Interface for gantry and component

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016249871-A1
Application number	US-201615153989-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 13, 2016
Priority date	Feb 4, 2014
Publication date	Sep 1, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A support structure and an imaging component are provided in an imaging system. The imaging component comprises a port extension that frames an opening for x-ray emission. The support structure comprises a recess for receiving the port extension, the recess also framing an opening for x-ray transmission. The imaging system may be a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, x-ray diagnostic system, or other imaging system.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . An x-ray tube apparatus, comprising:
an x-ray tube for emitting x-rays; and a port extension, wherein the port extension:
protrudes outwards from the side of the x-ray tube where the x-ray tube apparatus can attach to a support structure;
frames an opening from the x-ray tube to allow x-rays to emit from the x-ray tube; and
provides shielding around the inside edges of the frame to attenuate x-ray transmission through the edge of the frame.

2 . The x-ray tube apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the port extension further comprises steel material.

3 . The x-ray tube apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the support structure is a stationary structure, rotary member, top cap, or collimator.

4 . The x-ray tube apparatus of claim 3 , wherein:
the x-ray tube attaches to the support structure via a primary support mechanism and a secondary support mechanism.

5 . The x-ray tube apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the port extension opening is oval or rectangular.

6 . The x-ray tube apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a pin extending outward from the apparatus in the same direction as the port extension, wherein the height of the pin is larger than the height of the port extension.

7 . A support structure, comprising:
an attachment mechanism to allow imaging components to be attached thereto; a recess to receive a protruding portion of an attached imaging component; wherein the recess:
frames an opening for unattenuated transmission of imaging beans through the support structure; and
provides shielding around the inside edge of the frame to attenuate x-ray transmission through the edge of the frame.

8 . The support structure of claim 7 , wherein:
the support structure is a stationary structure, rotary member, top cap, or collimator.

9 . The support structure of claim 7 , further comprising:
a button that extends outward from the support structure at a height that is larger than the depth of the recess.

10 . A gantry, comprising:
a support structure, comprising: an attachment mechanism to allow imaging components to be attached thereto; and a recess to receive a protruding portion of an attached imaging component; wherein the recess frames an opening for unattenuated transmission of imaging beans through the support structure from the imaging component and provides shielding around the inside edge of the frame to attenuate x-ray transmission through the edge of the frame; and an imaging component attached to the support structure and that emits x-rays; the imaging component comprising a port extension that: (a) protrudes outwards from the side of the imaging component where the imaging component attaches to the support structure; (b) frames an opening from the imaging component to allow unattenuated x-rays to emit from the imaging component towards the support structure; and (c) provides shielding around the edge of the frame to attenuate x-ray transmission through the edge of the frame.

11 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the port extension protrudes into the recess such that the frame of the port extension provides a primary shielding effect upon scatter x-ray radiation and the frame of the recess provides a secondary shielding effect upon scatter x-ray radiation.

12 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the depth of the recess is larger than the height of the port extension.

13 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the width of the recess is larger than the width of the port extension; and the length of the recess is larger than the length of the port extension.

14 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the port extension does not physically contact with the support structure or the recess comprised within the support structure.

15 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the support structure is a stationary structure, rotary member, top cap, or collimator.

16 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the gantry is part of a computed tomography system or diagnostic x-ray system.

17 . The gantry of claim 10 , further comprising:
a detector assembly attached to the support structure to receiving x-rays and transmitting detected image data; and an image reconstructor to receiving transmitted detected image data and reconstructing images therefrom.

18 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the imaging component can be attached to the support structure by a primary attachment mechanism; and the imaging component can be attached to the support structure by a secondary attachment mechanism, the secondary attachment mechanism being a T-slot interface.

19 . The gantry of claim 10 , wherein:
the opening framed by the port extension and the opening framed by the recess are substantially the same shape and size.

20 . The gantry of claim 10 , further comprising:
a button that extends outward from the support structure at a height that is larger than the depth of the recess; a pin extending outward from the imaging component in the same direction as the port extension, wherein the height of the pin is larger than the height of the port extension; and wherein the height of the button and the height of the pin are substantially the same.

21 . A method of interfacing an x-ray tube with a support structure, comprising:
sliding an x-ray tube across the surface of a support structure; wherein the x-ray tube comprises
a port extension that protrudes outwards from the side of the imaging component where the imaging component attaches to the support structure; and
a pin extending outward from the imaging component in the same direction as the port extension, wherein the height of the pin is larger than the height of the port extension;
wherein the support structure comprises a button that extends outward from the support structure at a height that is larger than the height of the port extension; wherein the height of the button and the height of the pin are substantially the same; and wherein, during the sliding of the x-ray tube across the surface of the support structure, the pin and button force separation between the x-ray tube and support structure such that the port extension does not come into contact with the support structure.

Assignees

• Gen Electric

Inventors

• Smith Brandon
• Emaci Edward

Classifications

• A61B6/4208

  characterised by using a particular type of detector · CPC title

• A61B6/44

  Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis · CPC title

• H01J35/16

  Vessels; Containers; Shields associated therewith · CPC title

• A61B6/4429

  related to the mounting of source units and detector units · CPC title

• H05G1/04

  Mounting the X-ray tube within a closed housing · CPC title