US20090129553A1 - Method and apparatus for rotating an imaging system detector - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for rotating an imaging system detector Download PDFInfo
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- US20090129553A1 US20090129553A1 US11/944,325 US94432507A US2009129553A1 US 20090129553 A1 US20090129553 A1 US 20090129553A1 US 94432507 A US94432507 A US 94432507A US 2009129553 A1 US2009129553 A1 US 2009129553A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B42/00—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means
- G03B42/02—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means using X-rays
Definitions
- This subject matter described and illustrated herein relates generally to imaging systems, and more particularly to detectors for imaging systems.
- Imaging systems typically include one or more detectors that detect something, for example radiation, to produce an image of an object.
- the detectors are typically mounted on a support structure that is movable to position the detectors in a variety of different locations.
- some know detectors are mounted on a support arm that is vertically movable to position the detectors at a variety of different heights.
- Detectors may additionally or alternatively be rotatably mounted on the support structure such that the detectors can be tilted relative to the support structure to position the detectors in a variety of different orientations relative to the support structure.
- It may be desirable to move the detector into different positions and/or orientations can be performed both manually by an operator and automatically, upon initiation by the operator or a controller, using a power source.
- At least some known imaging systems enable vertical movement of detectors both automatically and manually. However, some known imaging systems do not enable both automatic and manual tilting of detectors.
- known imaging systems that enable both automatic and manual tilting of detectors typically tilt the detectors using a direct drive gear arrangement, which may limit the range of rotation of the detector relative to the support structure and/or may increase a size of the system that actuates titling of the detector.
- a system for rotating a detector of an imaging system about an axis of rotation.
- the system includes a shaft extending a length between a pair of opposite end portions.
- the shaft is threaded on an exterior surface thereof.
- a carriage is mounted on the shaft.
- the carriage is threadably connected to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft.
- a connection member has a first portion mounted on the carriage, and a second portion configured to be connected to the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
- an imaging system in another embodiment, includes a detector and a sub-system operatively connected to the detector for rotating the detector about an axis of rotation.
- the sub-system includes a shaft extending a length between a pair of opposite end portions.
- the shaft is threaded on an exterior surface thereof.
- a carriage is mounted on the shaft.
- the carriage is threadably connected to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft.
- a connection member interconnects the carriage and the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
- a method for rotating a detector of an imaging system about an axis of rotation.
- the method includes providing a shaft that extends a length between a pair of opposite end portions and is threaded on an exterior surface thereof, mounting a carriage on the shaft in threaded connection with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft, and connecting the carriage to the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging system.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a detector assembly of the imaging system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system of the detector assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the system shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a portion of the detector assembly shown in FIG. 2 illustrating one exemplary position of a detector of the detector assembly.
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a portion of the detector assembly shown in FIG. 2 illustrating another exemplary position of the detector.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging system 10 .
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a detector assembly 14 of the imaging system 10 .
- the imaging system 10 is an x-ray imaging system.
- the imaging system 10 includes an x-ray source 12 and the detector assembly 14 .
- the detector assembly 14 includes a stand 16 , a support arm 18 held by the stand 16 , and a detector 20 held by the support arm 18 .
- the stand 16 extends a height between an end portion 22 that rests on a floor 24 and an end portion 26 that is opposite the end portion 22 .
- the support arm 18 extends outwardly from the stand along a length defined between an end portion 28 that is mounted on the stand 16 and an opposite end portion 30 that holds the detector 20 .
- the support arm 18 is mounted on the stand 16 such that the support arm 18 is selectively movable along the height of the stand 16 to position the detector 20 for detection at a variety of different heights relative to the floor 24 .
- the detector 20 includes a housing 32 that holds a detection element 34 .
- the detection element 34 is any suitable x-ray detection element, such as, but not limited to, a photographic plate, a photostimulable phosphor (PSP), a geiger counter, a scintillator, a semiconductor, and/or the like.
- the detection element 34 is mounted on a support member 36 that is mounted to the end portion 30 of the support arm 18 .
- the support member 36 is rotatably mounted on the support arm 18 such that the detector 20 can be rotated relative to the support arm 18 about an axis of rotation 38 to position the detector 20 for detection at a variety of different orientations, as will be described below.
- the detector assembly 20 includes a system 100 that is at least partially held within an interior space 40 of the support arm 18 for rotating the detector 20 about the axis of rotation 38 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the system 100 of the detector assembly 14 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the system 100 .
- the system 100 includes a shaft 102 , a carriage 104 , and a connection member 106 .
- the shaft 102 , the carriage 104 , and a portion of the connection member 106 are contained within the interior space 40 of the support arm 18 .
- the shaft 102 extends a length between a pair of opposite end portions 108 and 110 .
- an exterior surface 111 of the shaft 102 is threaded along at least a portion the length of the shaft 102 .
- the shaft 102 is supported by two support members 114 and 116 . Specifically, the end portion 110 of the shaft 102 is held within an opening 118 of the support member 114 , and a portion 120 of the shaft 102 is held within an opening 122 of the support member 114 .
