Mobile radiography alignment device
First Claim
1. In mobile x-radiography, including a mobile x-ray apparatus which is sufficiently mobile to be brought to bedside for taking radiographs of a body resting on a support, the mobile x-ray apparatus having an x-ray source which is adjustable to a sufficient range of orientations to allow the exposure of radiographs of portions of the body in a plurality of orientations at bedside, the combination with said mobile x-ray apparatus of apparatus for improving the consistency and quality of radiographic images comprising, in combination:
- a film cassette for holding an x-ray film to be exposed,holding means for supporting said film cassette configured to be positioned between the body to be radiographed and the body support,focused grid means associated with said holding means for reducing the effects of scattered radiation on the radiographic image, andmeans connecting the x-ray source and the holding means for establishing a fixed and aligned relationship between the x-ray source, the grid and the film cassette, and a predetermined focal distance between the x-ray source and film cassette during an x-ray exposure;
the connecting means including physical link means between the x-ray source and holding means for positioning the holding means between the body and its support in alignment with the x-ray source during adjustment thereof to maintain said fixed and aligned relationship as the x-ray source is adjusted within its range of orientations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An alignment device for use in mobile radiography. In contrast to prior practice in which a film cassette is placed on one side of the patient, an x-ray source on the other, and it is left to the skill of the technician to approximate the necessary alignment, the present invention assures consistent alignment much more precise than is typically achieved. The precise alignment allows regular use of a grid in mobile radiography which helps to prevent image deterioration caused by scattered radiation. The precise alignment is achieved by providing an adaptable physical connection which when in the deployed condition, accurately establishes both the distance between the focal spot and the film plane and the alignment of the grid with respect to the central ray.
105 Citations
16 Claims
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1. In mobile x-radiography, including a mobile x-ray apparatus which is sufficiently mobile to be brought to bedside for taking radiographs of a body resting on a support, the mobile x-ray apparatus having an x-ray source which is adjustable to a sufficient range of orientations to allow the exposure of radiographs of portions of the body in a plurality of orientations at bedside, the combination with said mobile x-ray apparatus of apparatus for improving the consistency and quality of radiographic images comprising, in combination:
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a film cassette for holding an x-ray film to be exposed, holding means for supporting said film cassette configured to be positioned between the body to be radiographed and the body support, focused grid means associated with said holding means for reducing the effects of scattered radiation on the radiographic image, and means connecting the x-ray source and the holding means for establishing a fixed and aligned relationship between the x-ray source, the grid and the film cassette, and a predetermined focal distance between the x-ray source and film cassette during an x-ray exposure;
the connecting means including physical link means between the x-ray source and holding means for positioning the holding means between the body and its support in alignment with the x-ray source during adjustment thereof to maintain said fixed and aligned relationship as the x-ray source is adjusted within its range of orientations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. In mobile x-radiography, including a mobile x-ray apparatus which is sufficiently mobile to be brought to bedside for taking radiographs of a body resting on a support, the mobile x-ray apparatus having an x-ray source which is adjustable to a sufficient range of orientations to allow the exposure of radiographs of portions of the body in a plurality of orientations at bedside, the combination with said mobile x-ray apparatus of a film positioning and alignment device comprising in combination:
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means for providing a mounting surface connected to the adjustable x-ray source and having a predetermined location with respect to the focal spot of the x-ray source, a positioning arm of predetermined length coupled to the mounting surface, means for holding a film cassette containing an x-ray film, the holding means being sufficiently thin to allow positioning thereof between the body to be radiographed and the body support, means for associating a focused grid with the film cassette, means for attaching the holding means to the positioning arm the attaching means being constructed and arranged as to allow holding means to be positioned between the body to be radiographed and the body support as the x-ray source is adjusted for taking a radiograph, and means for establishing the spatial relationship between the holding means and the attaching means to secure precise alignment and position of the grid and film cassette with respect to the x-ray source within its range of orientations. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification