Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes an X-ray source and X-ray detector, sensors tracking a position of at least one of a surgical instrument and the X-ray detector, and an integrated imaging and navigation workstation. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation includes at least one processor executing fluoroscopic imaging based on an output of the X-ray detector and navigation tracking of positions of a surgical instrument and positions of an X-ray detector with respect to a coordinate system. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation also includes an input receiving surgical instrument tracking signals from the sensors, an input receiving detector tracking signals from the sensors, and a display for displaying fluoroscopic images with a displayed instrument superimposed. In particular, one or more relations of the displayed instrument with respect to the fluoroscopic image (e.g., coordinate location and rotation) corresponds to the relation of the surgical instrument to the patient.

Abstract: A radiography system and the machine readable medium storing program for accurately determining the type of the object taken by the radiography. The radiography system includes: a radiographic image receiving section for receiving the radiographic image of the object using the radiation; an optical image receiving section for detecting light from the object, and for receiving the optical image of the object; an object type determination section for determining an object type of the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section based on the optical image received by the optical image receiving section; and an image storage section storing thereon the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section in association with the object type determined by the object type determination section, and for storing the radiographic image and the object type, being associated with each other.

Abstract: In a medical diagnostic imaging system, a communication protocol for providing bi-directional communication between a medical imaging subsystem and a medical navigational subsystem, the communication protocol including a plurality of navigation subsystem to imaging subsystem messages; and a Begin Imaging and an End Imaging message for synchronizing image acquisition with navigation coordinate determination, the Begin Imaging and End Imaging messages included in imaging subsystem to the navigation subsystem messages.

Abstract: In an image collecting system for sensing an X-ray image by using a solid state image pickup unit, the operability of the system is improved by omitting an operation of turning on and off the solid state image pickup unit or other operations. When an operator selects an image sensing part of an object by using an acquisition part setting button on a display unit, the solid state image pickup unit is driven and a timer starts, and in addition, the sensing condition, image processing parameters and the like are automatically set in accordance with the selected sensing part. When an exposure button is depressed before the timer counts up, e.g., in 10 minutes, an X-ray generation control unit makes an X-ray tube radiate an X-ray to the object, and the solid state image pickup unit senses an X-ray image. If the exposure button is not depressed in 10 minutes, the operation of the solid state image pickup unit is stopped and the set sensing part is released.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of aligning scintillator crystalline structures for computed tomography imaging and a system of use. Crystal seeds are deposited inside a glass melt and are then grown to form a plurality of layer crystallites. While growing the crystallites, a field is applied to align each crystallite structure in a uniform orientation. As a result, the crystallites are configured to reduce light scattering and improve the overall efficiency of the CT system. A CT system is disclosed implementing a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators, each scintillator being formed of a plurality of uniformly aligned crystallites. Each crystallite includes a receiving surface and an exiting surface configured perpendicular to an x-ray beam. Further, the receiving surface and the exiting surface are connected by a plurality of surface walls arranged parallel to the x-ray beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling an ionizing radiation generator (2) which consists in setting up a connection by radio relay channel between the generator and the control device (1). The invention is characterised in that said connection consists in transmitting a code specific to the generator and a code for connecting it to the control device and in communicating the two codes at each connection between said generator and said control device. The invention also concerns the installation for implementing said method.

Abstract: For pulse processing spectrometers that use a fast channel to detect input pulses, a slow channel to measure the pulses' energies, pileup inspection circuitry pulses, and binning to produce an output spectrum of captured energy values, the correction technique extends the Harms method to produce an estimate <C> of the average ratio of the number of input pulses detected in the fast channel per non-piled-up pulse whose captured energy value is to be binned into the output spectrum and, for each such non-piled-up pulse, adding the value <C> to the corrected output spectrum in the bin dictated by the captured energy value. The uncorrected spectrum is formed in the traditional manner by simply adding 1 to the equivalent bin. Three techniques are disclosed for producing the estimate <C>, a running average, a bucket averaging, and a circular buffer method.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, method and apparatus for instant pole-zero correction for digital radiation spectrometers. In another embodiment, there are provided method and apparatus for instant pole-zero correction for digital radiation spectrometers with automatic attenuator calibration.

