Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid comprising: a plurality of pliable radiation absorbent members geometrically arranged relative to one another to absorb scattered radiation; and  inter-space material between said radiation absorbing members, said grid is configured to flex along a first axis and a second axis, thereby allowing interim adjustment of an effective focal length of said grid to accommodate different x-ray procedures. 2. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said plurality of radiation absorbent members are integrally formed. claim 1 3. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said inter-space material is air. claim 1 4. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said radiation absorbent members are focused for convergence with an x-ray source. claim 1 5. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid comprising: a plurality of integrally formed injection molded pliable radiation absorbent members geometrically arranged relative to one another to absorb scattered radiation; and inter-space material between said radiation absorbing members. 6. A variable focal length x-ray anti-scatter grid comprising: a plurality of pliable radiation absorbent members geometrically arranged relative to one another to absorb scattered radiation, said radiation absorbent members fabricated from a loaded thermoplastic mix; and  inter-space material between said radiation absorbing members. 7. An x-ray anti-scatter grid comprising: an integrally formed geometric grid structure defining a plurality of spaces; and  an inter-space material located in said spaces, said grid and said inter-space material configured to flex along at least one axis, thereby allowing interim adjustment of an effective focal length of said grid to accommodate different x-ray procedures. 8. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said grid structure is injection molded. claim 7 9. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said grid structure is fabricated from a loaded thermoplastic material. claim 7 10. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 9  wherein said thermoplastic material is a tungsten-thermoplastic mix. claim 9 11. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said inter-space material is air. claim 7 12. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said grid structure comprises a cross-grid. claim 7 13. An x-ray anti-scatter grid in accordance with  claim 12  wherein said grid and said inter-space material is configured to flex along at least a second axis. claim 12 14. A method of improving x-ray image contrast with a variable length x-ray anti-scatter grid for use with an x-ray source emitting direct x-rays, said x-ray anti-scatter grid including an integrally formed geometric grid structure defining a plurality of spaces and an inter-space material located in the spaces, the x-ray anti-scatter grid focused along at least one axis at a first focal length for a first x-ray procedure, said method comprising the steps of: selecting a second focal length for use in a second x-ray procedure;  flexing the integrally formed anti-scatter grid structure along the at least one axis until the second focal length is obtained; and  positioning the anti-scatter grid between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector at the second focal length so that the anti-scatter grid absorbs radiation that is non-coincident with the direct rays of the x-ray source. 15. A method in accordance with  claim 14  wherein the grid and inter-space material are configured to flex along a second axis, said method further comprising the step of flexing the anti-scatter grid along the second axis to form a substantially spherical grid. claim 14