Patent Number: 055330894
Section: summary

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an instrument for use in limiting the transmission of x-rays from a radiological source to a particular area of the body of a patient while at the same time shielding surrounding areas of the body from such rays. It is an instrument that is independent of and employed as an accessory to the x-ray source. It is designed, when put to use, to interpose and support between the x-ray source and the patient a unit that is adjustable to collimate and limit x-rays issuing from the source onto the particular area of the patient's body while also shielding surrounding areas of the patient from such rays. More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide, as an accessory in the employment of x-ray issuing devices, a manually operable and adjustable instrument of a simple and uncomplicated nature, an instrument which serves to achieve the beneficial results intended, primarily, limiting x-rays issuing from a radiological source to an area where needed upon the body of a patient and shielding surrounding areas of the body from such rays. A further object of the invention is to provide an instrument for the foregoing purpose, which is simple in structure, practical in its mode of use, and effective in accomplishing the results intended. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention there is provided an instrument which includes a unit having a multisided continuous frame defining the perimeter about a complementary aperture. To the sides of the frame are hinged depending panels in the nature of shields or shutters comprised of radio-opaque material. The unit is supported by its frame to an end of a rack. The rack is manually extendible to position the unit with the aperture of the unit exposed between an x-ray emitting source and a particular area of the patient's body. The shields are manually adjustable about the frame relative to the x-ray source and the body of the patient to vary the size of the aperture in a manner for the shields to collimate and limit flow of x-rays issuing from the source through the aperture to the particular area of the patient's body; and the radio-opaque material of the shields also serves to shield surrounding areas of the patient's body from the rays. The unit and the rack define an instrument embodying the invention. The foregoing, as well as other features, objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description which follows, when taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for purposes of illustration and description, and it is not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.