Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment

Patent · Tue Oct 08 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:7027368

Steinmeyer, P A

A self-contained, hand-held apparatus is provided for monitoring alignment of an X-ray beam in an instrument employing an X-ray source. The apparatus includes a transducer assembly containing a photoresistor for providing a range of electrical signals responsive to a range of X-ray beam intensities from the X-ray beam being aligned. A circuit, powered by a 7.5 VDC power supply and containing an audio frequency pulse generator whose frequency varies with the resistance of the photoresistor, is provided for generating a range of audible sounds. A portion of the audible range corresponds to low X-ray beam intensity. Another portion of the audible range corresponds to high X-ray beam intensity. The transducer assembly may include an a photoresistor, a thin layer of X-ray fluorescent material, and a filter layer transparent to X-rays but opaque to visible light. X-rays from the beam undergoing alignment penetrate the filter layer and excite the layer of fluorescent material. The light emitted from the fluorescent material alters the resistance of the photoresistor which is in the electrical circuit including the audio pulse generator and a speaker. In employing the apparatus, the X-ray beam is aligned to a complete alignment by adjusting the X-ray beam to produce an audible sound of the maximum frequency. 2 figures.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5056129; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-406003
• OSTI ID: 7027368
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440000* -- Instrumentation
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
ALIGNMENT
DESIGN
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FUNCTION GENERATORS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PULSE GENERATORS
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIATIONS
TRANSDUCERS
X RADIATION
X-RAY EQUIPMENT
X-RAY SOURCES