Variable aperture and actuator assemblies for an imaging system

• US 7,724,412 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2007
• Issued: 05/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Original Assignee: DRS RSTA Incorporated (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Inventors: Malarcher, Falvey L., Powell, Donald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cherry; Euncha P
• Application Number:
  US11/761,161
• Publication Number:
  US 20080304126A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,079 Days
• Field of Search: 359/227, 359234-236, 250/347
• US Class Current: 359/234
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/06 Arrangements for eliminating effects of disturbing radiation; Arrangements for compensating changes in sensitivity for adjusting of solid angle of collected radiation G01J5/07; means for wavelength selection G01J5/0801
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/061 by controlling the temperature of the apparatus or parts thereof, e.g. using cooling means or thermostats
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/08 Optical arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0831 Masks; Aperture plates; Spatial light modulators
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/084 Adjustable or slidable
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/005 Diaphragms for cameras G03B9/02
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 9/02 Diaphragms

Abstract

Variable aperture and actuator assemblies are provided for a radiation detector housing in an imaging system. The variable aperture assembly includes a ring mounted over the housing'"'"'s window, a plate having a first aperture disposed over the window, an aperture blade operatively coupled to the ring so the blade moves laterally relative to the first aperture, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the blade laterally away from the first aperture when the member is moved in a first lateral direction, and over the first aperture to define a second aperture disposed over the window when the member is moved in a second lateral direction. The actuator assembly has an actuator and an actuator arm adapted to engage the actuator coupling member to control the lateral movement of the member.

Claims

1. An imaging system, comprising:

a housing for a radiation detector, the housing having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector;

a variable aperture assembly including;

a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window,

a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window,

at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring so that the at least one aperture blade is adapted to move laterally relative to the first aperture, and

an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body, the body being operatively coupled to the base ring and to each aperture blade such that the aperture drive mechanism drives each aperture blade laterally away from the first aperture in response to the actuator coupling member being moved in a first lateral direction, and laterally over the first aperture to define a second aperture disposed over the window in response to the actuator coupling member being moved in a second lateral direction; and

an actuator assembly disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member, the actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm having a first end operatively coupled to the actuator and a second end adapted to engage the actuator coupling member of the aperture drive mechanism so that the actuator controls the lateral movement of the actuator coupling member.

2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one aperture blade includes a first blade having a first end rotatably coupled at a pivot point to one of the base ring or the plate, a second end adapted to be pivoted relative to the first end, and an inner portion disposed between the first and second ends, the inner portion defines the second aperture; and

one of the base ring or the plate has an upper surface, a first stop pin disposed on the upper surface away from the pivot point and a second stop pin disposed on the upper surface across the first aperture from the first stop pin and away from the pivot point, the first stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of the first blade to stop the lateral movement thereof when the first blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed, the second stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of the first blade to stop the lateral movement thereof when the first blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

3. The imaging system of claim 2, wherein:

the one of the base ring or the plate having the upper surface includes a third stop pin; and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive arm including a first end pivotally coupled near the pivot point to the first blade and a second end defining a track adapted to receive and limit the lateral movement of the third stop pin such that the second end opening defines a lateral travel range for the aperture drive mechanism.

4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the base ring has an outer diameter defining an outer surface and a flange extending from the outer surface, and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive ring adapted to rotate about the base ring in sliding contact with the flange of the base ring.

5. The imaging system of claim 4, wherein the drive ring has an inner diameter that is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the base ring.

6. The imaging system of claim 4, wherein the base ring has a plurality of pivot pins circumferentially spaced on the base ring, the drive ring has a plurality of drive pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring relative to the pivot pins, and the at least one aperture blade corresponds to two or more aperture blades each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each blade having a pivot opening adapted to receive a respective one of the pivot pins and a drive opening adapted to receive a respective one of the drive pins such that the second end of the respective blade is adapted to pivot relative to the first end when the drive ring is rotated about the base ring.

