Applying a PC accelerator board for medical imaging.

An AT-compatible computer was used to expand X-ray images that had been compressed and stored on optical data cards. Initially, execution time for expansion of a single X-ray image was 25 min. The requirements were for an expansion time of under 10 s and costs of under $1000 for computing hardware.

Flywheel energy storage for x-ray machines.

X-ray image quality for stop-motion exposures is greatly affected by the system power capability. High power levels are required for adequate resolution, which often precludes the use of mobile x-ray systems for stop-motion exposures. Currently available mobile systems use (1) 90-V nickel-cadmium batteries capable of 120 A, (2) a power line of 220 V ac, 60 Hz capable of about 100 A, or (3) a capacitor discharge unit using 1.

Purchasing dilemma: replace or refurbish.

X-ray systems reach a point when they no longer function properly, and a decision must be made as to whether to repair, replace or refurbish. Factors influencing this decision are the condition and performance of the system and its relationship to other apparatus in the department. Improvements in performance are often possible through the use of better tubes, collimators, generators, intensifiers and other major components.

Optimal x-ray spectra for screen-film mammography.

Theoretical and experimental techniques have been used to study optimal x-ray for screen-film mammography. A simple model of mammographic imaging predicts optimum x-ray energies which are significantly higher than the K-characteristic energies of Mo. A subjective comparison of x-ray spectra from Mo-anode and W-anode tubes indicates that spectra produced by a W-anode tube filtered with materials of atomic number just above that of Mo are more suitable for screen-film mammography than spectra produced by the Mo-anode/Mo-filter system.