Abstract: In a solid-state radiation detector and a medical examination and/or treatment device having such a solid-state radiation detector, the detector has a pixel matrix, with each pixel supplying an output signal dependent on the incident radiation. The pixel matrix has a conversion layer that converts the incident radiation into charge, a storage capacitor for storing the charge and a transistor for reading out the charge. The capacitance of the storage capacitor is set to be so small that because of the voltage drop across the storage capacitor, the output signal of the pixel exhibits, starting from a specific value of the incident radiation dose, a sublinear response with reference to the radiation dose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detector for a multi-slice CT system. The detector includes a scintillator for receiving and converting high frequency electromagnetic energy directly to electrons. The detector is further configured to directly conduct the electrons. The detector comprises a compound formed of scintillator bulk and a conducting material capable of converting high frequency energy to electrons as well as conduct electrons. The CT system also provides for a gantry having an output for projecting high frequency electromagnetic energy toward the detector and a data acquisition system for receiving electrons directly from the detector. A method to provide imaging electrons to a CT system is also provided.

Abstract: Driving an X-ray imaging device by applying a high voltage signal to a photo-sensing layer, reading the stored charges that result from dark charges produced by the high voltage signal using a data reader such that stored charges are removed from the charging capacitors, performing X-ray irradiation such that X-ray induced charges are stored in a charging capacitor, and converting the stored charges to electrical signals, all while maintaining the high voltage on the photo-sensing layer. The driving method improves a contrast ratio caused by the dark charges and reduces signal variations caused by turning-off the high voltage before converting the stored charge into electrical signals. As the high voltage turned on and off only one once the driving time can be reduced.

Abstract: In predicting failure of an x-ray tube in a computed tomography (CT) system, reference detector elements normally disposed on each end of the detector, receive x-rays directly from the x-ray tube. In accordance with the invention, the output values of the reference detector elements are utilized by a tube condition prediction algorithm to predict a failure in the x-ray tube of the CT system. The tube condition prediction algorithm utilizes at least one model of the CT system and at least one prediction routine, which typically is a Kalman filter, to generate the prediction. The prediction routine uses the model to analyze the output values of the reference detector elements in order to determine the condition of the x-ray tube and predict future performance of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: The inventive mechanism uses the output of a visible light sensor to provide accurate signal detecting and noise filtering. When the mechanism detects light for a sufficient duration and intensity in the right wavelength, it generates a trigger signal that activates a camera to record an image. Any noise in the light sensor signal is filtered out or ignored by the mechanism. The mechanism measures the light sensor signal over time, and for a signal to be an accurate signal, each measurement needs to be higher in voltage than the preceding measurement, otherwise the signal is rejected as noise.

Abstract: Medical workstation has at least two separately constructed medical devices that can be operated separately and independently of one another, of which at least one is provided with a remote control. By means of the remote control of the one medical device it is possible to trigger functions of the other medical device or devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a rotary anode of an X-ray tube, including an induction motor (13) whereto an alternating voltage can be applied by means of an inverter (20), and also including a control unit (22) for controlling the inverter (20), the switching frequency of the inverter (20) being variable in time, in conformity with a frequency time characteristic, by means of the control unit (22). It is the object of the invention to provide a drive device for a rotary anode of an X-ray tube as well as a suitable control method which ensures the temperature-independent starting up of the rotary anode.

Abstract: According to the invention, a mobile signal pick-up means (11) of a diagnostics installation comprises a radiation receiver (12) for generating electrical signals dependent on the radiation shadow of a transirradiated subject, an image acquisition system (15), a calculating and storage unit (21), a display (22) as well as a communication means. A stationary evaluation means (5, 6, 7, 8) comprising a communication means is provided. The communication means are implemented as bidirectional communication means and serve for the signal transmission between the mobile signal pick-up means (11) and the stationary evaluation means (5, 6, 7, 8).

Abstract: A versatile X-ray examination apparatus including a movable table top for supporting a patient, an imaging system having an X-ray source adopted for passing X-rays through the patient and an image receptor for generating an X-ray image of the patient, the image receptor is automatically moved to a desired position by a control system. The control system includes a memory for storing data concerning the table top, a control circuit for detecting a plurality of moving amounts of a plurality support members for supporting the imaging system, and a moving amount calculator for calculating a moving amount of the image receptor along a radiation axis on the basis of the data in the memory and the detected moving amount data provided from the control circuit.

