489 results about "Wire source" patented technology

The present invention relates to a system for performing and monitoring minimally invasive interventions with an x-ray unit, in which at least one x-ray source and one x-ray detector can traverse a circular track through an angle range, an ECG recording unit, an imaging catheter, a mapping unit with a mapping catheter and an ablation unit with an ablation catheter. The system comprises a control and evaluation unit with interfaces for the units and catheters, which enable an exchange of data with the control and evaluation unit. The control and evaluation unit is designed for processing measurement or image data which it receives from the catheters and units, and for controlling the catheters and units for the capture of the measurement or image data. The workflow from the examination through to the therapy, particularly with regard to the treatment of tachycardial arrhythmias, is covered completely and continuously by the proposed system.

A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging, system comprises a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame having an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges disposed thereon. A deployment means may be attached to the frame for deploying the frame into an X-ray imaging position, and for collapsing the frame into a transport position.The collapsible X-ray frame may remain stationary during X-ray imaging while a vehicle or container is driven through or towed through an inspection area defined under the frame. Alternatively, the collapsible X-ray frame may be movable relative to a stationary vehicle or container during X-ray imaging.

A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes creating an impression of the patient's teeth; and scanning the impression using an X-ray source to generate the digital model.

A robotically controlled five degree-of-freedom x-ray gantry positioning apparatus, which is connected to a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, is being disclosed. The positioning system can be attached to a cantilevered o-shaped or c-shaped gantry. The positioning system can precisely translate the attached gantry in the three orthogonal axes X-Y-Z and orient the gantry about the X-axis and Y-axis while keeping the center of the gantry fixed, (see FIG. 1). The positioning apparatus provides both iso-centric and non iso-centric “Tilt” and “Wag” rotations of the gantry around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The iso-centric “Wag” rotation is a multi-axis combination of two translations and one rotation. Additionally, a field of view larger than that provided by the detector is provided in pure AP (anterior / posterior) and lateral detector positions through additional combinations of multi-axis coordinated motion. Each axis can be manually controlled or motorized with position feedback to allow storage of gantry transformations. Motorized axes enable the gantry to quickly and accurately return to preset gantry positions and orientations.A system and method for enlarging the field of view of the object being imaged combines a rotation of the x-ray source and detector with a multi-axis translation of the gantry.

A panoramic imaging apparatus is provided, which is able to freely display a focus-optimized internal structural image of the tooth row depending on a position using image data acquired by only one-time X-ray panoramic imaging from an arbitrary section along a patient's tooth row.The panoramic imaging apparatus comprise an X-ray source (31) and a detector (32) outputting a digital electrical signal depending on an incident X-ray at a constant frame rate. This apparatus further comprises means (24) for moving a pair of the X-ray source and the detector around an object in a state where the X-ray source and the detector are opposed to each other with the object located therebetween, means (54) for sequentially storing, as frame data, the electrical signal outputted by the detector, means (56) for producing a panoramic image of a desired section of the object based on the frame data, and means (56, 57, 58) for producing a partial sectional image using the frame data, the partial sectional image being an image of a partial region specified on the panoramic image and being focused depending on a desired position in an imaging space.

A scanning unit for inspecting objects comprises in one example a radiation source, a movable platform to support an object, and a detector positioned to receive radiation after interaction of radiation with the object. The platform is movable at least partially within a cavity defined, at least partially, below at least one of the source or the detector. In another scanning unit, a first conveyor conveys an object to a movable platform, and second and third conveyors convey the object from the platform. The second and third conveyors are at different vertical heights. In another scanning unit, images from an energy sensitive detector and a spatial detector are fused. In a method, scanning parameters during CT scanning are changed and images reconstructed before and after the change. In another method, an object is scanned with X-ray beams having first and second energy distributions, generated by the same X-ray source.

A scanning unit for inspecting objects comprises in one example a radiation source, a movable platform to support an object, and a detector positioned to receive radiation after interaction of radiation with the object. The platform is movable at least partially within a cavity defined, at least partially, below at least one of the source or the detector. In another scanning unit, a first conveyor conveys an object to a movable platform, and second and third conveyors convey the object from the platform. The second and third conveyors are at different vertical heights. In another scanning unit, images from an energy sensitive detector and a spatial detector are fused. In a method, scanning parameters during CT scanning are changed and images reconstructed before and after the change. In another method, an object is scanned with X-ray beams having first and second energy distributions, generated by the same X-ray source.

A portable wire feeder system is disclosed that includes multiple wire supplies disposed in a case or luggage. The system has a number of embodiments each including multiple wire sources and at least one wire feeder disposed in the case. In a one embodiment multiple wire supplies and a wire feeder are mounted in a fixed position, and are configured to enable feeding of the wire from either supply to the wire feeder. In other embodiments, either the wire supplies or the wire feeder moves to align the wire supply with the wire feeder. In another embodiment, a wire guide is disposed between the wire feeder and wire supplies. In another embodiment, a second wire feeder is disposed within the case and is configured to align with a second wire supply while the first wire feeder is aligned with the first wire supply.

Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.

A robotically controlled five degree-of-freedom x-ray gantry positioning apparatus, which is connected to a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, is being disclosed. The positioning system can be attached to a cantilevered o-shaped or c-shaped gantry. The positioning system can precisely translate the attached gantry in the three orthogonal axes X-Y-Z and orient the gantry about the X-axis and Y-axis while keeping the center of the gantry fixed, (see FIG. 1). The positioning apparatus provides both iso-centric and non iso-centric “Tilt” and “Wag” rotations of the gantry around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The iso-centric “Wag” rotation is a multi-axis combination of two translations and one rotation. Additionally, a field of view larger than that provided by the detector is provided in pure AP (anterior / posterior) and lateral detector positions through additional combinations of multi-axis coordinated motion. Each axis can be manually controlled or motorized with position feedback to allow storage of gantry transformations. Motorized axes enable the gantry to quickly and accurately return to preset gantry positions and orientations. A system and method for enlarging the field of view of the object being imaged combines a rotation of the x-ray source and detector with a multi-axis translation of the gantry.

A projection-based x-ray imaging system combines projection magnification and optical magnification in order to ease constraints on source spot size, while improving imaging system footprint and efficiency. The system enables tomographic imaging of the sample especially in a proximity mode where the same is held in close proximity to the scintillator. In this case, a sample holder is provided that can rotate the sample. Further, a z-axis motion stage is also provided that is used to control distance between the sample and the scintillator.

A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection. The x-ray source may irradiate the first x-rays at a high intensity, and the x-ray source may be an x-ray tube.

A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes imaging a patient utilizing a computed tomography imaging modality, the patient between the pencil-beam x-ray source and the x-ray detector, and imaging the patient between the pencil-beam x-ray source and the x-ray detector using a nuclear medicine imaging modality.

A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

A screening device for use in scanning objects for security checking or medical observation includes an X-ray source providing two beams for projection at the object, a linear sensor array being provided for each beam whereby an intensity map and a motion map is generated to provide a data set from which a 3D image can be generated and viewed.

There is provided a TFT-LCD using multi-phase charge sharing, in which odd-numbered source lines and even-numbered source line are connected to an external capacitor through a switching element during a period of multi-phase charge sharing time, to share the charges charged in the source lines. The TFT-LCD includes: a source driver for outputting video data signals each of which corresponds to one pixel through a plurality of source lines; switching elements for multi-phase charge sharing; and an external capacitor, connected between a liquid crystal panel and the source driver, for collecting charges of a source line having a voltage higher than a common electrode voltage and supplying them to a source line having a voltage lower than the common electrode voltage when the source lines are connected thereto.

In an X-ray CT apparatus comprising an X-ray source irradiating X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector that is disposed oppositely to the X-ray source in a manner placing the object therebetween and is to detect transmitting X-rays through the object as projection data, a rotating means that rotates the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, a control means that collects the projection data from plural angular directions obtained through rotation of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector by the rotating means, performs reconstruction computation of these collected projection data to produce tomographic images of the object as well as controls the X-ray source and the rotating means and a display means that displays the produced tomographic images, the X-ray CT apparatus further comprising a projection data analysis means that reconstructs a tomographic image at an imaging portion of the object used for analysis from the projection data and produces a control profile by reprojecting the reconstructed tomographic image and a tube current control means that controls value of current to be fed to the X-ray tube based on the produced control profile.

An X-ray imaging system includes: a micro X-ray source array formation part configured to form a micro X-ray source array by partially shielding an X-ray emitted from an X-ray source; and an X-ray detector configured to detect an X-ray transmitted through a test object. The micro X-ray source array formation part includes a plurality of gratings disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. A ratio of X-rays transmitted through all of the plurality of gratings to X-rays generated from the X-ray source varies depending on a position of an X-ray generating point on the X-ray source, and the micro X-ray source array formation part forms a micro X-ray source array of a pattern in accordance with the variation of the ratio of the transmitted X-rays.

An X-ray computed tomography scanning system for inspecting an object includes a platform configured to support the object. The platform is rotatable about an axis and movable in a direction parallel to the axis. At least one X-ray source is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform and configured to transmit radiation through the object. At least one X-ray detector is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform. The at least one X-ray detector is configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and generate a signal representative of the detected radiation.

A method and apparatus for feeding wire from a source of wire to a weld includes one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive the wire to the weld. A buffer is disposed between the source and an arc end of the torch. Another motor may be disposed near the wire source.A wire tension controller may be provided. The one or more motors advance and retract the wire, and wire is stored, or the path length altered, when the wire is retracted.

