Patent ID: 6778636
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: G21K

Abstract:
An x-ray device, comprising:a vacuum enclosure having disposed therein an electron-producing cathode and an anode positioned to receive the electrons produced by the cathode, the electrons impacting the anode such that a bean of x-rays is emitted through an x-ray transmissive window in a wall of the enclosure; an outer housing defining an interior portion within which is disposed the vacuum enclosure, the outer housing defining a port; and an adjustable collimator comprising: a base member at least partially disposed within the port of the outer housing; a collimating plate mounted on an end of the base member and having a primary x-ray passage area that is substantially adjacent to the x-ray transmissive window so as to permit at least a portion of the emitted x-rays to pass, and wherein at least a portion of the collimating plate is composed of an x-ray attenuating material; a fluid tight seal disposed between the primary x-ray passage area and the interior of the outer housing; and a block that is moveable in a substantially linear direction, the block having at least one blocking member that is at least partially composed of an x-ray attenuating material, the blocking member being movable in the linear direction between at least a retracted and a extended position, the blocking member partially blocking the aperture defined in the collimating plate when the blocking member is in the extended position such that a secondary x-ray passage area is defined through which the emitted x-rays can pass, the second passage area having smaller dimensions than the primary passage area.