- the shaft 102 is configured to rotate within the openings 118 and 122 about an axis of rotation 124 such that the shaft 102 rotates with respect to the support members 114 and 116 .
- Any suitable type of bearing may be provided between the shaft 102 and the portions of the support members 114 and 116 that define the respective openings 118 and 122 to facilitate rotation of the shaft 102 relative to the support members 114 and 116 .
- the system 100 may include any number of support members that support the shaft 102 .
- the support members 114 and 116 may each be located anywhere along the length of the shaft 102 that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the support members 114 and 116 may each be mounted to any portion of the support arm 18 .
- the support members 114 and 116 are mounted to a bottom wall 117 of the support arm 18 .
- the carriage 104 is mounted on the shaft 102 for movement along the length of the shaft 102 .
- the carriage 104 is threadably connected to shaft 102 such that rotation of the shaft 102 about the axis 124 moves the carriage 104 along the length of the shaft 102 .
- the carriage 104 includes a body 126 having an opening 128 therein through which the shaft 102 is received.
- the opening 128 has a closed geometrical shape such that the opening 128 surrounds the entire circumference of the portion of the shaft 102 that extends within the opening 128 .
- the opening 128 may alternatively be an open geometrical shape such that the opening 128 surrounds only partially surrounds the circumference of the portion of the shaft 102 that extends within the opening 128 .
- the carriage 104 includes one or more ball bearings (not shown) that communicate (extend at least partially within) with the opening 128 such that the ball bearing(s) engages the shaft 102 , and more specifically the thread(s) 112 of the shaft 102 , to threadably connect the carriage 104 to the shaft 102 .
- the carriage 104 and the shaft 102 define what is typically referred to as a “ball screw”.
- a surface (not shown) of the carriage 104 that defines the opening 128 may be threaded (not shown, and such that the carriage 104 defines a nut), to threadably connect the carriage 104 to the shaft 102 , such that the carriage 104 and the shaft 102 define what is typically referred to as a “leadscrew”.
- the carriage 104 may include a combination of one or more ball bearing(s) and one or more threads to threadably connect the carriage 104 to the shaft 102 .
- the support member 36 of the detector 20 is rotatably mounted on the support arm 18 such that the detector 20 can be rotated relative to the support arm 18 about the axis of rotation 38 .
- the support member 36 includes a plate 130 on which the detector element 34 ( FIG. 1 ) is mounted, and a pair of extensions 132 extending outwardly from the plate 130 .
- the extensions 132 engage side walls 134 of the support arm 18 and are rotatably connected to the sidewalls 134 for rotation relative thereto about the axis 38 .
- the plate 130 extends a height H between a pair of opposite end portions 136 and 138 and along a central axis 140 .
- the plate 130 also extends a width W between a pair of opposite end portions 142 and 144 and along a central axis 146 .
- connection member 106 interconnects the carriage 104 and the support member 36 . Specifically, a portion 148 of the connection member 106 is carried by, or mounted on, the carriage 104 and a portion 150 of the connection member 106 is mounted on the support member 36 .
- the connection member 106 may interconnect the carriage 104 using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the connection member 106 includes a clevis 152 and an arm 154 .
- the arm 154 extends between the end portion 148 and an opposite end portion 158 .
- the end portion 148 of the arm defines an end portion of the connection member 106 .
- Each of the end portions 148 and 158 includes a respective opening 160 and 162 therein that receives a respective clevis pin 164 and 166 therethrough.
- the arm opening 160 of the end portion 148 receives the clevis pin 164 of a clevis 168 that extends from the carriage 104 .
- the clevis 168 connects the arm 154 to the carriage 104 and provides a pivot point, indicated by an axis of rotation 170 , about which the arm 154 rotates when the carriage 104 moves along the length of the shaft 102 .
- the clevis 168 includes a pair of openings 172 that hold end portions of the clevis pin 164 .
- the clevis pin 164 may be held within the openings 160 and 172 using any suitable structure, means, and/or the like (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a clip, a cotter pin, and/or the like.
- the clevis 152 defines an end portion of the connection member 106 that is opposite the end portion 148 .
- the clevis 152 is mounted on the plate 130 of the support member 36 and includes a pair of openings 174 that hold end portions of the clevis pin 166 .
- the opening 162 of the arm end portion 158 receives the clevis pin 166 such that the clevis 152 connects the arm 154 to the plate 130 of the support member 36 .
- the clevis 152 provides a pivot point, indicated by an axis of rotation 176 , about which the arm 154 rotates when the carriage 104 moves along the length of the shaft 102 .
- the clevis pin 166 may be held within the openings 162 and 174 using any suitable structure, means, and/or the like (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a clip, a cotter pin, and/or the like.
- the clevis 152 and thus the connection member 106 , may be mounted on the plate 130 (or additionally or alternatively on one or both of the extensions 132 ) at any location of the plate 130 that enables the system 100 to function as described herein, for example any location that enables the detector 20 to rotate about the axis of rotation 38 .
- the clevis 152 is mounted on the plate to one side 178 of the central axis 140 and to one side 179 of the central axis 146 such that the connection point between the connection member 106 and the support member 36 is offset from a center of the width W of the plate 130 and from a center of the height H of the plate, which are defined by the central axes 140 and 146 , respectively.