7. The imaging system of claim 6, wherein the drive ring has a plurality of stop pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring such that each drive pin is disposed between a respective two of the stop pins, each stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of a respective one of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed.

8. The imaging system of claim 7, wherein each pivot pin is adapted to engage the second end of a respective second of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

9. The imaging system of claim 6, wherein:

the drive ring has a plurality of stop pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring such that each drive pin is disposed between a respective two of the stop pins,

each aperture blade has a top portion and a lower portion that collectively form a substantially L-shape having an external corner, the lower portion includes the first end and has an outer edge, the top portion includes the second end and has an external edge, the pivot opening and the drive opening of each aperture blade are disposed near the external corner, and

each stop pin is adapted to engage the external edge of the top portion of a respective one of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed.

10. The imaging system of claim 9, wherein each stop pin is adapted to engage the outer edge of the lower portion of a respective second of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

11. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the plate has a circular outer edge that defines a rim along an outer perimeter of the base ring, and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive ring adapted to rotate about the outer edge of the plate in sliding contact with the rim of the base ring.

12. The imaging system of claim 11, wherein:

the plate has a first plurality of guide pins circumferentially spaced on the plate, the drive ring has a plurality of drive pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring relative to the guide pins,

the at least one aperture blade corresponds to two or more aperture blades, each aperture blade has a first guide pin track running in a direction substantially parallel to a corresponding radial axis of the window, and a drive pin track running in a direction substantially diagonal to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade,

each of the plurality of drive pins is operatively coupled to the drive pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each drive pin travels along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the outer edge of the plate, and

each of the first plurality of guide pins is operatively coupled to the first guide pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each first guide pin travels along the first guide pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive pin traveling along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade.

13. The imaging system of claim 12, wherein the drive pin track of each aperture blade has a non-linear shape.

14. The imaging system of claim 12, wherein each aperture blade has a second guide pin track running in a direction substantially parallel to the first guide pin track of the respective aperture blade, and the plate has a second plurality of guide pins circumferentially spaced on the plate, each of the second guide pins is operatively coupled to the second guide pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each second guide pin travels along the second guide pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive pin traveling along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade.

15. The imaging system of claim 12, wherein:

each aperture blade is adapted to move laterally away from the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the base ring in the first lateral direction, and is adapted to move laterally over the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the base ring in the second lateral direction.

16. The imaging system of claim 15, wherein each aperture blade has a front edge that overlays and aligns with the front edge of an adjacent aperture blade such that a portion of the front edge of each aperture blade defines the second aperture.

17. The imaging system of claim 16, wherein the portion of the front edge of each aperture blade that defines the second aperture decreases as each aperture blade is moved over the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade.

18. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the actuator coupling member includes a rod extending down from and perpendicular to the body of the aperture drive mechanism, and the actuator arm includes a recess adapted to engage and laterally retain the rod.

19. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the actuator arm includes a rod extending from the second end of the actuator arm, and the actuator coupling member includes a flange extending down from and perpendicular to the body of the aperture drive mechanism, the flange having an opening adapted to receive and laterally retain the rod.

20. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a piezoelectric motor having an actuator rod operatively coupled to the first end of the actuator arm and adapted to be selectively moved between a first position to cause the actuator arm to move in the first lateral direction and a second position to enable the actuator arm to move in the second lateral direction.

21. The imaging system of claim 20, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises:

a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing, the actuator arm being operatively coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to move in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction; and

an L-shaped linkage member operatively coupled between the first end of the actuator arm and the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor, the linkage member having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the actuator arm, a second end having a flange, and a corner pivotally attached to the mounting bracket,

wherein the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor is adapted to engage the flange of the linkage member when moving from the first position to the second position such that the first end of the linkage member pivots about the corner of the linkage member and drives the second end of the actuator arm in one of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction.

