Abstract: A radiation system may include a treatment head configured to deliver a treatment beam to an object, a first assistance assembly configured to facilitate a delivery of the treatment beam, a first imaging radiation source configured to direct a first imaging beam toward the object, a first detector configured to detect at least a portion of the first imaging beam, and a second assistance assembly configured to facilitate a delivery of the first imaging beam. The gantry may include a first gantry portion having a rotation axis and a second gantry portion located next to the first gantry portion along the rotation axis. The treatment head, the first imaging radiation source, and the first detector may be disposed on the first gantry portion. The first assistance assembly and the second assistance assembly may be housed within the second gantry portion.

Abstract: Breast securement devices for imaging systems are provided. The securement device can include a breast tray configured to support a patient's breast. In one example, one or more walls extend from the breast tray to receive the patient's breast. In another example, a pair of arms pivotably extend at least partially over the breast tray to receive the patient's breast therebetween. In still another example, a membrane covers the breast tray and the patient's breast and selectively couples to the breast tray via a suction force. In yet another example, a paddle includes a plurality of flexible fingers that contour to the patient's breast, or includes an array of pins that independently slide within of the paddle and contour to the patient's breast, or includes a bladder having non-Newtonian fluid. Additionally or alternatively, a sling may receive the patient's breast and support the breast from below.

Abstract: An actuator, configured to move a first object with respect to a second object, that includes a first body having an annular ring, a second body, arranged movably with respect to the first body, having a longitudinal shaft at least partially disposed within the annular ring, and at least one spring device, arranged between the first body and the second body, wherein the at least one spring device is configured to guide relative movements between the first body and the second body in a range of movement, and the at least one spring device has two or more leaf springs, wherein each of the two or more leaf springs is connected to the first body and to the second body, and wherein at least one of the leaf springs is in a non-planar state when the spring device is in an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A pediatric position holder for holding a child in a position is provided. The pediatric position holder includes a central panel extending longitudinally from a cranial portion to a caudal portion, arm flaps extending outwardly from opposing sides of the central panel, and leg flaps extending outwardly from opposing sides of the central panel. The arm flaps each include a proximal arm segment and a distal arm segment extending from the proximal arm segment. The leg flaps each include a proximal leg segment that defines one cutout and a distal leg segment extending from the proximal leg segment. The pediatric restraint is configurable between an initial, open configuration and a second, closed configuration in which the distal arm segments of the arm flaps overlap one another, and the distal leg segment of each of the leg flaps is positioned within the cutout of the respective leg flap.

Abstract: A system for imaging a breast includes a gantry and a tube head rotatably coupled thereto. An x-ray source is disposed within the tube head. A support arm is movably coupled to the gantry and includes a breast support platform. An x-ray detector is disposed within the breast support platform and a compression arm is movably coupled to the support arm. An opaque breast compression paddle is coupled to the compression arm. The breast support platform and the opaque compression paddle at least partially define a compression volume for compressing a breast and a camera is arranged to capture images of the compression volume. An image display is at least partially disposed on the system and is configured to display the images of the compression volume captured by the camera.

Abstract: The core sample holder for microwave heating of a core sample includes a hollow housing having opposed open first and second ends. A resilient sleeve is disposed within the hollow housing. An annular bladder is disposed within the hollow housing and surrounds the resilient sleeve. The annular bladder is adapted for receiving a liquid. An annular cavity is defined between the outer surface of the annular bladder and the inner surface of the hollow housing and is adapted for receiving a pressurized fluid through at least one pressurized fluid port. First and second caps releasably cover and seal the first and second ends of the hollow housing, respectively. A microwave waveguide passes through the wall of the hollow housing and the annular cavity for transmitting microwave radiation from an external microwave source into the liquid contained within the annular bladder to heat the liquid.

