Abstract: A therapeutic bed of a radiotherapeutic system including a radioactive ray irradiator which radiates radioactive rays for treatment of an affected portion of a patient, includes a top board on which the patient to be inspected is laid, a support base rotatably mounted on a floor of a therapeutic room, an elevating mechanism supported by the support base and supporting the top board in a vertically elevating fashion, the elevating mechanism comprising a hydraulic link mechanism of two-stage link structure, a casing covering the elevating mechanism and being constructed to be vertically contractable and expandable in association with a vertical motion of the elevating mechanism, and a hydraulic device for driving the elevating mechanism. The hydraulic driving device is disposed apart from the elevating mechanism and particularly embedded in a floor of a therapeutic room.

Abstract: A spot compression and magnification device for use with mammographic units to aid in the spot compression of a female patient's breast to obtain a high degree of focal breast compression and a high quality x-ray image of a suspicious mass within the breast. The device has a base including an open bottom and an upstanding pedestal opening into the base, the pedestal having a flat top surface so that an air gap is provided between the top surface of the pedestal and the surface of the imaging platform or cassettes cover of a conventional mammographic unit. The pedestal has a substantially truncated conical form while the base has a substantially truncated pyramid configuration. Clamping handles are resilientlty attached to portions of the base to permit the handles to be pulled away from the base and be urged into clamping engagement in conjunction with the bottom edge of the base against the cassette cover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a support surface which is particularly suited for supporting a patient and permitting X-rays of the patient to be taken. The support surface comprises at least two substantially rigid support elements coupled together by a flexible joining element such that relative movement between the support elements can take place. The support elements and flexible joining elements are radio-lucent with at least an area through which X-rays are (in use of a support surface) to pass, being of such relative thicknesses and composition that said area is of substantially uniform radio-lucence.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving samples through a CAT scanner is comprised of a driver table assembly and a follower table assembly. The assemblies are fixedly positioned in aligned spaced condition on opposite sides of a CAT scanner and are adapted to move a sample therethrough with great linear accuracy. The driver table assembly is the active member in moving the sample while the follower table assembly is passive in responding to movement of the driver table assembly. Both table assemblies have lathe heads mounted thereon for securing the sample therebetween in a self-centering manner.

Abstract: A film holder is pivotably connected to a table frame of a patient table. By positioning the film holder so that an image plane thereof extends parallel to the table top, X-ray images can be recorded on film. In the folded-up condition, the image plane of the film holder extends parallel to the table frame so that the film holder does not form an obstruction for the formation of X-ray images by means of an X-ray image intensifier tube. The position of the film holder enables a fast change-over from exposures using an X-ray image intensifier tube to recording on film.

Abstract: For performing an X-ray examination wherein a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel of a subject from the brachial region, an X-ray shield is mounted on an arm rest to shield scattered X-rays passed from the subject, to thereby protect operator's hands handling the catheter.

Abstract: A lithotripter having a central housing for equipment pertaining to shockwave generation, further having a focusing equipment head movably connected thereto, is improved by an up and down sliding patient rest having a central horizontally positioned cantilever mounted segment with a closure as treatment window; a headrest is removably attached to one side of the central segment; and leg support structure such a rest segment with extension or a miction pan or leg support troughs is removably attached to the opposite side of the central segment.

Abstract: A medical machine assembly such as an X-ray machine assembly is disclosed which has a cover for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids away from contact with any part of the machine assembly and especially form the interior thereof. This assembly includes a base, an x-ray tube, a patient table mounted on the base, a cushion disposed on the patient table, and a cover disposed on the cushion. The cushion has a body portion and a rear dam portion. The cover has a rear dam portion located on the cushion dam portion. The cover also has a middle body portion disposed on the cushion body portion. The cover also has a front flap portion for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids outwardly from the middle body portion and away from contact with any part of the machine assembly.