- One or more biasing mechanisms 180 may optionally be provided to engage the plate 130 on the side 179 of the central axis 146 .
- the biasing mechanism(s) 180 engages the plate 130 to exert a bias on the side 179 of the plate 130 to balance the load, with respect to the axis of rotation 38 , exerted on the plate 130 by the weight of various components of the detector 20 , such as, but not limited to, the detection element 34 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the housing 32 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and/or the like.
- the biasing mechanism(s) 180 balances the load exerted on the plate 130 by the weight of the various components of the detector 20 by providing a torque about the axis of rotation 38 that counteracts the torque about the axis of rotation 38 created by the weight of the various components of the detector 20 .
- the biasing mechanism(s) 180 may be mounted directly to the support arm 18 and/or to another structure to exert the bias on the side 182 of the plate 130 .
- the biasing mechanism(s) 180 may be any suitable type of biasing mechanism that enables the biasing mechanism(s) 180 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, a gas spring, a helical spring, and/or the like.
- biasing mechanism(s) 180 one or more biasing mechanisms 181 extending at least partially around the axis of rotation 38 may be included to provide a torque about the axis of rotation 38 that counteracts the torque about the axis of rotation 38 created by the weight of the various components of the detector 20 .
- the biasing mechanism(s) 181 may be any suitable type of biasing mechanism that enables the biasing mechanism(s) 181 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, a helical spring and/or the like.
- the detector 20 may be tilted (rotated about the axis 38 ) both manually by an operator and automatically, upon initiation by the operator or a control circuit (not shown) operatively connected to the system 100 , using a power source.
- Automatic rotation of the shaft 102 about the axis 124 , and thereby movement of the carriage 104 along the length of the shaft 102 and rotation of the detector 20 about the axis 38 may be driven by any suitable power source that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the power source is an electrical motor 184 .
- the electrical motor 184 may be any suitable type of electrical motor, having any suitable power output, that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the electrical motor 184 may be operatively connected to the shaft 102 for rotating the shaft 102 using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the electrical motor 184 is operatively connected to the shaft via a pair of pulleys 186 and 188 .
- the pulley 186 is connected to an output shaft 190 of the electrical motor 184 for rotation with the output shaft 190
- the pulley 188 is connected to the shaft 102 for rotation therewith (via a clutch 192 in the exemplary embodiment, as described below).
- the pulleys 186 and 188 may be connected together for rotation with each other using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to using a belt 194 and/or the like. Some or all of the pulleys 186 and 188 may alternatively be sprockets (not shown) that are connected together for rotation with each other using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, using a chain (not shown) and/or the like.
- pulleys 186 and 188 may alternatively be gears (not shown) that are connected together for rotation with each other using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, using teeth of the gears that interlock with one another.
- the pulleys 186 and 188 may have any relative size for providing any relative rotational rate of the output shaft 190 and the shaft 102 .
- the relative rotation rate of the output shaft 190 and the shaft 102 may be identical, or the rotational rate of the output shaft 190 may be stepped up or down.
- more pulleys, gears, sprockets, and/or the like may be included (such as, but not limited to, using a gearbox (not shown)) such that the relative rotational rates of the output shaft 190 and the shaft 102 may be variably selected (which may include identical rotational rates, stepping up the rotational rate of the output shaft 190 , and/or stepping down the rotational rate of the output shaft 190 ).
- the electrical motor 184 may be mounted directly to the support arm 18 , as shown in the exemplary embodiment, and/or to another structure. Although shown adjacent the end portion 108 of the shaft 102 , the pulley 188 may be located anywhere along the length of the shaft 102 that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- the clutch 192 may be provided to selectively engage the pulley 188 for rotation with the shaft 102 and disengage the pulley 188 from rotation with the shaft 102 .
- the clutch 192 thereby selectively connects and disconnects the electrical motor 184 to and from, respectively, operative connection with the shaft 102 .
- the clutch 192 is operatively connected to the shaft 102 and the pulley 188 .
- the pulley 188 is mounted on the shaft 102 such that the pulley 188 is configured to rotate about the axis 124 with respect to the shaft 102 .
- Any suitable type of bearing (not shown) may be provided between the shaft 102 and the pulley 188 to facilitate rotation of the pulley 188 relative to the shaft 102 .
- the clutch 192 includes an engagement member (not shown) that is connected to shaft 102 for rotation with the shaft 102 .
- the clutch engagement member is configured to engage the pulley 188 such that the pulley 188 rotates with the shaft 102 when the clutch engagement member is engaged with the pulley 188 .
- the clutch engagement member is disengaged from the pulley 188 , the pulley 188 is free to rotate relative to the shaft 102 .
- the clutch 192 may be located anywhere along the length of the shaft 102 that enables the system 100 to function as described herein.
- a brake 196 may optionally be included to prevent rotation of the shaft 102 about the axis 124 and thereby hold the detector 20 in a particular orientation, for example during detection by the detector 20 .