Abstract: Conducting a diagnostic procedure is enabled at the location of an apparatus by providing a transmitter that is fashioned in the form of a hand-held telephone is provided in the apparatus. The transmitter wirelessly communicates with a central station. As a result, the diagnosis system can be remotely activated, and the information thereby obtained can be wirelessly transmitted.

Abstract: A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system which accepts a digitized input signal and detects the presence of step-like pulses in the this data stream, extracts filtered estimates of their amplitudes, inspects for pulse pileup, and records input pulse rates and system livetime. The system has two parallel processing channels: a slow channel, which filters the data stream with a long time constant trapezoidal filter for good energy resolution; and a fast channel which filters the data stream with a short time constant trapezoidal filter, detects pulses, inspects for pileups, and captures peak values from the slow channel for good events. The presence of a simple digital interface allows the system to be easily integrated with a digital processor to produce accurate spectra at high count rates and allow all spectrometer functions to be fully automated. Because the method is digitally based, it allows pulses to be binned based on time related values, as well as on their amplitudes, if desired.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: An imager control system with contact detection capability for positioning a movable imaging element structure with respect to a subject includes a collar assembly disposed around at least a portion of the imaging element structure disposed towards a subject region; a plurality of sensor elements disposed in a sensing pattern in the collar assembly, each sensor element having a number elastomeric electrodes coupled together in series; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor elements so as to detect contact between the collar assembly and a subject of examination as a function of a change in resistance in one or more elastomeric electrode resulting from deformation of the electrode upon contact with the subject. The elastomeric electrodes are made of a flexible material in which conductive particles have been embedded such that electrode exhibits a change in electrical resistance in response to physical deformation.

Abstract: A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system which accepts directly coupled input data from a detector with a continuous discharge type preamplifier and produces a spectral analysis of the x-rays illuminating the detector. The system's principal elements are an analog signal conditioning section, a combinatorial logic section which implements digital triangular filtering and pileup inspection, and a microprocessor which accepts values captured by the logic section and uses them to compute x-ray energy values. Operating without pole-zero correction, the system achieves high resolution by capturing, in conjunction with each peak value from the digital filter, an associated value of the unfiltered signal, and using this latter signal to correct the former for errors which arise from its local slope terms. This correction greatly reduces both energy resolution degradation and peak centroid shifting in the output spectrum as a function of input count rate.

Abstract: X-ray apparatus with a ceiling suspension has a motor for displacing and positioning the X-ray apparatus and a motion control circuit which superimposes a dynamic motion factor on the motor output so that pendulum motions during an acceleration of the apparatus are counteracted. For this purpose, a filter is connected in the motion control circuit in front of the setting element of the motor, the filter being dimensioned so as to correspond to the characteristic system behavior, and compensates oscillations of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of measuring the dimensions of the optical focus of an X-ray tube is described which consists of producing an X-ray image of the optical focus on a fine-grained X-ray-sensitive film, illuminating the radiogram obtained by means of a lamp emitting homogeneous radiation and taking a video image of the radiogram by means of a video camera, processing the video image so as to obtain a digitized image of the optical focus, and measuring the dimensions of the optical focus from the digitized image obtained.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostics installation for intermittent fluoroscopy of an examination subject has an x-ray tube, supplied by a high-voltage generator, an x-ray image intensifier video chain with an image pick-up unit, and control logic for the high-voltage generator and for the video chain which controls the high-voltage supply to continuously operate x-ray tube and which controls read out of the pick-up unit so that the read out is pulsed or intermittent. Read out of the pick-up unit is suppressed for a number of potentially available images, and image playback ensues in the manner of a stroboscope. The high-voltage supply can then be set to values such that the x-ray dose rate of the x-ray tube is lower than the dose rate which is normal for standard fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorograph and radiograph apparatus including an X-ray television camera having an avalanche multiplication operation type image pick-up tube having an input/output characteristic in which increment of an output reduces gradually against increase of dose of incident X-rays and a unit for setting X-ray latitude and a multiplication factor of an image pick-up tube to optimum values for inputted radiograph conditions by controlling a voltage value applied to the image pick-up tube and a value of a stop of an optical system, and making it possible to obtain X-ray latitude at 1,000 or more.