Abstract: A compression assembly is coupled to the gantry of an ultrasound breast imaging system. The compression assembly includes a pair of compression paddles mounted on a positioning track, Each compression paddle houses a transducer and has a compression material surface for patient contact. A motor moves the compression paddles along the positioning track to immobilize the breast for ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for the measurement of an object, wherein the method comprises the following steps: ascertainment of measurement data using a radiographic measurement of the object, wherein the measurement data generates a digital representation of the object with a large number of items of image information of the object; and carrying out the following steps at least before ending the ascertainment of measurement data: analysis of at least one portion of the digital representation of the object; optimization of at least one recording parameter of the radiographic measurement using the analysed portion of the digital representation of the object; and adaptation of the step of ascertainment of measurement data taking the at least one recording parameter into consideration. The invention thus provides a computer-implemented method that has an increased efficiency.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system and method for an x-ray CT microscope processes image data of an object at different angles and generates a model of the object. This model is then used to configure the microscope for operation and possibly avoid collisions between the microscope and the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active material analysis apparatus for analyzing an active material of a battery. An active material analysis apparatus of the present invention may comprise: a lower plate at which an electrode is located; an upper plate which is coupled to the lower plate with the electrode disposed therebetween; a sealing member positioned at a joint part between the upper plate and the lower plate; and a coupling member for coupling the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein: the upper plate includes an opening provided to allow a light source to be radiated to the electrode; an electrolyte is filled in a space between the upper plate and the lower plate; the opening is covered by glass; and the upper plate faces a liquid surface formed by the electrolyte and is positioned at a position higher than that of the liquid surface.

Abstract: Some implementations described herein include operating components in a lithography system at variable speeds to reduce, minimize, and/or prevent particle generation due to rubbing of or collision between contact parts of the components. In some implementations, a component in a path of transfer of a semiconductor substrate in the lithography system is operated at a relatively high movement speed through a first portion of an actuation operation, and is operated at a reduced movement speed (e.g., a movement speed that is less than the high movement speed) through a second portion of the actuation operation in which contact parts of the component are to interact. The reduced movement speed reduces the likelihood of particle generation and/or release from the contact parts when the contact parts interact, while the high movement speed provides a high semiconductor substrate throughput in the lithography system.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in NMR measurements on a liquid NMR sample in an NMR spectrometer has a cylindrical flow cell for receiving the NMR sample, with a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, and a connecting piece arranged at the first opening for connecting a flow line to the flow cell in a fluid-tight manner. An opening diameter dop of the first opening is smaller than an inner flow cell diameter din, and a sealing head of the connecting piece is arranged in the first opening, with a sealing head diameter dseal larger than dop. For NMR measurements, the flow cell assembly is modified in such a way that the flow lines can be easily exchanged, and high-quality NMR flow measurements can be carried out independently of the orientation of the magnetic field in the NMR spectrometer.

Abstract: A reticle inspection system and a method of handling a reticle in a reticle inspection system are provided. The reticle inspection system includes an active reticle carrier and an inspection tool. The reticle is disposed on the active reticle carrier, and the inspection tool is configured to determine an orientation of the reticle when the active reticle carrier is disposed on a reticle stage. The active reticle carrier is movable between a loading station and the reticle stage and is configured to rotate the reticle to reorient the reticle based on the orientation of the reticle while the active carrier is disposed on the reticle stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for inspecting a sample. The apparatus includes a sample holder for holding the sample, at least the sample holder comprises a cooling system which is configured for cooling at least the sample, preferably to cryogenic temperatures; a charged particle exposure system includes an assembly for projecting a focused beam of primary charged particles onto the sample held by the sample holder; and a light optical microscope. The sample holder includes a sheet of a scintillator material, and the sample holder is configured to position the sample in between the charged particle optical column and the sheet of the scintillator material. The light optical microscope includes a detection system configured for acquiring an optical image of at least a part of the sheet of the scintillator material.

