Apparatus for monitoring X-ray beam alignment

Patent · Tue Oct 08 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:868022

Steinmeyer, Peter A ^[1]

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1. Arvada, CO

A self-contained, hand-held apparatus is provided for minitoring 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.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5056129
• Application Number: 07/406,003
• OSTI ID: 868022
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
monitoring
x-ray
beam
alignment
self-contained
hand-held
provided
minitoring
instrument
employing
source
transducer
assembly
containing
photoresistor
providing
range
electrical
signals
responsive
intensities
aligned
circuit
powered
vdc
power
supply
audio
frequency
pulse
generator
varies
resistance
generating
audible
sounds
portion
corresponds
intensity
layer
fluorescent
material
filter
transparent
x-rays
opaque
visible
light
undergoing
penetrate
excite
emitted
alters
including
speaker
complete
adjusting
produce
sound
maximum
circuit including
beam alignment
fluorescent material
beam intensity
x-ray source
electrical signals
dc power
x-ray beam
pulse generator
electrical signal
power supply
visible light
electrical circuit
light emitted
transducer assembly
assembly containing
audio frequency
frequency pulse
/378/