orthopaedic hardware and other features both before and during the surgery.

Abstract: A breast compression device for use with a conventional mammography system is disclosed. The device comprises a paddle support frame which is slidably connected to a conventional mammography system's compression paddle carriage. A mounting arm may be provided for attaching the paddle support frame to the mammography system. The device further comprises a compression surface having a chest wall end and a nipple end. The paddle support frame is located between the x-ray tube and the detector of the mammography system. The compression surface of the device is comprised of three angled segments which conform to the normal contours of the breast.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: A compression device for a mammography unit includes a compression plate positionable in an x-ray field of the mammography unit, and a radiolucent foam pad removably attached to the compression plate that includes an impermeable exposed surface for contacting tissue disposed on the pad within the x-ray field. The pad includes an adhesive layer on the first surface, or a hook and eye fastener for removably attaching the pad to the compression plate. The pad is attached to the compression plate in the x-ray field of the mammography unit, a breast is compressed using the compression plate, a mammogram of the compressed breast is obtained, the pad producing no significant visual artifact on the mammogram, and thereafter the pad is removed.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry with a measuring opening, with an x-ray source movable around the measuring opening for irradiating an examination area from different directions, a detector for registering corresponding sets of projection data, and at least one support table having a support plate. The gantry can be moved into a use position independently of the support table and the support table is fashioned such that the support plate extends through the measuring opening when the gantry assumes a use position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supporting accessories on a patent resting surface of an operation or examination table (10) comprising an accessory adapter (24) that can be slipped on the profile of the patient resting surface (14). Support elements (32) for accessories are fastened to said accessory adapter. The adapter (14) comprises two claws (26) adapted to encompass the longitudinal edges of the patient resting surface. Said claws are interlinked via a bracket (28) that extends across a width of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: A device is proposed for the precision rotation of samples on a diffractometer, especially for X-ray or synchrotron radiation diffraction experiments, comprising: a centering element (26) which is held at one end of a motor-driven rotating shaft (22) and can be displaced in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft (22), a sample holder (30) which is fixed to the centering element (26) or integral with the latter for holding a sample (32) substantially centrally with respect to the axis of rotation in an X-ray or synchrotron radiation beam (S), at least one micrometer finger (36) which is arranged in the region of the centering element (26) and can be positioned orthogonally with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft (22) by means of a micrometer finger drive device.

Abstract: X- and y-axis moving mechanisms are provided for positioning a sample table in the x-axis and the y-axis directions. A yT-axis moving mechanism for moving those moving mechanisms in a direction along a tilting direction of a X-ray camera is provided separately from the x- and y-axes moving mechanisms. When the X-ray camera is tilted, the sample table is moved by the yt axis moving mechanism and a z-axis moving mechanism, whereby a viewpoint of the sample and a fluoroscopic magnification factor set before the X-ray camera is tilted are left unchanged. The coordinates on the sample table by the moving mechanisms before the X-ray camera is tilted can be used as they are even after the camera is tilted.

Abstract: A patient table including a generally C-shaped lower base having opposing laterally extending end portions connected by a longitudinally extending central portion, and wherein the longitudinally extending portion is offset laterally from a longitudinally extending center line of the table. The table also includes an upper base, front and rear lift arms extending upwardly from the lower base and holding the upper base vertically above the lower base, and an elongated patient support pallet secured on one longitudinally extending side to the upper base and having an opposite longitudinally extending side substantially overhanging the laterally extending end portions of the lower base, and wherein the pallet is made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isokinetic gantry arrangement for the isocentric guidance of a particle beam (12), that can be rotated about a horizontal longitudinal axis (16) and has a beam optical system, symbolized by magnets (36, 38, 40), that deflects the particle beam (12) axially infected by a particle beam accelerator, radially and vertically relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis (16), with a largely rotationally-symmetrical primary structure (18) and a secondary structure (30) that holds the magnets (36, 38, 40) and is supported by the primary structure (18), with the secondary structure (30) having a rigidity that is designed so that the vertical displacements of the magnets (36, 38, 40) due to their weight are essentially of equal magnitude (isokinetic) in all the angle of rotation positions of the gantry arrangement (10), and a method for its design.

