Patent Number: 048521418
Section: description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a contemporary X-ray generator 10 having a shield 17 operative to shield a portion of the shielded radiation emitted from generator 10. This figure also illustrates the undesirable forms of radiation that are not eliminated with existing shielding devices, and which are sought to be substantially eliminated by the present invention. Such forms of radiation include (a) leakage, (b) primary, (c) scatter, and (d) transmitted. In general, the device illustrated at FIG. 2 includes an X-ray generator, a generally trapezoidal shaped shroud connected to the X-ray generator, a support fixture connecting the X-ray generator to the shroud and permitting relative movement therebetween, and a plurality of flaps secured to the shroud opposite the X-ray generator. It is to be understood that the teachings of the present invention may be used to construct a corresponding device or to modify contemporary X-ray devices for enhanced operation and convenience, as described below. The preferred embodiment of the present collimator and scatter shield is illustrated in FIG. 2, comprising an X-ray generator tank 13 and a shroud 12, which totally and detachably fits about and is secured to the X-ray generator tank 13. Generator tank 13 may be one of a variety of commercially available devices. As shown at FIGS. 2-5, the shroud 12, is carefully mounted under the cooling lines 33. Once engaged, the shroud 12, may be left on the generator 13, and stored therewith. The shroud 12, is preferably formed as a cylindrically shaped sheet of vinyl covered lead 0.32 cm. (1/8") thick. A cap 15 also preferably formed of vinyl covered lead is disposed at a bottom portion of the X-ray generator 13. The shroud 12, is installed by first attaching the shroud, to the generator tank 13, under the cooling lines 33. The electrical connector (not shown) is then removed from the back of the generator tank 13. Next, a rubber installation cap (not shown) is removed from the wire leads in back of the generator tank 13. The wire leads (not shown) are then disconnected from the lead screws (not shown). The lead disc 15, is then installed over the back of the generator tank 13. Finally, the electrical leads, connector and rubber installation cap are reconnected. The present apparatus 11, further comprises a tubehead shield 16, shown in more detail at FIG. 5, which covers the upper portion, i.e. first 10.16 cm (4"), of the generator tank 13. The tubehead shield 16, also covers the entire tubehead and port 34. The tubehead shield 16, is preferably made of aluminum lined, with lead, and is adapted to engage upper portion 25 of collimator cone 20, described in more detail below. The tubehead shield 16 is tightly affixed to the generator tank 13 by first removing two bolts (not shown) from the tubehead dome 38 and by replacing these bolts with two screws 36. The ends of the screws 36 are then secured to the tubehead by means of retainer nuts 41. The body and the ends of the screws project outwardly from the tubehead dome, and slide through two holes in the tubehead shield 16. Two winged nuts 39 are then fastened to the screws 36 to secure the tight connection between the tubehead 16, and the generator 13. With the tubehead shield 16 attached to the generator tank 13 the source of X-rays is generally shielded to limit the emitted X-rays from the generator 13. The collimator cone 20 serves to direct and shield X-rays eminating from the generator 13 towards the target. As described in more detail below the collimator cone 20 may be formed as a single piece, as shown at FIG. 3, or may be formed of a modular construction, as shown at FIG. 2, where in the upper cone support portion 25 and lower cone support 27 are joined by connecting panels that are detachably secured to upper and lower support portions 25 and 27. Where the cone is of a generally larger size modular construction is likely to be more suitable. Where the cone is smaller the integral construction is more likely to be suitable. The embodiment shown at FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate modular construction, whereas the embodiment shown at FIG. 3 illustrates the unitary construction of the cone 20. As presently anticipated the unitary construction cone may be formed to be approximately 15.4 cm..times.15.4 cm. (6".times.6"). In one embodiment of the modular cone it is formed to be 35.56 cm. by 43.18 cm. (14".times.17"). It is to be understood, however, that various sizes of each type of cone construction may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates the upper support portion 25 of cone 20 as it is connected to the tubehead 16. As shown therein portion 25 connects to the tubehead 16 via clamp 23 which, though shown as a clamp, may be substituted by any of a variety of different clamping means adapted to securely engage the portion 25 to the tubehead 16. It is to be understood that where the cone is of integral construction the means for connecting to the tubehead 16 may be identical as that shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, or may use equivalent means, as described above. In order to minimize the weight of the apparatus 11, the upper cone support portion 25 and lower cone support portion 27 may be formed of lightweight composite materials such as graphite, epoxy, or plastics. Four outer panels 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d are preferably formed of lead or lead covered materials and may be connected to upper support portion 25 and lower support portion 27 by means of fasteners 28, 29, or by any other conventional means. Holding fixture 21 extends between the generator tank 13 and the cone 20. The holding fixture 21 provides mechanical support for the apparatus 11 and may be formed to engage an adjustable tripod of conventional design. The tripod connection permits the apparatus 11 to be adjusted in orientation with respect to azimuth and elevation. The tripod further provides firm footing and support for the apparatus 11. The flaps 31 and 32 connect to the cone 20 and provide additional shielding to guard against radiation emitted from about the perimeter of cone 20. The flaps 31 and 32 are preferably formed of lead or lead coated material and may be disposed about and connected to cone 20 in any convenient fashion. Where cone 20 is formed as an integral unit the flaps 31 and 32 may be permanently secured to the cone 20. Where the cone is of a modular construction the flaps 31 and 32 may be independently secured to the outer surface of the panels forming the outer surface of cone 20. FIG. 3 illustrates the use of one embodiment of the present invention to expose a film to X-ray a portion of structure 33. As shown therein film 34 is held against the back of surface 33 and covered by means of backup lead shield 35. Thus, structure 33 may be X-rayed. The backbone panel 26, of a generally triangle shape is secured against the outer face of the upper cone support portion 25, by means of two panel bolts or panel fasteners 28, and to the base 22, of the holding fixture 21. Once the backbone panel 26a, is connected to the upper cone support portion 25, the holding fixture 21, is rotated to uppermost required elevation and azimuth. The lower support portion 27 is then secured against the inner side of the side wall panel 26a by the means of two conventional panel bolts 29. Another opposite panel 26b, which is substantially identical to the backbone panel 26a, (FIG. 4), is then secured against the outer face of the upper support portion 25, and the inner face of the lower support portion 27. It should be noted that the base 22, of the holding fixture 21, attaches to the backbone panel 26a. The remaining outer panels 26c and 26d are identicially dimensioned and generally shaped in a triangular or trapezoidal form. These panels 26c and 26d are attached to the outer faces of the upper support portion 25 and lower support portion 27. By means such as fastener 30 the outer panels 26c and 26d also partially overlap the outer faces of the backbone panel 26a and the opposite panel 26b. As shown in FIG. 4, the overlapping and interlocking of the four panels 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d provides for a maximum containment of the radiation within the collimator cone 20. The backbone panel 26a and opposite panel 26b have identicial dimensions, and the other outer panel 26c and 26d have identicial dimensions larger than those of the backbone and opposite panels 26a and 26b. For this reason, lead flaps 31 and 32, are provided to interface between the collimator cone 20 and the object to be X-rayed, and to eliminate stray radiation. FIG. 2 further illustrates the interlocking and interposition of the flaps 31 and 32. The smaller flap 31, overlaps with and is stacked upon the larger flap 32, to provide additional precautionary shielding. While particular embodiment of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated in the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitation to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.