Abstract: A system for the non-destructive inspection of a conveyor belt which includes a cover on the carrying side, a cover on the backing side, each cover being made of elastomeric material, and embedded tension members. While the conveyor belt is moving, a radiation source emits rays to the belt surface which are of such high energy that the rays pass through the belt within a region free of material disposed on the belt. A sensor detects the rays passing through the belt. A processor is operatively connected to the sensor and evaluates the result of the radiographic check. The radiation source and the sensor are accommodated in a housing, wherein, between the radiation source and the sensor, there are two housing openings through which the moving belt runs without contact.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism is provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes a drive motor, an intermediate frame and a screw and nut transmission device driven by the drive motor so as to drive linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a rotating, shaft having a first driving wheel and a gear, a transmission belt, and a rack meshed with the gear so that, during linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame, the rack forces the gear to rotate and drive rotation of the first driving wheel, wherein rotation of the first driving wheel drives rotation of the transmission belt. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a cradle connector fixed on the transmission belt and configured to connect a cradle and to drive linear reciprocating motion of the cradle.

Abstract: A particle beam therapy system comprising a treatment table, a treatment table control unit and an irradiation control unit configured to output an instruction for controlling the treatment table control unit, an accelerator and a scanning electromagnet, wherein after the treatment table control unit controls the treatment table so as for a patient isocenter which is reference position of an affected area of a patient to move to a position of an irradiation isocenter which is set at a position which is closer to an irradiation nozzle than an equipment isocenter which is reference of positional relation of the irradiation nozzle and the treatment table, the irradiation control unit outputs an instruction for irradiating the patient with a particle beam.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bed configured to support a subject and having an insertion hole through which a subject portion that is part of the subject is inserted; a pair of compression plates configured to hold and compress the subject portion when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole; and a unit including therein the pair of compression plates and having an opening through which an operator inserts a hand when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole. The unit includes a receiving plate at a position opposite to the opening in an insertion direction of the hand within a range of the insertion hole when viewed from the insertion hole.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus that allows easy and correct confirmation of which position a bed can be moved to and which region can be imaged. The X-ray CT apparatus performs imaging for obtaining a scanogram 301 (S101), displays the scanogram 301 (S102), and calculates a transversely movable region 304 (S103). Further, the X-ray CT apparatus inputs size of a bow tie filter 103 (S201), inputs a transverse movement destination of a bed 106 (S105), calculates an imageable region on the basis of the size of the bow tie filter and the transverse movement destination 302 (S202), and displays the imageable region 305 (S203).

Abstract: A support for supporting anatomy of a patient during scanning, comprising: a holder for supporting anatomy of a patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the holder is X-ray transparent; and a support for supporting the holder adjacent to a scanner.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a floor cavity in the floor of a treatment room; a patient support device comprising a treatment table; a base; a first movement mechanism on which the treatment table is mounted; a second movement mechanism mounted on the base and attached to the first movement mechanism, wherein the first and second movement mechanisms are moveable independently of each other; the first movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the treatment table and the second movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the first movement mechanism such that in a lowered position the second movement mechanism is contained within the floor cavity.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus has a patient table, a movable support plate for supporting a patient, a guide unit, which is designed to guide the support plate along at least one movement direction of the support plate, and a fastening unit for fastening an auxiliary unit to the support plate. The fastening unit has at least one setting unit for setting the position of the auxiliary unit in relation to the support plate in a flexible manner.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system is capturing a radiographic image of a subject. The radiographic imaging system has a radiation detector that detects radiation from which the radiographic image is obtained, a radiation source that irradiates the radiation detector with the radiation, a partition that is disposed adjacent to the radiation detector and that locates the subject at a predetermined position relative to the radiation detector, a distance measuring unit that measures a distance between the partition and the radiation source, a tilt detecting unit that measures a tilt of the partition, and an image processor that corrects the captured radiographic image based on the distance between the partition and the radiation source obtained by the distance measuring unit and the tilt of the partition obtained by the tilt detection unit.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imaging device has a detector unit, a receiving area for receiving a patient for the purposes of a medical imaging examination, and a patient table. The receiving area is cylindrically surrounded by the detector unit. The medical imaging device has at least one deposit unit which can be attached to the patient table.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes: an imaging unit supporting an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit to face each other to take an image of a subject placed on a bed top panel; a control unit to execute a step movement process of at least one of the imaging unit and top panel and take images of the subject at plural stages; and an image processing unit that processes image data taken at the plural stages. The control unit sets plural regions of interest (ROI) in an imaging area of the subject when an image is taken after a contrast medium is injected into the subject, measures a change of an image level in the ROI to detect a flow of the contrast medium, and makes at least one of the imaging unit and top panel move to the next imaging stage based on the detection result.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiotherapy, comprising a device for positioning a patient within the framework of treatment planning, using image detection and/or carrying out radiation treatment, comprising a patient bed on which a patient is positioned, wherein means are provided by which the same bed may be arranged both on a planning couch for image detection within the framework of treatment planning as well as on a radiotherapy table, and by providing a reference means on the patient bed by which the position of the immobilized patient or of a marked radiation target is determined with respect to the patient bed. Within this framework, a corresponding method is also provided, as well as an adjusting means for the transport and the bed.

