Picker International, Inc.

Philips Medical Systems (cleveland), Inc.

Marc Piscitelli

Joseph S Deucher

Dennis K Everett

Leonard F Plut

Pieter Gerhard Roos

Kenneth L Freeman

Andrew J Ivan

Robert E Shroy, Jr

A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region ( ). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region ( ). An arc of first radiation detectors ( ) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor ( ) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor ( ). A second x-ray source ( ) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector ( ). A second image reconstruction processor ( ) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector ( ). A C-arm ( ) supports the second x-ray source ( ) and the flat panel radiation detector ( ) in a plane offset from a plane of the C-arm. A movable mounting structure (E) is mechanically connected with the gantry (A) and the C-arm ( ) to move the C-arm between a stored position and an operating position adjacent the bore.

Fluoro-assist feature for a diagnostic imaging device

In an x-ray imaging system, an x-ray detector assembly includes an x-ray detector and a support assembly secured to the x-ray detector for supporting an antiscatter grid assembly. The x-ray detector preferably includes a matrix of crystal detectors. The support assembly includes a foam bezel having one or more magnets disposed therein. The antiscatter grid assembly includes an antiscatter grid secured to a metal frame. The one or more magnets disposed in the bezel are situated so as to align with the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly when the antiscatter grid assembly is coupled to the x-ray detector assembly. The strengths of the one or more magnets are such as to allow the antiscatter grid assembly to be removably secured to the x-ray detector assembly. Alternatively, the one or more magnets may be secured to the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly and corresponding metal plates may be placed in the support assembly.

Magnetic support for removable antiscatter grid

A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36). A C-arm (30) supports the second x-ray source (32) and the flat panel radiation detector (36) in a plane offset from a plane of the C-arm. A movable mounting structure (E) is mechanically connected with the gantry (A) and the C-arm (30) to move the C-arm between a stored position and an operating position adjacent the bore.

An imaging device includes a support member (30), a x-ray source (32) mounted to the support member via a first arm (34), and an x-ray detector (36) mounted to the support member via a second arm (38). The x-ray detector includes a sealed housing (72) mounted to the second arm and a flat panel image receptor (74) retained within the housing. A cooling system (G) exchanges heated air in the housing with ambient air located remote from the housing. The support member (30) includes an open channel (68), a closed channel (70), a common wall (106) separating the open channel from the closed channel, and a series of vents (108) through the common wall. The second arm (38) includes an inlet passage (92) and an exhaust passage (90) each of which communicate with the closed passage (70) and interior cavity (98) of the housing. At least one fan (100) is positioned in at least one of the exhaust passage and the inlet passage. An air deflector (102) extends over the inlet passage and the outlet passage at the first end thereof to prevent exhaust air from being drawn into the inlet passage. A baffle (96) extends through the cavity (98) to direct the flow of air within the cavity.

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Richmond Heights, OH, United States of America

Marc Piscitelli