An -ray emitted from an incident optical system is incident on a sample supported by a sample support mechanism, and a diffracted X-ray is detected by a receiving optical system. The incident optical system includes an X-ray source and a multilayer-film mirror. An attitude controlling unit of the sample support mechanism switches a condition of the sample support mechanism from a state maintaining the sample to have a first attitude in which a normal line of the surface of the sample is parallel with a first axis of rotation to another state maintaining the sample to have a second attitude in which the normal line of the surface of the sample is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. When the receiving optical system is rotated around the first axis of rotation while maintaining the sample in the first attitude, in-plane diffraction measurement is possible. On the other hand, when the receiving optical system is rotated in the same way while maintaining the sample in the second attitude, out-of-plane diffraction measurement is possible.

A debris removing system prevents debris from being scattered from an X-ray source. The debris removing system includes an attracting unit, disposed between a light emission point of the X-ray source and the optical system, for attracting debris. The attracting unit has an attracting surface parallel or approximately parallel to an axis passing through the light emission point. The debris removing system further includes a rotation unit for rotating the attracting unit about the axis. This debris removing system assures a superior debris removing effect and a good EUV light utilization efficiency, being compatible with each other.

Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.

A source grating for X-rays and the like which can enhance spatial coherence and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging is provided. The source grating for X-rays is disposed between an X-ray source and a test object and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging. The source grating for X-rays includes a plurality of sub-gratings formed by periodically arranging projection parts each having a thickness shielding an X-ray at constant intervals. The plurality of sub-gratings are stacked in layers by being shifted.

The radiological imaging system which can improve an energy resolution and perform a diagnosis with high accuracy includes a bed for carrying an examinee H, first and second imaging apparatuses and disposed along the longitudinal direction of the bed. The first imaging apparatus has a plurality of semiconductor radiation detectors for detecting γ-rays emitted from the examinee H, arranged around the bed, the second imaging apparatus has an X-ray source for emitting X-rays to the examinee H and a radiation detector for detecting X-rays which have been emitted from the X-ray source and passed through the examinee H, and the bed is shared by the first imaging apparatus and the second imaging apparatus.

The invention provides a CT (computed tomography) luggage safety inspection system which comprises a scanning channel, an X-ray source and a detection arm support, wherein luggage objects get in and get out of the CT luggage safety inspection system through the scanning channel; the X-ray source is arranged on one side of the scanning channel; the detection arm support is arranged on one side opposite to the scanning channel; a plurality of detector components are arranged on the detection arm support. The CT luggage safety inspection system is characterized in that the head peaks of the receiving surfaces of at least one group of detector crystals on each of the detection components are positioned on an arc which takes the center of the scanning channel as a circle center; the multiple detection components are connected with one another in sequence; all the receiving surfaces of the detector crystals in the multiple detection components are positioned in a range of radial ray bundles which take a target as a circle center; furthermore, connecting lines of the middle points of the receiving surfaces of at least one group of detector crystals in each detection component and the target of the X-ray source are perpendicular to the receiving surfaces of the detector crystals.

The invention refers to an X-ray beam device for X-ray analytical applications, comprising an X-ray source designed such as to emit a divergent beam of X-rays; and an optical assembly designed such as to focus said beam onto a focal spot, wherein said optical assembly comprises a first reflecting optical element, a monochromator device and a second reflecting optical element sequentially arranged between said source and said focal spot, wherein said first optical element is designed such as to collimate said beam in two dimensions towards said monochromator device, and wherein said second optical element is designed such as to focus the beam coming from said monochromator device in two dimensions onto said focal spot.

An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an optical device configured to form a periodic pattern using X-rays radiated from an X-ray source, an alignment mark of the optical device, a first detector, a second detector, and a movement unit configured to change at least either a position of the optical device or an angle of the optical device on the basis of a result of detection performed by the second detector. The first detector detects X-rays that have passed through the optical device and a subject, and the second detector detects X-rays that have passed through the alignment mark. The movement unit includes a movement instruction section that instructs the optical device to move on the basis of the result of the detection performed by the second detector and movement sections that move the optical device on the basis of the instruction issued by the movement instruction section.

A compact, self-contained x-ray source, and a compact x-ray source panel having a plurality of such x-ray sources arranged in a preferably broad-area pixelized array. Each x-ray source includes an electron source for producing an electron beam, an x-ray conversion target, and a multilayer insulator separating the electron source and the x-ray conversion target from each other. The multi-layer insulator preferably has a cylindrical configuration with a plurality of alternating insulator and conductor layers surrounding an acceleration channel leading from the electron source to the x-ray conversion target. A power source is connected to each x-ray source of the array to produce an accelerating gradient between the electron source and x-ray conversion target in any one or more of the x-ray sources independent of other x-ray sources in the array, so as to accelerate an electron beam towards the x-ray conversion target. The multilayer insulator enables relatively short separation distances between the electron source and the x-ray conversion target so that a thin panel is possible for compactness. This is due to the ability of the plurality of alternating insulator and conductor layers of the multilayer insulators to resist surface flashover when sufficiently high acceleration energies necessary for x-ray generation are supplied by the power source to the x-ray sources.