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Title: Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment

Abstract

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 anmore » audible sound of the maximum frequency. 2 figures.

Inventors:
Issue Date:
OSTI Identifier:
7027368
Patent Number(s):
5056129
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-406003
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:  
AC04-76DP03533
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 12 Sep 1989
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; X-RAY SOURCES; ALIGNMENT; DESIGN; PULSE GENERATORS; TRANSDUCERS; X RADIATION; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT; FUNCTION GENERATORS; IONIZING RADIATIONS; RADIATION SOURCES; RADIATIONS; X-RAY EQUIPMENT; 440000* - Instrumentation

Citation Formats

Steinmeyer, P A. Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment. United States: N. p., 1991. Web.
Steinmeyer, P A. Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment. United States.
Steinmeyer, P A. Tue . "Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment". United States.
@article{osti_7027368,
title = {Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment},
author = {Steinmeyer, P A},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1991},
month = {10}
}

Patent:
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