Abstract: The x-ray absorption factor of each end section of a top table is lower than that of a middle section thereof. If the end section of the top table protrudes from an effective field of scan so that fan beams are transmitted through the protruded portion, the beams can hardly be absorbed by the protruded portion. Accordingly, projection data obtained are hardly subject to any significant differences which depend on the transmission of the fan beams. Even though an image is reconstructed in accordance with the obtained projection data, therefore, it can be restrained from suffering shading. Thus, a high-quality image can be obtained.

Abstract: An X-ray table top is moveably supported by a shaft extending from a support mechanism on a base to the end of the table top at one longitudinal side thereof offset from the longitudinal axis of the top. The support mechanism includes means for raising and lowering the table top, first rotational means for effecting Trendelenburg tilting the top about an axis transverse of its longitudinal axis and second rotational means for canting it about the longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto. The offset support connection to the table top allows unobstructed access to both side, the foot end, and to the head end of the table top for anesthesiological personnel and equipment.

Abstract: A spot compression and magnification device for use with mammographic units to aid in the spot compression of a female patient's breast to obtain a high degree of focal breast compression and a high quality x-ray image of a suspicious mass within the breast. The device is positionable on the image platform of a conventional mammographic unit and has a base including an open bottom and an upstanding pedestal opening into the base, the pedestal having a flat top surface so that an air gap is provided between the top surface of the pedestal and the surface of the imaging platform. The device is constructed from a synthetic plastic material of sufficient rigidity and having low x-ray absorptivity. The base has excluded material in the form of an opening to increase the flexibility of the device to permit increased depression of the top of the pedestal facing the patient. The pedestal has a substantially truncated conical form while the base has a substantially rectangular cross sectional configuration.

Abstract: An x-ray examination installation includes an imaging system having components disposed on opposite sides of a patient on a patient support table. Positioning of the imaging system is coordinated with positioning of the patient support system in that the components of the imaging system are automatically moved, upon positioning of the patient support system, in a direction opposite to the movement of the patient support table. The range of adjustment of the patient support table can be sub-divided into ranges to which separate switching stages are allocated, so that the movement of the imaging system in a direction opposite to movement of the patient support table occurs only within predetermined ranges, so that such movement is not effected when the patient support table is adjusted within a central range.

Abstract: A patient support includes a support surface and lifting structure adapted to permit the insertion of an x-ray cassette beneath the portion of the patient's body that is to be x-rayed. The structure for lifting preferably includes a plurality of inflatable runners. Structure for selectively deflating the runners is provided so as to permit insertion of an x-ray cassette between adjacent runners and beneath the patient. Structure for placing the inflatable runners in fluid connection with fluid supply means is provided such that the runners can be reinflated. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable runners can be replaced by mechanical lifting apparatus.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus comprising: a base assembly including a pivotable and vertically displaceable frame, a first actuating means for pivotal movement of said frame about a horizontal axis and a second actuating means for vertical movement of said frame, computer controls for controlling said first and second actuating means individually and in combination, two parallel rail systems supported by the frame and having two carriages mounted respectively thereon, which carriages can move in unison or individually, one of said carriages supporting a C- or U-shaped carriage for supporting an X-ray source and image receptor in a rotatable arrangement about an axis parallel to said horizontal axis and the other of said carriage having an overhanging support secured thereto, which support includes a dual action mechanism for supporting a patient table in an arrangement providing its vertical movement relative to the frame and its pivoting movement about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A table positioner which provides total imaging coverage of the patient in horizontal, vertical and in tilt positions is disclosed for use in X-ray diagnostic examinations. The table positioner is constructed from modules which modules, depending on a particular examination procedure, are assembled together so as to provide necessary positioning. Further, this modular table positioner is compact enough to be installed in a small room or a mobile van.

Abstract: A surgical table is provided for receiving and positioning a patient. The surgical table includes a chair which includes a backrest for receiving the upper body of a patient, and a pelvic support which supports the pelvic area of the patient across the sacrum. The pelvic support is designed such that it does not underlie at least one preselected hip joint of the pelvic area of the patient. The surgical table further includes a support structure which supports the chair at a predetermined elevated position and provides an unobstructed clearance of a predetermined height under the pelvic area of the patient. A leg support is provided for positioning the leg of a patient such that the thigh of the leg assumes an atavistic position.

