Variable collimator

Patent · Tue Mar 06 00:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5757384

Richey, J B; McBride, T R; Covic, J

This invention describes 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 are a plurality of movable aperture plates adapted to be displaced relative to a plurality of fixed aperture plates for the purpose of varying the width and thickness of the attenuated X-ray beams transmitted through the object subject to radiographic analysis. The movable aperture plates of the source and receiver collimators are automatically controlled by circuitry which is provided to allow remote operation of the movable aperture plates.

• Assignee: Ohio-Nuclear, Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4143273
• Application Number: TRN: 80-000218
• OSTI ID: 5757384
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 11 Apr 1977
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CAT SCANNING
COLLIMATORS
DESIGN
X-RAY EQUIPMENT
APERTURES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
IMAGES
SHAPE
CONFIGURATION
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
OPENINGS
PHOTON TRANSMISSION SCANNING
TOMOGRAPHY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
550600 - Medicine