Radiography backscatter shields and X-ray imaging systems including backscatter shields

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11026645-B2
Application number	US-201916269457-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 6, 2019
Priority date	Feb 7, 2018
Publication date	Jun 8, 2021
Grant date	Jun 8, 2021

Abstract

Radiography backscatter shields and X-ray imaging systems including backscatter shields are disclosed. An example X-ray backscatter shield includes: a conforming backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; and a shield frame configured to couple the backscatter shield to an X-ray source.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:
an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;
an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation directed toward the X-ray detector; and
a frame configured to:
hold the X-ray detector;
hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector;
enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation; and
enable attachment of a Compton scatter shielding device to the frame; and

a switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the shielding device.

2. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a collimator configured to filter the output of the X-ray radiation, the switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device adjacent the collimator.

3. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of the shielding device.

4. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a mechanical switch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.

5. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage.

6. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 5 , wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected.

7. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises an attachment rail configured to hold the shielding device.

8. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:
an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;
an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation; and
a frame configured to:
hold the X-ray detector;
hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector; and
enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation;

a backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; and
a switch configured to detect attachment of the backscatter shield to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the backscatter shield.

9. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 8 , wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage.

10. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 9 , wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected.

Assignees

• Illinois Tool Works

Inventors

• Girouard Brian
• Bourn Jason
• Benson Paul

Classifications

• A61B6/467

  characterised by special input means · CPC title

• G01T1/20 Primary

  with scintillation detectors · CPC title

• A61B6/4441

  the rigid structure being a C-arm or U-arm · CPC title

• H04N5/321

  with video transmission of fluoroscopic images · CPC title

• A61B6/4035

  the source being combined with a filter or grating · CPC title