Abstract: An extension for an operating table having an adjustable surface for supporting a patient thereon for surgical procedures is described which comprises an x-ray transparent platform defining an upper surface of sufficient size for supporting a patient thereon, brackets for attachment of a first end of the platform to the operating table, an adjustable support at a second end of the platform for selectively raising and lowering the platform and for selectively tilting the platform about a longitudinal axis thereof in cooperation with position adjustments of the operating table, and a hanger attached to the under surface of the platform for holding x-ray film for use in taking intra-operative x-ray images of the patient.

Abstract: A patient table assembly having a cushion with a cover. The cushion has side flaps, which connect to the table. The cover, disposed around the cushion, has bottom sheets, which connect to each other, and which have slots through which the flaps can pass through.

Abstract: The body support can be used as a part of the reclining surface in a patient's couch intended for use in radiation therapy. It consists of a H-shaped frame with two parallel lateral beams linked together by a central transverse beam. The supporting surfaces divided by the central transverse beam are provided with transparent string tensioning which is secured exclusively to the two lateral beams. The external edges of the body support parallel to the central beam are free of radiation-attenuating frame elements so that uninterrupted dynamic radiation treatment is possible when the direction of radiation is changed from one side of the supporting surface to the other one.

Abstract: A scintographic installation includes a patient-supporting table (10) and a stand (11) whose support column (19) is moveable along an axis OX. The invention lies in the fact that the table (10) is mounted on a rail (15) which is capable of taking up different angular positions about an axis parallel to the axis OZ. In a first position the rail (15) is parallel to OY and the stand (11) is in a position suitable for performing tomographic examination. In a second position, the rail (15) is parallel to the axis OX and the stand (11) is a position suitable for examining the entire body by displacement of the column (19), i.e. without displacing the bed (12).

Abstract: A cantilever mounted table for an X-ray patient undergoing procedures requiring tilting the table head to foot or canting the table about its longitudinal axis allows a medical team free axis to one side and an end of the patient, and provides an improved collision sensing switch in the event the table strikes an obstruction below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient support for diagnostic apparatus, notably for an MRI apparatus, comprising a stretcher on which a patient can be arranged so as to be introduced into the diagnostic zone of the apparatus, the support comprising a core of a fiber-reinforced epoxy resin with a coating provided thereon, the core being made of a fiberglass-reinforced synthetic material on an epoxy resin basis with an isotropic fiberglass structure wherethrough cavities extend in the longitudinal direction, which cavities are filled with a fiber glass fleece impregnated with epoxy resin, the upper side being provided with a fiber-reinforced coating on an epoxy resin basis with unidirectional fibers of a synthetic material of a high tensile strength.

Abstract: A patient support system for irradiation therapy or treatment simulation comprises a main arm 1 on a sub-floor mounted pivot 10 about a first vertical axis 17, which supports a further arm 49 rotatable about a second vertical axis 16. At the other end of the arm 49 a vertical pillar 4, pivotable about a third vertical axis 15, supports a vertically displaceable carriage 3 on which a patient support table top 2 is directly mounted. A control system is described which enables x, y coordinate command values to control respective drives associated with the three vertical axes to position a patient quickly and accurately relative to the treatment isocentre.

Abstract: An x-ray examination table comprises a table mounted on a pedestal which has a control box containing control elements for the device. The control box is displaceable in a longitudinal direction to the table so that a physician can easily reach the control elements in the control box given examination in the head area of the patient which is opposite to the position of the pedestal.