Abstract: Pulses generated by an x-ray gas ionisation detector have different temporal forms in dependence of the location in the detector where an x-ray photon interacts with a gas atom. The energy-resolution at count rates amounting to Mcts.sup.-1 of an x-ray analysis apparatus is improved by employing a resetable pulse-integrator. A resetable integrator is constructed by employing a dual gate field-effect transistor (FET) and a wide-band current feedback operational amplifier. Cross-talk due to parasitic capacitances is reduced by supplying a suitable DC voltage to one of the two gates of the dual gate FET. The gate control is made independent of the output of the integrator.

Abstract: An x-ray tube rotor controller uses the main high voltage inverters for acceleration. The rotor controller includes a DC voltage source, and a rotary anode drive circuit including a rotary anode motor designed as an induction motor. A first inverter circuit has a full bridge arrangement for accelerating the anode using a first switch to connect the induction motor to the full bridge output, and also generates high voltage for the x-ray tube. Once the anode is up to operating speed, the first switch is disconnected from the rotor causing the rotor to coast. Alternatively, a second small inverter may be employed for maintaining the rotor at speed during x-ray exposure, rather than allowing the rotor to coast. In such an instance, the first switch is disconnected from the rotor when the motor reaches a rated anode speed, and a second switch then connects the motor to the second inverter to maintain the rated anode speed.

Abstract: An x-ray generator includes an x-ray tube voltage regulation system which automatically adapts to line impedance and fluctuations in the network voltage, so as to maintain the x-ray tube current at a maximum value. The x-ray tube current is set by the x-ray tube voltage, the x-ray tube current is regulated so that a maximally allowable line voltage drop is not upwardly exceeded. The x-ray tube current, consequently, always has its maximum value, given the prevailing circuit conditions, so that the tube power is also at a maximum value. The current is set so as to achieve a desired mAs product, which is in turn determined by the radiation dose which the operator desires.

Abstract: An x-ray tube rotor controller uses the main high voltage inverters for acceleration and speed maintenance. The rotor controller includes a DC voltage source, and a rotary anode drive circuit including a rotary anode motor designed as a two-winding induction motor. The rotor controller comprises first and second inverter circuits which may be either half bridge or full bridge arrangements, the first and second inverter circuits for accelerating the anode, and further for generating high voltage for the x-ray tube. Electronic switching means allow for instantaneous electronic switching of the output of the first and second inverter circuits between the high voltage power supply and the anode motor. A phase switching capacitor may be used to provide the other phase of the motor.

Abstract: A transmission link which couples data from a mobile x-ray apparatus to image electronics is provided with a data coupling, and a data plug is allocated to the x-ray apparatus and a data socket is allocated to the image electronics, such that data may be transmitted between the x-ray apparatus and the image electronics. The transmission link can include wireless transmission of image data from a mobile x-ray diagnostic apparatus, with an optical transmitter allocated to the x-ray apparatus and a wireless receiver allocated to the image electronics.

