Patent · US Expired

Variable collimator

US4143273A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
5References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 11, 1977
Grant dateMar 6, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 11, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG21K1/04
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An automatic variable collimator which controls the width and thickness of X-ray beams in X-ray diagnostic medical equipment, and which is particularly adapted for use with computerized axial tomographic scanners. A two-part collimator is provided which shapes an X-ray beam both prior to its entering an object subject to radiographic analysis and after the attenuated beam has passed through the object. Interposed between a source of radiation and the object subject to radiographic analysis is a first or source collimator. The source collimator causes the X-ray beam emitted by the source of radiation to be split into a plurality of generally rectangular shaped beams. Disposed within the source collimator is a movable aperture plate which may be used to selectively vary the thickness of the plurality of generally rectangular shaped beams transmitted through the source collimator. A second or receiver collimator is interposed between the object subject to radiographic analysis and a series of radiation detectors. The receiver collimator is disposed to receive the attenuated X-ray beams passing through the object subject to radiographic analysis. Located within the receiver collimator …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.