Underwater X-ray imaging system
Inventors
Rose, Jr., Paul B. • Childress, Jeremy
Assignees
THE SEXTON CORPORATION • UT Battelle LLC
Publication Number
US-12078602-B1
Publication Date
2024-09-03
Expiration Date
2043-10-16
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Abstract
A self-contained emitter assembly according to one embodiment is provided to generate and emit X-rays underwater for facilitating X-ray imaging. The self-contained emitter assembly may be operable by a user underwater without connection to an external power supply and/or control circuitry.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for underwater X-ray imaging, comprising a self-contained emitter assembly designed to generate and emit X-rays underwater without requiring connection to external power supplies or control circuitry. The emitter assembly houses an X-ray emitter, a rechargeable power supply, and a control system within a pressure-tolerant enclosure that prevents water intrusion and enables operation at significant underwater pressures. The system permits real-time X-ray imaging for the user and includes an X-ray transmissive aperture for directing emitted X-rays towards a target.
This system addresses the limitations of conventional underwater X-ray imaging, which typically rely on strong gamma-emitting radioactive sources in confined devices for pipelines, creating substantial regulatory and safety challenges. Moreover, existing solutions often require the retrieval of storage phosphor panels to the surface for each image, reducing efficiency and applicability. The disclosed system eliminates reliance on high-activity radioactive sources and analog storage media, instead allowing digital image acquisition and transmission underwater via a removably connectable detector.
Additional features include a user interface that is operable underwater to receive input and present images, a reconfigurable mounting assembly for positioning and affixing the system relative to various-sized targets, and floatation components to provide neutral or negative buoyancy underwater. Communication with external or above-water devices is supported through dedicated connectors and cables, enabling the transmission of power and image data. The modular design allows flexible deployment, including mounting to remote-operated vehicles or adaptation for different inspection scenarios.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim defining a comprehensive underwater X-ray imaging system encompassing several inventive features.
Self-contained underwater X-ray emitter assembly
The system includes a self-contained emitter assembly capable of generating and emitting a collimated beam of X-rays underwater. It operates without external power, housing an X-ray emitter, a rechargeable power supply, and a control system within a pressure-tolerant, water-tight enclosure. The assembly features an X-ray transmissive aperture for directing emitted X-rays toward a target and can function at significant external underwater pressures.
Float system for buoyancy adjustment
A float system is operatively coupled to both the housing of the emitter assembly and the detector housing, configured to provide neutral or negative buoyancy. This enables ease of handling and stable operation of both the emitter assembly and detector in underwater environments.
Removable, synchronized detector with underwater operation
The system comprises a detector that is removably coupled to the self-contained emitter assembly via a cable and communicates with the control system. The detector operates underwater, is pressure-tolerant, and synchronizes detection of X-ray pulses to the emission of pulses from the emitter. It transmits image information to the control system for real-time imaging.
Underwater user interface for control and image presentation
An underwater-operable user interface is mountable to the emitter assembly through an accessory mount and user interface coupler. The interface receives user input to request imaging and image adjustments, and presents resultant images to the user. The control system responds to user input by generating images based on detector data and making operational adjustments as instructed.
Reconfigurable detector mounting assembly
A mounting assembly is provided for mounting the detector to the emitter assembly. The assembly is reconfigurable to allow moving the detector relative to the X-ray transmissive aperture or affixing the entire system to another object, facilitating accommodation of different targets and inspection scenarios.
The claim defines a complete, modular underwater X-ray imaging system integrating a self-contained emitter, removable and synchronized detector, buoyancy adjustment, user-operated controls, and flexible mounting, enabling real-time digital imaging in underwater environments without reliance on external power or radioactive sources.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates regulatory and safety concerns associated with strong gamma-emitting radioactive sources by using an X-ray generator instead.
Allows underwater digital X-ray imaging in real time without the need to retrieve storage phosphor panels to the surface.
Facilitates high-resolution X-ray imaging of underwater targets through significant thicknesses of water.
Provides portability and ease of use for a wide range of security, non-destructive testing, law enforcement, and inspection applications.
Enables remote or untethered operation underwater, including use with divers or remote-operated vehicles.
Documented Applications
X-ray inspection of underwater pipes and valves.
Imaging of ship or boat hulls underwater.
X-ray imaging and inspection of unexploded underwater ordnance.
General underwater security, non-destructive testing, law enforcement, and inspection tasks.
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