Abstract: Multiple elements of a blow-molded, integral patient support surface each include a synthetic sheet-like patient support element and an underlying synthetic corrugated reinforcing element spaced from the support element. When loaded, the patient support element engages the corrugated reinforcing element which resists deflection and rigidifies the surface. The corrugation angulation and the combined wall thicknesses of the flat support and corrugated reinforcing elements in a predetermined are are selected to provide an effective combined wall thickness within F.D.A. attenuation standards, yet still provide sufficient rigidity and aberration-free x-rays.An adjustable x-ray plate cassette is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient support apparatus useful during x-raying. The apparatus includes a frame having a graduated scale along the length of at least one side thereof. The frame has means for supporting an x-ray film cartridge shuttle thereon and permitting movement of the x-ray film cartridge shuttle along the length of the frame. The apparatus also includes a rod for positioning the x-ray film cartridge shuttle along the length of the frame. The rod has a graduated scale along the length thereof. The units of the graduated scale of the rod correspond to the units of the graduated scale of the frame.

Abstract: A patient table for computerized tomographic (CT) scanners located at the rear of the CT gantry to assure more room for CT operators at the front of the gantry. The patient table works in co-operation with a trolley means having a slightly inclined table top holding a stretcher carrying the patient. The stretcher and the patient table include locking means for locking the stretcher to the patient table to enable removing the trolley means from the front of the gantry after the stretcher is locked to the patient table to provide more room at the front of the gantry.

Abstract: An X-ray table top is moveably supported by a shaft extending from a support mechanism on a base to the end of the table top at one longitudinal side thereof offset from the longitudinal axis of the top. The support mechanism includes means for raising and lowering the table top, Trendelenburg tilting the top about an axis transverse of its longitudinal axis and canting it about the longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto. The offset support connection to the table top allows unobstructed access to both sides, the foot end, and to the head end of the table top for anesthesiological personnel and equipment.

Abstract: A CT-scanner includes a patient cushion that fits over a baseplate. Both the cushion and the baseplate have complementary lengthwise fastener strips. A cover of the scanner includes a vinyl central sheet that drapes over side rails of the scanner to form overhang flaps. Each of the flaps is sewn onto a sheeted section that has longitudinal velcro strips. When the sheeted sections are tucked between the baseplate and the cushion, the fastener strips of the sheeted section fasten to the velcro strips of the cushion and the baseplate. A head end of the central sheet is contoured to fit over a head rest of the scanner and cause a funneling of fluids onto the center of the central sheet from the head of a patient in either a supine or prone position on the cover.

Abstract: In order to detect a rise angle of a bed of an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system, first and second potentiometers of the identical characteristic are respectively connected to a sprocket for rotating a sector gear to raise the bed and a tension roller which is rotated in synchronism with rotation of the sprocket through a chain. Outputs from the first and second potentiometers are input to a differential amplifier to calculate a difference therebetween. It is determined by a window comparator whether or not the difference falls within a predetermined allowable range. When the difference falls outside the predetermined allowable range, an error is detected. The outputs from the first and second potentiometers are input to minimum and maximum voltage detection comparators. It is checked whether or not the output itself from the potentiometer falls within a predetermined output range. If the output falls outside the predetermined output range, an error is detected.

Abstract: A whole-body patient positioning and repositioning support for fixedly securing a patient in an original position during radiation treatment and for repositioning the patient to the same original position for subsequent radiation treatments. The support includes a foamed-in-place mold within a disposable plastic shell carrying a grid of radio-opaque members for generating a patient registration grid on X-rays for use in the evaluation and adjusting of the position of the patient to the original position using a sheet or straps between the patient and the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provide an x-ray film cartridge support for a bed-like stretcher. When the x-ray film cartridge support is attached to the crossbars of a stretcher, the support remains stationary thereon during the taking of x-rays especially when the support is attached to the stretcher head end when it is in an inclined position relative to the horizontal foot end. The support is removably mounted so that x-rays of necessary portions of the patient can be taken without movement of the patient on the stretcher.

Abstract: A patient support system for irradiation therapy or treatment simulation comprises a main arm 1 on a sub-floor mounted pivot 10 about a first vertical axis 17, which supports a further arm 49 rotatable about a second vertical axis 16. At the other end of the arm 49 a vertical pillar 4, pivotable about a third vertical axis 15, supports a vertically displaceable carriage 3 on which a patient support table top 2 is directly mounted. A control system is described which enables x, y coordinate command values to control respective drives associated with the three vertical axes to position a patient quickly and accurately relative to the treatment isocenter. The system requires only a shallow well while providing a large range of vertical lift. Furthermore, no sub-table x-y carriage is required increasing patient accessability.