22. The imaging system of claim 21, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a bias member operatively coupled between the vertical bracket and a point near the second end of the linkage member to bias the flange of the linkage member vertically when the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor is moved towards the first position such that the first end of the linkage member pivots about the corner of the linkage member and drives the second end of the actuator in another of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction.

23. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing, the actuator arm being pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction; and

the actuator comprises a voice coil motor having a wire coil operatively configured to receive a drive current and a magnet, the wire coil being incorporated in the first end of the actuator arm and the magnet being disposed relative to the wire coil so that the magnet drives the first end of the actuator arm away from the magnet in a predetermined direction in response to the drive current flowing through the wire coil, the predetermined direction corresponding to one of the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction based on a direction of flow of the drive current through the wire coil.

24. The imaging system of claim 23, wherein:

the first end of the actuator arm has an arcuate outer surface having a plurality of detents corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm; and

the actuator assembly further comprises a spring pin having a first end attached to one of the bracket or the magnet and a second end disposed relative to the first end of the actuator arm such that the spring pin is adapted to removably engage one of the plurality of detents to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

25. The imaging system of claim 23, wherein one of the actuator arm and the mounting bracket has a metal portion, and another of the actuator arm and the mounting bracket has a restraining magnet disposed relative to and having an attraction for the metal portion such that the restraining magnet is adapted to retain the actuator arm in position when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

26. The imaging system of claim 23, wherein:

the actuator arm has a plurality of detent magnets corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm, each detent magnet having a first polarity; and

the actuator assembly further comprises a restraining magnet having a second polarity, the restraining magnet being disposed on the mounting bracket relative to the plurality of detent magnets such that the restraining magnet is attracted to a closest one of the detent magnets to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

27. The imaging system of claim 23, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a plurality of detent magnets corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm, each detent magnet having a first polarity; and

the actuator arm has a restraining magnet having a second polarity, the plurality of detent magnets being disposed on the mounting bracket relative to the restraining magnet such that the restraining magnet is attracted to a closest one of the detent magnets to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

28. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing,

the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction,

and

the actuator comprises an electromagnetic solenoid having a drive input and a piston adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the solenoid between an extended position and a contracted position based on the drive input, the piston having an end operatively coupled to the first end of the actuator arm so that the piston drives the second end of the actuator arm in the first lateral direction when moving towards the extended position and in the second lateral direction when moving towards the contracted position.

29. The imaging system of claim 28, wherein the actuator further comprises a latching magnet disposed relative to the solenoid such that the latching magnet holds the piston of the solenoid in a current position when electrical bias present on the drive input is removed, the current position being between the extended position and the contracted position.

30. The imaging system of claim 28, wherein actuator arm has a moment arm disposed near the first end of the actuator arm, the moment arm has a distal end, the distal end has a recess adapted to engage and retain the end of the piston.

31. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing,

the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction, the actuator arm has a transverse member disposed near the first end of the actuator arm and defining a first moment arm having a first distal end and a second moment arm having a second distal end, and

the actuator comprises a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid, each of the solenoids having a drive input and a piston having an end adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the respective solenoid between an extended position and a contracted position based on the respective drive input, the drive input of the first solenoid being opposite in polarity to the drive input of the second solenoid such that the piston of the first solenoid moves in opposition to the piston of the second solenoid, each piston has an end operatively coupled to the distal end of a respective one of the first moment arm or the second moment arm.

32. The imaging system of claim 31, wherein the actuator further comprises a plurality of latching magnets, a first of the latching magnets is disposed relative to the first solenoid such that the first latching magnet holds the piston of the first solenoid in a first position when electrical bias present on the drive input of the first solenoid is removed, a second of the latching magnets is disposed relative to the second solenoid such that the second latching magnet holds the piston of the second solenoid in a second position when electrical bias present on the drive input of the second solenoid is removed.

