Hologic, Inc.

Tecogen, Inc.

Richard E Cabral

Jay A Stein

Kevin E Wilson

Donald Barry

Russell J Gershman

Andrew P Smith

Noah Berger

Tracy L Ramsdell

Howard P Weiss

Remo J Rossi

John P O'Brien

Dennis G Lamser

Tina LeFebvre

James D Miller

Daniel W Hawkins

Steven Teta

Thomas L Kelly

John A Shepherd

Eric Von Stetten

Tom Richardson

Vincent E Quinn

Vinnie Quinn

A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Digital flat panel x-ray receptor positioning in diagnostic radiology

An x-ray system using a slot-shaped detector having n rows and m columns of pixels, where n<<m, and providing a variety of relative motions between a patient table and a source-detector unit, including translation along the length of the table, translation across the table, and rotation about the focal spot, and processing the pixel values in a variety of ways to produce information such a shadow graphic x-ray images, tomosynthetic images of surfaces that need not be planar, and bone density estimates. In another embodiment, tomographic images can be obtained directly, using a post-patient collimator that passes nearly all of the primary beam to the imager while eliminating nearly all of the scatter. A feedback loop can equalize the exposure for selected parts of the image substantially in real time.

Two-dimensional slot x-ray bone densitometry, radiography and tomography

Digital flat panel x-ray detector positioning in diagnostic radiology

Radiological apparatus, such as bone densitometry measurement systems that utilize a penetrating radiation source, such as an x-ray source is provided. The apparatus includes a patient table with a length extending along a Y-axis and a width extending along an X-axis and a C-arm supporting, for example, an x-ray source at one side of the table and an x-ray detector at an opposite side of the table such that the source and detector are aligned along a source-detector axis. The source is energized to emit a fan beam of x-rays which conform to a beam plane which is transverse to the Y-axis and contains the source-detector axis. Either, or both, the C-arm or the table are selectively movable relative to the other along the X-axis, along the Y-axis, and along a Z-axis which is transverse to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, so that selected regions of a patient on the table can be selectively scanned with the fan beam of X-rays. In addition, the C-arm is selectively rotatable around a rotational axis extending along the Y-axis to selectively change the angle of the fan beam relative to a patient on the table.

X-ray bone densitometry apparatus

An ultrasonic bone testing apparatus has a foot well assembly and a shin guide assembly which are mechanically coupled to secure a foot and lower leg of patient during the measurement process. The shin guide assembly includes a molded form which has a shin restraint section, an instep guide section and a foot restraint section. An instep support guide having sliding blocks is mounted on the molded form. The sliding blocks are inserted into respective channels of respective bridge brackets of the foot well assembly to attach the shin guide assembly to the foot well assembly. The apparatus further includes a transducer drive mechanism for positioning a pair of transducer assemblies. A controller automatically modifies the positioning of the transducer assemblies until ultrasonic coupling is achieved and a receiving transducer receives a signal of a predetermined quality. A coupling pad and acoustical delay line of the transducer assembly provide a waveguide function to collimate an acoustical beam a sufficient distance along a propagation axis to allow wavefronts to evolve onto a more uniform intensity pattern. The elastomer coupling pad has an angled surface which expels air bubbles from a contact area when pressure is applied to the pad.

Ultrasonic bone testing apparatus with repeatable positioning and

The present invention provides a system that reduces the complexity of existing dual energy x-ray equipment which typically requires more complicated mechanisms to measure bone density, to a system with a single axis of mechanical motion and with a patient providing repositioning motions. This configuration allows for a much more compact design and smaller equipment 'footprint,' thus taking up less floor space in examination rooms and allowing for multiple uses of one room. The system of the present invention eliminates the need for a patient support table which can affect x-ray transmission because of the thickness and construction of the table which are dictated by the weight of the patient. The system includes a main cabinet or gantry enclosure which contains an x-ray source and ancillary support electronics and mechanisms. An extension arm positions a detector assembly on a side of the patient opposite to the source assembly and fixes the distance between the source and detector assemblies. The source and detector assemblies are capable of making dual energy bone measurements. The source assembly, detector assembly and extension arm form a gantry and the source assembly and detector assembly are confined to move in unison in a vertical scanning motion. A drive mechanism in conjunction with a precision guide rail provides a stable, smooth vertical scanning motion of the gantry. A counter balance system is provided to reduce the forces required to move the gantry. In addition, the extension arm may either fold or retract into the main cabinet to reduce the system volume when not in use.