Abstract: A radiographic/fluoroscopic X-ray system is disclosed employing a new and improved apparatus for supporting a patient under examination. The system includes a table assembly comprising a main support structured and a patient support member. The patient support member is movably mounted to the main support structure while maintaining a clearance space therebetween. A guard means, mounted to one end of the patient support member is provided to discourage inadvertent placement of a patient's fingers in the clearance space. The guard means is comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material and extends above the clearance space and beyond the end of the patient support member. The guard means defines a space for finger placement which is remote from the clearance space.

Abstract: A patient support includes a support surface and structure positioned about the support surface for lifting selected portions of the patient's body from the support surface so as to permit the insertion of an x-ray cassette beneath the selected portion of the patient's body. The structure for lifting preferably includes a plurality of inflatable runners. Structure for placing the inflatable runners in fluid connection with fluid supply means is provided such that the runners can be inflated. The runners are spaced apart from one another and adapted when inflated to lift an adjacent portion of the patient so as to permit the insertion of an x-ray cassette between adjacent runners and beneath the patient.

Abstract: Radiological device of the pivoting type, comprising a fixed base (1), a longitudinal pivoting carriage (2) mounted on the base (1) and carrying, on the one hand longitudinally, a patient support panel (8) connected to the carriage by a patient support panel support, the panel support consisting of a bracket (3), the top horizontal beam (5) of which, which is mounted on an arm (6), forms a bridge for the passage of a practitioner.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the density of vertebrae or the like, comprises gamma ray emission means for emitting gamma rays within a predetermined target area; detecting means for detecting the gamma rays passing through the target area; and rotatable positioning means between the emission means and the detecting means for supporting a subject and exposing the subject to the gamma rays in the target area at a plurality of different angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for tilting a patient supported on a diagnostic table and simultaneously maintaining a selected isocenter of the patient at a selected fixed point in space comprising a table for supporting the patient within an examination zone of a diagnostic apparatus; a vertical carriage mechanism connected to an end of the table for raising and lowering the end of the table through a predetermined range of vertical travel; a tilt pivot connecting the end of the table and the vertical carriage mechanism, for supporting the table and tilting through an arc of at least about 10 degrees; a horizontal leg mechanism movably mounted to the vertical carriage mechanism for moving the vertical carriage mechanism and the table through a predetermined range of horizontal travel; the vertical carriage mechanism being movably mounted on the horizontal leg mechanism; the horizontal leg means being movably mounted on an overhead arm mechanism; wherein the vertical carriage mechanism is movable along a vertical travel and th

Abstract: An axis of rotation of a bed can be shifted in a direction in which it becomes remote from a floor when the bed is slid parallel to a patient-mounted plane while being swung, in a case where the swing angle is relatively small. The amount of elevation of the bed can be made larger than in a case where the axis of rotation is not shifted. The amount of slide of the bed can be thus made smaller than in the case wherein the axis of rotation is not shifted, in order to obtain a predetermined amount of elevation of the bed. As the result, the horizontal component of slide can be made smaller to thereby making smaller the space in which the bed can be swung and slid.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, portable, versatile and modular field x-ray system is disclosed. A base member is provided and supports an x-ray table. Two vertical masts are also coupled to the base, for movement alongside the table in a direction parallel to its longitudinal dimension. The masts move independently of one another but can also be linked together for movement in unison. A tube head is attached to one mast by articulated structure, including a series of offset arms, which affords the tube head 6 degrees of freedom of movement, both above and below the x-ray table. A spot film device is movable coupled to the second mast. The second mast and spot film device are manually removable from the remainder of the system for operation in radiographic only mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a patient so as to perform on this patient medical and paramedical procedures, in particular x-rays, this apparatus having a holding device that is upwardly open and set up to receive the patient (8) when laying down.It has a rigid, preferably rectangular, oblong base (1) of a material permeable to x-rays, and has sides (3 and 4) that are closed and foldable against the patient, the sides being of a material permeable to x-rays and having the general shape of channels attached to the long edges of the base and of a convexity directed when they are against the patient toward the longitudinal axis of the base, tightening elements (5) permeable to x-rays being also provided to solidly maintain these channels in lateral contact with the patent.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly reliable safety device having a high fail-safe feature, which comprises a sector gear rotatably supported on a support base, a bed section supported on the sector gear and tiltable to a predetermined diagnostic angle anywhere from a horizontal position to a standing position of a patient, an off-normal rotation control means such as a limit switch to detect that the rotation of the sector gear relative to the support base exceeds the range of a limit rotation angle and to control its rotation, a hook member provided in a side surface position of the sector gear corresponding to the limit rotation angle beyond the off-normal rotation angle, a hook holding mechanism journaled in a side surface position of said support base which faces the sector gear, and adapted to engage with the hook member to restrict and prevent any further rotation of the sector gear, and whereby the bed section is positively restricted against any further tilting beyond its limit rotation angle, immediate