Abstract: A low-cost, high precision goniometric stage, for use in x-ray diffractography or in optical systems, with a spherical sector supported on at least one bearing, a top surface of the spherical sector that is used for mounting an object, a center of rotation located within the object, a rod or other member that is disposed below the spherical bearing surface, preferably orthogonal to the rotational axes, stepper motors or other actuators to move the device and a mechanical linkage between the rod and the motors.

Abstract: For suppressing extraneous radiation from an x-ray type food inspection station enclosure having an entry tunnel and an exit tunnel, two pairs of swinging shield doors are provided, one pair located in the entry tunnel and one pair located in the exit tunnel. In a preferred embodiment, each door is actuated by a dedicated pneumatic door actuator located above the door and placed under control of a microprocessor system that also controls the entire conveyor and x-ray inspection process, in particular closing the doors in the event of a gap in the series of containers that could otherwise allow excessive x-ray leakage from the tunnel. As a fail-safe measure, the shield doors are configured with a slip clutch drive and a mechanical override system that tends to close the doors to maintain x-ray radiation suppression in the event of failure of a door actuator or power source thereof.

Abstract: A apparatus is described for positioning the head of a patient for taking various x-ray images of the head. The head-positioning apparatus contemplates an arm member rotatably mounted to a pivot member for rotating the arm about an axis of rotation and at least one ear locating member coupled to the arm member in which the ear locating member rotates with the arm member and in alignment with the axis of rotation. The apparatus also contemplates an x-ray emitting source and an indicator coupled to the x-ray emitting source to provide the indicator and x-ray emitting source to rotate in conjunction and same direction with each other, in which the indicator locates a plane alignable with an ear of the patient.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic device for mammogram examinations has an arm for an x-ray tube and a subject table as well as a compression plate arranged between the x-ray tube and the subject table that is connected to the arm and that is displaceable along this arm. The arm is rotatably mounted at a stand for an optimal compression of the breast with a simultaneous reduction of the pain cause by the compression, an arrangement for vibrating the compression plate during the compression procedure is provided.

Abstract: A radiological system for analyzing an absorbent article including a radiological device for collecting radiological data from the absorbent article, a support mountable adjacent the radiological device for holding the absorbent article, and a computing device operatively connected to the radiological device having a program for analyzing the data collected by the radiological device.

Abstract: A biological crystal formation screening apparatus uses an x-ray diffraction technique to analyze the sample containers of a sample tray for the presence of crystal formation. An x-ray source is directed toward a sample under investigation, and a two-dimensional x-ray detector is located to receive any diffracted x-ray energy. A positioning apparatus allows the different sample containers of a tray to be sequentially aligned with the source and detector, allowing each to be examined. The sample container is arranged such that a sample is located relative to the well solution so that the x-ray beam is directed to the sample without being incident on the well solution.

Abstract: A radioactive image apparatus and a method of controlling a focus thereof. The radioactive image apparatus includes a radioactive ray generating unit, a robot table, and a radioactive ray detecting unit. The focus control method includes obtaining a radioactive transmission image of a test pattern, defining a circle with a given radius in the radioactive transmission image of the test pattern, detecting values of pixels located on a circumference of the circle, calculating the standard deviation of the values of the pixels located on the circumference of the circle, and determining the radius of the circle to be an index factor of a resolution in response to the calculated standard deviation being smaller than a preset threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the imaging of at least a portion of an animal extremity comprising a support having first and second generally parallel side frame portions, each of which define latch engageable formation, a plate carried by the support, the plate having a surface for contact with the portion of the animal extremity to be examined, a first clip resiliently removably attached to one of the frame portions, the clip having a latching formation engageable with the latch receiving formation on the frame portion, the clip including a strap receiving formation, a second clip secured to the other frame portion, the second clip including a strap receiving formation, and a strap having a first portion attached to the first clip and a second portion attached to the second clip, at least one of the strap receiving formations being operable to permit adjustment of the strap along its length and to hold the strap in a selected position above the surface.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a sample table (2) with depositing positions (3) disposed in m lines, wherein the lines extend parallel to an x direction and m≧2, and comprising a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position (5) and back to a depositing position (3), wherein the gripping device (4) can be displaced linearly parallel to the x direction, is characterized in that the sample table (2) can be moved linearly parallel to a y direction, extending at an angle &agr; to the x direction, and independently of the gripping device (4) for gripping samples (1) from different lines, wherein the sample table (2) is disposed parallel to the x-y plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the wet chemical preparation of materials libraries consisting of a large number of solids, the solids being deposited from reaction mixtures in microreaction chambers onto a bottom plate which simultaneously serves as the library substrate. Depending on the material selected for the library substrate, the solids can subsequently be examined non-destructively, for example, by reflecting or penetrating microarea X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position and back to a depositing position (3), wherein at least some of the samples are surrounded by a sample holder (13;13′) in the peripheral direction, is characterized in that the samples or containers containing the samples project past the sample holder in the vertical z direction perpendicular to the horizontal x-y plane and that the gripping device is disposed and structured on a side of the sample to surround parts of a sample or of a sample container which project past the sample holder in an operating position in the z direction and to grasp the sample holder.