Abstract: In an X-ray CT (computerized tomographic) apparatus, a simple programmable anatomical selecting operation is realized. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises: selecting means for selecting at least one of imaging sorts and imaging portions with respect to a biological body under medical examination; means for programming a medical examination scheme based upon the one of imaging sorts and imaging portions of the biological body; first storage means for storing therein the programmed examination scheme; and, means for reading out the programmed examination scheme from the first storage means so as to sequentially execute functions of the programmed examination scheme.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an vacuum tube, which is biased by a high voltage power supply connected to the tube by two shielded cables. The cables collectively have a plurality of conductors which are coupled at one end to the high voltage power supply. The other end of each conductor is coupled to a component of the vacuum tube by a separate inductor. During a voltage breakdown of the vacuum tube, the inductors depress electrical current flow between the anode and the cathode of the tube to reduce the erosion of tube components which results from the discharge. This current is in part due to the energy stored in the cable, which is not depressed by conventional current limiting circuits in the high voltage power supply. Voltage limiting devices connected to the tube prevent ringing in the cables from generating excessively high voltage levels.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus has a motor for moving its components in different directions. A collision sensor is formed by a bladder attached to a component of the apparatus and deformation of the bladder produces a change in the pressure of air within the bladder. The bladder has an air vent to the atmosphere which can be sealed by operation of a valve. A pressure sensor produces two control signals when the pressure within the bladder exceeds first and second threshold levels respectively. The second threshold level is greater in magnitude than said first threshold level. The first control signal closes the valve and causes a motor control circuit to discontinue any application of electricity to the motor. The second control signal opens a switch through which electricity normally flows to the motor. A mechanism also is provided to simulate a collision by compressing the bladder to test the operation of the detection system.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus and method allow inspection of the contents of containers moving rapidly past an inspection station. The system includes an X-ray source pulsed by control logic, an image amplifier for converting an X-ray image of the container contents to a visible image and a solid-state camera for converting the visible image into video signals which are processed by a computer-controlled image processor. Clear images are produced of the contents of rapidly moving containers by pulsing the X-ray source. Control logic and a reject mechanism eject containers having foreign contaminants. Image illuminance stability is enhanced by feedback signals from the vision computer which operate a motorized camera lens.

Abstract: An assembly for an X-ray imaging apparatus has a vacuum tube with an envelope containing an anode, a cathode and a filament. The vacuum tube is enclosed in an electrically conductive casing along with a high voltage supply for the tube. Electrical current is supplied to components within the casing by one or more transformers that extend through openings in the casing. Each transformer has an annular core that is sealed to the casing by magnetically non-conductive material. Another magnetically non-conductive seal extends across the central opening in the core. Thus each transformer is mounted in a manner that hermetically seals the aperture through which it extends. Each transformer has a one winding magnetically coupled to the core outside the casing, and another winding magnetically coupled to the core inside the casing and connected to an internal component of the assembly.

Abstract: Radiology installation comprising a set of instruments between which there is a flow of data signals. For the transmission of these signals, the installation comprises at least two loops between which the data can flow. Each loop is capable of transmitting data which does not flow through another loop. Preferably, there is a main loop and secondary or specialized loops.

Abstract: A periodically moving object, e.g., the heart, is X-rayed in response to periodic pulses generated at instances in the period at which the object is anticipated to be in a given position. Stochastic movements shift the position of the object at those instances such that image artifacts may result. A prediction methodology is utilized to predict when the object has moved stochastically and therefore will be out of position at the forthcoming pulse. That forthcoming pulse is then suppressed to preclude imaging the object out of position. Kalman filtering is utilized in the prediction methodology.

Abstract: For taking X-ray photographs there is provided a moveable tower structure for ceiling-mounted frame which carries a beam source arranged for movement in X-Y-Z directions and which is rotatable about a horizontal axis. A receptor unit is mounted beneath a patient support table for movement in the X direction and Y direction. Activation of a holder associated with the receptor unit and intended to receive a vertically extending secondary receptor for horizontal beam path causes the beam source to move automatically to a basic setting.

Abstract: A main body comprising a gantry having an X-ray tube and a detector incorporated therein and a bed is disposed within a test room. A main console for general use and a simplified console are disposed within an operation room. The main console permits selection of all the sequences conducted by an X-ray CT apparatus and setting of all the parameters. The simplified console has some of the functions available by the main console, and it inhibits selection of a certain sequence and setting of certain parameters, automatically selects such a sequence, and automatically sets such parameters. The main console and simplified console are coupled to a CPU through a selector and console I/F. A disk memory device is also coupled to the CPU. The selector normally connects the main console to the console I/F and connects the simplified console to the console I/F when instructed by a command from the simplified console.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube, which is biased by a high voltage power supply connected to the tube by one or two shielded cables which have a characteristic impedance. The cables are coupled to the X-ray tube by a resistance which is substantially equal to the characteristic impedance when a single cable is used or to twice the characteristic impedance when two cables are used. During a breakdown of the X-ray tube, the resistance depresses electrical current flow between the anode and the cathode of the tube. This current is in part due to the energy stored in the cable, which is not depressed by conventional current limiting circuits in the high voltage power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring and damping resistor arrangement for a high-voltage apparatus. The measuring resistor arrangement preferably includes several series-connected resistors which are arranged on a support and which are capacitively bridged and is electrostatically shielded by a damping resistor arrangement. Preferably, the damping resistor arrangement is formed by a resistance wire wound onto an insulating body which encloses a part of the measuring resistor arrangement at the high-voltage side.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus has motors for moving its components in different directions. Sensors are provided to detect a collision between a motor driven component and an object, such as a patient being examined. In response to a collision being detected, a normal motor power supply is disconnected from the motor and another power supply is connected to the motor to move the component in the reverse direction. A safeguard is incorporated to insure that both power supplies cannot be coupled to the motor at the same time. For components which can strike a patient when moving in either of two directions, different collision sensors are provided for each direction. For this configuration, a mechanism also is provided to inhibit the connection of the other power supply when collisions are simultaneously detected each direction of component movement.