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics installation has a mechanism for positioning an examination subject within an X-ray beam and an X-ray image intensifier video chain with an image memory for displaying the radiated regions of the examination subject. A marker indicating the current position of the positioning mechanism is superimposed on the screen image of a visual display unit, thereby permitting adjustment of the position of the examination subject to a desired location without subjecting the patient to unwanted X-ray doses.

Abstract: A patient handling system for an NMR imaging system includes a portable patient table having a bottom portion and a top portion. The table is docked adjacent to the magnet of an NMR system. The top portion may be elevated to align the top portion with the magnet bore. A patient pallet, located on the top portion of the table, is then moved into and out of the magnet bore. The pallet includes a number of modules upon which the patient reclines. At least one module includes a radio frequency coil for NMR imaging. The other modules are dummy modules which do not contain r.f. coils and support other parts of the patients's body.

Abstract: An adjustable, radiolucent table for radioscopic examination of a medical patient lying thereon, the table including a radiolucent top, floor support structure connected at each end to the top of the support structure having apparatus permitting bidirectional movement of the table top enabling accurate movement of a patient thereon with respect to a radioscopic source, particularly for use in discolosis procedures.

Abstract: A radiographic/fluoroscopic X-ray system is disclosed employing a new and improved apparatus for supporting a patient under examination. The system includes a table assembly comprising a main support structure and a patient support member. The patient support member is movably mounted to the main support structure while maintaining a clearance space therebetween. A guard means, mounted to one end of the patient support member is provided to discourage inadvertent placement of a patient's fingers in the clearance space. The guard means is comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material and extends above the clearance space and beyond the end of the patient support member. The guard means defines a space for finger placement which is remote from the clearance space.

Abstract: An examination table for linear guidance of an examination panel in which the panel is guided by means of longitudinal members rigidly fixed to the panel and formed of the same material in order to obtain a small variation in absorption capacity for ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for environments where the presence of metals or traces of metals is inadmissible, consisting of a combination of a stretcher with a movable undercarriage, whereby both stretcher and undercarriage have been made virtually entirely in plastic, consisting of a thermoplastic material, the apparatus being absolutely free of metals.

Abstract: A diagnostic patient support structure including a base and a table top structure. The table top structure includes a central section for supporting the patient's torso and discrete leg extension sections diverging therefrom at an acute angle for supporting the patient's respective legs.

Abstract: A radiographic/fluoroscopic X-ray system is disclosed employing a new and improved method and apparatus for viewing an image of a subject under examination. The system includes a flat panel display screen integrally mounted to the spotfilmer/imaging system housing. The display screen is mounted to the spotfilmer/imaging system housing to provide pivotal movement in at least one direction. Where a tiltable X-ray table is used, apparatus and circuitry is provided to maintain correct viewing orientation of the image with respect to the operator while the table is tilted throughout its range.