33. A variable aperture assembly for use in an imaging system having a housing for a radiation detector, the housing having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, the variable aperture assembly comprising:

a base ring having a first opening and adapted to be mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window;

a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window;

at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring so that the at least one aperture blade is adapted to move laterally relative to the first aperture; and

an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body, the body being operatively coupled to the base ring and to each aperture blade such that the aperture drive mechanism drives each aperture blade laterally away from the first aperture in response to the actuator coupling member being moved in a first lateral direction, and laterally over the first aperture to define a second aperture disposed over the window in response to the actuator coupling member being moved in a second lateral direction.

34. The variable aperture assembly of claim 33, wherein:

the at least one aperture blade includes a first blade having a first end rotatably coupled at a pivot point to one of the base ring or the plate, a second end adapted to be pivoted relative to the first end, and an inner portion disposed between the first and second ends, the inner portion defining the second aperture; and

one of the base ring or the plate has an upper surface, a first stop pin disposed on the upper surface away from the pivot point and a second stop pin disposed on the upper surface across the first aperture from the first stop pin and away from the pivot point, the first stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of the first blade to stop the lateral movement thereof when the first blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed, the second stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of the first blade to stop the lateral movement thereof when the first blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

35. The variable aperture assembly of claim 34, wherein:

the one of the base ring or the plate having the upper surface includes a third stop pin; and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive arm including a first end pivotally coupled near the pivot point to the first blade and a second end defining a track adapted to receive and limit the lateral movement of the third stop pin such that the second end opening defines a lateral travel range for the aperture drive mechanism.

36. The variable aperture assembly of claim 33, wherein:

the base ring has an outer diameter defining an outer surface and a flange extending from the outer surface, and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive ring adapted to rotate about the base ring in sliding contact with the flange of the base ring.

37. The variable aperture assembly of claim 36, wherein the drive ring has an inner diameter that is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the base ring.

38. The variable aperture assembly of claim 36, wherein the base ring has a plurality of pivot pins circumferentially spaced on the base ring, the drive ring has a plurality of drive pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring relative to the pivot pins, and the at least one aperture blade corresponds to two or more aperture blades each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each blade having a pivot opening adapted to receive a respective one of the pivot pins and a drive opening adapted to receive a respective one of the drive pins such that the second end of the respective blade is adapted to pivot relative to the first end when the drive ring is rotated about the base ring.

39. The variable aperture assembly of claim 38, wherein the drive ring has a plurality of stop pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring such that each drive pin is disposed between a respective two of the stop pins, each stop pin is adapted to engage the second end of a respective one of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed.

40. The variable aperture assembly of claim 39, wherein each pivot pin is adapted to engage the second end of a respective second of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

41. The variable aperture assembly of claim 38, wherein:

the drive ring has a plurality of stop pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring such that each drive pin is disposed between a respective two of the stop pins,

each aperture blade has a top portion and a lower portion that collectively form a substantially L-shape having an external corner, the lower portion includes the first end and has an outer edge, the top portion includes the second end and has an external edge, the pivot opening and the drive opening of each aperture blade are disposed near the external corner, and

each stop pin is adapted to engage the external edge of the top portion of a respective one of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally away from the first aperture so that the first aperture is exposed.

42. The variable aperture assembly of claim 41, wherein each stop pin is adapted to engage the outer edge of the lower portion of a respective second of the aperture blades to stop the lateral movement thereof when the aperture blade is moved laterally over the first aperture so that the second aperture is disposed over the window.

43. The variable aperture assembly of claim 33, wherein:

the plate has a circular outer edge that defines a rim along an outer perimeter of the base ring, and

the body of the aperture drive mechanism corresponds to a drive ring adapted to rotate about the outer edge of the plate in sliding contact with the rim of the base ring.