Abstract: An intraoperative specimen imaging system is provided. The intraoperative specimen imaging system includes a mammography imaging system configured to acquire imaging data. The intraoperative specimen imaging system also includes a specimen holding system configured to hold a tissue sample, wherein the specimen holding system is retrofittedly coupled to the mammography imaging system, wherein the intraoperative specimen imaging system is configured to acquire imaging data for generating three-dimensional (3D) images of the tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breast compression paddle for a mammographic/tomosynthesis imaging system. The paddle including a front wall which is adjacent an imaged patient's chest. The bottom wall which is connected to a curved lower interface extends away from the chest wall and is adjacent to the top of a compressed breast. Two outer edges which extend away from the front reference surface, partially define a slightly raised central portion of the bottom wall. A bottom reference plane, a vertical reference plane substantially orthogonal to the front reference surface and the bottom reference plane, and an access surface disposed proximate at least one of the two outer edge portions are each defined by the bottom wall. The access surface is non-orthogonal to the front reference surface, the bottom reference plane, and the vertical reference plane.

Abstract: A structure for grounding an extreme ultraviolet mask (EUV mask) is provided to discharge the EUV mask during the inspection by an electron beam inspection tool. The structure for grounding an EUV mask includes at least one grounding pin to contact conductive areas on the EUV mask, wherein the EUV mask may have further conductive layer on sidewalls or/and back side. The inspection quality of the EU mask is enhanced by using the electron beam inspection system because the accumulated charging on the EUV mask is grounded. The reflective surface of the EUV mask on a continuously moving stage is scanned by using the electron beam simultaneously. The moving direction of the stage is perpendicular to the scanning direction of the electron beam.

Abstract: A breast compression paddle has two sidewalls, each having an upper edge. Spanning the two side walls is a leading wall which also has an upper edge and is disposed distal from a bracket that is connected to a compression arm. Foam is secured to a substrate which is movably secured to the bracket and the rigid frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, portions of the substrate and foam are disposed above the upper edges of all three walls. In the second position, the substrate and all of the foam is disposed below the upper edges of all three walls.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining a depositional environment of a sample of a subterranean environment. An example method includes measuring intensities for a crystallographic plane (CP) 100 peak and a CP 101 peak for quartz in a diffractogram, calculating a ratio of the intensities of the CP 100 peak to the CP 101 peak, and identifying a depositional environment for the sample from the ratio.

Abstract: A system includes a gantry of a medical imaging device; a linear guide; a carriage system configured to detachably accommodate the gantry and supported in a movable manner via the linear guide parallel to a longitudinal direction relative to a base area; and a drive system configured to move the carriage system parallel to the longitudinal direction relative to the base area while the gantry is accommodated in the carriage system. In at least one embodiment, the gantry includes a chassis configured to move the gantry on the base area in a traveling manner relative to the carriage system while the gantry is detached from the carriage system.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes the following steps: (a) performing a first object imaging and obtaining a first object intensity signal by detecting an X-ray passing through a first object; (b) performing baseline imaging process, obtaining a baseline intensity signal by detecting the X-ray when the first object is not in a FOV; and; (c) obtaining the first thickness of the first object by performing operations on the first object intensity signal, the baseline intensity signal, and the first attenuation coefficient of the first object.

Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non-coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.