Abstract: A stage assembly (10) for moving and positioning a device (26) includes a guide base (12), a stage (14), a stage bearing assembly (18), a control system (22), and a Y mover (68). The stage (14) retains the device (26). The stage bearing assembly (18) supports the stage (14) spaced apart from the guide base (12). More specifically, the stage bearing assembly (18) generates an electrostatic force that urges the stage (14) towards the guide base (12). The housing mover (68) moves the stage (14) relative to the guide base (12). The Y mover (68) includes a plurality of magnets and a conductor. The magnets have a magnet length (86) and the conductors have a conductor length (88). Preferably, the magnet length (86) is at least as long as the conductor length (88) plus an X stroke (87) of the stage assembly (10). This design allows the Y mover (68) to provide a force along the Y axis over the range of the positions of the Y mover (68).

Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting a number of settings in an x-ray imaging apparatus (10) for recurrent mammography examinations, said apparatus comprising at least one x-ray source (11), a collimator arrangement (12) and compression pedals (13a, 13b) for positioning and compressing the breast (14) of a patient to be examined. The arrangement comprises: control units (16-19) for adjusting said number of settings of said x-ray imaging apparatus based on an identity of said person to be examined and data stored in a database (21), said data including a set of setting-data from at least one recent x-ray examination of said patient, a main control unit (15) communicating with a control unit (16) for adjusting characteristics of x-ray radiations from said x-ray source (11), a control unit (17) for adjusting the position of said x-ray source (11) and an identity input device (20).

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus comprises an image receiver and a source for delivering radiation towards the image receiver. Adjacent to the image receiver is a breast support with a body and a plate. The plate can be moved with respect to the body of the breast support, along the direction of propagation of the radiation. The movement of the plate of the breast support varies the position of the patient's breast in the path of the radiation thereby varying the magnification factor of the image.

Abstract: A radiotherapeutic aid assembly for forming a radiotherapeutic aid for use in at least one of applications including marking an irradiation location in breast radiotherapy, fixing a patient, and assisting in stabilizing the shape of an affected part, comprises a first strip shell member, a second strip shell member, and a third strip shell member. The first through third strip shell members can be shaped along a body surface of the patient in surrounding relation to an irradiation area on the body surface.

Abstract: An improved x-ray mammography diagnostic apparatus with a digital detector forming a preferably rotatable subject table having a first concave curved surface formed by several arcs with different radii on one side of the table and another concave curved surface formed by several arcs with different radii on either adjacent or opposite side of the same table, these two curved surfaces allowing to accommodate curvature of the human breast and curvature of the rib cage below the breast of each patient and permitting to take a complete x-ray reading and detection of all areas of the human breast under examination, particularly at all points of connection with the rib cage wall and in the axilla area. The second concave curved surface is configured to fittingly accommodate the curvature of individuals with different bodily dimensions than those that could be accommodated by the first concave curved surface.

Abstract: A child positioning apparatus for X-ray photography having improved adjustment mechanisms. In particular the positioning of the X-ray film cassette has been improved by using a friction fastner. The friction fastner passes through a groove in the vertical portion of a L-bracket and attaches to a tray for holding the X-ray film. The position of the tray is adjusted by loosening the friction fastener, positioning the tray and then re-tightening to fix the X-ray film cassette into place.