44. The variable aperture assembly of claim 43, wherein:

the plate has a first plurality of guide pins circumferentially spaced on the plate, the drive ring has a plurality of drive pins circumferentially spaced on the drive ring relative to the guide pins,

the at least one aperture blade corresponds to two or more aperture blades, each aperture blade has a first guide pin track running in a direction substantially parallel to a corresponding radial axis of the window, and a drive pin track running in a direction substantially diagonal to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade,

each of the plurality of drive pins is operatively coupled to the drive pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each drive pin travels along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the outer edge of the plate, and

each of the first plurality of guide pins is operatively coupled to the first guide pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each first guide pin travels along the first guide pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive pin traveling along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade.

45. The variable aperture assembly of claim 44, wherein the drive pin track of each aperture blade has a non-linear shape.

46. The variable aperture assembly of claim 44, wherein each aperture blade has a second guide pin track running in a direction substantially parallel to the first guide pin track of the respective aperture blade, and the plate has a second plurality of guide pins circumferentially spaced on the plate, each of the second guide pins is operatively coupled to the second guide pin track of a corresponding one of the aperture blades such that each second guide pin travels along the second guide pin track of the corresponding aperture blade in response to the drive pin traveling along the drive pin track of the corresponding aperture blade.

47. The variable aperture assembly of claim 44, wherein:

each aperture blade is adapted to move laterally away from the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the base ring in the first lateral direction, and is adapted to move laterally over the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade in response to the drive ring being rotated about the base ring in the second lateral direction.

48. The variable aperture assembly of claim 47, wherein each aperture blade has a front edge that overlays and aligns with the front edge of an adjacent aperture blade such that a portion of the front edge of each aperture blade defines the second aperture.

49. The variable aperture assembly of claim 48, wherein the portion of the front edge of each aperture blade that defines the second aperture decreases as each aperture blade is moved over the first aperture along the radial axis of the window corresponding to the first guide pin track of the aperture blade.

50. The variable aperture assembly of claim 33, wherein the actuator coupling member of the aperture drive mechanism includes a rod extending down from and perpendicular to the body of the aperture drive mechanism such that the rod is adapted to be engaged and laterally retained by an actuator assembly disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing below the actuator coupling member.

51. The variable aperture assembly of claim 33, wherein the actuator coupling member includes a flange extending down from and perpendicular to the body of the aperture drive mechanism, the flange having an opening adapted to receive and laterally retain a rod of an actuator assembly disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing below the actuator coupling member.

52. An aperture actuator assembly for use in actuating a variable aperture assembly disposed over a window of radiation detector housing in an imaging device, the variable aperture assembly including an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending down at an angle from the body and adapted to be moved in a first lateral direction so that the variable aperture assembly defines a first aperture over the window and in a second lateral direction so that the variable aperture assembly defines a second aperture over the window, the aperture actuator assembly comprising:

an actuator adapted to be disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing below the actuator coupling member, and

an actuator arm disposed between the actuator and the actuator coupling member, the actuator arm having a first end operatively coupled to the actuator and a second end adapted to engage the actuator coupling member of the aperture drive mechanism so that the actuator controls the lateral movement of the actuator coupling member.

53. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 52, wherein the actuator is a piezoelectric motor having an actuator rod operatively coupled to the first end of the actuator arm and adapted to be selectively moved between a first position to cause the actuator arm to move in the first lateral direction and a second position to enable the actuator arm to move in the second lateral direction.

54. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 53, further comprising:

a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing, the actuator arm being operatively coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to move in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction; and

an L-shaped linkage member operatively coupled between the first end of the actuator arm and the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor, the linkage member having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the actuator arm, a second end having a flange, and a corner pivotally attached to the mounting bracket,

wherein the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor is adapted to engage the flange of the linkage member when moving from the first position to the second position such that the first end of the linkage member pivots about the corner of the linkage member and drives the second end of the actuator arm in one of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction.

55. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 54, further comprising a bias member operatively coupled between the vertical bracket and a point near the second end of the linkage member to bias the flange of the linkage member vertically when the actuator rod of the piezoelectric motor is moved towards the first position such that the first end of the linkage member pivots about the corner of the linkage member and drives the second end of the actuator arm in another of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction.

56. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 52, further comprising a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing,

wherein the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction, and

wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor having a wire coil operatively configured to receive a drive current and a magnet, the wire coil being incorporated in the first end of the actuator arm and the magnet being disposed relative to the wire coil so that the magnet drives the first end of the actuator arm away from the magnet in a predetermined direction in response to the drive current flowing through the wire coil, the predetermined direction corresponding to one of the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction based on a direction of flow of the drive current through the wire coil.

57. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 56, wherein:

the first end of the actuator arm has an arcuate outer surface having a plurality of detents corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm; and

the actuator assembly further comprises a spring pin having a first end attached to one of the bracket or the magnet and a second end disposed relative to the first end of the actuator arm such that the spring pin is adapted to removably engage one of the plurality of detents to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

58. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 56, wherein one of the actuator arm and the mounting bracket has a metal portion, and another of the actuator arm and the mounting bracket has a restraining magnet disposed relative to and having an attraction for the metal portion such that the restraining magnet is adapted to retain the actuator arm in position when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

59. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 56, wherein:

the actuator arm has a plurality of detent magnets corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm, each detent magnet having a first polarity; and

the actuator assembly further comprises a restraining magnet having a second polarity, the restraining magnet being disposed on the mounting bracket relative to the plurality of detent magnets such that the restraining magnet is attracted to a closest one of the detent magnets to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

60. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 56, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a plurality of detent magnets corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions for the actuator arm, each detent magnet having a first polarity; and

the actuator arm has a restraining magnet having a second polarity, the plurality of detent magnets being disposed on the mounting bracket relative to the restraining magnet such that the restraining magnet is attracted to a closest one of the detent magnets to retain the actuator arm in a corresponding one of the predetermined positions when the drive current is not flowing through the wire coil.

61. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 52, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing,

the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction,

and

the actuator comprises an electromagnetic solenoid having a drive input and a piston adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the solenoid between an extended position and a contracted position based on the drive input, the piston having an end operatively coupled to the first end of the actuator arm so that the piston drives the second end of the actuator arm in the first lateral direction when moving towards the extended position and in the second lateral direction when moving towards the contracted position.

62. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 61, wherein the actuator further comprises a latching magnet disposed relative to the solenoid such that the latching magnet holds the piston of the solenoid in a current position when electrical bias present on the drive input is removed, the current position being between the extended position and the contracted position.

63. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 61, wherein actuator arm has a moment arm disposed near the first end of the actuator arm, the moment arm has a distal end, the distal end has a recess adapted to engage and retain the end of the piston.

64. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 52, wherein:

the actuator assembly further comprises a mounting bracket extending vertically relative to the radiation detector housing,

the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket such that the second end of the actuator arm is adapted to rotate in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction, the actuator arm has a transverse member disposed near the first end of the actuator arm and defining a first moment arm having a first distal end and a second moment arm having a second distal end, and

the actuator comprises a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid, each of the solenoids having a drive input and a piston having an end adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the respective solenoid between an extended position and a contracted position based on the respective drive input, the drive input of the first solenoid being opposite in polarity to the drive input of the second solenoid such that the piston of the first solenoid moves in opposition to the piston of the second solenoid, each piston has an end operatively coupled to the distal end of a respective one of the first moment arm or the second moment arm.

65. The aperture actuator assembly of claim 64, wherein the actuator further comprises a plurality of latching magnets, a first of the latching magnets is disposed relative to the first solenoid such that the first latching magnet holds the piston of the first solenoid in a first position when electrical bias present on the drive input of the first solenoid is removed, a second of the latching magnets is disposed relative to the second solenoid such that the second latching magnet holds the piston of the second solenoid in a second position when electrical bias present on the drive input of the second solenoid is removed.