Abstract: A movement detection device for detecting quantitatively the movement of a patient by capturing images of a deformable surface having an indicator associated therewith, the indicator being responsive to changes in a profile of the deformable surface. The captured images are analysed to derive a patient movement from the changes in the profile of the deformable surface. For example, the movement detection device of the invention can detect the sense (translational and/or rotational) and magnitude of the patient movement. This information may enable real time adjustment of the treatment signal or indeed provide a safety facility whereby should there be detection that the patent has moved or has moved beyond certain parameters, the device that is observing or treating the patent is switched off.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an upright member, a frame, and a plurality of field generating elements. The body is configured to be positioned between a patient's back and a backrest of a chair. The upright member extends upwardly from the body. The frame has a curved configuration configured to partially surround a patient's head. The field generating elements are configured to generate an electromagnetic field around a patient's head partially surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for investigating crystallization and/or for controlling a reaction or a phase transition are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microfluidic device includes a reservoir layer; a membrane disposed on the reservoir layer; a wetting control layer disposed on the membrane; and a storage layer disposed on the wetting control layer, wherein the wetting control layer and the storage layer define a microfluidic channel comprising an upstream portion, a downstream portion, a first fluid path in communication with the upstream and the downstream portions, and a storage well positioned within the first fluid path, wherein the wetting control layer includes a fluid passageway in communication with the storage well and the membrane, and wherein the wetting control layer wets a first fluid introduced into the microfluidic channel, the first fluid comprising a hydrophilic, lipophilic, fluorophilic or gas phase as the continuous phase in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A mask carrier and an evaporation system are provided. The mask carrier includes a base and at least two correction fixtures. The at least two correction fixtures are configured to clamp, on the base, a framework of a metal mask which is used for evaporation on the base, the base has a first opening through which organic material passes, and the at least two correction fixtures are around the first opening in a spaced manner. During organic evaporation coating, the at least two correction fixtures on the mask carrier press the framework of the metal mask to prevent the framework from deformation. Thus, a clearance between a substrate and the metal mask is reduced or even eliminated after the substrate is in press-fit with surface of the metal mask. Patterns obtained through evaporation are clear in shape and outline and normal in size. Hence, the product yield is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tomosynthesis process in the context of mammography, in which several individual images of a breast are taken at different projection angles and in which of information thus acquired, tomographic images are synthesized with the help of an applicable image processing software. The mutual geometry of the imaging means of the imaging apparatus when taking these individual images is determined according to the invention by arranging in the imaging apparatus a calibration structure (20), which includes balls (21) or other small objects absorbing X-radiation which are such placed that their projections will become imaged on said individual images.

Abstract: Provided is an in-situ X-ray analysis apparatus including a potentiostat connected to an in-situ electrochemical cell and configured to adjust voltage, current, and time of the in-situ electrochemical cell or to record information regarding voltage, current, resistance, capacity, and time information of the in-situ electrochemical cell; an X-ray analysis apparatus configured to obtain X-ray diffraction information regarding the in-situ electrochemical cell; and a controller connected to the X-ray analysis apparatus and the potentiostat and configured to provide or receive signals to or from the X-ray analysis apparatus and the potentiostat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mammography device for X-ray photographing a breast and a method of photographing an object to be inspected using the same. The mammography device includes: a generator irradiating an X-ray; a detector facing the generator; a pressing pad moving between the generator and the detector to press an object to be inspected; a biological index deciding unit deciding a biological index of a subject; and a controller controlling a movement distance and a velocity of the pressing pad on the basis of the biological index decided in the biological index deciding unit.

Abstract: The mammography apparatus includes an imaging stand that includes a recess that cuts out at least a part of a contact face that comes in contact with a chest wall of a subject, in which the recess has a shape in which among a first ridge portion where the contact face and an upper face are connected to each other, a second ridge portion where the contact face and a lower face are connected to each other, a third ridge portion where the contact face and a first side face are connected to each other, and a fourth ridge portion where the contact face and a second side face are connected to each other, at least a part of the second ridge portion is cut out, and the first ridge portion, the third ridge portion, and the fourth ridge portion are not cut out.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered by a film on one side of the plate. The holes are less than 500 micrometers across in one dimension where the film covers the holes. The film is translucent to x-rays. The present invention also includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered on one side of the plate by a detachable cover forming a water-tight seal against the plate. The cover is substantially free of the elements osmium, yttrium, iridium, phosphorus, zirconium, platinum, gold, niobium, mercury, thallium, molybdenum, sulfur, lead, bismuth, technetium, ruthenium, chlorine, rhodium, palladium, argon, silver, and thorium.

Abstract: A structure for grounding an extreme ultraviolet mask (EUV mask) is provided to discharge the EUV mask during the inspection by an electron beam inspection tool. The structure for grounding an EUV mask includes at least one grounding pin to contact conductive areas on the EUV mask, wherein the EUV mask may have further conductive layer on sidewalls or/and back side. The inspection quality of the EUV mask is enhanced by using the electron beam inspection system because the accumulated charging on the EUV mask is grounded. The reflective surface of the EUV mask on a continuously moving stage is scanned by using the electron beam simultaneously. The moving direction of the stage is perpendicular to the scanning direction of the electron beam.