Abstract: To provide an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of a simplified structure of a type in which a sample can be transported to an irradiating position where the sample is irradiated with primary X-rays and analysis can be achieved by positioning a target area to be measured of the sample. When an r drive means 37 drives an r drive shaft 43, a transporting function of transporting the sample 3 and a positioning function of positioning the target area in an r direction are performed. Also, a&thgr; drive shaft 53 of a &thgr; drive means 38 for performing the positioning function for positioning the target area in a &thgr; direction and the r drive shaft 43 of the r drive means 37 form a dual coaxial shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the testing or inspection of objects, particularly for detecting defects or irregularities therein, by means of X-radiation, where the object to be inspected is brought into different spatial positions and stays there during image detection. For mechanical positioning of the objects, known methods and apparatuses require a relatively long time with limited inspection precision, while having a considerable space requirement. Accompanied by a small size, the invention obviates this problem in that the X-ray components, comprising X-ray tube and X-ray detector, are only moved in translatory manner and the inspection object or part in a gimbal suspension is only moved in rotary manner in at least one axis and a maximum of three axes x, y and z.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a library containing an array of samples. The apparatus includes an x-ray beam directed at the library, a chamber housing the library and a beamline for directing the x-ray beam onto the library in the chamber. The chamber may include a translation stage that holds the library and that is programmable to change the position of the library relative to the x-ray beam and a controller that controls the movement of the translation stage to expose an element to the x-ray beam in order to rapidly characterize the element in the library. During the characterization, the x-ray beam diffracts upon impinging the element and a detector detects the diffracted x-ray beam in order to generate characterization data for the element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an (x-ray) bone densitometer comprising a stand including an “L”-shape handle consisting of an a horizontal and a vertical plate capable of rotating between an horizontal position and a vertical position on the horizontal plate, a handle groove, a first guide pin and a second guide pin, and a stand groove; and a housing including an opening formed perpendicular in the center of the upper part (of said housing), the opening having one or more of the first and the second guide grooves for guiding the movements of first and said second guide pins, a stand settle groove for settling the stand when the stand is settled horizontally, and a stand erecting groove for supporting the stand when the stand is erected in slope.

Abstract: A method of controlling an X-ray system and a cabinet for an X-ray system. The method comprises viewing a first virtual X-ray image of an object, manipulating the first image to best show an area of interest, and generating a second image in real time corresponding to the area of interest. The cabinet comprises an inner housing having an open mouth and being fully insertable with a clearance in an outer housing having an open mouth, the inner and outer housings being attachable to secure and space the housings in a predetermined relationship. Lead shielding comprises a substantially complete intermediate layer extending between the inner and outer housings and the open mouth is provided with a lead lined closure.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus having at an entrance and an exit of a radiation tunnel a radiation-shielding curtain so that no ionized radiation can exit from the inspection unit as a luggage piece or another object to be inspected is passed into or out of the inspection unit. A plurality of light curtains, which are arranged at a spacing, one behind the other, so that the coefficient of fiction (&mgr;) is smaller than when the heavier curtain is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus to couple rigid items to a patient support including a patient support coupler and a holder.

Abstract: The present technique provides a laterally adjustable patient support for a medical imaging system. The laterally adjustable patient support is attachable to a receptor for the medical imaging system via a lateral rail structure, which allows sliding movement along the lateral rail structure in infinitesimal increments. The lateral rail structure also may form a curvilinear path, such as a convex path, which provides additional angular and lateral adjustability of the laterally adjustable patient support. The laterally adjustable patient support also may use a supported weight of the patient to create a positional holding force between the laterally adjustable patient support and the receptor.

Abstract: An X-ray object positioning apparatus for use in X-ray imaging apparatus which irradiates X-rays an object to be examined to produce an X-ray absorption coefficient of a desired region of the object by means of X-rays transmitted through the object. The X-ray object positioning apparatus comprises a chair for fixing and holding the object; an imaging position moving apparatus for relatively moving an X-ray imaging target area relative to the fixed object chair; and display for variably showing the relative positional relation between an object model corresponding to the object and an imaging target area index corresponding to the X-ray imaging target area.