- the brake 196 may be any suitable type of brake having any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables the brake 196 to prevent rotation of the shaft 102 about the axis 124 . Although shown adjacent the end portion 108 of the shaft 102 , the brake 196 may be located anywhere along the length of the shaft 102 that enables the system 100 to function as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the brake 196 may be operatively connected to the pulley 188 .
- the detector 20 may be tilted by manually rotating the detector 20 about the axis 38 , such as, but not limited to, grasping the detector 20 (such as, but not limited to, the housing 32 , a handle or other extension (not shown) extending from the housing 32 , and/or the like) and rotating the detector 20 about the axis 38 and/or using a lever, crank, and/or the like (not shown) that is connected to the shaft 102 for rotation therewith about the axis 124 .
- the clutch 192 may facilitate manual rotation of the detector 20 by operatively disconnecting the electrical motor 184 from the shaft 102 .
- Various parameters such as, but not limited to, the lead angle (or pitch) of the thread(s) 112 of the shaft 102 , the material(s) of the shaft 102 and/or the carriage 104 , the coefficient of friction between the shaft 102 and the carriage 104 , an amount of lubrication, and/or the like, may be selected to enable the system 100 to be backdriven when a predetermined amount of torque is applied to the detector 20 .
- the parameter(s) selected to enable the system 100 to be backdriven may be selected to enable the system 100 to be backdriven by a human operator by grasping the detector 20 (such as, but not limited to, the housing 32 , a handle or other extension (not shown) extending from the housing 32 , and/or the like) without the assistance of a power source (such as, but not limited to, the electrical motor 184 , the lever, the crank, and/or the like).
- a power source such as, but not limited to, the electrical motor 184 , the lever, the crank, and/or the like.
- an operator may initiate rotation of the detector 20 using the control circuit or the control circuit may initiate the rotation based on a predetermined condition or occurrence.
- the clutch 192 is engaged with the pulley 188 and the electrical motor 184 rotates the pulley 186 , which rotates the pulley 188 and the shaft 102 .
- Rotation of the shaft 102 causes the carriage 104 to move along the length of the shaft in a direction toward or away from the detector 20 , depending upon the desired rotational direction of the detector 20 . Movement of the carriage 104 along the shaft 102 causes the detector 20 rotate in the desired direction.
- the detector 20 may be provided with any suitable range and/or rate of rotation, such as, but not limited to, a range of motion of between approximately 10° and approximately 110°.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary range of rotation of the detector 20 of approximately 110°.
- the detector 20 is oriented at approximately ⁇ 20° to an axis 198
- FIG. 5 shows the detector 20 oriented at approximately 90° to the axis 198 .
- the range of rotation of the detector 20 is not limited to between approximately 10° and approximately 110°, but rather, in other embodiments may be any suitable range between 0° and approximately 360°.
- the imaging system 10 is an x-ray imaging system
- the system 100 is not limited for use with x-ray imaging systems. Rather, the system 100 may be used with any suitable type of imaging system having one or more detectors that may be rotatably positioned for detection in a variety of different orientations, such as, but not limited to, an ultrasound imaging system, an x-ray imaging system, a computed-tomography (CT) imaging system, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system, a nuclear medicine imaging system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, combinations thereof (e.g., a multi-modality imaging system), and/or the like.
- CT computed-tomography
- SPECT single photon emission computed tomography
- PET positron emission tomography
- nuclear medicine imaging system e.g., a magnetic resonance imaging system
- MRI magnetic resonance imaging
- the imaging system 10 is not limited to medical imaging systems or imaging systems for imaging living subjects, but rather may include non-medical inspection apparatus for imaging non-living objects and/or for performing non-destructive imaging and/or testing, security imaging (such as, but not limited to, airport security screening), and/or the like.
- the detector 20 is not limited to being mounted on a stand that extends generally upwardly from a floor, such as the stand 16 described and illustrated herein. Rather, the detector 20 may be mounted on any suitable support structure that holds the detector 20 in any suitable orientation(s) that enable the detector to detect, such as, but not limited to, a support structure that extends from a wall (not shown), a support structure that extends from a ceiling 200 ( FIG.
- the system 100 is not limited for use with the detector 20 , but rather may be used to rotate an element of the imaging modality source, such as, but not limited to, the x-ray source 12 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the embodiments described and illustrated herein provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure supporting the detector both manually by an operator and automatically using a power source.
- the embodiments described and illustrated herein may provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure both manually and automatically with a less limited range of rotation as compared with at least some known imaging systems.
- the embodiments described and illustrated herein may provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure both manually and automatically with a system that actuates titling of the detector that is smaller in size as compared with the tilting systems of at least some known imaging systems.
- the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, “said”, and “at least one” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc.
- the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
- the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. ⁇ 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
Abstract
Description
- This subject matter described and illustrated herein relates generally to imaging systems, and more particularly to detectors for imaging systems.
- Imaging systems typically include one or more detectors that detect something, for example radiation, to produce an image of an object. The detectors are typically mounted on a support structure that is movable to position the detectors in a variety of different locations. For example, some know detectors are mounted on a support arm that is vertically movable to position the detectors at a variety of different heights. Detectors may additionally or alternatively be rotatably mounted on the support structure such that the detectors can be tilted relative to the support structure to position the detectors in a variety of different orientations relative to the support structure.
