Collimator control
Inventors
Spaeth, Michael R. • RYDELEK, James • DiRisio, Anthony • O'Dea, Dennis J. • Hofmann, Craig F.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11929187-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
An adjustable collimator includes a pair of knobs configured to adjust an aperture size by manipulating one or both of the knobs. The knobs may be disposed at opposite ends of a first shaft. The knobs may be configured to each adjust a same dimension of the aperture or to each adjust a different dimension of the aperture.
Core Innovation
An x-ray collimator is disclosed having a manually adjustable aperture size. The aperture adjustment is controlled by a first pair of knobs mounted at opposite ends of a first shaft, and each knob in the first pair is configured to adjust a different dimension of the adjustable aperture.
The first pair of knobs manipulates collimator blades to adjust different aperture dimensions, including orthogonal length and width dimensions. A first knob pair adjusts one selected aperture dimension by movement of a corresponding pair of collimator blades, while a second knob pair adjusts the other aperture dimension by another blade pair.
Different mounting and drive behaviors for the knob-to-shaft arrangement are disclosed, including a first configuration in which the knobs are directly fixably attached to a common shaft such that rotating one knob rotates the shaft and the other knob. Another configuration transfers rotation from one rotatably mounted knob through an interposed linkage/assembly to adjust a selected aperture dimension at the other shaft end. The disclosure further indicates integration into a mobile x-ray system tube head.
Claims Coverage
The patent document provides coverage in two independent claims: a collimator having a specific manually operated knob-and-shaft geometry that adjusts two different aperture dimensions, and a method of operating such a collimator using the same knob-and-shaft arrangement. Across these independent claims, three principal inventive aspects are emphasized: manually adjustable aperture size, a pair of knobs at opposite ends of a shaft, and each knob adjusting a different aperture dimension.
Manually adjustable aperture size with knob manipulation
A collimator comprising an adjustable aperture size; and a first pair of knobs configured to adjust the aperture size by manipulating one or both of the first pair of knobs, wherein each knob adjusts a different dimension of the adjustable aperture.
Opposite-end knob-to-shaft arrangement for different aperture dimensions
The first pair of knobs are each attached to opposite ends of a first shaft, wherein each of the first pair of knobs is configured to adjust a different dimension of the adjustable aperture.
Method of operating a manually adjustable collimator aperture
A method of operating a collimator comprising providing a collimator aperture having a manually adjustable size, attaching a pair of knobs each to an opposite end of a shaft, and adjusting two different dimensions of the collimator aperture by manipulating both of the pair of knobs, wherein each knob is configured to adjust a different dimension.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on manually adjusting a collimator aperture using a paired knob arrangement mounted to opposite shaft ends, with each knob controlling a different aperture dimension (e.g., different dimensions such as orthogonal length and width as supported by dependents).
Stated Advantages
Easier manual adjustment.
Documented Applications
Integration into a mobile x-ray system tube head.
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