Abstract: A vapor deposition apparatus is configured to attract a vapor deposition mask by an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a first electromagnet for generating a magnetic field in a first orientation, and a second electromagnet for generating a magnetic field in a second orientation, which is a reverse orientation to the first orientation. As a result, a generated magnetic field is weakened by operating the first and second electromagnets at the same time when a current is turned on, and an intended magnetic field can be obtained by thereafter turning off the second electromagnet. As a result, an influence of electromagnetic induction is reduced, reducing failure of elements and the like formed on a substrate for vapor deposition and degradation in properties of the elements. Meanwhile, by turning off the operation of the second electromagnet after the current is turned on, a normal attraction force can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which forms a pattern in an imprint material on a substrate using a mold, the apparatus comprising a deformation unit configured to deform at least one of the mold and the substrate, and a control unit configured to control a process of starting contact between the mold and the imprint material in a state in which the at least one is deformed, and then gradually increasing a contact area between the mold and the imprint material by gradually decreasing a deformation amount of the at least one, wherein the control unit controls relative positions of the mold and the substrate based on the deformation amount, so as to maintain a relative positional relationship between the mold and the substrate at a region where the mold and the imprint material are contact with each other.

Abstract: A structural element for use in a radiotherapy system or a magnetic resonance imaging system or a combination of a radiotherapy system and a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a plurality of fibers and a matrix, whereby the plurality of fibers are embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating permeability at unsteady-state pressure conditions and areal distribution of microproppants are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: obtaining a first dataset relating to a positive permeability through a split core plug sample of a subterranean formation at a plurality of different differential pressures; obtaining a second dataset relating to a positive permeability through the split core plug sample at each different differential pressure after a plurality of microproppant particles have been placed between two halves of the sample; extrapolating a baseline positive permeability of the sample at a differential pressure equal to zero based on the first dataset; extrapolating a treated positive permeability of the sample at a differential pressure equal to zero based on the second dataset; calculating a closure resistance of the fracture and the fracture closure pressure using the second dataset; and estimating a proppant areal placement factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breast computed tomography system in which the body motion and the pain of an examinee during capturing of images of the breast are reduced. The breast computed tomography system includes a gantry accommodating a light emitting unit that radiates light onto the breast. The gantry includes a gripper having a right gripping portion and a left gripping portion.

Abstract: A system has an imaging system housing and an x-ray source, thereto, a compression arm assembly housing, a support, and a detector. A paddle is disposed between the support and the x-ray source. A bottom surface of the paddle at least partially defines a plane. When in a rest position, the plane is substantially parallel to the support. A pivot mechanism connects the paddle to the compression arm assembly housing. The pivot mechanism defines an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the patient. The pivot mechanism has at least one biasing element for biasing the paddle into the rest position.

Abstract: Provided herein is a radiotherapy breast board and couch for use in radiotherapy treatment of breast cancer patients, which are particularly suitable for treating the patient to the breast/thoracic wall and regional lymph nodes in prone position. The radiotherapy breast board and couch comprises a caudal part for supporting the lower body of the patient and a cranial part with supports for the head and non-treated parts of the upper body. The board or couch further provides an opening allowing for the affected breast of the patient to pass through and an opening allowing for the regional lymph nodes to pass trough as said patient lies in a prone position on said board or couch. This opening allows the use of a variety of beam directions to reach the affected region via short radiological path lengths without passing elements of the breast board or couch.

Abstract: Battery cells are provided that can include: a housing defining a chamber having a fluid inlet and outlet; an anode at one side of the housing; a cathode at another side of the housing opposing and spaced apart from the anode a sufficient amount to allow for electrolyte between the anode and cathode; and the other side of the chamber defined by an ion permeable member. Methods for in situ battery electrode analysis are provided and these methods can include: providing a battery cell having an anode and a cathode; exposing the battery cell to an ion beam while the battery cell is operational to form secondary ions; and detecting the secondary ions to analyze the battery.