- It may be desirable to move the detector into different positions and/or orientations can be performed both manually by an operator and automatically, upon initiation by the operator or a controller, using a power source. At least some known imaging systems enable vertical movement of detectors both automatically and manually. However, some known imaging systems do not enable both automatic and manual tilting of detectors. Moreover, known imaging systems that enable both automatic and manual tilting of detectors typically tilt the detectors using a direct drive gear arrangement, which may limit the range of rotation of the detector relative to the support structure and/or may increase a size of the system that actuates titling of the detector.
- In one embodiment, a system is provided for rotating a detector of an imaging system about an axis of rotation. The system includes a shaft extending a length between a pair of opposite end portions. The shaft is threaded on an exterior surface thereof. A carriage is mounted on the shaft. The carriage is threadably connected to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft. A connection member has a first portion mounted on the carriage, and a second portion configured to be connected to the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
- In another embodiment, an imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a detector and a sub-system operatively connected to the detector for rotating the detector about an axis of rotation. The sub-system includes a shaft extending a length between a pair of opposite end portions. The shaft is threaded on an exterior surface thereof. A carriage is mounted on the shaft. The carriage is threadably connected to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft. A connection member interconnects the carriage and the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
- In another embodiment, a method is provided for rotating a detector of an imaging system about an axis of rotation. The method includes providing a shaft that extends a length between a pair of opposite end portions and is threaded on an exterior surface thereof, mounting a carriage on the shaft in threaded connection with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the carriage along the length of the shaft, and connecting the carriage to the detector such that movement of the carriage along the shaft rotates the detector about the axis of rotation.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging system. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a detector assembly of the imaging system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system of the detector assembly shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the system shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a portion of the detector assembly shown inFIG. 2 illustrating one exemplary position of a detector of the detector assembly. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a portion of the detector assembly shown inFIG. 2 illustrating another exemplary position of the detector. - The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the subject matter described and illustrated herein, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of animaging system 10.FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of adetector assembly 14 of theimaging system 10. In the exemplary embodiment, theimaging system 10 is an x-ray imaging system. Theimaging system 10 includes anx-ray source 12 and thedetector assembly 14. Thedetector assembly 14 includes astand 16, asupport arm 18 held by thestand 16, and adetector 20 held by thesupport arm 18. Thestand 16 extends a height between anend portion 22 that rests on afloor 24 and anend portion 26 that is opposite theend portion 22. Thesupport arm 18 extends outwardly from the stand along a length defined between anend portion 28 that is mounted on thestand 16 and anopposite end portion 30 that holds thedetector 20. Thesupport arm 18 is mounted on thestand 16 such that thesupport arm 18 is selectively movable along the height of thestand 16 to position thedetector 20 for detection at a variety of different heights relative to thefloor 24. - The
detector 20 includes ahousing 32 that holds adetection element 34. In the exemplary embodiment, thedetection element 34 is any suitable x-ray detection element, such as, but not limited to, a photographic plate, a photostimulable phosphor (PSP), a geiger counter, a scintillator, a semiconductor, and/or the like. Thedetection element 34 is mounted on asupport member 36 that is mounted to theend portion 30 of thesupport arm 18. Thesupport member 36 is rotatably mounted on thesupport arm 18 such that thedetector 20 can be rotated relative to thesupport arm 18 about an axis ofrotation 38 to position thedetector 20 for detection at a variety of different orientations, as will be described below. Thedetector assembly 20 includes asystem 100 that is at least partially held within aninterior space 40 of thesupport arm 18 for rotating thedetector 20 about the axis ofrotation 38. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thesystem 100 of the detector assembly 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ).FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of thesystem 100. Thesystem 100 includes ashaft 102, acarriage 104, and aconnection member 106. In the exemplary embodiment, theshaft 102, thecarriage 104, and a portion of theconnection member 106 are contained within theinterior space 40 of thesupport arm 18. Theshaft 102 extends a length between a pair ofopposite end portions reference numeral 112, anexterior surface 111 of theshaft 102 is threaded along at least a portion the length of theshaft 102. In the exemplary embodiment, theshaft 102 is supported by twosupport members end portion 110 of theshaft 102 is held within an opening 118 of thesupport member 114, and aportion 120 of theshaft 102 is held within an opening 122 of thesupport member 114. Theshaft 102 is configured to rotate within theopenings rotation 124 such that theshaft 102 rotates with respect to thesupport members shaft 102 and the portions of thesupport members respective openings shaft 102 relative to thesupport members support members system 100 may include any number of support members that support theshaft 102. Moreover, thesupport members shaft 102 that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. Thesupport members support arm 18. In the exemplary embodiment, thesupport members bottom wall 117 of thesupport arm 18. - The