X-ray bone densitometry using a vertically scanning gantry

A portable x-ray bone densitometry system is suitable for transportation between rooms of a medical facility through generally standard doorways. The system has a base portion capable of rolling ambulation by at least one human operator during transportation and selective stabilization on a floor for patient scanning. The apparatus has a patient table extending parallel to a Y-axis of an XYZ coordinate system for supporting a patient at a patient position. The patient table includes a central portion coupled with the base portion, and at least one table leaf coupled with the table central portion, for extending table length parallel to the Y-axis. The apparatus also has a source-detector support coupled with the base portion; an x-ray source, coupled with the source-detector support, for emitting a beam of x-rays to irradiate at any one time a scan line which is transverse to the Y-axis; and an x-ray detector, coupled with the source-detector support arm in alignment with the source at opposite sides of the patient table along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis, for receiving x-rays from the source after passage thereof through the patient position. A scanning mechanism moves at least one of the patient table and the source-detector support relative to the other to scan the patient position with the x-ray beam. The patient table may have a pair of leaves attached to the central portion with hinges at opposite ends thereof.

Portable X-ray bone densitometry system

A method of calibrating an ultrasound bone analysis apparatus having a pair of transducer assemblies. Each transducer assembly has a transducer and a coupling pad, and is movable relative to the other so that a face of each pad can be moved to a position in which they mutually contact and to a position where the faces contact body parts. The method according to the present application includes transmitting an ultrasound signal from one transducer and receiving a signal corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signal through the other transducer when the transducer assemblies are in the first position and the second position. A time for the ultrasound signal to pass through the body part is determined, and a width of the body part based on positions of the transducers is determined. Then, using the time and width values a speed of sound of the ultrasound signal passing through the body part with squish compensation is calculated.

X-ray bone densitometry

An ultrasonic bone testing apparatus has a foot well assembly and a shin guide assembly which are mechanically coupled to secure a foot and lower leg of patient. The shin guide assembly includes a molded form lined with contoured foam lining. An instep support guide having sliding blocks is mounted on the molded form. The sliding blocks attach the shin guide assembly to the foot well assembly. The apparatus further includes a transducer drive mechanism for positioning a pair of transducer assemblies. A controller automatically modifies the positioning of the transducer assemblies until ultrasonic coupling is achieved and a receiving transducer receives a signal of a predetermined quality. The distance between the transducers is continuously measured by a position encoder. The controller uses temperature readings from a temperature sensor to improve the accuracy of the position encoder measurements and correct for temperature dependent inaccuracy in the ultrasound measurement. A coupling pad and acoustical delay line of the transducer assembly provide a waveguide function to collimate an acoustical beam. The elastomer coupling pad has an angled surface which expels air bubbles from a contact area when pressure is applied to the pad.

A method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of a selected region of bone in a small body portion (such as a limb or extremity), using a mini C-arm x-ray fluoroscopic imaging system to acquire the data from which the BMD is calculated. Apparatus for performing the method includes a tray for positioning the small body portion in the x-ray beam path of the imaging system and a sample of bone of predetermined density supported by the tray in side-by-side relation to the selected region of bone.

