Patent · US Expired

Scan-type X-ray imaging with fixed converter

US5617465A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 8, 1995
Grant dateApr 1, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 8, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG21K5/10
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A scan-type X-ray imaging system and method are disclosed. Image detection is effected by use of a fixed phosphor converter screen covering the entire field of view so that X-rays passed through an object, or a body portion, positioned at a scan area, are received at the converter screen and light signals, proportional to the received X-rays, are coupled through a movable coupler, having an input portion movably engaging the converter screen, to a movable sensor that converts received light signals to electrical output signals indicative of the object, or body portion, then at the scan area. The input face of the coupler, preferably a fiber optic coupler, is held in positive engagement with the converter screen throughout movement of the coupler relative to the converter screen by a force, such as by an air cushion between the object, or body portion, positioner and the converter screen, by establishing a vacuum between the input face of the coupler and the converter screen, and/or by springs biasing the coupler face plate toward engagement with the converter screen.

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