carriage 104 is mounted on theshaft 102 for movement along the length of theshaft 102. Specifically, thecarriage 104 is threadably connected toshaft 102 such that rotation of theshaft 102 about theaxis 124 moves thecarriage 104 along the length of theshaft 102. Thecarriage 104 includes abody 126 having anopening 128 therein through which theshaft 102 is received. In the exemplary embodiment, theopening 128 has a closed geometrical shape such that theopening 128 surrounds the entire circumference of the portion of theshaft 102 that extends within theopening 128. However, theopening 128 may alternatively be an open geometrical shape such that theopening 128 surrounds only partially surrounds the circumference of the portion of theshaft 102 that extends within theopening 128. - In the exemplary embodiment, the
carriage 104 includes one or more ball bearings (not shown) that communicate (extend at least partially within) with theopening 128 such that the ball bearing(s) engages theshaft 102, and more specifically the thread(s) 112 of theshaft 102, to threadably connect thecarriage 104 to theshaft 102. As such, thecarriage 104 and theshaft 102 define what is typically referred to as a “ball screw”. In alternative to the ball bearing(s), a surface (not shown) of thecarriage 104 that defines theopening 128 may be threaded (not shown, and such that thecarriage 104 defines a nut), to threadably connect thecarriage 104 to theshaft 102, such that thecarriage 104 and theshaft 102 define what is typically referred to as a “leadscrew”. In another alternative embodiment, thecarriage 104 may include a combination of one or more ball bearing(s) and one or more threads to threadably connect thecarriage 104 to theshaft 102. - As described above, the
support member 36 of thedetector 20 is rotatably mounted on thesupport arm 18 such that thedetector 20 can be rotated relative to thesupport arm 18 about the axis ofrotation 38. Specifically, thesupport member 36 includes aplate 130 on which the detector element 34 (FIG. 1 ) is mounted, and a pair ofextensions 132 extending outwardly from theplate 130. Theextensions 132 engageside walls 134 of thesupport arm 18 and are rotatably connected to thesidewalls 134 for rotation relative thereto about theaxis 38. Theplate 130 extends a height H between a pair ofopposite end portions central axis 140. Theplate 130 also extends a width W between a pair ofopposite end portions central axis 146. - The
connection member 106 interconnects thecarriage 104 and thesupport member 36. Specifically, aportion 148 of theconnection member 106 is carried by, or mounted on, thecarriage 104 and aportion 150 of theconnection member 106 is mounted on thesupport member 36. Theconnection member 106 may interconnect thecarriage 104 using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, theconnection member 106 includes aclevis 152 and anarm 154. Thearm 154 extends between theend portion 148 and anopposite end portion 158. Theend portion 148 of the arm defines an end portion of theconnection member 106. Each of theend portions respective opening respective clevis pin arm opening 160 of theend portion 148 receives theclevis pin 164 of aclevis 168 that extends from thecarriage 104. Theclevis 168 connects thearm 154 to thecarriage 104 and provides a pivot point, indicated by an axis ofrotation 170, about which thearm 154 rotates when thecarriage 104 moves along the length of theshaft 102. Theclevis 168 includes a pair ofopenings 172 that hold end portions of theclevis pin 164. Theclevis pin 164 may be held within theopenings - The
clevis 152 defines an end portion of theconnection member 106 that is opposite theend portion 148. Theclevis 152 is mounted on theplate 130 of thesupport member 36 and includes a pair ofopenings 174 that hold end portions of theclevis pin 166. Theopening 162 of thearm end portion 158 receives theclevis pin 166 such that theclevis 152 connects thearm 154 to theplate 130 of thesupport member 36. Theclevis 152 provides a pivot point, indicated by an axis ofrotation 176, about which thearm 154 rotates when thecarriage 104 moves along the length of theshaft 102. Theclevis pin 166 may be held within theopenings - The
clevis 152, and thus theconnection member 106, may be mounted on the plate 130 (or additionally or alternatively on one or both of the extensions 132) at any location of theplate 130 that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein, for example any location that enables thedetector 20 to rotate about the axis ofrotation 38. In the exemplary embodiment, theclevis 152 is mounted on the plate to oneside 178 of thecentral axis 140 and to oneside 179 of thecentral axis 146 such that the connection point between theconnection member 106 and thesupport member 36 is offset from a center of the width W of theplate 130 and from a center of the height H of the plate, which are defined by thecentral axes more biasing mechanisms 180 may optionally be provided to engage theplate 130 on theside 179 of thecentral axis 146. The biasing mechanism(s) 180 engages theplate 130 to exert a bias on theside 179 of theplate 130 to balance the load, with respect to the axis ofrotation 38, exerted on theplate 130 by the weight of various components of thedetector 20, such as, but not limited to, the detection element 34 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the housing 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and/or the like. The biasing mechanism(s) 180 balances the load exerted on theplate 130 by the weight of the various components of thedetector 20 by providing a torque about the axis ofrotation 38 that counteracts the torque about the axis ofrotation 38 created by the weight of the various components of thedetector 20. The biasing mechanism(s) 180 may be mounted directly to thesupport arm 18 and/or to another structure to exert the bias on the side 182 of theplate 130. The biasing mechanism(s) 180 may be any suitable type of biasing mechanism that enables the biasing mechanism(s) 180 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, a gas spring, a helical spring, and/or the like. In addition or alternative to the biasing mechanism(s) 180, one ormore biasing mechanisms 181 extending at least partially around the axis ofrotation 38 may be included to provide a torque about the axis ofrotation 38 that counteracts the torque about the axis ofrotation 38 created by the weight of the various components of thedetector 20. The biasing mechanism(s) 181 may be any suitable type of biasing mechanism that enables the biasing mechanism(s) 181 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, a helical spring and/or the like. - As described below, the
