Apparatus and method for variable angle slant hole collimator
US9711251B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21K1/025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.