General Electric Company

Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC

Ge Medical Systems Global Technology, LLC

Michael D Maki

Thomas Robert Schaefer

Larry Susami

Chad Allan Smith

Brandon Allan Smith

Ronald George Kulas

Timothy Patrick Rose

Robert B Hauck

Duane A Filtz

Mark Edmund Reznicek

Darrell J Miller

Johnathan C Boomgaarden

Terry D Buss

Sharad K Bohra

Systems and methods for integration of a PET detector with a CT gantry are provided. One system includes an x-ray computed tomography (CT) gantry having a rotating portion and a stationary portion within a housing, and including a bore volume therethrough. The system also includes an x-ray source and an x-ray detector coupled to the rotating portion. The system further includes a positron emission tomography (PET) detector, wherein the PET detector is coupled to the stationary portion of the CT gantry, such that the PET detector extends at least partially into the CT gantry with at least a portion of the PET detector within the housing of the CT gantry.

Systems and methods for integration of a positron emission tomography (PET) detector with a computed-tomography (CT) gantry

A tomography system may be used to scan a subject and provide reconstructed images of the subject. A gantry of the tomography system has a rotary member that is rotatable around an axis. While the rotary member rotates, a skid layer provides safety features between the rotary member and a subject-facing scan window.

Gantry with bore safety mechanism

An apparatus for use with a combined CT-PET system wherein a CT source and detector are mounted to a front end of a CT support and the support forms a parking space about a translation axis, a PET detector is mounted to a rear end of the support and a collimator support extends from the PET detector at least part way into the parking space, a collimator is mounted to the collimator support for movement between first and second positions inside the PET detector and outside the PET detector and at least partially within the parking space, respectively, a radiation blocking shield is mounted to the PET detector opposite the CT support to block radiation from that direction from being detected by the PET detector.

Retractable collimator apparatus for a CT-PET system

In the exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for transporting a source pin in a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system. The PET system includes a storage device, a transmission ring, and a source pin loader. The method includes aligning the transmission ring and the source pin, linearly moving the source pin to the transmission ring, and operatively engaging the source pin in the transmission ring.

Source pin loader method and apparatus for positron emission tomography

A focusing apparatus is provided for facilitating the adjustment of the focus for a fixed optics, folded collimating lens in an X-ray imaging system. An idler member is gear driven by an adjustment knob, and is threaded to receive a mating threaded portion of the collimating lens. The collimating lens is constrained from rotating by set screws on horizontal arms which bear on a stationary bushing. Rotation of the adjustment knob thereby causes rotation of the idler member while the collimating lens is restrained from rotating. This results in straight vertical movement of the collimating lens, up or down, until optimum focus is achieved. The set screws also provide for fine rotational alignment of the collimating lens with an image head.

Focusing apparatus for a folded collimating lens in an X-ray imaging

A spot-film device includes an inner carriage whose three members are movable with respect to an outer carriage to provide a cassette tray that will accommodate varying cassette sizes. After insertion of a cassette, the inner carriage automatically contracts to a clamping position and is then movable longitudinally of the table to provide selective placement of the cassette for x-ray exposure. Lateral movement for that purpose is brought about by movement of the outer carriage. A single motor is used to provide both longitudinal clamping and longitudinal transport of the cassette while another motor provides both lateral clamping and lateral transport thereof. The lateral drive mechanism also provides for automatic ejection of a cassette after exposure.

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Oconomowoc, WI, United States of America

Michael D Maki