detector 20 may be tilted (rotated about the axis 38) both manually by an operator and automatically, upon initiation by the operator or a control circuit (not shown) operatively connected to thesystem 100, using a power source. Automatic rotation of theshaft 102 about theaxis 124, and thereby movement of thecarriage 104 along the length of theshaft 102 and rotation of thedetector 20 about theaxis 38, may be driven by any suitable power source that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the power source is anelectrical motor 184. Theelectrical motor 184 may be any suitable type of electrical motor, having any suitable power output, that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. Theelectrical motor 184 may be operatively connected to theshaft 102 for rotating theshaft 102 using any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, theelectrical motor 184 is operatively connected to the shaft via a pair ofpulleys pulley 186 is connected to anoutput shaft 190 of theelectrical motor 184 for rotation with theoutput shaft 190, and thepulley 188 is connected to theshaft 102 for rotation therewith (via a clutch 192 in the exemplary embodiment, as described below). Thepulleys belt 194 and/or the like. Some or all of thepulleys pulleys - The
pulleys output shaft 190 and theshaft 102. For example, the relative rotation rate of theoutput shaft 190 and theshaft 102 may be identical, or the rotational rate of theoutput shaft 190 may be stepped up or down. Moreover, more pulleys, gears, sprockets, and/or the like may be included (such as, but not limited to, using a gearbox (not shown)) such that the relative rotational rates of theoutput shaft 190 and theshaft 102 may be variably selected (which may include identical rotational rates, stepping up the rotational rate of theoutput shaft 190, and/or stepping down the rotational rate of the output shaft 190). Theelectrical motor 184 may be mounted directly to thesupport arm 18, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, and/or to another structure. Although shown adjacent theend portion 108 of theshaft 102, thepulley 188 may be located anywhere along the length of theshaft 102 that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. - Optionally, the clutch 192 may be provided to selectively engage the
pulley 188 for rotation with theshaft 102 and disengage thepulley 188 from rotation with theshaft 102. The clutch 192 thereby selectively connects and disconnects theelectrical motor 184 to and from, respectively, operative connection with theshaft 102. The clutch 192 is operatively connected to theshaft 102 and thepulley 188. Specifically, thepulley 188 is mounted on theshaft 102 such that thepulley 188 is configured to rotate about theaxis 124 with respect to theshaft 102. Any suitable type of bearing (not shown) may be provided between theshaft 102 and thepulley 188 to facilitate rotation of thepulley 188 relative to theshaft 102. The clutch 192 includes an engagement member (not shown) that is connected toshaft 102 for rotation with theshaft 102. The clutch engagement member is configured to engage thepulley 188 such that thepulley 188 rotates with theshaft 102 when the clutch engagement member is engaged with thepulley 188. When the clutch engagement member is disengaged from thepulley 188, thepulley 188 is free to rotate relative to theshaft 102. Although shown adjacent theend portion 108 of theshaft 102, the clutch 192 may be located anywhere along the length of theshaft 102 that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. - A
brake 196 may optionally be included to prevent rotation of theshaft 102 about theaxis 124 and thereby hold thedetector 20 in a particular orientation, for example during detection by thedetector 20. Thebrake 196 may be any suitable type of brake having any suitable configuration, arrangement, structure, means, and/or the like that enables thebrake 196 to prevent rotation of theshaft 102 about theaxis 124. Although shown adjacent theend portion 108 of theshaft 102, thebrake 196 may be located anywhere along the length of theshaft 102 that enables thesystem 100 to function as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, thebrake 196 may be operatively connected to thepulley 188. - In operation, the
detector 20 may be tilted by manually rotating thedetector 20 about theaxis 38, such as, but not limited to, grasping the detector 20 (such as, but not limited to, thehousing 32, a handle or other extension (not shown) extending from thehousing 32, and/or the like) and rotating thedetector 20 about theaxis 38 and/or using a lever, crank, and/or the like (not shown) that is connected to theshaft 102 for rotation therewith about theaxis 124. When disengaged from thepulley 188, the clutch 192 may facilitate manual rotation of thedetector 20 by operatively disconnecting theelectrical motor 184 from theshaft 102. When the operator manually rotates thedetector 20 about the axis ofrotation 38 by grasping thedetector 20 as described above, rotation of thedetector 20 applies a load through theconnection member 106 to thecarriage 104, which causes theshaft 102 to rotate about the axis ofrotation 124 and thereby move thecarriage 104 along the length of theshaft 102. Applying a load to thecarriage 104 to rotate theshaft 102 and thereby move thecarriage 104, as opposed to applying a load to the shaft 102 (e.g., using theelectrical motor 184, the lever, the crank, and/or the like) to rotate theshaft 102 and thereby move thecarriage 104, is typically referred to as “backdriving” of thesystem 100. Various parameters, such as, but not limited to, the lead angle (or pitch) of the thread(s) 112 of theshaft 102, the material(s) of theshaft 102 and/or thecarriage 104, the coefficient of friction between theshaft 102 and thecarriage 104, an amount of lubrication, and/or the like, may be selected to enable thesystem 100 to be backdriven when a predetermined amount of torque is applied to thedetector 20. In some embodiments, the parameter(s) selected to enable thesystem 100 to be backdriven may be selected to enable thesystem 100 to be backdriven by a human operator by grasping the detector 20 (such as, but not limited to, thehousing 32, a handle or other extension (not shown) extending from thehousing 32, and/or the like) without the assistance of a power source (such as, but not limited to, theelectrical motor 184, the lever, the crank, and/or the like). - When automatic rotation of the detector is desired, an operator may initiate rotation of the