Bone densitometry using x-ray imaging systems

A whole body x-ray bone densitometry system includes a table extending parallel to a Y-axis of an XYZ coordinate system for supporting a patient at a patient position; an x-ray source for emitting a narrow angle fan beam of x-rays to irradiate at any one time a scan line which is transverse to the Y-axis and is substantially shorter than the width of a body cross-section of a typical adult patient occupying the patient position. An x-ray detector is aligned with the source along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis, for receiving x-rays from the source within the angle of the fan beam after passage thereof through the patient position. The detector has a number of detecting elements arranged along a direction transverse to the Y-axis and to the source-detector axis. A source-detector support on which the source and detector are mounted at opposite sides of the patient position is coupled with a scanning mechanism moving at least one of the patient table and the source-detector support relative to the other to scan the patient position with the narrow angle fan beam in successive scans parallel to the Y-axis in which the source-detector axis is at different angles relative to the patient position as between different ones of successive scans, but in each of the successive scans, an origin of the fan beam in the source is at the same vertical distance from the patient table. The distance between the fan beam origin and the table may be selectively varied between scan passes, in order to vary scan pass magnification.

Whole-body x-ray bone densitometry using a narrow-angle fan beam,

Radiological apparatus, such as a bone densitometry measurement system, utilizes a penetrating radiation source, such as an x-ray source. The apparatus has a multi-position attenuator mechanism for placement of different attenuating materials in the radiation beam. The mechanism includes a rack of attenuating materials which is translated across the radiation beam path by a drive mechanism, such as a linear motor. The mechanism preferably includes a controller for actuating the drive mechanism in response to operator command and monitoring which attenuating material crosses the beam path by way of position signals generated by a position encoder that is coupled to the controller. This attenuator mechanism allows attenuating materials to be stored within the radiological apparatus, enables operator selection of attenuating materials under automatic machine control and self-alignment of the material relative to the radiation beam. Spectral content and intensity of the penetrating radiation beam is modulated in a known an repeatable pattern by a modulating apparatus. In the preferred embodiment one or more concentric, rotating cylinders are interposed between the x-ray beam and the patient support table. Radiation attenuating materials are arrayed in a radial pattern within the rotating cylinders, so that the beam passes through a plurality of layers of attenuating materials. By controlling relative rotational speed of the rotating cylinders through a closed loop control system, a periodic, repetitive pattern of modulating apparent radiation beam intensity and spectral content can be established. The modulation apparatus is useful for dual-energy radiological scans, such as in bone densitometers.

X-ray bone densitometry apparatus with variable attenuation, modulation

The system of the present invention uses x-rays having a narrow fan beam to scan patients for bone density and soft tissue body composition measurement and imaging. In addition to single pass scanning of body parts such as the spine, hip and forearm, a method for multiple pass whole body scanning is provided. The system includes a movable scan table configured to support a patient and a C-arm associated with the table. The C-arm is configured to support an x-ray source in opposite to an x-ray detector at opposite sides of the patient. A scanning mechanism is provided to move the scan table and C-arm to scan the patient with overlapping adjacent x-ray fan beams in successive scan passes along the length of the patient. A scan pass combination scheme that blends areas of overlap is employed to compensate errors related to height dependency. The blending is performed according to the height of the part of patient scanned in the overlap and the distance from the edge of the scan pass.

X-ray bone densitometry using multiple pass scanning with image blending

An x-ray bone densitometry system having an apparatus for positioning body parts is provided. The system includes a patient table having a length extending along a Y-axis and a width extending along an X-axis, a C-arm supporting an x-ray source at one side and an x-ray detector at an opposite side of the table, wherein the source and detector are aligned along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis. The source is selectively energized and emits a fan beam of x-rays which conforms to a beam plane which is transverse to the Y-axis and contains the source-detector axis. A forearm positioner is removably supported on the table and includes an arm rest portion positioned at a selected distance along the X-axis from an edge of the table. A hand supporting member is configured to fit within the arm rest portion to maintain the position of a patient's hand in a predetermined shape when the source is energized.

X-ray bone densitometry system having forearm positioning assembly

A compact cogeneration system in which a catalytic converter is positioned within otherwise unused space in an exhaust gas heat exchanger employed to heat water. Exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine of a packaged cogeneration system are directed through a single- or two-stage catalytic converter in a central cylindrical housing of the heat exchanger, then are diverted to pass in counterflow over a water-containing coil in an annulus surrounding the housing.

Growing community of inventors

Tewksbury, MA, United States of America

Richard E Cabral