Other

Eureka X-Ray Tube, Inc.

Howard C Thomas

A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays has two parallel drive shafts and two parallel guide shafts orthogonal to the drive shafts to define a rectangular aperture. Two flexible bands moving around a generally rectangular path about the aperture independently control the positions of each set of shutters. Two cams on the drive shafts control the positions of the flexible bands and shutters. A pair of transverse shutters made of an x-ray opaque material are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each transverse shutter is attached to the first flexible band adjacent to the drive shafts. Similarly, a pair of longitudinal shutters are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each longitudinal shutter is attached to the second flexible band adjacent to the guide shafts.

Shutter mechanism for collimating X-rays

A spark gap electrode assembly for lithotripters allows easy replacement of both electrode tips without requiring manual adjustment of the spacing between the tips. The electrode assembly uses a housing with a conductive cage extending from its distal end to support the grounded electrode. The cage holds the base of the grounded electrode so that the tip of the grounded electrode is located at a predetermined position relative to the distal end of the housing. The discharge electrode assembly is threaded through a passageway in the housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The discharge electrode assembly includes an elongated conductive body with a proximal end for connection to an external electrical power supply and a tip at its distal end. An insulative layer covers the discharge electrode between its tip and proximal end. The insulative layer also includes a stop to prevent further insertion of the discharge electrode assembly beyond a predetermined position within the housing passageway so that the tip of the discharge electrode extends through the distal end of the housing to a location separated by a predetermined distance from the tip of the grounded electrode. In the preferred embodiment, the cage includes an end cap having a passageway and a setscrew to removably secure the grounded electrode in place.

Spark gap electrode assembly for lithotripters

A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays uses a frame to define an opening with two opposing interior edges. An elongated flexible band extends in sliding engagement about at least a portion of the periphery of the frame opening. A first shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the first interior edge of the frame. Similarly, a second shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the second interior edge of the frame. A drive means, such as a stepper motor, translates the flexible band relative to the frame to control the positions of the shutter members and the shutter aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the interior edges of the frame also include tracks that slidably engage the opposing edges of the shutter members for support. Two or more of these frame assemblies can be stacked in a rotated orientation about a common axis to provide two-dimensional control of the size of the shutter aperture.

Shutter apparatus for collimating x-rays

A mechanism for selective translation of an object along first and second axes comprises a frame, a carriage mounted on the frame for sliding movement with respect to the frame along the first axis, a holder for said object and an intermediate mounting means coupled to the holder and the carriage for mounting the holder on the carriage for sliding movement with respect to the carriage along the second axis. A motor is provided for selectively driving a first shaft and a drive/brake assembly provides a second shaft. In a drive mode of the assembly the second shaft is allowed to be driven synchronously with the first shaft and, in a brake mode of the assembly, is held non-driven while the first shaft is being driven. First and second endless belts are coupled to the first and second shafts, respectively, for receiving selective rotational movement therefrom. The first belt is also coupled to the intermediate mounting means for causing selective movement of the object holder along the second axis and the second belt is also coupled with the carriage for causing selective movement of the carriage along the first axis. In operation, when both belts are rotated, the second belt causes the carriage to move along the second axis, while the intermediate mounting means does not cause movement of the object holder due to the synchronous movement of the intermediate mounting means with the first belt due to coupling of the intermediate mounting means on the carriage. However, when the second belt is not driven during the brake mode of the drive/brake assembly, relative movement of said first belt with said intermediate mounting means causes sliding movement of the object holder along the second axis.

Growing community of inventors

Westminster, CO, United States of America

Howard C Thomas