Abstract: A patient table usable in an X-ray image acquisition arrangement including a table plate connected to a table base via at least one movable joint. The table plate is movable using at least one actuator. To set or re-establish an accurate position/orientation of the movable table plate, the patient table includes a positioning system including a first sensor arrangement for providing position data of the at least one movable joint and a second sensor arrangement for providing position data of the table plate. The accurate position data provided by the second sensor arrangement may be used in a method for improved three-dimensional roadmapping.

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: The present invention relates to a radiological apparatus (1) comprising a base (2) adapted to stand on a floor, a column-shaped chassis (3) mounted on the base, a column-shaped stand (4) mounted on the chassis, a patient bed (5) mounted on the chassis, an X-ray detector (6) mounted on the chassis, a slide (7) mounted on the stand, an arm (8) mounted on the slide, an X-ray emitter (9) mounted on the arm; the axis of the chassis column and the axis of the stand column are perpendicular to one another; the apparatus comprises further mechanisms adapted to implement a plurality of movements between its parts (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) so as to achieve a highly flexible functionality sufficient to meet a variety of clinical and diagnostic needs.

Abstract: A medical bed apparatus of an embodiment includes: a tiltable top board on which to place an examinee; a photographic mechanism configured to radiograph the examinee; an operation unit which is provided to a lateral side of the top board, and through which at least one of the top board and the photographic mechanism is operated by an operator; and a horizontally-holding mechanism configured to hold the operation unit horizontally when the top board tilts.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a portable electronic cassette having a first cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a first connector for connecting to another connector, the electronic cassette being configured to acquire an image based on radiation transmitted through an object; a controller having a second cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a second connector for connecting to the first connector, the controller being configured to control an imaging operation of the electronic cassette via these cables; and a patient platform having an electronic cassette-housing unit in which the electronic cassette can be installed and a connector holding unit in which the second connector can be fixedly fitted. Here, the first connector has a lock/unlock operation unit configured to detachably connect to the second connector.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: A patient positioning couch for a combined medical examination device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, at least one opening is provided in a support plate of the patient positioning couch and the patient positioning couch includes at least one conveyor belt in order to move a patient on the support plate in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for examining an object (e.g., a tumor in a patient) and subsequently treating the object. The examination and treatment generally occur very close to one another in time, with the patient remaining on a support article (e.g., on a bed or in a chair) during both the examination and the treatment. In this way, a position of the tumor and/or orientation of the tumor relative to the patient is substantially fixed during both the examination and the treatment. In one embodiment, a support article is configured to rotate during the examination and/or treatment. In this way, the object can be examined (e.g., and volumetric data related to the object can be acquired) and/or treated without moving portions of the imaging and/or treatment apparatus, for example.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning and/or repositioning system, such as a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy. Patient positioning constraints optionally include one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are preferably movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning, repositioning, and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: A patient platform for making the position and posture of a diseased site coincide with those established by a treatment plan. Translation units translate a top board in the X, Y and Z directions respectively, in a fixed coordinate system. Rotation units rotate the top board in the ?, ?, and ? directions respectively. A controller controls the translation units and rotation units, based on desired rotation center point and desired rotation angle. The controller has a rotation drive signal generation unit that generates a signal for moving the top board in a rotating manner from the reference state “a” of the translation units and the rotation units to a desired rotation angle; and a translation drive signal generation unit that generates a signal for translating the translation units so the amount of translation movement, of the desired rotation center point, caused by the rotation movement is a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: In a device for controlling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch is provided in a support close to a guide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame, to prevent collision of the table frame that is supported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction. The device includes a first lever coupled to the table support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever to remove pressing of the anti-collision switch and operate the anti-collision switch.

Abstract: A device for supporting a breast during treatment. The device includes a support arm having one or more indexed joints for repeatably positioning the device relative a patient's breast. The device includes a scoop for wedging against the patient's breast for forming the breast to a preferred shape during treatment.