detector 20 using the control circuit or the control circuit may initiate the rotation based on a predetermined condition or occurrence. Once initiated, if not already engaged, the clutch 192 is engaged with thepulley 188 and theelectrical motor 184 rotates thepulley 186, which rotates thepulley 188 and theshaft 102. Rotation of theshaft 102 causes thecarriage 104 to move along the length of the shaft in a direction toward or away from thedetector 20, depending upon the desired rotational direction of thedetector 20. Movement of thecarriage 104 along theshaft 102 causes thedetector 20 rotate in the desired direction. - Various parameters, such as, but not limited to, an amount along the shaft length that the thread(s) extend, the relative size and/or shape of the various components of the
system 100 and/or thedetector assembly 14, the relative orientation and/or geometry of the various components of thesystem 100 and/or thedetector assembly 14, any gear, sprocket, and/or pulley ratios, the location of the connection point of theconnection member 106 to thesupport member 36, the power output of theelectrical motor 184, the lead angle (or pitch) of the thread(s) 112 of theshaft 102, the material(s) of theshaft 102 and/or thecarriage 104, the coefficient of friction between theshaft 102 and thecarriage 104, an amount of lubrication, and/or the like may be selected to determine a range of rotation of the detector about theaxis 38, a rate of rotation of thedetector 20 about theaxis 38, an amount of torque required to manually rotate thedetector 20, and/or the like. - The
detector 20 may be provided with any suitable range and/or rate of rotation, such as, but not limited to, a range of motion of between approximately 10° and approximately 110°. For example,FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary range of rotation of thedetector 20 of approximately 110°. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5 , thedetector 20 is oriented at approximately −20° to anaxis 198, whileFIG. 5 shows thedetector 20 oriented at approximately 90° to theaxis 198. The range of rotation of thedetector 20 is not limited to between approximately 10° and approximately 110°, but rather, in other embodiments may be any suitable range between 0° and approximately 360°. - Although in the exemplary embodiment the
imaging system 10 is an x-ray imaging system, thesystem 100 is not limited for use with x-ray imaging systems. Rather, thesystem 100 may be used with any suitable type of imaging system having one or more detectors that may be rotatably positioned for detection in a variety of different orientations, such as, but not limited to, an ultrasound imaging system, an x-ray imaging system, a computed-tomography (CT) imaging system, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system, a nuclear medicine imaging system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, combinations thereof (e.g., a multi-modality imaging system), and/or the like. Theimaging system 10 is not limited to medical imaging systems or imaging systems for imaging living subjects, but rather may include non-medical inspection apparatus for imaging non-living objects and/or for performing non-destructive imaging and/or testing, security imaging (such as, but not limited to, airport security screening), and/or the like. Moreover, thedetector 20 is not limited to being mounted on a stand that extends generally upwardly from a floor, such as thestand 16 described and illustrated herein. Rather, thedetector 20 may be mounted on any suitable support structure that holds thedetector 20 in any suitable orientation(s) that enable the detector to detect, such as, but not limited to, a support structure that extends from a wall (not shown), a support structure that extends from a ceiling 200 (FIG. 1 ), and/or a patient support table (not shown). Moreover, thesystem 100 is not limited for use with thedetector 20, but rather may be used to rotate an element of the imaging modality source, such as, but not limited to, the x-ray source 12 (FIG. 1 ). - The embodiments described and illustrated herein provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure supporting the detector both manually by an operator and automatically using a power source. The embodiments described and illustrated herein may provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure both manually and automatically with a less limited range of rotation as compared with at least some known imaging systems. The embodiments described and illustrated herein may provide an imaging system detector that can be tilted relative to a support structure both manually and automatically with a system that actuates titling of the detector that is smaller in size as compared with the tilting systems of at least some known imaging systems.
- It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter described and illustrated herein without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Although the various elements/components/etc. of the embodiments described herein may be in a particular order, arrangement, configuration, and/or the like, the elements/components/etc. may have other orders, arrangements, configurations, and/or the like without departing from the scope of the subject matter described and illustrated herein. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the subject matter described and illustrated herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” When introducing elements/components/etc. described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, “said”, and “at least one” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
- While the subject matter described and illustrated herein has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described and illustrated herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (20)
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US11/944,325 US7540659B1 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2007-11-21 | Method and apparatus for rotating an imaging system detector |
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