Abstract: A collision preventive device for medical equipment (such as readiotherapy equipment) having moving parts to which accessaries are disengageably attached includes a contact detection circuit in which the normally closed contact detector switches disposed on the moving part and on the accessary are all coupled in series, so that an occurrence of contact of the moving part or of the accessary attached thereto can be detected by a relay coupled across a current source in series with the contact detector switches.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for minimizing residual vibration of a radiographic system due to rapid movement of a radiographic film cassette between a park and expose position. The cassette is moved by a servo system including a servo motor which is responsive to a voltage input waveform to drive the cassette. A waveform is chosen for the voltage input such that no impulse derivatives appear until the waveform has been differentiated at least three times. The primary natural resonant frequency of the system is determined and noted. The duration of the selected input waveform is adjusted such that the frequency spectrum of the adjusted input waveform defines a relative null which approximately coincides with the primary resonant frequency. The amplitude of the voltage input waveform is then further adjusted as a function of the distance to be traveled by the cassette between the park and expose positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an X-ray diagnostics installation having control elements for control of specific components of the installation. In order to prevent inadvertent actuation of the elements, an activation switch must be actuated to cause each of the control elements to be effective for a predetermined time. The length of the predetermined time can be increased by actuation of one of the control elements following the actuation of the activation switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for X-ray imagery of an object comprising an X-ray source adapted to variably dispose of a point source of X-rays about a first surface of the X-ray source and a detector adapted to receive the X-rays and translate the X-rays into electrical signals. The detector is adapted to selectively respond to incident X-rays, e.g., in accordance with the angle of incidence of the X-rays upon the surface of the detector. The detector may be formed of an array of individual detector elements, or may comprise a light transducer disposed adjacent the input to a television camera. The interrogation of the detector elements, or scan of the television camera image, may be synchronized with the movement of the X-ray source such that the spacial relationship between the movement of the point source and the sampled detector element, or scan point of the television camera, remain substantially constant as the point source moves.

Abstract: Apparatus for making sectional radiographs which allows for the operator to preset the scanning patterns to be followed by the apparatus during the making of a sectional radiograph. The operator positions the source or the image detector in at least one point on the path defining the desired scanning pattern. This position is measured and applied to an arithmetic device which derives therefrom reference values for driving the source and the image detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient with respect to an X-ray installation. An X-ray image is produced at the beginning of the operation and stored in an image memory. The memory is read in order to visualize the X-ray image on a television receiver. The table is displaced to a desired position, and the image in the receiver is decentered so as to reproduce the image that would be observed if an X-ray were taken at the desired position.

Abstract: Medical diagnostic X-ray table assembly including an X-ray source and detector. The entire assembly is mounted on a cantilevered horizontal transverse pivot for being raised and lowered or tilted as a unit. The table assembly is mounted eccentrically to the horizontal transverse pivot so the table can clear the floor when tilted to the foot down position, yet the table is low enough to be mounted easily by a patient.The X-ray source and detector means are each supported by a series of superposed carriages driven by lead screw drives, thereby allowing the source and detector to independently translate transversely, longitudinally, and toward or away from the patient support. The X-ray source is also mounted on a transverse axis for being pivoted. A novel hydraulic mechanism is provided for tilting the table.