Abstract: A physical phantom reference to control for variability of computed tomography measurement results duplicates the density curve of blood perfusion of contrast material in a healthy aorta or large artery to normalize observed changes in healthy arterial blood perfusion when calculating the reduction in tumor blood perfusion between two examination times. In one embodiment, a plurality of compartments with different concentrations of contrast material corresponding to a density curve of blood perfusion of a healthy tissue are positioned-in a screening field of a CT machine so the CT machine images the compartments when it images the healthy tissue. In another embodiment, a pipe containing fluid receives an injection of contrast material from the injector when the injector injects the contrast material into the patient, the pipe having sections of varying diameter so the sections together correspond to a blood perfusion curve of the contrast material in a healthy tissue.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: An imaging system (400) includes a subject support (412) configured to carry a subject being imaged in an examination region of the imaging system and a subject support controller (418) that positions the subject support and hence the subject in the examination region for scanning the subject based on a motion algorithm which reduces subject support vibration during scanning relative to a trapezoidal or s-curve motion algorithm, for a given translation duration and a given translation distance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a CT scanning tabletop includes a tabletop body and an aid. The tabletop body has a placement surface where a subject is to be placed, and is formed in a manner that an X-ray transmission loss by one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof is smaller than an X-ray transmission loss by a portion of the tabletop body other than the one end portion. The aid is provided on the one end portion in a manner that the aid is attachable and detachable by moving in advancing and retreating directions toward and away from the placement surface, the aid is configured to hold a part of the subject.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support having a surface for supporting a patient and a longitudinal axis, and a positioner coupled to the patient support for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioner is configured to move the patient support along a path that has an arc, circular, or zig-zag shape, and wherein the path lies within a plane that forms an angle with the surface of the patient support.

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: Lesion positioner systems and, which perform positioning of a lesion A by moving a top board for allowing a subject to be placed thereon, set an isocenter of a diagnostic 3D imaging unit as a virtual isocenter at the time when a treatment table is in a 3D imaging diagnosis position, and positions the lesion A to the virtual isocenter, based on a three-dimensional diagnostic image in consideration of particle beam therapy. A treatment table moving mechanism moves the treatment table to the treatment position relative to the particle beam therapy system while maintaining states of the top board and the lesion positioner systems and at the time of positioning, thereby positioning the lesion A to the isocenter of the particle beam therapy system.

Abstract: An equine CT table for positioning a horse during a CT (“computed tomography”) scan. The table is positioned above the patient couch and communicates with the conventional CT system for examination of a horse without requiring mechanical or electrical attachments between the CT system and table. The table includes a frame carrying a tracking system, a linear movement system and a carousel upon which the horse is positioned. Prior to examination, positioning of the horse on the table may be manually adjusted linearly and/or radially in any direction to properly align the horse. Infinitely positionable cantilever members are provided to support horse's appendages. The tracking system identifies movement of the CT couch and mimics the movement with the linear movement system to enter and retract the horse from the gantry at predetermined positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient support systems.

Abstract: A robotized system (1) for positioning a patient with respect to at least one source of a particle beam, includes the at least one source, two robotized arms (3, 4), a treatment couch (5) for the patient and a logic unit which controls and coordinates the movements of the two robotized arms, wherein the at least one source is fixed, each end of the treatment couch (5) for the patient is connected to the end of one of the robotized arms (3, 4), the at least one particle beam emitted by the at least one fixed source is always included within the space between the ends of the two robotized arms (3, 4).

Abstract: A medical imaging facility has a transport device which is able to be moved at least partly in at least one direction. A position detection device has at least one transmit element which detects the position of the transport device and sends out a position measurement beam. The position detection device has at least one detector element and at least one reflector element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a positioning system are described to position an upper-half of a body relative to a head-end of a couch. The positioning system may be a patient positioning system and may include a treatment couch, a leg rest coupled to the treatment couch, and a drive mechanism coupled to the leg rest. The patient positioning system may also include a treatment couch, having a base portion of a treatment couch and plurality of detachable portions of the treatment couch. The plurality of detachable portions to adjust a height of the treatment couch to accommodate differing heights of patients.

Abstract: A method and system for mitigations brake failure in a medical device. The method and system includes a motion system for at least one movable load. Each movable load has a drive, a controller for the drive, and a brake. The controller is adapted to monitor positional parameters of the drive or electrical parameters of the brake or a combination of both. The method involves the step of monitoring the parameters and evaluating the parameters to detect a brake failure of the brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus. The medical apparatus includes a patient support table with a patient support plate, a medical imaging device, a location and navigation facility integrated at least partially in the patient support table and/or the medical imaging device and a system controller, which is used to operate and/or control both the medical imaging device and also the location and navigation facility.

