Patent ID: 8085903
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: G21K

Abstract:
1. A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays comprising: first and second parallel drive shafts spaced apart from one another; first and second parallel guide shafts spaced apart from one another, said drive shafts and guide shafts defining an aperture, with the axes of the drive shafts and guide shafts extending parallel to the edges of the aperture; a flexible transverse band sliding about the aperture with opposing first and second edges moving parallel to the axes of the drive shafts; a flexible longitudinal band sliding about the aperture with opposing first and second edges moving parallel to the axes of the guide shafts; a first cam driving the transverse band about the aperture; a second cam driving the longitudinal band about the aperture; a first transverse shutter made of an x-ray opaque material having a first end attached to the first edge of the transverse band and held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts to slide along the axes of the drive shafts; a second transverse shutter made of an x-ray opaque material having a first end attached to the second edge of the transverse band and held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts to slide along the axes of the drive shafts; a first longitudinal shutter made of an x-ray opaque material having a first end attached to the first edge of the longitudinal band and held in sliding engagement between the guide shafts to slide along the axes of the guide shafts; and a second longitudinal shutter made of an x-ray opaque material having a first end attached to the second edge of the longitudinal band and held in sliding engagement between the guide shafts to slide along the axes of the guide shafts.