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-12224078-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
An adjustable collimator includes pairs of knobs configured to adjust an aperture size by manipulating one or both of the knobs. A pair of knobs configured to adjust different dimensions of the aperture may be disposed at opposite sides of the collimator. Another pair of knobs configured to adjust different dimensions of the aperture may be disposed on a same side of the collimator.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an adjustable x-ray collimator having an adjustable aperture with a length dimension and a width dimension that can be adjusted in two dimensions. Control is provided by multiple manually rotated knob pairs configured to manipulate the aperture so that aperture size is changed by independently adjusting different dimensions.
In one embodiment, each knob pair is fixed to opposite ends of a shaft so that rotating a knob rotates the shaft and a corresponding blade pair is moved to change a selected aperture dimension. The arrangement includes collimator blades arranged in blade pairs, where the knob pair motion is mapped to the motion of a different blade pair for adjusting specific aperture dimensions.
In another embodiment, some knobs are rotatably mounted to their own shafts and actuated via an intermediate mechanical assembly. The intermediate mechanical assembly includes rigid linear extensions, a rigid rod, and pivoting couplings, such that rotation of one knob drives another knob/shaft arrangement to adjust a selected aperture dimension. Optional low-friction coupling is described using glide bushings, and the adjustable collimator is integrated into a mobile x-ray system and/or x-ray tube head system.
Claims Coverage
The partial claim set includes two independent claims that both cover a collimator with an adjustable aperture adjusted by a first pair of knobs mounted on opposite sides, where the knobs adjust different dimensions. Across the dependent claims referenced, the inventive features further specify orthogonal length and width dimensions, mapping knob pairs to specific collimator blade pairs, addition of a second knob pair, and optional inclusion of a digital display on a front side.
Adjustable aperture with knob-controlled two-dimensional size
An adjustable aperture and a first pair of knobs configured to adjust a size of the adjustable aperture by manipulating one or both of the first pair of knobs, wherein each of the first pair of knobs is configured to adjust a different dimension of the adjustable aperture.
Opposite-side mounting of the first knob pair
Wherein the first pair of knobs are attached at opposite sides of the collimator, wherein one of the first pair of knobs is attached at a first side of the collimator and a second one of the first pair of knobs is attached at a second side of the collimator opposite the first side.
Different dimensions defined as orthogonal length and width
The different dimensions of the adjustable aperture include orthogonal length dimensions and width dimensions.
Knob-to-collimator-blade motion mapping for different blade pairs
The collimator further comprises two pairs of collimator blades, where the first pair of knobs moves a different pair of the collimator blades, and where the first pair of knobs moves a different pair of the two pairs and the second pair of knobs moves the other different pair.
Additional knob pair to adjust a second different aperture dimension at opposite sides
The collimator further includes a second pair of knobs configured to adjust the aperture size by manipulating one or both of the second pair of knobs, where each second knob adjusts a different dimension and both knob pairs are attached at the same opposite sides.
Digital display on a front side of the collimator
The collimator comprises a digital display on a front side of the collimator.
Overall, the claims cover a collimator with an adjustable aperture whose size is set via a first pair of knobs mounted on opposite sides, with each knob adjusting a different aperture dimension. Dependent claims further define the dimensions as orthogonal length and width, specify motion relationships between knob pairs and different pairs of collimator blades, allow adding a second knob pair for additional independent dimension adjustment, and include a digital display on a front side.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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