Abstract: A radiotherapy couch top includes a cantilevered section adapted to support at least a portion of a prone patient's upper body. The cantilevered section may be provided with an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the body portion to extend into from above and to allow a radiation beam to pass through from below.

Abstract: A head holder for imaging is provided. The head holder includes a base, a head rest configured to receive a head of a subject, the head rest pivotally connected to the base and rotatable about a rotational axis defined through a lower end of the head rest, and a stopper configured to be inserted between the base and the head rest to support the head rest and fix the head rest at a tilt angle that corresponds to an insertion position of the stopper in a body axis direction of the subject.

Abstract: An X-ray treatment apparatus comprises a low energy X-ray generator for detecting a marker, a marker sensor detecting a position of the marker fixed in the patient to a couch, and both low energy X-ray generator and the marker sensor are installed in the couch, a high energy X-ray generator for treatment, a X-ray sensor for treatment detecting the high energy X-ray for treatment. An X-ray treatment method using the X-ray treatment apparatus comprises the steps of detecting a position of a marker by the marker sensor, irradiating to a lesion the high energy X-ray for treatment, detecting the penetrated high energy X-ray for treatment by the X-ray sensor for treatment, modifying the beam profile, the dosage or/and the radiation direction of the X-ray for treatment according to the latest data of the sensors, performing the next radiation for the lesion.

Abstract: A pallet (10) for use with a gamma camera includes a rigid sheet (30) having a thickness (d) of less than six millimeters and a strength-enhancing curvature transverse to an axial direction (DA). At least a portion of an edge (32) of the rigid sheet has a bevel (B) with a length (x) along the sheet of at least about ten millimeters and a height (y) of at least about four-fifths of the sheet thickness. A protective covering (34) is disposed over the beveled edge. In a nuclear imaging method, a subject is disposed on the rigid sheet and a radiological image is acquired of at least a portion of the subject disposed on the sheet with at least one radiation detector head (8) positioned underneath or at an oblique angle below the subject. The bevel is effective to reduce or blur an edge artifact in the acquired image.

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: A patient support system to be used in conjunction with a standard linear accelerator, and other sources, is described that allows access of the treatment beam to the breast from up to 360 degrees. This support system places the patient in a prone position with the breast going through an aperture. The prone position increases the separation of the breast from the chest wall and other critical organs and reduces motion of the target tissue due to breathing. This invention offers up to 360 degree radiation beam access to the breast. This helps in skin sparing, better dose conformity, and allows one to use modern treatment techniques such as IMRT and IGRT. It also includes a provision for an imaging system. This invention can also be used with CT and MR imaging modalities.

Abstract: A structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.

Abstract: The objective is to obtain a driving type patient platform that can efficiently perform positioning work for making the position and the posture of a diseased site coincide with those established when a treatment plan is generated. There are provided translation units that translate a top board in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, respectively, in a fixed coordinate system; rotation units that rotate the top board in the ? direction around the X axis, the ? direction around the Y axis, and the ? direction around the Z axis, respectively; and a control device that controls the translation units and the rotation units, based on an inputted desired rotation center point and an inputted desired rotation angle.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: A portable radiographic imaging system allowing multiple X-rays to be taken from various exposure positions and perspectives without having to move or reposition the patient. The imaging system may include a direct radiography system providing immediate processing and availability of the X-ray images that allows for the immediate evaluation and diagnosis. The imaging system includes a diagnostic imaging table for supporting and positioning a patient. A radiography imaging system is coupled to the imaging table and can be positioned as desired depending on the desired position and perspective of the X-Rays so as to receive the X-rays. The radiography device processes the X-ray energy into images that can be displayed in an integral monitor to allow for the immediate triage and diagnosis of the patient or product.

Abstract: High intensity x-ray radiation therapy is used in the medical industry to treat tumors. Patients typically receive radiation treatment over a period of time, in which a quality assurance test of the x-ray beam is performed before each treatment. These quality assurance tests are performed by a detection device that receives the x-ray beam and measures the intensity, shape and uniformity of the x-ray beam. The integrated patient positioning and radiation quality assurance system includes recess assemblies into which an x-ray detection device is inserted to fix the location of the x-ray detection device on the board. As a result, the accuracy of the quality assurance test is improved and the set up time is reduced.