Abstract: A passenger security control installation (10) includes a set of transfer trays and a conveying and control path (14) having a receiving end (16) and a security end (18). The installation includes a return conveying path extending beneath the tray conveying and control path (14). The installation includes a plurality of juxtaposed and mechanically independent modules (22), and each one of the modules (22) includes a U-shaped cradle part (24) that defines a cradle median plane and further includes an upper gang of motorized rollers (36) installed above a lower gang of motorized rollers (40) inside the U-shaped cradle (24), along a direction substantially perpendicular to the cradle median plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a core holder for a micron CT observation and an experimental method thereof. The core holder for a micron CT observation comprises: a carbon fiber pipe and a base; the base comprises a fluid injection channel therein; the carbon fiber pipe is provided with a core mounting cavity and a carbon fiber plunger therein; the carbon fiber pipe is a tubular structure with one end closed and the other end open; the carbon fiber plunger can fix the core between the closed end of the carbon fiber pipe and the carbon fiber plunger; the other end of the carbon fiber pipe is in a detachable sealed connection with an outlet of the fluid injection channel of the base. The core holder for a micron CT observation reduces the distance between the core and the micron CT radiation source, and improves the resolution.

Abstract: The device according to the invention consists of associating a laser inspection head including a source emitting a laser beam swept along a defined axis and a handling robot seeing to the movement and spatial orientation of parts whose structure requires inspection. The inspection head and the handling robot are configured and arranged across from one another such that the inspection head occupying a stationary position, the handling robot can move the part to be inspected across from the inspection head, such that the sweep of the laser beam combined with the movement of the part in a direction perpendicular to the sweeping direction makes it possible to inspect the entire surface of the part. In one particular configuration, the handling robot makes it possible to vary the orientation of the part relative to the direction of the laser beam so as to have optimal lighting of the part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mammography device for X-ray photographing an object to be inspected. The mammography device includes: a generator irradiating an X-ray; a support part for an object to be inspected including a detector positioned to face the generator; and a pressing pad moving between the generator and the support part for an object to be inspected to press the object to be inspected, wherein at least one of the support part for an object to be inspected and the pressing pad is rotatably installed at one side of the mammography device, and in a pressing initial state of the object to be inspected, at least one of the support part for an object to be inspected and the pressing pad that is rotatably installed is configured so that a front end portion thereof toward a subject is elastically deflected to a position inclined toward the object to be inspected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the manufacture and use of a non-rigid breast compression paddle, such as a compression paddle having a mesh material forming the primary interface with patient tissue. In certain implementations, an automatic feedback driven approach may be used in conjunction with such a compression paddle for compressing breast tissue.

Abstract: A sample analysis cup, sample cup assembly, and method is provided including a cell body with an open top end including an outer top wall and an inner top wall, each extending axially and positioned in concentric relationship; a bottom wall extending from the outer top wall to the inner top wall, the bottom wall and the inner and outer top walls defining an internal reservoir therebetween; a transverse wall extending a selected distance from the inner top wall, the transverse wall partially closing the open top end; an open bottom end including an outer bottom wall and an inner bottom wall, each extending axially and positioned in concentric relationship, the outer and inner bottom walls defining an internal channel therebetween; and a hollow chamber defined between the open top end and the open bottom end.

Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non- coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.

Abstract: An object, such as a tumor from a breast lumpectomy, is placed into an object positioning device that can hold the object without deforming it. Such a device can include a container with a deformable foam, gel, or other material. The object positioning device is moved into an imaging device. Images of the object within the object positioning device are acquired by the imaging device. The acquired images are stored, processed, or output on a display device. Information about the spatial orientation of the object with respect to a reference object is preserved.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus for readily imaging an object while reducing radiation exposure doses includes a filter that adjusts distribution of a radiation dose transmitted therethrough from a radiation source, a radiation detection unit that detects a radiation dose transmitted through the filter and through an object, a holder that holds the object, an acquisition unit that acquires information about the holder, and a control unit that controls the distribution of the transmitted radiation does according to the information about the holder acquired by the acquisition unit.